Chapter 76 Chapter 76 Waiting for Yinzhen and Fucha...

By the time Yinzhen and Fucha returned, Yinsi and Yinxiang had already gone to the Shangshufang. Yinzhen had his marriage leave, but the two didn't, so they had to study diligently.

So Yinzhen and Fucha came to have lunch with Wenshan. Shortly after

Yinzhen and Fucha arrived, Su Malagu suddenly arrived.

With a smile on her face, Su Malagu entered, holding a rosewood box.

"Your servant greets Consort Xuan, the Fourth Prince, and the Fourth Lady."

Wenshan hurriedly helped Su Malagu to her feet.

"Aunt, why are you here? We were just about to have lunch. Would you like to join us?"

Since the passing of the Grand Empress Dowager, Su Malagu had devoted herself to caring for the Fifth Prince, rarely going out, and her encounters with Wenshan had become much less frequent.

"Thank you, Your Highness. I'm here to bring something to the Fourth Prince on behalf of the Grand Empress Dowager."

Yinzhen took two steps forward and looked at the box. "Is this something Mother Wuku left for me?"

Su Malagu nodded. "I haven't congratulated the Fourth Prince and his wife on their wedding yet. Before the Grand Empress Dowager passed away, she specifically instructed me to give him a gift on his wedding day." Su Malagu

opened the box, revealing a crystal-clear jade cicada.

"This cicada was personally blessed by a Living Buddha when the Grand Empress Dowager was pregnant with the late Emperor. She placed it under her pillow daily, and she gave birth to the late Emperor safely. I'm giving it to the Fourth Wife today, hoping you two will have a son soon."

Even though Fucha had seen many rare treasures and received countless royal gifts, this jade cicada, personally blessed by a Tibetan Living Buddha to protect the late Emperor's birth, still astounded her.

Unsure whether to accept it, she looked at Yinzhen.

Yinzhen nodded slightly. "Since it's Mother Wuku's gift, we'll accept it."

He took it and carefully put it away.

Wen Shan, watching this, also had a look of sadness on her face. Ever since she entered the palace, the one who loved her most was the Grand Empress Dowager. She considered everything for her, making countless arrangements, both overt and covert, paving her life a smooth and happy one. Su Malagu

was also pleased to see Yinzhen marry. She said, "Before her death, the Grand Empress Dowager was still muttering about the marriages of the Fourth and Eighth Princes, wishing them both many children and happiness."

Yinzhen's eyes welled up. He had often visited the Cining Palace since he was a child, and Mother Wuku had sometimes treated him even better than the Fifth Prince.

In a few days, on Mother Wuku's death anniversary, he should go there in person to burn incense and tell her about his marriage.

Wen Shan had wanted to keep Su Malagu for dinner, but she waved her hand repeatedly, saying the Fifth Prince was still waiting, and insisted on leaving.

"Please keep this gift from the Empress Dowager." Wen Shan fondly touched the jade cicada, then handed it to Fucha.

Flattered, Fucha carefully accepted it.

The three of them then sat down to eat again.

"Mother hasn't had lunch with Yinzhen since he was six,"

Wen Shan lamented. Kangxi's education of his princes was undeniably strict. Once they reached that age, they were confined to the Shangshufang and the military training grounds, leaving them with little free time.

Yinzhen smoothed his sleeves and said, "The Emperor has granted me a few days' leave. I'll bring Fucha to visit you more often these days."

"Yes, mother, please don't mind your daughter-in-law bothering you," Fucha said with a faint smile.

Wen Shan picked up some food for Fu Cha and gave Yin Zhen a stern look. "Only these few days should you spend more time with your wife in your free time. I'm afraid you'll be gone again when the affairs of the former court get busy."

Another expedition against Galdan was imminent. Yesterday, Yin Si had told her that judging by Kangxi's actions, it would only be two or three months away.

He should spend more time with his new wife, especially since Yin Zhen had married three wives at once, making it even more difficult to keep up.

Yin Zhen thought for a moment and said, "If things get busy in the future, have Fu Cha, Ma Jia, and Ulanara come and stay with us more often."

Now that Yin Zhen was living in Chonghua Palace, it would be convenient for the Fu Chas to visit and pay their respects.

Wen Shan had never seen her two remaining daughters-in-law before, and upon hearing Yin Zhen's mention, she casually asked if Ma Jia and Ulanara were adjusting.

Fu Cha answered.

