Rebirth of His Royal Highness Prince Chenghu

Qingyao bowed slightly and asked softly, "Your Majesty, have you already had your meal? If not, may I ask the kitchen to make you some porridge?"

Kangxi frowned slightly and said, "I really don't have much of an appetite! Since returning from the imperial mausoleum, I have rushed to your place." As he spoke, he gently rubbed his temples with his hands, as if trying to relieve the discomfort in his head.

Qingyao moved behind him, reached out and gently placed her hand on his temple, then began to massage him gently and skillfully. She leaned forward slightly and said, "Your Majesty, you are so tired, how can you not eat? Your health is important! If the Empress Dowager knew about this, she would be worried. Since Your Majesty has no appetite at the moment, how about I prepare a bowl of fragrant and delicious porridge for you? It will be filling but not too greasy for you to swallow." As she spoke, Qingyao's movements became more gentle.

Kangxi closed his eyes slightly, enjoying Qingyao's massage, and said softly, "Just as you say." After hearing this, Qingyao curled up the corners of her mouth with a smile, called the maid and gave instructions.

Soon, the porridge was served. Qingyao personally filled a bowl and handed it to Kangxi. Kangxi smelled the porridge and actually felt a bit hungry. He took the bowl and slowly started to eat.

At this moment, there was a commotion outside, and Kangxi frowned unhappily.

Qingyao hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, please don't be upset. I will go out and take a look."

It turned out to be Concubine Yi who had come with a group of people. Seeing the Queen, Concubine Yi mocked, "Oh, sister, you are really good at this. Today, right after the funeral of the Grand Empress Dowager, you dragged His Majesty to Kunning Palace."

Qingyao: "It's not up to you and me to decide where Your Majesty wants to go. Could it be that after Your Majesty arrives at Kunning Palace, I will refuse to let Him in?"

Kangxi heard the voice and came out. Seeing that it was Concubine Yi, his face darkened. Seeing this, Concubine Yi quickly restrained herself.

Kangxi said, "I am here, and you dare to make such a noise? Please leave."

Concubine Yi had no choice but to leave with everyone in disgrace, while Qingyao secretly breathed a sigh of relief and turned around to accompany Kangxi into the house.

Back inside, Kangxi gently took Qingyao's hand and said softly, "I'm so grateful to have you by my side today. You're the only one in the harem who can make me so happy." Qingyao knelt slightly and saluted, "Your Majesty, thank you for your praise. I've only done my duty."

Kangxi sat down and took Qingyao into his arms. "I know you've been wronged. Concubine Yi is always jealous. I will never let her offend you again."

Qingyao leaned in Kangxi's arms, a subtle smugness flashing in her eyes, but she said, "Your Majesty, please don't let me hurt your relationship. As long as Your Majesty has me in his heart, I will be content."

Kangxi frowned slightly. Looking at the person in his arms, he whispered, "My dear, in my opinion, it would be better to let Chenghu handle some of the affairs of state. Alas, if it weren't for the sudden death of the Empress Dowager, I would have long planned to pass on the decree to abdicate the throne to him and retire to enjoy a peaceful life! Now, we can arrange for Chenghu to attend court and participate in government affairs first, and then hold a grand coronation ceremony after the mourning period is over. This way, it can be regarded as a process of gradually adapting and familiarizing Chenghu with the affairs of state, so that he will not be overwhelmed by the heavy burden of state affairs all of a sudden." After speaking, Kangxi sighed softly, a trace of fatigue and helplessness in his eyes.

Qingyao lowered her head slightly, her eyes looking down at the ground, and said softly, "Your Majesty, this is a matter of state affairs. As a concubine in the harem, I should not interfere in it. Since ancient times, women in the harem are not allowed to interfere in government affairs. This is the rule set by our ancestors, and I will abide by it.

Kangxi waved his hand. "Don't worry, my dear. I'm just speaking my mind. Besides, Chenghu is incredibly intelligent. I believe he's capable of the job."

Qingyao's heart moved, but her face showed a worried look. "Your Majesty, Chenghu is still young and inexperienced. If he gets involved in government affairs too early, he might be criticized by others. Please think twice."

Kangxi laughed and said, "You are right, but I will protect him. I have made up my mind." Qingyao had no choice but to say yes.

Kangxi looked at Qingyao with a smile and said softly, "It's getting late and I'm a little tired. Let's sleep here, my dear." There was a gentle light flashing in his deep and bright eyes, as if it could penetrate people's hearts.

Qingyao raised her head slightly, met Kangxi's gaze, showed a hint of hesitation on her face, and asked cautiously: "Your Majesty, do you really want to stay here with me? But we just sent the Royal Madam back to the palace today. I'm afraid it's not very polite for you to stay here." As she spoke, she bit her lip lightly, and her eyes revealed a bit of worry and uneasiness.

Kangxi didn't care. He took Qingyao's hand and said with a smile, "I just want to live with you. I don't want to go back to the Qianqing Palace."

Seeing this, Qingyao could no longer refuse and hurriedly called the palace maid to make the bed.

Qingyao tossed and turned in bed that night, knowing full well that Kangxi's action would surely arouse jealousy among the other concubines. Sure enough, the next morning, the news spread throughout the harem.