The Virtuous Concubine

The process of the conferring ceremony on the concubine was quite solemn. Malu even took the opportunity to look at Empress Nianhulu, who was presiding over the ceremony for her despite her illness.

She did not look well, and the sickness on her face could not be concealed at all. The queen was holding on, her eyes were a little dazed, and it was obvious that she had spent a lot of energy.

Malu secretly admired her. She knew that if she were in the Queen's position, she might not be able to persist like her. She also had some sincerity when she saluted - she felt that this might be the last time she saw Queen Niuhulu.

After the ceremony, Malu returned to the palace, still thinking about the queen's appearance. Unexpectedly, the system kept chattering that there was something wrong with Kangxi. Malu even laughed when he heard it: "Why are you angry?"

The system was puzzled: "Aren't you angry? Kangxi directly took your credit to improve his reputation."

Malu smiled: "If I must talk about it, he didn't say that he did it himself, he just didn't emphasize that it was me. He also gave me what I wanted, a position and even a title for the child. I think this deal is acceptable to me."

System: "But you have created something that is far more valuable than a concubine?!"

Malu shook his head: "Have you never worked in modern society? Even if the work you do is worth a million, your boss will only pay you this pitiful salary."

The system was silent. Sometimes the tasker would always input some knowledge into it in reverse, which violated its original settings and cognition. Although it could not understand every decision made by Malu, it gradually began to adapt to her way of thinking. Perhaps, in this palace conspiracy, it could also learn something different.

When Malu saw that the system had finally stopped, she also stopped - the enthronement ceremony was really tiring!

Bai Xia and Bai Fu helped her remove the pearl hairpins and heavy dress. She now lay there waiting for Bai Xia to help her remove the makeup on her face.

Seeing her master being so lazy, Bai Xia said with a smile, "Your Highness, you can't avoid being lazy in the future. You are the head of a palace and you have to take care of everything."

Upon hearing this, Malu remembered that Jingyi's issue had not yet been resolved!

Well, today is worse than tomorrow! She turned around and asked Dachun to call Jingyi over, saying that she wanted to reward her for her contribution in the Anpin incident last time, and asked Bai Fu to prepare the gift herself.

Even though it's just an excuse for a summons, it still needs to be done properly.

Jingyi's supervisor didn't dare to refuse Concubine De of Yonghe Palace, so he immediately let the person come over.

Soon, Jingyi entered the palace cautiously and knelt down to pay respect: "Your servant Zhangjia Jingyi pays respect to the Empress Depin. May the Empress live a long and healthy life."

Malu smiled and motioned her to stand up: "Jingyi, no need to be so polite. I summoned you this time to thank you for helping me and Dachun in the Anpin incident. You helped me solve my problems, and I am grateful, so I specially rewarded you."

Bai Fu came in with the prepared gifts and said softly, "My Lady, this is a reward for Miss Jingyi."

Malu nodded, took the gift and handed it to Jingyi: "This is a little gift from me."

Jingyi was flattered and quickly knelt down to express her gratitude: "Thank you, Madam!"

Malu quickly helped Jingyi up: "Alright, alright, we've followed the rules, now it's just the two of us. Tell me, what are your plans for the future?"

Jingyi raised her head and looked at Malu in confusion. She really thought that it was Concubine De who came here to either support her or show off her power, so why did she ask like that?

Seeing that she didn't know anything, Ma Lu understood a little more. Maybe it was just a coincidence that this girl caught Kangxi's eye in her previous life. So he pointed at her and said, "You are too naive!"

Malu was now a concubine, so she didn't need to be as tactful as before when speaking to Jingyi, so she asked directly, "Do you want to serve the emperor or leave the palace?"

When Jingyi heard this, she immediately knelt down with a plop, her voice trembling: "Your Majesty, I dare not have any second thoughts, I just want to do my job with all my heart, Your Majesty."

Malu sighed, and had to help her up again, saying, "Get up. I'm not forcing you, I just hope you have a plan of your own. Life in the palace is not easy. If you don't have your own ideas and just go with the flow, you will only be used by others."

Jingyi lowered her head, hesitating. She knew what Malu said made sense, but she didn't dare to express her feelings easily.

Ma Lu looked at her and said softly, "If you are willing to stay in the palace, I will naturally help you. If you want to leave, I will also do my best to help you. Don't be afraid. There is a difference in status between us now, but I have not forgotten the friendship we had before. That's why I asked you to come here today."

Seeing Jingyi's expression somewhat relaxed, Malu continued, "It's not easy for women in this world. So I want you to think it over as soon as possible. Do you want to leave the palace or stay? If you leave the palace, do you want to get married or start your own business? If you stay, do you want to be a female official or a concubine?"

Jingyi was silent for a moment, then raised her head, her eyes flashing with complex emotions. She took a deep breath and finally spoke: "Your Majesty, I am willing to stay, but I dare not hope to be a concubine. I only hope to be a female official and serve you."

Malu nodded and smiled with satisfaction: "Okay, since you are willing to stay, I will do my best to help you. You are smart and hardworking, and you will definitely be able to find your own place in the palace. Are you really unwilling to be the emperor's concubine? Based on my understanding of the emperor, there is a high probability that he will take a fancy to you."

Malu knew that Kangxi would definitely like Jingyi's appearance, but her temperament, which made her speechless, might not please the emperor. However, she couldn't say it directly. Jingyi's temperament also had its advantages, not necessarily all disadvantages.

Jingyi shook her head firmly: "Your Highness, I know that I am mediocre. If I can do my part by your side, I will be very lucky. As for being a concubine, I really don't have that mind."

Malu thought about it, and since Jingyi had said so much, she could only satisfy her. So she confirmed: "Then are you willing to come with Dachun and help me take care of the Fourth Prince?"

After Jingyi heard this, a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes, and she quickly agreed: "I am willing!"

Malu smiled and nodded: "Okay, that's settled. You go back and rest first, and then follow the arrangements of the Ministry of Internal Affairs."

Jingyi bowed gratefully: "Thank you, Madam. I will do my best."

After Jingyi left, Malu leaned back on the couch and felt much more relaxed. She knew that although Jingyi was introverted, as long as she was carefully trained, she would definitely become her capable assistant. And she also had one more person she could trust in this deep palace.

Bai Fu, who was standing next to him, was very careful and mentioned something to Malu: "Miss Jingyi and Dachun in our palace seem to have a very special relationship."

Malu didn't seem to care at first: "The three of us entered the palace together, and we have known each other for a long time. We get along well."

Bai Fu realized that her master might not really understand, so she emphasized again: "Ever since Dachun came to Yonghe Palace, Miss Jingyi would ask the eunuchs who run errands outside Yonghe Palace to deliver things every once in a while, and they were all clear to me and Bai Xia."

Malu sat up straight when he heard this: "Huh?"

Bai Fu continued, "Of course we have checked everything, there is no problem, it's just..."