Favoured Consort Goes on Strike Every Day: Chapter 48

Translator: Jalyss

Editor: Odyssey

---

Chapter 48 

Yun Xiu’s question was very simple. She even asked it with a slight smile, but her words were sharp. It broke the fragile barrier in the crown prince’s heart, and spread the ‘truth’ that had been covered up by the long history of the succession of throne to Yinreng. 

The crown prince was still young and a far cry from being constrained by his mother’s family. When he participated in politics in the previous court, he had more frequent interactions with Mrs. Hesheli and was trapped by Suo Etu, thus falling into the whirlpool of party strife… By that time, he carried the expectations of countless people. Even if he didn’t want to continue, someone would push him forward. 

When his brothers grew up and expressed the idea of seizing the position of the legitimate heir, he had no way out. 

Even though he admired imperial father, the people around him had ambitions and kept on plotting. If things went on like this, how could the relationship between the father and son not develop cracks?  

Both the emperor and Yinreng were wronged. 

His father caused his son to feel wronged for being close to outsiders and being unfilial and disloyal. The son caused his father to feel wronged for being partial and suspicious, and his father therefore attacked his mother’s family. No one was willing to be honest with each other, and the trust between father and son was gone.  

The accumulation of grievances to a certain extent would always lead to a collapse, either causing changes to the dynasty, changing the dynasty, or… abolishing the crown prince. 

In the dream, when the emperor read out the edict, his face was full of tears. He almost coughed up blood and almost fainted from crying. In addition to the lack of trust, the situation in court prevented him from making a decision. Ming Zhu and Suo Etu fell, and the crown prince, who was with Suo Etu, was no longer suitable to be the crown prince.  

Even if he was reluctant to part with it, he couldn’t let it go! 

Yun Xiu had that self-important dream and realised a lot. She also gradually understood the truth that she couldn’t understand in her previous life.  

Since ancient times, the people who had gained the Sacred Heart were not relatives or powerful ministers, but pure and solo ministers. After the crown prince was abolished, the fourth prince had an idea of starting a new business. He usually did not get close to anyone and only did practical things quietly. He did not make friends with the officials like the eighth prince. His reputation as a wise ruler spread all over the world, telling almost everyone that he was interested in the throne. 

It went without saying who the final winner was. 

When Yun Xiu saw that Yinreng’s expression changed drastically, she sighed softly. She looked at him with a soft gaze and said, “Your Consort Mother Yi is just a woman in the palace, so she naturally does not understand any big principles. It’s just a dispute between Ming Zhu and Suo Etu. If the crown prince or eldest prince were involved, would the emperor be willing to see brothers fighting each other? His Majesty is a wise ruler. Nobody would want to endure His Majesty if he is angered greatly.” 

The crown prince’s expression gradually became stunned as he listened, as if he was obsessed with what he was hearing.  

Yes, imperial father was a wise ruler. Since he ascended the throne when he was eight, he had achieved great things. He already held great power in his hands. 

No one dared to disobey imperial father’s wishes, not even Suo Etu. If imperial father wanted to dismiss Suo Etu from office, he could only take off his black gauze hat and go back home in despair.  

His great-uncle had become a powerful official, so how could he not be imperial father’s pawn, to be a check and balance to Ming Zhu? 

If he was too deeply involved with Suo Etu, he would involuntarily become a pawn. His existence would be for imperial father to use to balance the court. There would be no possibility of reaching the top.  

The crown prince’s expression became serious, and he almost broke into a cold sweat. 

Although he was young, he had already read history books intensively. As the fog cleared, a chill penetrated his heart. Yinreng had cold hands and feet. Throughout the ages, if the emperor was a powerful monarch, how many crown princes would have a good ending?  

He was the legitimate son of Empress Yuan. He was crowned the crown prince at birth. He was favoured by thousands. He never worried about the ownership of the throne and therefore had never thought about the issue. 

The eldest prince’s occasional provocations only brought him some trouble. His uncle told him that Ming Zhu wanted to put Yinti on the throne. He believed it, but regarded it as a joke.  

—Imperial father said that He was to inherit his empire, and that Ming Zhu’s intentions were just wishful thinking! 

But now, with such difficulty, he overturned this deep-rooted idea. 

The little crown prince, who was in his early tens, stood there in a daze. It was as if his whole body had been reorganised. His steps were shaky when he raised his feet.  

After a long time, he took a breath. His cheeks bulged slightly and his eyes were full of fear. 

“Consort Mother Yi…” he said calmly with a blank face. “About Our uncle, We… We understand.”  

Yun Xiu laughed. For the first time she stretched out her hand presumptuously. She paused mid-air for a while, then gently lowered her hand and touched the crown prince’s hair. 

Among the princes, in terms of talent, none could match Yinreng. She just mentioned it vaguely, and the child could understand the meaning from one example, which was very gratifying. 

Yun Xiu was satisfied. 

Then, she thought sadly, wouldn’t it be wonderful if Yinqi and Yintang were just as smart?  

