Chapter 102: Guo Luoluo gave Yi'an...

Guo Luoluo prepared two identical longevity lockets inlaid with gold, jade, and silk for Yi'an and Hongxi. The workmanship was exquisite, and they were set with two large pearls.

Fu Cha immediately recognized these as rare treasures and, upon accepting them, thanked her aunt on behalf of the two children.

"My sister-in-law gave me such a precious gift on our first meeting! I don't know how to repay her in the future." Fu Cha smiled and placed the lockets on Yi'an and Hongxi.

The two children were almost a year old now. Yi'an learned to walk and talk faster than his brother. He could now walk a few steps, holding onto a wall or someone. He could even call out "mother" and "father," and occasionally utter a few other words. Hongxi,

on the other hand, was a bit slow-paced. He could sit by himself with his toys for hours without making a fuss. He remained unresponsive to anyone who tried to tease him, absorbed in his own tasks.

Guo Luoluo naturally prepared gifts for Wenshan and Yinxiang, both carefully selected, valuable, and thoughtful. Wenshan was quite pleased with her two daughters-in-law. Besides, they were both straightforward and not prone to backstabbing, which made their interactions very comfortable.

Yinsi and Guo Luoluo sat together, laughing, "Is Mother's gift ready? We gave Fourth Sister-in-law so many good things back then, we can't be partial."

As the mother-in-law, Wenshan naturally returned the favor. She teased, "Look, you're already favoring his wife right after they got married."

Guo Luoluo blushed slightly, a hint of shyness.

Fu Cha hid her face behind a handkerchief and smiled, "Eighth Brother and his wife are living in harmony and will surely grow old together with many children and grandchildren. Mother couldn't be happier."

"As for the gifts, Mother has naturally prepared them long ago. Don't worry, Eighth Brother, they'll all be for you and your wife."

Wen Shan's treasury was truly rich. Anything that made it into her private vault was a rare treasure. Wen Shan had been thinking about this for the past few days, and when Fu Cha arrived at Xianfu Palace with her children, they discussed and selected a gift for Guo Luoluo.

As the eldest sister-in-law, Fu Cha naturally prepared her own, a collection of standard treasures and antiques. The highlight was a statue of Guanyin, the Goddess of Childbirth, which Madam Fu Cha had prayed for her when she got married. It truly blessed her with her two children.

After having Yi'an and Hongxi, Fucha didn't plan to have any more children for the next few years. She needed to devote time and attention to raising these two children properly, so she wanted to give the fertility Guanyin statue to Yinsi and Guo Luoluo, hoping they would soon have children.

Wen Shan was rummaging through jewelry and jade at the time. Upon hearing Fucha's words, she turned and said, "That's what your mother asked for for you. Is it appropriate to give it to Yinsi and Guo Luoluo?"

After all, it was a gift from her mother, so it seemed inappropriate to pass it on.

"Don't worry, mother. I've already told the family. Mother also said that the fertility Guanyin statue is meant to pray for happiness and good fortune. If it can benefit more people, it's in line with the Buddhist teachings of universal salvation."

Guo Luoluo was flattered that Fucha would give her such a precious item, thinking that the Empress Dowager and her fourth sister-in-law were truly sincere people.

Wen Shan chose for Guo Luoluo a set of headgear that the Grand Empress Dowager had given her when she was appointed Imperial Concubine. She had treasured it all these years and rarely worn it.

"This was given to me by the Grand Empress Dowager when I was appointed Imperial Concubine. It was also given to me by Emperor Wen when she gave birth to the late Emperor. It's quite an old item. I'm giving it to you today. I wish you and Yinsi peace and happiness."

Yinsi, knowing the deep bond between Wen Shan and the Grand Empress Dowager, quickly said, "Mother, this is too valuable. You should keep it for yourself."

"The Grand Empress Dowager left me so many things. It's okay," Wen Shan said with a smile. "The Grand Empress Dowager loved Yinsi very much. She would be happy to know this headgear has been passed down to her great-grandson's wife."

At this point, Wen Shan's words left Guo Luoluo with no choice but to accept it.

After sitting and talking for a while, Liang Jiugong personally arrived at Xianfu Palace, explaining that Kangxi had gone to the Shangshufang to discuss matters with the ministers and had no time to see Yinsi and Guo Luoluo. He also summoned Yinzhen to join him in the Shangshufang.

