The Qing Palace Never Meets Spring

After the New Year, Emperor Kangxi still made a northern tour. After returning, he first dined at Yinzhi's garden at Yinzhi's invitation, and later went to Tangquan. He returned on the 14th of March, just a few days before his birthday.

She used her pregnancy and child to avoid various banquets for several years, either during her pregnancy or shortly after giving birth. So she either didn't show up or made a brief appearance before leaving.

So this time, after presenting the birthday gifts, she still attracted the attention of a group of female relatives, and many people even talked to her, which surprised her. When did she become so popular?

She hadn't been out for a long time, and with nothing to do, she found it boring to stand there by herself, so she chatted with them casually, inquiring about news in the capital, especially about the backyards of various families.

As they chatted, she noticed something was off. A few people would occasionally steer the conversation toward the Eighth Prince's wife. She realized then that they were just looking for trouble.

Someone who could enjoy watching the drama unfold between the princes and their wives was clearly not an ordinary person, so she struck up a conversation while searching for the Eighth Prince's wife.

As expected, the Eighth Prince's wife was also surrounded by a group of people, but compared to her, the Eighth Prince's wife seemed to be in her element, and even the smile on her face seemed much more genuine.

Yes, she was just passing the time, but the Eighth Prince's wife had an ulterior motive.

Because she spoke so casually and her eyes darted around as if she were looking for someone, someone soon said, "Thirteenth wife, we are talking to you seriously. The way you are acting is really disrespectful to us."

Over the years, the concubines and children in your household should not be treated like the eighth prince's wife..."

In the center of the arena was a variety show, with people standing or sitting in twos and threes, chatting and watching with acquaintances. Qingwan was initially standing, but because there were so many people around her, she didn't sit down.

The lively atmosphere made Qingwan unable to hear what was being said clearly at first, but she could still guess what was being said from the few words that occasionally reached her ears.

She was tall for an average woman, and even with her eyes lowered and her head looking down at people, she exuded an air of authority.

Qingwan's surroundings immediately quieted down, and everyone turned to look at the woman who had just spoken. She remembered her as an old lady from a member of the imperial family, someone she had to call "Auntie."

But soon, Qingwan smoothed her hair and smiled, "Auntie, what are you saying? To be honest, we have many children in our household, and they are all still young, just learning to speak."

I say whatever I learn or whatever comes to mind, without considering the occasion or who I'm talking to.

But they are just children, and they don't understand. You can't teach them, and even if you do teach them now, they will forget it in a little while and do it again next time.

Over time, we got used to the idea that when the child was talking in our ear, we adults should go about our own business. She spoke very carefully, making it sound like she was talking to a child who didn't understand.

After saying that, she seemed to suddenly come back to her senses and said, "Look at me, I can't stop talking about the kids. I've gotten used to peace and quiet these past few years, and any noise around makes my head buzz, so I can't help but think about the kids. What did you just say, Auntie?"

Everyone covered their mouths and laughed, but some were indignant. Qingwan then smiled and said, "Why don't you and I go and talk to the Empress Dowager together?"

“Look, no wonder Mama was thinking about you and wanted to talk to you. As soon as I came over, I heard that you were going to pay your respects to Mama.”

The fourth princess walked gracefully towards them and smiled.

"When did Fourth Sister-in-law arrive?" Qingwan bypassed the crowd and stood beside her.

Fourth Princess Consort smiled and said, "I just arrived and heard you mention the Empress Dowager. I suppose you're going to speak with her."

After everyone exchanged greetings, Fourth Princess and Qingwan left together, ignoring the expressions of the others.

He added, “Outsiders all think that you and your eighth brother and sister-in-law are kindred spirits, though they dare not say it openly, but countless people secretly compare the two of you.”

However, regardless of how the eighth brother was treated by the emperor, his wife remained as active as ever, frequently attending various banquets in the capital and palace.

But you are different. It's true you're pregnant, but it's also true you're keeping a low profile. Today you're not appearing in public for as long as before, so something good must be happening.

Qingwan shook her head slightly: "I know in my heart that I am not as good as Eighth Sister-in-law." Family background, ambition, and this calm and composed demeanor when standing among others.

“Not only are you inferior to Eighth Brother’s wife, but even Thirteenth Brother is inferior to Eighth Brother.” Fourth Princess’s words were different from Qingwan’s.

Qingwan and she exchanged a smile. Yinzhi wanted to be emperor, but the Eighth Prince's wife might not necessarily not want to be empress.

He then laughed and said, "I know that given your family's current situation, you certainly wouldn't want to chat with people like your eighth sister-in-law, so I came to 'rescue' you."

Qingwan took her arm and said with a smile, "Thank you for saving me, Fourth Sister-in-law."

The Fourth Prince's wife then inquired about the newborn Fifth Prince, and when the topic turned to the Fifth Prince, it inevitably came up with the pregnant Lady Wusu.

"When Lady Wusu first entered the mansion, the Thirteenth Prince and I inquired about her background and couldn't help but have hope. We thought that the Emperor's attitude towards the Thirteenth Prince had softened, which was why he specially bestowed such a person upon her. But we never expected..." After all, given Lady Wusu's father's status, she must have been well-known to Emperor Kangxi.

However, more than half a year has passed, and there has been no news from Kangxi. Yinxiang's situation remains the same as before.

Later, although Yinxiang privately approached Wusu's father, he couldn't give a clear answer. It would be a lie to say that she and Yinxiang weren't disappointed, but they couldn't bring themselves to hold a grudge against Wusu.

The Fourth Prince's wife sighed almost imperceptibly. In the past, because she lived close to the Eighth Prince's wife, she and the Eighth Prince's wife were on good terms. However, later, Yinzhen disliked her, and she became distant from her.

Later, because of Moyaqi, she and Qingwan grew closer and closer, and her worries and hopes for their happiness were genuine.

"Although Lady Wusu is pregnant now, you already have three princes and two princesses."

Even if she gives birth to a prince, it's not a big deal. Her child won't surpass yours. You should just stay in your position as the First Lady and not lower yourself to argue with them.

Moreover, although she had only visited the Thirteenth Prince's residence once or twice, she could tell from Moyaqi's words and actions that the people in their residence must get along very well.

"Fourth Sister-in-law is right. Taking care of my children is more important than anything else," Qingwan said with a smile.