When Yun Xiu saw that it was getting late, she lowered her voice and quietly said to the little crown prince, “Your imperial father likes pure and solo ministers, do you understand?” 

In addition to Suo Etu, there would be many people who are eager for wealth and who would want to push him forward, but he must not be impatient.  

The crown prince came back to his senses in a daze. He nodded solemnly, and whispered back, “We understand.” 

… 

The prince finally rescued Yintang from the clutches of his fifth older brother, but the ninth prince was not grateful at all.  

He angrily watched his two older brothers go away together. After he stared at them for a while, he felt that there was something wrong with the crown prince. 

He couldn’t tell what was wrong, so he kicked his legs angrily and made a few ‘ahhhhh’ sounds.  

It must be that his mother had instilled some false reasoning again!  

Over there, the crown prince sent Yinqi back to Ningshou Palace. He walked down the narrow palace road with his hands behind his back. He pursed his lips and still looked a little out of it. 

He Zhu’er followed carefully and saw that his master’s face was deep in contemplation, as if he was thinking about something important. He was actually exuding unusual pressure. He shrank his neck and did not dare to breathe.  

His Highness was still young, but he looked increasingly more like His Majesty… 

What did Consort Yi say just now that made His Highness so solemn?  

He Zhu’er’s thoughts were all over the place. When he arrived in front of Yuqing Palace, he suddenly heard the crown prince call his name. 

A clear voice called out, low and hesitant at first, and then with an unquestionable tone to it. “After entering, immediately put Our uncle’s people under guard and do not allow them to pass on news in the future. The rest of the spies should also be pulled out! As for Hu Guang and Hu Ming, We want them to work in front of you. You can keep an eye on them at all times. If there is any violation of the rules…”  

The crown prince paused, then said lightly, “Then they can choose either the Department of Prudence¹ or be state bondservants.” 

He Zhu’er was startled and raised his head suddenly, feeling turmoil in his heart. He moved his lower lip and stammered out, “Your Highness?”  

“Do as We said.” The crown prince glanced at him and said softly, “Our Yuqing Palace almost turned into a sieve, so it’s time to guard it like an iron barrel.” 

*** 

Yanxi Palace.  

Consort Hui rubbed her temples and murmured, “You said the crown prince went to Consort Yi again?” 

“Consort, the crown prince often says that he and the fifth prince are visiting the ninth prince,” Ying’er carefully replied, pouring her a cup of tea. “…the visits are very frequent.” 

“Visiting the ninth prince…” Consort Hui tilted her head back and closed her eyes. “What about his other younger brothers? Did the crown prince go there just for Yintang? The emperor didn’t think it was strange.” 

Ying’er moved her lips but stopped talking.  

It was precisely because of the emperor’s acquiescence that the crown prince acted like this. Otherwise, who would dare?  

Consort Hui also thought about this and rubbed her temples. “This is a mess.” 

How could the emperor reprimand his precious crown prince and his most beloved consort?!  

As she said that, her face gradually darkened. “We originally thought that the crown prince went to Yikun Palace just on a whim…”  

Who would have thought that it would become something more and make her even more uneasy? 

If Mrs. Hesheli and Mrs. Guo Luoluo joined forces… No one wanted to see such a thing happen. 

Consort Hui was very tired since she went to Yongshou Palace the day before yesterday. Because of the noble consort and the tenth prince, waves of irritability surged. Before they could calm, the crown prince did something again.  

He was playing with the ninth prince? Consort Hui didn’t believe this. 

Hearing this, Ying’er remained silent. Another palace lady, Yan’er, finally found the opportunity to speak. 

She whispered, “Consort, do you still remember that this servant has a fellow countryman who works in Yuqing Palace. This servant heard that the crown prince gave Consort Yi a screen, which was the handiwork of Imperial Concubine Ping…” 

Imperial Concubine Ping?  

Consort Hui suddenly narrowed her eyes and tightened her grip on the embroidered handkerchief.  

Yes, when it came to joining forces, there was still one vacant slot among the consorts! 

“That good-for-nothing Imperial concubine An was pushed around. She copied Buddhist scriptures and was greatly shamed.” She threw the veil away coldly and smiled, “Imperial Concubine Ping now has the status of an Imperial Concubine. Even if she were to be punished, how severe could it be?”  

“Consort, Imperial Concubine Ping was also criticising Consort Yi for being the only favorite. How can Consort Yi help her?” Ying’er asked, puzzled. 

Consort Hui sneered and said slowly, “Compared to common interests, what is a disagreement?”  

The more she thought about it, the more certain she became. She then slowly frowned. 

After thinking for a moment, Consort Hui whispered, “This cannot continue. When you go back to Imperial Concubine Wu, tell her that We agree to her request. Since she wants to take refuge with Us, she must show first-class sincerity…Let her come up with the perfect solution to break up those two families’ alliance!” 

After that, her eyes sparkled and she whispered softly, “Let’s see if she wants to see Second Rank Prince Rong.” 