"Both sisters are considerate and well-behaved, and very easy to get along with. The Empress Dowager will surely be pleased with them."

After talking with Fucha for a while, Wen Shan had come to understand that Fucha was the ideal bride: a woman unprejudiced and generous, well-mannered, and presumably a skilled housekeeper.

Honestly, it reminded her of Emperor Qianlong's beloved Empress Fucha. It seemed the Fucha family put a lot of thought into raising their children, whether sons or daughters.

Speaking of this, Wen Shan curiously inquired about Empress Fucha's father, Li Rongbao.

"My fourth uncle just got married last year, and he and Aunt are very harmonious," Fucha said with a smile.

While the Fucha family was a large family, they had always enjoyed close relationships within it. Mi Sihan's sons were all very close, and the children of the other wives also had a good relationship.

Li Rongbao was Mi Sihan's youngest son. Although he was Fucha's uncle, he was only a few years older, and Fucha had a good relationship with this younger uncle during her time at home.

Wen Shan nodded and urged Fucha to eat more. Fucha and Yinzhen had both just turned sixteen and were already married, so Wen Shan couldn't stop them from consummating their marriage, so she could only give them some nourishment.

"This is all Mother made. I don't know your taste, so tell me what you like and dislike. I'll make you something you like next time you come over." Wen Shan scooped a bowl of soft red bean and barley porridge and handed it to Fucha.

Fucha was flattered. Before marrying the Fourth Prince, she had only met Noble Concubine Xuan a few times. Although she had been cordial during their meetings, it was common for a mother-in-law's attitude to change before and after marriage, let alone a Noble Concubine. What Fucha hadn't expected was that Noble Concubine Xuan had indeed changed since before the marriage, but she had become more cordial, and the affection in her eyes was undeniable.

After Fucha tasted Wenshan's cooking, she began to understand why Concubine Xuan, despite her aloof nature, had remained in favor for decades. It turned out to be her excellent cooking skills, and the Emperor must have remembered this dish often. As

Fucha was thinking this, Kangxi happened to come over for a free meal.

"It seems I'm a little late after all. You've all started eating."

Kangxi was in a good mood now that his two sons were married, and he walked in with a smile without announcing anything.

Wenshan quickly stood up and greeted Kangxi, wanting to offer the main seat to him. Kangxi pressed her shoulders and asked her to sit down, and then sat down next to Wenshan.

"Yinzhen, how are you living in Chonghua Palace? Are you adapting?" Kangxi asked.

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your concern. I am doing well."

Kangxi nodded. "In the future, you will live in the palace and have your wife come to Xianfu Palace more often to honor your mother."

Yinzhen and Fucha felt a sense of ambivalence when Kangxi said this. Could it be that Your Majesty meant for them to live in Chonghua Palace forever?

Yinzhen and Fucha didn't want to stay long after Kangxi arrived, so they took their leave after lunch.

Seeing that Kangxi clearly intended to take a nap in Xianfu Palace, Wen Shan expertly changed his clothes. Kangxi took her hand and said, "Don't worry, let's talk some more."

Wen Shan nodded, sitting upright, waiting to see what Kangxi wanted to say.

Kangxi was immediately amused by her words: "Yinzhen just got married yesterday, and you don't have anything to say to me?"

Wen Shan shook her head honestly.

What was there to say? The marriage was already done, and the bride was already taken home.

"Fucha is dignified and generous, which is very good. Ma Qi is very good at raising his daughter. I feel relieved to have her by Yinzhen's side," Kangxi said. "Yinzhen has been stubborn since he was young. He deserves someone to be around to look after him."

Wen Shan listened to Kangxi's rambling for a while before tentatively asking, "Has the emperor decided when to go on the expedition to Dzungar again?"

Yinzhen would also be going this time, and she kept the matter in her mind.

Kangxi glanced at her. "You are not allowed to make irresponsible remarks about state affairs."

"..." She

started pretending again.

"I'm not making irresponsible remarks about state affairs, but how can I not be worried when Yinzhen is about to go to war after his wedding?"

Wen Shan blinked and stared at Kangxi, and Kangxi lost his temper.

"Come on, it's still a while. No matter when we go, it's a matter of state. How can we let a romantic relationship ruin this important matter?"

Kangxi scolded her with a stern face, but in fact he was a little jealous of Yinzhen. The last time he personally led the expedition against Galdan, Wen Shan had been so heartless and hadn't asked a single question. But now that Yinzhen was about to go, she became so worried.

