Chapter 103: The arrival of this child…

This child's arrival caught Yinsi off guard.

In his previous life, he and Guo Luoluo had never been able to have children. Naturally, Guo Luoluo was anxious and sought out renowned doctors for treatment. The final verdict was that Guo Luoluo was in good health.

Several doctors hesitated, none daring to suggest that the childlessness might simply be a fateless infertility.

This was a huge blow to Guo Luoluo. If there was a genuine infertility problem, medication could be used to treat it. But if it was simply a fate without children…

Yinsi didn't care at the time. He and Guo Luoluo had a good relationship and a concubine to continue his family line, so he offered her every comfort. Even so, the lack of children lingered in her heart.

Not to mention that after his fall from power, Kangxi once reprimanded Guo Luoluo for this matter, claiming that Yinsi's childlessness was due to his wife's control and accusing her of jealousy. This undoubtedly made Guo Luoluo feel somewhat ashamed among the other imperial wives.

Yinsi knew that it was simply the Emperor's dislike for him that implicated Guo Luoluo, but Guo Luoluo felt remorseful, believing that her infertility had given Kangxi an excuse to humiliate Yinsi.

The couple supported each other during that time, and although times were difficult, they shared no resentment. Yinsi now recalls it as a rare and sincere time.

So when Wen Shan asked him who he wanted to marry in this life, he unhesitatingly chose Guo Luoluo to rekindle his relationship.

He vowed to protect Guo Luoluo in this life and prevent her from facing such criticism. Even if they didn't have children, it wouldn't matter; their relationship wasn't meant to be sustained by children.

Therefore, Guo Luoluo's pregnancy surprised and delighted Yinsi. He had never imagined that heaven would be so kind to him, allowing him and his beloved wife to have a child.

Wen Shan, upon learning of this, also visited Guo Luoluo in Yuqing Palace. Guo Luoluo's pregnancy had been precarious. She discovered her pregnancy after a slip while admiring flowers in the courtyard. Fortunately, the fall was not severe, and a palace attendant cushioned her. After being helped up, Guo Luoluo felt a slight heaviness in her lower abdomen, prompting a consultation with the imperial physician.

The physician diagnosed Guo Luoluo as being almost two months pregnant, and the fall had caused some miscarriage, requiring her to rest in bed for a few days. It was nothing serious.

When Yinsi received the news, he was conferring with Kangxi, Yinzhen, and a group of ministers in the Shangshufang. With the Yellow and Huai River works complete, Kangxi intended to embark on another southern tour to inspect river affairs. As usual, he would retain Yinzhen as regent, but this time Kangxi wanted to bring Yinsi along, allowing the Third Prince to assist him.

The ministers present at this meeting were all shrewd individuals. Ever since the crown prince's dethronement, Kangxi's attitude toward Yinzhen and Yinsi had been ambiguous, sometimes appearing reliant on them, yet at other times wary. He never again discussed the appointment of a crown prince. Ma Qi

and Tong Guowei were particularly prominent. They were now considered the most influential ministers in the Shangshufang. One was Prince Yong's father-in-law, the other openly supported Prince Lian. Unlike Soetu and Mingzhu, these two men were not openly hostile to each other, but rather appeared to have a good relationship.

After passing the imperial examination and entering the officialdom, Zhang Tingyu was highly regarded by Emperor Kangxi. His efforts over the past few years had earned him a position in the Shangshufang (Shangshufang), nearly surpassing Li Guangdi in status among Han officials. Tian Wenjing, having served as the prefect of Jingzhao Prefecture for several years, was also highly regarded by Emperor Kangxi, who appointed him Grand Secretary of the Wenyuan Pavilion. Today, the two of them were conferring together in the Shangshufang.

Yinzhen and Yinsi were thus becoming opposing factions. Yinzhen, as a prince, held a higher rank than Yinsi, but Kangxi had arranged for Yinsi to reside in the former Crown Prince's Yuqing Palace. Neither side seemed to have much chance of winning.

"The most important aspect of this southern tour is the inspection of river works. Yinsi has managed the Ministry of Works well over the past two years, and you have made an invaluable contribution this time."

The atmosphere eased after the business was over, and Emperor Kangxi casually tossed an orange to Yinsi.

