The Virtuous Concubine

When Malu finished playing the last note, Kangxi applauded: "You learn very quickly. Why do I have to come in person to hear you?"

Malu stood up in surprise: "Your Majesty——"

Kangxi smiled and held her hand, looking her up and down: "You look good. I've been busy lately and haven't had time to see you. Do you miss me?"

Malu nodded repeatedly: "Yes, I miss you very much."

Kangxi shook his head: "I didn't see you go to the Qianqing Palace to deliver something, and you played the piano by yourself, but others knew to go to the Imperial Garden to block me."

Malu lowered her head and smiled shyly: "The emperor is busy with all kinds of affairs, how can he let you accommodate the little feelings of a little girl?"

Kangxi patted the back of her hand gently and said gently: "You are always so sensible. I know you are thoughtful, but if you miss me in the future, just come to see me. I always keep time for you."

Malu was so moved that her eyes were slightly wet: "Thank you, Your Majesty. I will remember this."

Kangxi smiled and said, "I came late, and I only heard half of the song. If you want to thank me, please play another song for me."

Malu nodded: "I obey your command."

After that, she sat back in front of the piano, thought for a while, and chose "Red Bean Song". This song is elegant and delicate, with continuous notes, as if the love between lovers is long.

Kangxi closed his eyes and listened to the music quietly, feeling that every melody seemed to be telling Malu's thoughts about him. After the song ended, Kangxi opened his eyes and looked at Malu softly: "Your piano skills are really superb. What is this song?"

Malu lowered her head and said modestly: "As long as the emperor likes it, my service will not be in vain. This song is called "Red Bean"

Kangxi nodded gently and chanted: "Red beans bloom quietly, and my lovely lady's love is long-lasting. The spring breeze and drizzle hasten the new green, and the green leaves and red branches convey my thoughts."

Malu smiled slightly and added: "May you always think of me, and dream of me every night as a couple."

Kangxi laughed out loud: "What a great phrase 'dream of a couple'! Your talent is truly worthy of being a female Rong Ruo!"

Malu's eyes widened slightly. "Your Majesty, I am praising you. I just did what I wanted to do. But... who is Rong Ruo?"

Kangxi smiled and pinched her nose: "You, you can remember any poem that a bookstore owner recites, but you don't know the name of Nalan Rongruo?"

Malu lowered her head in embarrassment: "I am ignorant, please enlighten me, Your Majesty."

Kangxi said gently: "Nalan Rongruo, whose real name is Nalan Xingde, is my imperial guard and a contemporary talent. His poems are full of deep feelings and talent. 'If life could only be like the first meeting, why would the autumn wind make the painted fan sad' was written by him."

Ma Lu stamped her feet and said, "So it's a prince. Since I was a child, I have only been to the embroidery shop and bookstore with my family. It's normal that I haven't heard of the name of the minister of the previous dynasty. He is not a figure from the Tang or Song Dynasty. Do I have to know him?"

Kangxi smiled and said, "I didn't expect you to still have some arrogance. You are also quite talented. If you were not enlightened late... as long as you practice hard, you will definitely achieve something."

Malu snorted lightly, then smiled: "Your Majesty really loves to make fun of me. However, I will work hard and live up to your expectations."

Kangxi nodded and said, "Okay, I know what you mean. Reading more books in the future will also be beneficial to your piano and composition."

At this point, Kangxi suddenly thought of a joke and laughed. He then asked Malu, "You have always told me that you want to teach your child in the womb. Why don't you read the Four Books and Five Classics, but teach music instead, and even choose the zither?"

Ma Lu blushed slightly and whispered, "Your Majesty, you don't know, my sister said that the sound of the zither can soothe one's heart and soul, and can help one express longing for love. It is far better than the flute and sheng that I have learned."

Kangxi couldn't help but wonder: "Then why didn't you choose the piano with your sister?"

Malu glanced at Kangxi shyly, her face reddening even more: "How could you understand what lovesickness is when you were young?"

Kangxi felt very sweet after hearing this and hugged Malu tightly: "Do you understand now?"