Yinsi was supposed to attend the meeting, but he was on his wedding leave, so he was lazy.

Without having to go through the formalities with Kangxi, Wenshan invited Yinsi and Guo Luoluo to stay for lunch.

She suspected Yinzhen would have a hard time making it.

Yi'an and Hongxi were playful and cheerful, making the adults laugh.

Guo Luoluo felt a little envious of Fucha's children; they were both fair, tender, beautiful, and adorable, a delight to behold.

Yi'an was clever. Although she didn't yet know Guo Luoluo was her aunt, she babbled and stretched out her arms to be hugged by such a beautiful sister who had given her a gift.

Fucha, feeling both amused and embarrassed, handed Yi'an to her.

"This girl is so clever, she knows who treats her well."

Guo Luoluo was holding a child for the first time, and her posture was a little stiff. Fortunately, Yi'an was no longer a newborn, so she cleverly adjusted herself, hugging Guo Luoluo's neck and smiling sweetly.

"Mother... Mother!"

Yi'an jumped in Guo Luoluo's arms, looking delighted.

"I'm your aunt, not your mother," Guo Luoluo said with a smile.

Fucha sighed, "Ever since this girl learned to call her mother, she calls every female relative mother."

It was as if in her world, mother was a general term for all women.

Yi'an blinked and tilted her head, as if she had never heard the term aunt before.

"Aunt... Aunt..." Yi'an clapped her hands. "Aunt!"

Guo Luoluo was delighted and exclaimed, "Yi'an is so clever."

Wen Shan and Fucha hadn't expected Yi'an to actually call her aunt.

Guo Luoluo was envious, wishing she could have a daughter as lovely as Yi'an.

Yinsi and Yinxiang were teasing Hongxi. Hongxi was a mature child, his stern demeanor a perfect imitation of his father, yet he wasn't as reserved as Yinzhen's younger self, who often indulged in mischievous acts with a serious expression.

Yinsi had always been fond of this little nephew, holding him on his lap and teasing him maliciously while he was still unable to speak.

"Hongxi, look, your sister can speak a few words and even calls her aunt, but you, little lazy bastard, aren't you?"

Hongxi glanced at him, saying nothing, then continued fiddling with the longevity lock around his neck.

Seeing his fondness, Yinsi teased him, "This is a gift from your aunt. If you don't call her aunt, give it to your sister too."

As expected, Hongxi guarded his longevity lock with a vigilant look, then looked at Yinsi with disapproval.

Yinsi was amused by him. He knew that this kid was very smart and could understand everything but just didn't say a word.

"Alright, stop teasing your nephew." Wen Shan heard this and glared at Yinsi. It was not good to play such a joke on a child.

Yinsi raised his hands in surrender and immediately admitted his mistake: "Uncle Eighth is wrong. I will give Hongxi a small bracelet to apologize later, okay?"

Hongxi finally relaxed his tense face: "Hmm."

Hongxi could only make a few sounds now, but for this little mute, it was enough.

"Hey, this brat!" Yinsi said with a click of the tongue.

Yinxiang laughed at the side, saying that Hongxi's appearance of pretending to be a pig and eating a tiger was more like Yinsi than Yinzhen.

Yinsi touched Hongxi's head and said: "When you grow up, you will see how your father will deal with you."

As expected, Yinzhen did not come back at lunch. Wenshan asked Yinsi what happened that took so long to discuss. Yinsi said it was nothing, just some things on the border, and it was the most annoying thing to talk about them in big and small ways.

Several people were eating when Zhenzhu came in.

"Master, the emperor just issued an edict to promote Concubine Jin to Concubine Jin."

Wenshan said "oh", without any reaction: "As usual, you should prepare some gifts and send them over."

Unexpectedly, the rank was promoted so quickly. It seemed that Kangxi really liked Concubine Jin. Otherwise, according to Kangxi's usual stinginess towards the rank of concubines, it would take another five or six years for her to be promoted to the rank of Concubine Jin.

Zhenzhu continued with some embarrassment, "Noble Concubine Tongjia just sent a message to the master, saying she was unsure about how to accommodate Concubine Jin."

"Concubine Jin and Concubine Ping live together in Chuxiu Palace. Now that Concubine Jin has been promoted to the rank of concubine, she's no longer in Chuxiu Palace. However, there aren't many vacancies in the six eastern and western palaces, so Noble Concubine Tongjia is asking for your opinion."

