Rebirth of His Royal Highness Prince Chenghu

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the window lattice, casting a shadow on Qingyao's peaceful face. She was still curled up in Kangxi's arms, like a docile kitten, immersed in a sweet dream.

Kangxi slowly opened his eyes and gently stroked Qingyao's smooth back with his hand, his movements filled with tenderness and care. He gazed at Qingyao's quiet and peaceful sleeping face, and an indescribable tenderness welled up in his heart. That deep affection, like a morning breeze, gently caressed his heart, bringing endless warmth and tranquility.

He stood up very slowly, each step as if he were stepping on fine sand, afraid that the slightest sound would disturb her. Then, he gently called Liang Jiugong over and carefully helped him wash and dress.

When all the trivial matters were arranged, Kangxi lowered his head and gently pressed a kiss on Qingyao's smooth forehead. The kiss was like morning dew sliding across the petals, gentle and affectionate. Then, he turned and walked calmly out of the palace, blending into the quiet morning.

In the court, ministers sat upright, discussing state affairs. Kangxi sat on the dragon throne with a solemn expression, listening to the reports from his ministers.

Yet, his thoughts, like fleeting clouds, had already drifted far away, landing beside Qingyao. Her gentle smile, her tenderness like a spring breeze, and her sweet voice, as if whispering in his ear, emerged from his mind. These beautiful images brought a gentle smile to Kangxi's solemn face.

After dismissing court, Kangxi instructed Liang Jiugong to deliver the memorial to Yuqing Palace while he himself eagerly returned to Kunning Palace. Pushing the door open, he saw Qingyao sitting quietly by the window, her delicate hands dancing with the needle as she meticulously crafted an exquisite pattern. Sunlight filtered through the window lattice, casting a shadow on her graceful figure, framing it with even greater grace and allure. She sat there like a flowing scroll, a beauty so captivating it was truly captivating.

Kangxi quietly walked behind Qingyao, gently stretched out his arms, and hugged her tightly. Qingyao was suddenly startled, and the needlework in her hands accidentally slipped and scattered all over the floor.

"Husband..." she called softly, slowly turned around, and a bright and happy smile bloomed on her face, like the warm sunshine in spring, warm and bright.

Kangxi gazed at her with a burning gaze, finally unable to contain the surging emotions within him, and leaned over to gently kiss her delicate lips. The two of them leaned against each other, sitting quietly, letting this rare tranquility and warmth quietly spread, filling each other's hearts.

"Husband, why did you come home so early today?" Qingyao asked softly, opening her red lips.

"I miss you in my heart, so I am eager to go home." There was a hint of imperceptible tenderness in Kangxi's low voice.

When Qingyao heard this, an indescribable sweetness surged in her heart. She snuggled gently in Kangxi's arms, deeply feeling his gentle warmth like a spring breeze.

"I am also thinking about my husband, and my longing for him is beyond words." She responded softly, and her words revealed endless affection and attachment.

Kangxi gently stroked Qingyao's hair, his eyes inadvertently falling on the embroidery in her hands. On that exquisite embroidery, a golden dragon was vividly alive, as if a real dragon had descended to the earth, which was breathtaking.

Kangxi couldn't help but ask curiously, "Is this exquisite embroidery specially made for me?"

Qingyao nodded gently and said softly, "My husband, only you can use this golden dragon. Who else can I give it to?"

Kangxi took the embroidery and examined it carefully. A hint of surprise flashed in his eyes and he praised it: "It is truly a work of exquisite craftsmanship. I am very pleased."

Kangxi then took Qingyao to the Imperial Garden. Hand in hand, they strolled leisurely among the flowers. Along the way, they savored the fragrant aroma of the flowers and admired the picturesque scenery, chatting quietly from time to time, their words revealing their mutual understanding and warmth.

Qingyao said softly, "My dear, I've been thinking about hosting a small banquet. Concubine Hui and other beauties from the palace are all invited. We can also invite those noble families we admire, so we can all gather together and get to know each other. What do you think?"

Kangxi chuckled and said, "All is well. Chenghu is handling the memorials, and I am able to rest for a while. It is very pleasant."

