The Virtuous Concubine

Of course the prince knew it, and in fact, rather than being stared at in front of Kangxi and watching the other princes jumping around, he preferred to stay alone in the palace.

But we still have to do a good job on the surface, right?

"Father, I am not thinking about playing. I just want to be with you more and show my filial piety. Besides, there are many ministers to assist in the regent's affairs. It is better to let the fourth son or the seventh son do it. It has always been the same."

Kangxi's expression became serious: "I know that you are filial and kind, but the matter of superintendent is no small matter. It is the responsibility of the prince. How can you push it to others? You don't have to worry about the trip to Nanyuan."

The prince retreated to advance, and seeing that Kangxi had no intention of relying on the Fourth and Seventh Princes, he wrinkled his nose and replied reluctantly, "Yes, Father Huang."

Kangxi nodded, and his tone softened a little: "I'm glad you understand. I won't be away for too long this time. If you have any important matters in Beijing, you can discuss them with several important officials. If you encounter any problems, send someone to inform me. Come, have dinner with me! I heard from my subordinates that you especially like to eat bird's nest recently. I have asked the imperial kitchen to research a few new dishes for you."

The prince smiled guiltily, but he couldn't help but think of Malu in his heart.

At this time, Malu was sitting quietly under the lamp, holding a book in his hand, but his eyes were a little empty, and he was obviously in a trance.

She had something on her mind and could not read a single word. She had already arranged for Kangxi to go to Nanyuan, and she also knew that the Seventh Prince was going to Jiangnan. The child was grown up, so she did not need to worry about him.

However, the conflict between Concubine Mi and Wen Xian made her very worried. She even got a blister on her mouth due to her anxiety and the slight pain made her even more upset.

Why did Wen Xian provoke Concubine Mi? Malu thought worriedly. Concubine Mi was pregnant now. If she deliberately found a reason to get involved with Wen Xian, even if it was just a casual tug, and Wen Xian accidentally hurt her, Wen Xian was a junior and could not explain the right and wrong even if he had a lot of mouth.

Moreover, now that Kangxi is old, the pillow talk of the harem can influence his mind more and more... Malu sighed helplessly when he thought of this.

Perhaps this is what happens when people get old. Kangxi no longer has the wisdom, courage and decisiveness he once had. He gradually became confused and indecisive.

Before he could finish his sigh, Bai Xia reminded Ma Lu: "The Fourteenth Prince is here to pay his respects to you."

A while ago, Kangxi ordered Fei Yanggu and Yisan'a to examine the riding and archery skills of the royal disciples. Although the Fourteenth Prince was young, he had a spirit of not admitting defeat and was determined to come first in this examination. To this end, he trained hard every day.

Coming here at this hour, he must have just finished training and hurried over to greet her.

Malu quickly put down the book in his hand, turned to Bai Xia and said, "Let him in. Oh, go prepare some supper. The child must be starving after practicing for so long."

As the saying goes, a little boy can eat his father out of money. Although Kangxi was not poor, the Fourteenth Child was growing up and had a lot of activities every day, so his appetite was not small. After the three bowls of noodles were finished, the Fourteenth Child asked for more.

After a while, the Fourteenth Prince walked in with a vigorous figure. The young boy was full of energy, with bright and energetic eyes, and he exuded a youthful aura that made people happy at first sight.

He bowed respectfully to Malu and said in a loud voice: "Mother, your son greets you."

Malu smiled and asked him to stand up, then pulled him to sit down beside him, and asked with concern: "Why are you practicing so late today? Have you used it?"

The Fourteenth Prince sat down next to Malu and replied with a smile, "Mother, I wanted to practice the newly learned chain arrows today, so I practiced a little longer. I had dinner, but I'm hungry again now."

As they were talking, Bai Xia and the palace maids came in with midnight snacks and filled the table.

Fourteen ate for a while before scratching his head in embarrassment: "Why doesn't mom eat? If mom doesn't eat, I feel embarrassed to eat too."

Malu smiled and took a bite, but sighed in his heart, who wouldn't be partial?

She really understands Kangxi!

Fourteenth Prince is so likable and considerate, but look at Fourth Prince, who has a stern face every day and looks like he has a lot on his mind. Although he is steady in his work, he always makes people feel distant from him.

Malu sighed slightly, and the Fourteenth Prince noticed it keenly. He put down his bowl and chopsticks and asked, "Mother, what's wrong? Did your son say something wrong?"

Malu smiled and shook her head: "No, silly child, mother just suddenly thought of something. Your fourth brother has been busy recently, I don't know if he will go to participate in this riding and archery test, he didn't tell me."

Fourteenth Prince stuffed food in his mouth and said incoherently, "Fourth Brother is always busy. If I go to see him, he doesn't have much time to accompany me. And he will probably find excuses not to go, right? It seems that Fourth Brother still has no confidence in his riding and archery skills. Even the eldest prince wants to go, but he always hides."

Malu wanted to laugh. This child was so outspoken. She was afraid that he had inherited Wen Xian's character. She was also afraid that the Fourth Prince would know about this, so she wanted to cover Fourteenth Prince's mouth and tell him to stop talking.

Forget it, he has probably already said it in front of the Fourth Prince.

Malu coughed lightly and said to the Fourteenth Prince earnestly, "Fourteenth, you can't say that about your fourth brother. Everyone has his or her own strengths, and you can't expose someone's weaknesses in front of him or her. Whether or not he or she participates in the riding and archery test is his own business. Your fourth brother has been busy with his own household and marriage recently, so it's not necessarily an excuse."

The Fourteenth Prince swallowed the food in his mouth and said unconvincedly: "Mother, I know Fourth Brother is very capable, but why does he make himself so tired? The riding and archery test is so much fun. If he could come, we brothers could practice together."

Malu smiled and patted the Fourteenth Prince's head: "You, just want to play. Your fourth brother has a lot of things to do, unlike you now, who only needs to concentrate on practicing riding and archery."

Fourteen raised his head in disdain: "Running away when you can't win is not what a real man does."

Seeing that he couldn't make sense with this brat, Ma Lu had to change the subject: "Are you confident this time?"

Fourteen nodded, looking confident of victory: "I usually keep an eye on the others. My level is about the same as Big Brother's. It depends on our condition and performance on the day."

Malu smiled and patted Fourteen's head: "Then our Fourteen will definitely shine in the horseback archery test and make everyone look at you with new eyes."

Little did he know that Fourteen just shook his head, looking unhappy.

"Even if I beat the eldest prince, I can only come in second. It's really boring."