It's customary for one palace to have two concubines. Since Concubine Jin was promoted to the rank of concubine, it's unsuitable for her to squeeze into Chuxiu Palace with Concubine Ping.

However, the six eastern and western palaces are already quite full. The only remaining space is Yonghe Palace, home to Concubine Uya.

Ever since her conviction, Yonghe Palace has been sealed.

Noble Concubine Tongjia argued that leaving the vast Yonghe Palace vacant for a convicted concubine wouldn't be appropriate. However, given Uya's unique circumstances, she didn't dare to directly decide to move Concubine Jin in. She wasn't sure where to move Uya, so she simply asked Wenshan for her opinion.

Yinsi and Yinxiang had clearly considered this. Yinsi said, "Although Yonghe Palace doesn't have a main seat, the imperial decree to designate it as a palace was issued by the Emperor. If anyone is to be relocated there, the Emperor's permission must be sought."

Wenshan nodded and instructed Zhenzhu to report this to Concubine Tongjia.

The matter ultimately reached Emperor Kangxi, who, after a moment's deliberation, ordered Uya to be relocated to the more remote Jingqi Pavilion, while Concubine Jin moved into Yonghe Palace.

Upon learning of this, Concubine Jin was somewhat reluctant. She felt that Yonghe Palace was unlucky, having suffered numerous premature deaths, the Fourteenth Prince's rebellion, and the Fifth Princess's...

However, with no other palaces available, she reluctantly moved in. Before moving in, she even had the Imperial Household Department renovate the entire palace, causing immense hardship for the department. However, since Concubine Jin was now favored, they had no choice but to comply.

The Fifth Princess's wedding took place shortly after the Lunar New Year. Since the Fifth Princess was marrying in Beijing, Wenshan and many of the concubines left the palace to attend. Concubine Min, unusually energetic, attended her daughter's wedding. The day

before her wedding, she visited Jingqi Pavilion, but didn't enter. She simply kowtowed to Uya outside, fulfilling her filial duty.

Uya never appeared from inside, nor did she utter a single word.

Just three days after the Fifth Princess's wedding, Concubine Min's condition took a turn for the worse, as if her obsession had finally dissipated.

Yinxiang urgently summoned all the imperial physicians from within and outside the palace to the Yanxi Palace, but to no avail. Almost all of them declared that Concubine Min was at the end of her rope and beyond. Yinzhen

and Yinsi also sought out numerous renowned doctors, but to no avail, leaving them to spend more time with Yinxiang.

Wenshan also visited Concubine Min frequently. She knew her end was near, and at this time, she was remarkably calm and composed.

"For years, the memory of the Eleventh Prince's death has tormented me day and night. It's finally coming to an end," Concubine Min lamented.

Wen Shan couldn't help but burst into tears. She turned away, wiped her tears, and said, "Don't dwell on it. It's all over."

Concubine Min shook her head. "I can't get over it. I'll never get over it. If I hadn't gone to Yikun Palace that day, the Eleventh Prince might not have lived a hundred years."

Concubine Min always believed she was responsible for the Eleventh Prince's death and blamed herself daily, unable to face Concubine Yi.

This matter was a dead end. If Concubine Min wanted to move on from this, she would have to find someone else to blame for the Eleventh Prince's death.

If Concubine Min had been more selfish, she could have easily placed the blame on the Fifth Princess. If the Fifth Princess hadn't begged her, Concubine Min wouldn't have gone to Yikun Palace to discuss a solution in the middle of the night.

But Concubine Min wasn't like that. She loved the Fifth Princess so she gritted her teeth and took full responsibility.

Now that the Fifth Princess had married, she had nothing to worry about.

"Wenke and Dunke are still waiting for you, their mother, to choose a husband for them." Wen Shan forced a smile and said softly, "Fifth Princess, you're so concerned about him, but you don't care about your own two daughters?"

"And Yinxiang, it's time for a marriage in two or three years. Who knows, you might even have a grandson in a few years."

"There are so many wonderful things in this world, how can you say you're not thinking about him?"