"I remember you've loved sour foods since you were little. These tangerines I sent yesterday taste a bit sour to me, and I think you'll like them."

Yinsi smiled and said, "Your Majesty, I remember your son's preferences."

"You are all my sons, so of course I do." Kangxi nodded, then looked at Yinzhen and asked, "I heard you visited your second brother a few days ago. How is his illness?"

Kangxi didn't say anything, and Tong Guowei and Ma Qi didn't leave. Their eyelids twitched when Kangxi mentioned the deposed crown prince.

In recent years, the deposed crown prince had been very honest and had done nothing wrong. He rarely left the house, quietly enjoying himself in his mansion, and had three children.

The deposed crown prince, now Prince Li, had fallen ill a while ago. Kangxi was deeply concerned but had not yet visited him in person. Yinzhen, due to his childhood friendship with Prince Li and guessing Kangxi's intentions, paid him a visit and brought him some supplements.

"My second brother just caught a cold, it's nothing serious. When I went there, he was already able to walk around, but he still had a slight cough."

Kangxi addressed Prince Li as Yinzhen's second brother, and Yinzhen followed suit.

Kangxi nodded: "That's good. Yinreng has been diligent and prudent in the past two years. I think he has almost reflected on his mistakes. Don't let him stay in the mansion all day. Yinsi, please arrange for your second brother to go on the southern tour with us."

Ma Qi and Tong Guowei exchanged glances privately.

Is the emperor still worried about the deposed prince?

"Yes, I will make sure it's arranged." Yinsi's expression did not change and he still smiled as he answered.

Kangxi nodded with satisfaction, and just as he was about to wave his hand and call everyone to have lunch together, the eunuch who came to announce the good news to Yinsi arrived.

When Yinsi heard that Guo Luoluo had fallen and her fetus was a little unstable, he immediately became anxious. When Kangxi learned about this, he was naturally happy and hurriedly asked Yinsi to go back to check.

In the years since Yinsi got married, Guo Luoluo had been childless, and Yinsi had always doted on this wife. Kangxi was a little dissatisfied at first, but now that Guo Luoluo was pregnant, he finally recognized this daughter-in-law.

"Yinzhen, now that your eighth brother has a child, you have to pay attention too. Since Yi'an and Hongxi were born, there has been no movement in your palace. This is not acceptable."

Kangxi saw that Yinsi had borne fruit and started to urge Yinzhen.

It was definitely not enough for Yinzhen to have only one son now.

However, Fucha's reputation for virtue in recent years had spread widely inside and outside the palace, and she often urged Yinzhen to go to Ulanara and Majia, but the two had not conceived yet.

However, as the legal wife, Fucha's status as a legitimate wife was impeccable, and Kangxi wasn't displeased with her the way he was with Guo Luoluo. He could only attribute it to Ma Jia and Ulanara's lack of luck, and he was planning to have Wen Shan select a few more fertile concubines for Yinzhen during next year's imperial selection.

Kangxi lamented that Yinreng was truly the most fortunate, having given him three grandchildren in the past few years. It was just a pity...

Wen Shan rolled her eyes upon learning of Kangxi's plans.

Yinzhen's family was now harmonious, and he couldn't help but interfere.

Yinsi sat down at the bedside and carefully inquired about Guo Luoluo's discomfort. Guo Luoluo shook her head, saying that she had taken medicine and was no longer feeling unwell.

"Why did you slip in the yard?" Yinsi frowned and looked at Xiao Shunzi. "Go and investigate what happened."

Xiao Shunzi accepted the order and withdrew.

Guo Luoluo said, "It's just a loose brick. Your Highness, don't worry."

Wen Shan smiled and said, "You are the most precious one now. Of course, you have to be careful with the things in the palace."

Guo Luoluo shyly stroked her belly. She and Yinsi had been married for several years, but the marriage was only consummated last year. She was actually a little anxious after a year of no news. Fortunately, the Eighth Prince never mentioned it.

"What do you think your Royal Father is thinking? Yi'an and Hongxi are only three years old, and you're already trying to fill your Fourth Brother's palace with other children." Wen Shan fanned herself, completely confused as to how Kangxi developed this habit of meddling in his son's affairs.