Qingyao smiled sweetly, then turned to Kangxi and said softly, "This meeting happens to coincide with the gathering of all the future in-laws. Why not take this opportunity to meet each other one by one and reminisce about good times?"

Kangxi gently stroked Qingyao's cheek, his eyes flashing with endless pampering and indulgence, and said softly: "If you want to hold a banquet, there is no need to ask your husband." Hearing Kangxi's generous promise, Qingyao couldn't help but smile happily, and her heart was filled with joy and satisfaction.

Not long after, the banquet began as planned. The palace was festooned with lights and colorful decorations, and the atmosphere was bustling with activity. The concubines were dressed in their finest attire, and Qingyao was also greeting everyone, creating a joyful atmosphere.

At that moment, a woman sauntered in, quickly capturing Kangxi's attention. Her figure was graceful, her curves exquisite, like a delicate scroll unfolding before Kangxi's eyes. Her face was like a newly blossoming spring flower, her eyes gleaming with a captivating radiance. Her every gesture was a dazzling display of charm, a sight to behold. Kangxi's gaze unconsciously followed her figure, captivated. Qingyao quietly captured this moment, and an indescribable wave welled up in her heart, as if some unknown worry were quietly growing within her.

Concubine Hui smiled and agreed, "Sister Rongfei, the daughter-in-law chosen by the Queen is truly a virtuous and gentle lady, worthy of endless praise."

Rong Fei nodded in agreement and said softly, "Sister Hui Fei is absolutely right. The Queen is so thoughtful that she even sent her personal maid to inform us. It is truly a blessing for us concubines. We are so excited to get a glimpse of our future daughter-in-law."

Qingyao nodded slightly, her smile gentle and distant, but her heart felt like it was being pricked by a needle, a dull pain. She glanced at Kangxi casually, but saw that his eyes were still firmly fixed on the woman, as if attracted by a magnet, unable to move away.

At this moment, Kangxi suddenly broke the silence. He slowly opened his mouth, his voice revealing a hint of inquiry: "Which prominent family did this peerless beauty come from?"

"Your Majesty, she is the jewel in the crown of the Minister of War, his legitimate daughter, Zhang Jia." Liang Jiugong replied respectfully.

Kangxi nodded slightly, a glint of admiration flashing in his eyes: "As expected of a daughter of an aristocratic family, her demeanor reveals the demeanor of a lady from a noble family."

Qingyao clutched the handkerchief tightly in her hand, trying to calm the turmoil in her heart. She knew that as the emperor, Kangxi must be surrounded by many beautiful women, but this could not suppress the inexplicable jealousy that quietly grew in her heart.

After the banquet, Qingyao returned to her bedroom alone, her heart shrouded in an indescribable gloom. Kangxi keenly caught her subtle emotional changes and quietly followed her.

After Qingyao entered the bedroom, she quickly locked the door tightly to isolate herself from the outside world.

"My dear, I see that you look a little gloomy, as if you have a lot on your mind. Is there something bothering you?" Kangxi spoke softly, his eyes revealing deep concern and tenderness.

Qingyao silently lowered her eyes, letting the crystal tears slide quietly, silently telling of the bitterness and pain in her heart: "I am fine, Your Majesty, please return to the palace and rest early." Every word seemed to carry the heaviness that she could not express in words.

Kangxi: "My dear, could you please open the door and let me in for a chat?"

Qingyao had no choice but to gently push open the door and motion him to enter the bedroom.

Seeing her tears welling up in her eyes, Kangxi felt a surge of pity. He gently embraced her and said softly, "Don't cry anymore. I just admire that woman's beauty and have no other thoughts. To me, you are my precious treasure, irreplaceable."

Qingyao slowly raised her head, her eyes focused on Kangxi's deep eyes. She asked softly and with a hint of doubt: "Are you serious?"

Kangxi gently stroked her cheek, wiped away her tears, and whispered affectionately: "Every word I say is true. My love for you is as deep as the ocean. Heaven and earth are my witnesses, as are the sun and the moon. Xuanye's wife is only you, my dear."