Concubine Min seemed to imagine the scene Wen Shan described, and she let out a long sigh. "I'm relieved that Yinxiang has you and his two brothers taking care of him. As for Dunke and Wenke, Yinxiang, as their brother, will also take good care of them." "

Everything has its cause and effect; there's no escaping it."

Wen Shan visited Concubine Min almost every day to talk. Minfei's condition fluctuated, and Yinxiang, Wenke, and Dunke remained by her bedside, hoping for her quick recovery.

Fucha and Guo Luoluo also sent a large number of tonic herbs to the Yanxi Palace.

Kangxi had visited her several times, and he naturally knew what was bothering Min Fei. However, he didn't know how to comfort her, as he had lost a son who had already grown to twelve years old.

One afternoon, Wen Shan returned from the Yanxi Palace. Not long after, a palace maid came to report that Yi Fei had arrived.

Wen Shan's eyes lit up and she quickly asked someone to come in.

"Your Majesty, have you just returned from the Yanxi Palace?" After Yi Fei came in, she asked directly without any politeness.

Wen Shan nodded: "Min Fei's condition is not good, so I thought of visiting her more often."

It wasn't that Wen Shan hadn't thought about asking Yi Fei to visit Min Fei. No matter how much they said, it might not be as comforting as a few words from Yi Fei. However, Yi Fei was even more painful after losing her son. She had also told Wen Shan that she would not see Min Fei in the future if she could. Wen Shan found it difficult to bring herself to speak.

Concubine Yi was silent for a long time before saying, "I was thinking of going to see Concubine Min later. After all, we've been sisters for many years, so it's time to visit."

Wen Shan didn't seem particularly happy to hear this, but sighed and said, "I'm sorry to trouble you."

The messy account between Concubine Yi and Concubine Min was probably impossible to untie. Concubine

Yi smiled and said nothing more before taking her leave and heading for the Yanxi Palace

. Yinxiang soon got the news and ran to the Xianfu Palace.

"Mother, I heard that Concubine Yi went to the Yanxi Palace?"

Wen Shan said, "She just left."

Yinxiang also smiled. If Concubine Yi could comfort my mother a little, maybe her worries would be resolved.

Yinxiang had been constantly traveling these past few days and looked considerably thinner. He felt relieved to learn that Concubine Yi had gone to the Yanxi Palace, and he complained of hunger. Wenshan hurried to the small kitchen to prepare some food for him. An hour later, a palace servant arrived to report that Concubine Yi had left the palace.

Concubine Yi had been there for quite some time, and they didn't know what she and Concubine Min had discussed. After she left, someone reported that Concubine Min had suddenly improved and asked for some meat soup.

Yinxiang was overjoyed, saying that heart disease requires a heart-felt remedy. If he had known Concubine Yi's words would be so effective, he would have begged her to visit him, even if he had to kneel in front of the Yikun Palace. Wenshan

, however, felt inexplicably more panicked. Just before bedtime, Amber rushed in to announce that Concubine Min had passed away.

Wenshan's mind went blank as she quickly dressed and rushed to the Yanxi Palace. Upon reaching the palace gates, she heard the cries of Wenke and Dunke.

The Yanxi Palace was also in chaos. The head maid, Yunlan, was struggling to arrange the servants' duties. Seeing Wenshan arrive, she hurried forward and said, "Your Majesty, the Imperial Noble Consort, are finally here."

Wenshan looked over and asked, "Have you informed Yinxiang?"

Yinxiang, who was probably still awake at the Ganxi No. 5 residence, was probably awake.

Yunlan sobbed, "Before leaving, our Empress instructed us not to disturb the Thirteenth Prince's sleep, saying we should tell him tomorrow morning." "

How can that be possible?" Wenshan said to Humber, "Hurry and tell the Thirteenth Prince to come quickly."

Given Yinxiang's temperament, he would be heartbroken if he didn't see Concubine Min one last time.

Humber hurried to the Ganxi No. 5 residence, while Wenshan headed for the bedroom.

Dunke and Wenke were lying on the bedside, weeping. Seeing Wenshan arrive, they each cried out, their eyes hazy, "Imperial Mother."

Wenshan lifted them up, one by one, and held them in her arms.

"Good children, don't cry for now. Your mother would be so sad to see you crying like this."

Wen Ke and Dun Ke were still young after all. Wen Shan coaxed them and asked someone to take them away first, worried that it would leave a shadow on them.