Besides, it's not like Yinzhen doesn't have children; he already has a son and a daughter.

"Fourth Brother's two concubines have been childless. Your Royal Father probably feels something is wrong," Yinsi said, patting Guo Luoluo's hand soothingly.

After marrying into the palace, Guo Luoluo and her sister-in-law, Fucha, got along very well. Upon hearing that Kangxi intended to appoint several concubines for Yinzhen, Guo Luoluo expressed some concern.

"Fourth sister-in-law is virtuous and never jealous. It's just that her health has been failing since giving birth to Hongxi and Yi'an, which is why she hasn't conceived in recent years. As for the two concubines, they're both in good health. Perhaps it's just not meant to be."

Guo Luoluo had recently been anxious about having children, so she felt particularly sympathetic towards Ulanara and Majia.

Yinsi smiled again and said, "I must also thank Fourth sister-in-law for the fertility-giving Guanyin statue she gifted us. It truly is a rare and spiritual treasure."

Yinsi had never been a believer in such myths, but the Guanyin statue seemed to truly be able to bring children. Fucha had given birth to twins, a boy and a girl, and Guo Luoluo was also pregnant.

Guo Luoluo also nodded and said she would prepare a thank-you gift and return the fertility-granting Guanyin statue.

Chonghua Palace might need it even more right now.

What Wen Shan didn't expect was that the fertility-granting Guanyin statue actually seemed quite effective.

Just two months after Guo Luoluo was returned to Chonghua Palace, Ulanara was diagnosed with pregnancy.

Wen Shan: ...That's a bit too much!

Ulanara's pregnancy also relieved Fucha. Her two current concubines, Ma Jia and Ulanara, were both well-behaved and honest. Fucha wouldn't mind if they had children. But if she were to select a few more women to enter the palace solely to provide the Fourth Master with a child, who knows how chaotic things would be.

So, when Ulanara became pregnant, Fucha took great care of her, ensuring she gave birth safely.

By then, Kangxi had already departed for his southern tour, bringing only two princes with him: Yinsi and Prince Li.

Yinsi hesitated for a while and thought it would be better to decline the southern tour. He was a little worried about Guo Luoluo's pregnancy.

Yinxiang even laughed at him and asked when his brother had become so sentimental.

Yinzhen told him to go without worry, and that he and Fucha would take care of the affairs of Yuqing Palace.

Guo Luoluo also persuaded him that she was fine, and that her fourth brother, his wife, and her mother were all in the palace so nothing would happen.

Yinsi really needed to keep an eye on Prince Li during the southern tour, so Yinsi finally set off with Kangxi.

Wenshan stayed in the palace to take care of the six harems. This was the first time that Concubine Tongjia caught up with Kangxi on a southern tour and she went with him with great enthusiasm. She also brought Concubine Mi and Concubine He, so it was a lot of concubines.

Kangxi originally wanted to bring Concubine Yi along to let her go out and relax, but Concubine Yi declined.

Concubine Yi privately complained to Wenshan that she was too lazy to go out in this scorching heat, and that squeezing in with a boatload of young concubines was just asking for trouble.

Furthermore, the Ninth Prince had married two years prior, and the Fifth and Ninth Concubines had become pregnant around the same time, both due in two or three months. Concubine Yi was worried about her two daughters-in-law.

Kangxi, convinced by her words, did not force Concubine Yi to go with him.

Kangxi also took several of the younger concubines with him, bringing a sudden sense of peace and quiet to the Forbidden City. Concubine

Yi often visited Wenshan, and their conversation shifted from palace gossip to grandchildren.

Wenshan sighed, "Time is merciless! We're all grandmothers now."

"Hongxi and Yi'an are already three, and you're just now feeling like a grandmother?" Concubine Yi teased.

Over the past few years, Concubine Yi and Wenshan had become less and less respectful, no longer addressing her as "Niangniang" as they had in previous years.

Strangely enough, Wen Shan hadn't really felt old when Hongxi and Yi'an were born, but now that Guo Luoluo was pregnant, Wen Shan suddenly realized she was already a grandmother.