Malu leaned against Kangxi's chest, her voice as light as a thread: "Now I understand why the ancients said that there is no way to get rid of this feeling."

This voice made Kangxi feel itchy.

He nodded and said gently: "Your feelings are more moving than the sound of a zither. With a mother like you, your children will surely be gentle and affectionate."

The system couldn't help laughing after hearing all this - didn't Kangxi consider that Malu might give birth to a boy? Besides, how can it be a good thing to say that someone is "love-brained"?

Malu quickly muted the system, and calmed down before returning to the ambiguous atmosphere she had created before. Kangxi noticed that she seemed unusually quiet, and when he lifted her chin, he saw that her face was already covered with tears.

Kangxi couldn't help but ask softly: "What's wrong?"

Ma Lu did not wipe the tears, but whispered: "When I play the zither, I can't help but miss people. I miss home and my sister. At that time, my sister always loved to play "The Phoenix Seeks the Phoenix". I laughed at her for being amorous. Then she was scolded by her family, who said where did she learn the dirty words and punished her to kneel for a long time. I was angry at that time and didn't talk to my sister for a long time. Now I can't find anyone to argue with her!"

As she spoke, more tears came into her eyes. Kangxi couldn't help laughing when he heard this. He didn't expect that Malu looked mature and steady, but in fact, he was very outspoken when he was a child.

But when he thought about it, Kangxi frowned and said, "Your sister is not a good person. She is so young and plays "The Phoenix Seeks the Phoenix" to express her longing for love. It is really unworthy of a lady. Fortunately, you were not led astray by her. After she gets married, she should abide by the rules of a woman."

She frowned slightly and defended herself, "Your Majesty, I was young and ignorant at that time, and what I did was unintentional. After the selection is over, it will be time for her to get married, and she will naturally know how to abide by the rules of being a wife. Please don't be too harsh on me, Your Majesty. What's more... it's not a bad thing to have someone in your heart." As she spoke, she looked at Kangxi lovingly, as if she was in love and wanted all lovers in the world to be together.

Seeing Malu defending her sister like this, Kangxi felt that she had a deep sisterly love and was sincere and frank. But how could such a reckless woman dare to participate in the small selection, or even enter the palace? With his temperament and appearance, he didn't like to listen to "The Phoenix Seeks the Phoenix". The concubines had played this song too many times in the past few days, and his ears were callused.

What's more, Malu has already entered the palace. According to the rules of the harem, the Uya family should not need to report anyone for the election.

What does Wuyajia mean? Kangxi frowned and his expression became serious: "Malu, I know you are kind-hearted, and I don't mean to blame you. I just want to remind you that after all, the world is always more harsh on women, and her actions will definitely affect you."

Malu still looked a little angry, as if she wanted to explain, but she finally nodded and put her arms around Kangxi's waist again. Kangxi could only sigh when he saw this.

"If I don't protect such a naive little woman, her family members will eat her up." Kangxi thought to himself. He felt helpless and pity for Malu's innocence and straightforwardness.

I don’t know what her sister looks like either…

This curiosity only lasted for a moment, and Kangxi lost interest in Mayanzhu based on the fact that she was so amorous when she was young.

Seeing that Malu was still unhappy, Kangxi patted her on the shoulder and said, "Okay, you are still arguing with me about your sister. Let me tell you this. From what you said, she has someone she loves. I will exempt her from participating in the election. Let her stay at home and prepare for her marriage, and let her live a peaceful life!"

Malu heard this, and a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes. She didn't expect Kangxi to be so responsive. She raised her head, her eyes full of gratitude: "Your Majesty, is this really possible?"

Kangxi smiled and nodded: "Why not? I will issue an order later."

Malu shook her head quickly and said anxiously, "I dare to ask... Is this inappropriate? If we suddenly exempt her from the election or cancel her eligibility to run for the election, it will probably cause criticism in the palace. Breaking the previous rules will always set a bad precedent. Besides, this will not be good for my sister's reputation. Why not let her not be selected naturally? Maybe this will be more appropriate?"