Concubine Min looked very peaceful when she passed away, with a smile on her face. Yun Lan sobbed and said, "Before leaving, the master drank a bowl of lotus seed porridge and sewed sachets for the two princesses."

Wen Shan couldn't help but burst into tears. Yinxiang also arrived at this time. His clothes were a little messy. He must have put them on as soon as he heard the news and rushed over.

Yinxiang was struck by lightning. He stood in front of Concubine Min's bed in a daze and couldn't say a word.

Wen Shan hugged him and didn't know what to say to comfort him at this time.

As a result, Yinxiang was much calmer than she thought. He didn't even shed too many tears. He just stood silently by Concubine Min's bed.

Wen Shan dismissed the palace maids. Yinxiang looked up at Wen Shan and said, "Mother, I tried my best, but I still couldn't protect you."

"Mother knows," Wen Shan said, wiping away her tears. "Your brother once told you that matters of life and death are determined by heaven, and human effort can't change anything. At least you've given Concubine Min a few more years than in her previous life."

Yinxiang had already experienced the loss of so many loved ones and close friends in two lifetimes; for him to experience the death of his own mother again was too cruel.

The next morning, Yinzhen and Yinsi received the news, and representatives from various palaces arrived one after another. Kangxi also visited and decreed that Concubine Min be buried with the proper honors of a noble concubine, posthumously honoring her as Noble Concubine Jingmin.

Concubine Min's funeral was a grand occasion. Yinxiang remained by her coffin every day, while Yinzhen and Yinsi took turns bringing him food. At such a time, they could only choose to silently accompany her.

Concubine Yi naturally came to pay her respects to Concubine Min. Wen Shan didn't ask what they had exchanged that day. There was no point in saying more about the deceased, and Concubine Yi was definitely not the type to stab someone in the back.

Like Yinxiang, the Fifth Princess remained at Concubine Min's coffin, kneeling for the full mourning period.

However, Yinxiang and the Fifth Princess knelt side by side without exchanging a single word.

After Concubine Min's funeral, Emperor Kangxi visited Xianfu Palace, primarily to discuss with Wen Shan who would raise Wen Ke and Dun Ke.

Wen Ke and Dun Ke were both young and needed a foster mother. Wen Shan had always been close to Concubine Min and was raising Yinxiang, so Emperor Kangxi wanted her to decide who would raise the two princesses.

"Wen Ke and Dun Ke have been raised together since childhood and have a deep bond. My intention is not to separate them," Kangxi said. "As for who to entrust them to, that's up to you."

"If you're worried about others, raising them in Xianfu Palace is fine."

Wen Shan nodded, also thinking it would be best to raise the two little princesses there, making it convenient for Yinxiang to visit.

The next day, Concubine Yi heard the news and rushed to Xianfu Palace, expressing her desire to raise Wen Ke and Dun Ke in Yikun Palace.

"The day Concubine Min passed away, she entrusted Wen Ke and Dun Ke to me, but I never told Your Majesty," Concubine Yi said.

Wen Shan was surprised. "Did Concubine Min bring it up?" "

Well, since Concubine Min trusts me, I will naturally take good care of the two princesses."

To this day, Wen Shan hasn't asked what they discussed that day. Concubine Yi clearly didn't want to discuss the subject, but simply earnestly pleaded with Wen Shan to help raise the two princesses with her.

Since it was Concubine Min's last wish, Wen Shan had no reason to disagree, but simply said she would first ask the two children's opinion.

Concubine Min did not tell Wen Ke and Dun Ke about the grievances between the adults. To the two children, Concubine Yi was just an aunt who often came to visit and brought them gifts, and they liked Concubine Yi very much.

Before Concubine Min left, she told them that they might have to live with Concubine Min in the future, and asked them to be obedient.

So the two children agreed as soon as Wen Shan asked.

Then Concubine Yi took Wen Ke and Dun Ke back to Yiku Palace as a matter of course.

Wen Shan was worried at first that Yinxiang would disagree, but Yinxiang was silent for a while and said that since this was Concubine Min's wish, let the two sisters go.

He also believed that Concubine Yi would treat Wen Ke and Dun Ke well.

After Concubine Min left, Wen Shan felt that the time passed very quickly. Spring went and autumn came, and two or three years passed in the blink of an eye. Yinsi and Guo Luoluo also welcomed their first child.