"Having three generations of children and grandchildren around us is a blessing many people could only wish for," Concubine Yi sighed. "In the blink of an eye, Yinqi and Yin'er have already started families and have children. It's a complete life."

"Is that what you call a complete life?" Wen Shan said. "In a few years, we can just leave these children behind and wander around. Go wherever we want, do whatever we want. Wouldn't that be wonderful?"

That was a complete life.

Concubine Yi laughed heartily, thinking Wen Shan was joking. As concubines, they couldn't possibly have such a free and easy life.

Wen Shan was seriously thinking about getting Kangxi out of the palace soon, or else they'd run out of things to do!

"How are Wen Ke and Dun Ke doing? I haven't seen them much these past few days," Wen Shan asked.

Concubine Yi said, "I'm fine. I've been hooked on opera lately, and I go to Shufangzhai whenever I have time."

Influenced by a popular TV show, Wen Shan still found Shufangzhai a bit strange. Of course, no princesses or noble ladies were living there yet; it was just a stage for opera. Many concubines enjoyed going there, but Wen Shan had never been. Speaking

of the two little girls, Concubine Yi couldn't help but worry about their marriages. Unlike the princesses and princes, all the other princesses, with the exception of the Fifth Princess, were married far away to Mongolia.

"The Sixth Princess's marriage has already been decided. She'll marry to Khalkha Mongolia. Wen Ke is only two years older than the Sixth Princess, so I think it'll be in the next two years," Concubine Yi said.

Concubine Yi naturally didn't want Wen Ke to marry far away. If possible, what mother wouldn't want her daughter to marry in the capital like the Fifth Princess, so they could see her often and take care of her, so she wouldn't be bullied thousands of miles away.

However, the Fifth Princess was a special case after all. If it were another case, I'm afraid Kangxi wouldn't agree.

Wen Shan calculated the timeline. If Yinzhen could successfully ascend the throne within the next three or four years, Wen Ke and Dun Ke wouldn't have to marry far away. So she simply smiled and said, "Marriages are destined by fate. Who knows, maybe Wen Ke and Dun Ke's fate will be in the capital."

As she spoke, Zhenzhu entered to announce that the wife of Prince Li had come with her children to pay her respects to Wen Shan.

"The wife of Prince Li, Guaerjia?" Wen Shan was puzzled. "Why is she here?"

She hadn't met Guaerjia often, having only met her a few times at palace banquets. She remembered her as a quiet and gentle woman.

Kangxi's carefully selected Crown Princess was naturally not to be underestimated.

Concubine Yi thought for a moment and said, "As the Imperial Noble Consort, it's only natural for her to pay her respects. But if she doesn't come usually, I don't know what she's doing now."

Since she had come with her children, Wen Shan couldn't deny her entry, so she asked Zhenzhu to invite her in.

Concubine Yi said, "Why not send someone to invite Prince Yong's wife here as well? It would make things more lively for the sisters-in-law."

Wen Shan thought for a moment and nodded, sending Hubo to Chonghua Palace.

Wen Shan was always self-aware. Guaerjia's presence was clearly ill-intentioned, so she sent Fucha to listen in and make sure she wasn't setting up any traps.

Guaerjia brought the children in, not expecting Concubine Yi to be there. After greeting Wen Shan and Concubine Yi, she said, "I had intended to bring these children to the palace today to pay my respects to the Empress Dowager and the Imperial Noble Concubine. The Empress Dowager was in a Buddhist ceremony and refused to see any guests, so I came to bother the Imperial Noble Concubine."

Of Prince Li's three sons, the eldest and youngest were born to the concubine Zhang Jia, while the second was to Guaerjia. However, Wen Shan had heard Yinsi mention that Zhang Jia seemed to be more favored, and her sons enjoyed more respect within the palace than the legitimate sons.

Concubine Yi said with a half-smile, "I think the Concubine is busy at the palace and hasn't seen us much, so she's a little reserved."

Guaerjia said calmly, "The Emperor has ordered His Majesty to reflect on his mistakes, and I, your humble servant, cannot enter the palace without permission. I hope you will forgive me for any negligence." "

That's all right. I'll just visit more often in the future." Wen Shan smiled and waved, and Zhenzhu and Amber arrived with some snacks.