*** 

Before dinner, the emperor arrived at Yikun Palace.  

At that time, Yun Xiu was instructing the palace people to set up the double-sided screen. Kangxi stopped their announcement and stood outside the palace for a while. The corners of his lips curled up slightly. He then strode inside. 

“…This concubine pays respects to the Emperor.” Yun Xiu noticed Kangxi’s movements. Her peach blossom eyes suddenly lit up, and she bent her knees to pay her respects. Halfway through, she was helped up by broad hands.  

“We told you a long time ago that there is no need for such formalities,” Kangxi said warmly, then raised his hand and tapped the screen. “This thing is quite exquisite. The previous one was destroyed by the little devil. Who replaced it for you?” 

He used a joking tone, and Yun Xiu was slightly startled.  

This kind of question was just like an ordinary couple chatting about their daily life. It couldn’t be more intimate. It vaguely gave people the illusion of peaceful time… It made people indulge and miss such times. 

She was stunned for a short while, then quickly came to her senses and chuckled. “This is the crown prince’s apology. He said that if the ninth prince hadn’t disliked his embrace, how could he have scratched the screen with such force? Forget it. After all, he is still the main culprit.”  

Between an apology and a gift, Yun Xiu knew which one was more popular with the person in front of her. As expected, Kangxi burst into laughter and said, “Baocheng is sensible. We can safely leave his younger brother to him.” 

Fortunately, the ninth prince went to catch up on his sleep, otherwise the emperor would have had a few more red streaks on his face, packaged together with ear-piercing sounds!  

Yesterday, the noble consort gave birth to the tenth prince. Yun Xiu was anxious waiting in Yongshou Palace. After returning to the palace, she ate some food and went to bed. Kangxi didn’t bother her. He felt very proud of her, gently hugged the person next to him and slept until the morning. He didn’t mention anything about Yun Xiu’s lesson to Imperial Concubine Xi , and he didn’t intend to punish her at all. 

“Speaking of Yintang, he and the tenth prince are close in age, so they can definitely play together.” The two sat down at the dining table. Yun Xiu said with a smile, “The tenth prince is about to have his three month ceremony and he should be bestowed a name by the emperor. .”  

Kangxi’s blazing eyes never looked away. He remained silent after hearing the words. With an expression of ‘you are right’, he said, “We will go back and look through the dictionary to find a name that no one has ever used. We will ensure that the noble consort will be satisfied.” 

Yun Xiu: “…” 

What was His Majesty talking about, going to such a degree?! 

Only then did Kangxi realise that there was something wrong with his words. He coughed and said, “Forget about a name that no one has ever used. It should have a good meaning.”  

He touched his nose, fearing that Yun Xiu would argue with him about the word “Tang”, so he quickly changed the subject. “Speaking of three month ceremony, Moyaqi’s one month ceremony is coming soon.” 

Kangxi rubbed his brows and said in a low tone, “Mrs. Wuya has a vicious mind and committed such a thing. We don’t want to let her out. But according to Consort Hui, Moyaqi is weak and without her mother’s care, she may cry endlessly, and then the one month ceremony would have no meaning… We think it makes sense.”  

Yun Xiu held a cup of hot tea and drank it slowly. After listening to his words, she raised her eyebrows and said with a smile, “Since the emperor thinks it is reasonable, why bother to mention this to this concubine?” 

Kangxi secretly thought, isn’t it because We are afraid that you will be angry and slap Mrs. Wuya five times in anger?  

Mrs. Wuya didn’t matter, but if he was not allowed to enter Yikun Palace, who would he cry to? 

With these thoughts, Kangxi said calmly, “Xiuxiu has always been smart, but We are a little undecided, so We asked you.” 

Yun Xiu’s eyebrows arched at the compliment of her ‘smarts’. She held her chin in her hands and pondered for a long time.  

The golden sunset shone through the window lattice and shone on her delicately contoured face. This expression caused ripples of feelings, like a few pebbles dropping into the water in Kangxi’s heart. He looked at her with a smile in his eyes, and his expression could not be softer. 

He felt uncomfortable when he recalled Mrs. Wuya. He had already made a plan. He would order a few imperial doctors to protect Moyaqi so that she would be protected from the wind. He would ask the empress dowager to take more care of her… In the future, Mrs. Wuya would not have to come out.  

Kangxi was still thinking. Yun Xiu spoke with a smile. 

“The emperor is worried about this matter, but this concubine has a solution. The little princess does not have a mother to take care of her, but she still has Older Sister Consort Hui. Older Sister Consort Hui has raised two princes. Everyone knows her motherly heart. How can she not pity Moyaqi? Wouldn’t everyone be happy if Older Sister Consort Hui presided over this one month ceremony?” 

---

^{1.(慎刑司) Department of Prudence: in charge of the martial law of the upper 3 banners that were directly governed by the emperor.↩}

---

<< Previous | Chapter Index | Next >>

---