This was Wen Shan's first time meeting Prince Li's three sons. The eldest and second sons were close in age and could already walk and jump,

while the youngest was still in swaddling clothes. Guaerjia sat for a while, chatting about family matters. Wen Shan initially thought she was just here to pay her respects, but it wasn't until Fucha arrived that Guaerjia politely asked to speak with her privately.

Wen Shan and Concubine Yi exchanged a glance, then said nothing and let Guaerjia and Fucha into the inner chamber.

The three children brought by the Guarjia clan remained in the palace. Concubine Yi then took the Guarjia clan's legitimate son and, after examining him carefully, turned to Wen Shan and said, "Guarjia is a capable fertile woman. This child bears a striking resemblance to Empress Xiaocheng."

Empress Xiaocheng was the child's biological grandmother.

When Wen Shan entered the palace, Empress Xiaocheng had been deceased for many years, so she had never met her. So, she couldn't discern the difference. But then she realized that Concubine Yi hadn't entered the palace long before, and Empress Xiaocheng had also passed away. How could she have recognized her?

"Of course, I've seen Empress Xiaocheng's portrait," Concubine Yi said. "There's a resemblance between her eyebrows and eyes."

After holding the child for a moment, Concubine Yi teased him and suddenly exclaimed, "Come and see, doesn't he also resemble Concubine Mi?"

Wen Shan leaned forward to examine the child, and indeed, there was a resemblance—not just in the eyes or nose, but in the entire face.

"It seems Concubine Wenxi didn't lie to us back then." Concubine Yi, thinking of Concubine Wenxi, said with some nostalgia, "Sister Niuhuru has been gone for over ten years now. Time flies."

The three of them had been very close for a while, but they hadn't expected Concubine Wenxi to pass away so young and tragically.

The atmosphere grew bitter, and Wen Shan quickly changed the subject.

"Since you've seen Empress Xiaocheng's portrait, why didn't you recognize Concubine Mi as Empress Xiaocheng?"

It was Concubine Wenxi who had told them.

Concubine Yi said angrily, "How can a portrait be compared to the real person?"

A portrait naturally differed from the real person. Concubine Mi and Empress Xiaocheng were three-tenths similar in appearance and seven-tenths in spirit, so Concubine Yi hadn't noticed it at first. It was only after seeing the child today that she realized how Concubine Mi resembled Empress Xiaocheng.

"It seems the Emperor hasn't even met Prince Li's legitimate son yet. If he had, I wonder how he would have loved him so dearly," Concubine Yi said, teasing the child.

Wen Shan thought about it. Considering Kangxi's remembrance of Empress Xiaocheng, and the fact that their only son's grandson resembled her, it was a perfect storm.

Kangxi was sure to lose his temper again.

As they were talking, Fucha and Guaerjia emerged from the inner chambers. Guaerjia didn't stay long, but left with the children.

Concubine Yi knew it wasn't convenient for her to hear these things, so she tactfully left.

"What did Prince Li's wife say to you?" Wen Shan asked.

Fucha pursed her lips, hesitant.

"Mother, my second sister-in-law asked me to bring a message to the Fourth Master."

"She said she wants the Fourth Master to come to her house for a chat after the Emperor's tour."

Wen Shan: "?"

What was there to say in secret?

Fucha hadn't finished her words. Guaerjia had also told her some more about Fucha, hoping to get her to agree to let one of Guaerjia's cousins enter Chonghua Palace.

After the news that Kangxi wanted to grant Yinzhen a few more concubines spread, Guaerjia was trying to hedge her bets.

At the same time, this also showed to a certain extent that Guaerjia had been abandoned by the family, which made it difficult for her to speak up.

Fucha didn't want to talk about it, so Wenshan didn't force her. She asked her to sit for a while and then let her go back.

After returning to Chonghua Palace, Fucha thought about it and told Yinzhen about it.

Yinzhen immediately told her not to pay attention to Guaerjia, and that he would handle these things. Under the current circumstances, the fewer people in Chonghua Palace, the better.

Kangxi had been gone for more than half a month when news suddenly came back that Yinsi had been punished, and it seemed that it was because he was deposed as the crown prince.