Wen Shan had no choice but to put on a smile and pet him. After she had said a few words, Liang Jiugong came in from outside and said, "Your Majesty, Consort Defei sent someone to report that the Seventh Princess is not feeling well and wants you to go and see her."

Kangxi frowned and sat up. Wen Shan sent someone in to help Kangxi change his clothes. Liang Jiugong also came in from outside.

"What's going on?" Kangxi asked.

Liang Jiugong said, "Just now, the maid of Concubine De came to invite the Emperor. She looked very anxious and could not speak clearly. From what I heard, it seems that the Seventh Princess is ill and unconscious."

"Why didn't you report it earlier if the princess was unwell?"

Kangxi said with a gloomy face.

Although Kangxi pushed his sons to fight each other to death, he loved all the children in the palace very much, especially Concubine De. He would visit her every now and then and had a fatherly feeling for the Seventh Princess.

This daughter had been in poor health since she was a child. Concubine De took good care of her, but she would still fall ill every few days. However, Concubine De never used her children to win his favor. She came to Xianfu Palace to invite him in such a hurry, fearing that something was really wrong with the Seventh Princess.

Kangxi hurried over. Zhenzhu came in and said, "Master, the Eighth Prince sent Xiao Shunzi back with a message, asking you to warn Concubine Yi that the Seventh Princess's serious illness might be related to her."

Wenshan asked, "What?"

Yinsi never made a move without a purpose. The Fifth and Ninth Princes both had good relationships with Yinsi, and Concubine Yi had always been close to Wenshan, so Yinsi might be trying to help her.

Wenshan thought for a moment and decided to send Zhenzhu to tell Concubine Yi to be careful.

The details would have to wait for Yinsi and Yinxiang to return.

Fortunately, there was no movement in Yonghe Palace that afternoon. The Seventh Princess was indeed seriously ill. Wenshan sounded like she was having asthma. She said her face was flushed, she had chest tightness, shortness of breath, and a burning fever. It was pitiful for

such a young child to suffer like this.

Kangxi went to see the Seventh Princess and saw that her condition was not good. In the end, he could only stay with her for a while while the imperial physician did his best to treat her, and then he left.

The previous court still had a lot of things to prepare before the expedition, so Kangxi really couldn't leave.

When Concubine De heard about it, she burst into tears and was almost breathless. To comfort her, Kangxi specially sent her mother, Uya, to visit her in the palace.

All in all, everything seemed calm.

After Yinsi and Yinxiang returned from the Shangshufang, Wenshan hurriedly asked what was going on.

"Don't worry, mother. Concubine De is just trying to exploit Seventh Sister's illness." Yinxiang, obviously aware of this, said, "Seventh Sister's illness was acquired from her mother's womb. Since there's no way to save her, we can only do something about it."

The Seventh Princess and Yinxiang were born in the same year, just a few months younger. Although their Xianfu Palace and Yonghe Palace had never interacted much, Wenshan felt uncomfortable seeing children of similar age suffering in this way.

Wen Shan knew that the Seventh Princess did not live to adulthood, but she couldn't remember the details. Yinxiang explained that the Seventh Princess died at the age of twelve, in the thirty-sixth year of the Kangxi Emperor's reign.

"Isn't it only the thirty-third year of the Kangxi Emperor's reign?" Wen Shan frowned. "Why did she suddenly develop an attack?"

Judging from the severity of the Seventh Princess's asthma, it couldn't have lasted three years.

"In the past, Concubine De was favored, so there was no need to make such a fuss about the children," Yinsi said slowly. "Now, Concubine De's status in the palace and in the Emperor's heart are far less than before. You have to find a way out."

Wen Shan thought about it and still felt that Concubine De was unlikely to risk her daughters' lives. Although Concubine De could act ruthlessly at times, she always loved her children dearly.

The Seventh Princess had been in poor health since childhood, and Concubine De had cared for her meticulously. While the Seventh and Fifth Princesses certainly didn't hold the same position in Concubine De's heart as the Fourteenth Prince, she certainly didn't treat her daughters like worthless.

This is also the reason why Wen Shan's impression of Concubine De has never been as bad as Concubine Yi's. At least she is a qualified mother.

Of course, except for Yinzhen.

Wen Shan raised Yinzhen, so naturally she would not have a good impression of Concubine De. It can only be said that people can be complicated. The two of them have kept to themselves for so many years. Concubine De had thought about taking action against Xianfu Palace in her early years, but with Yinsi around, all her efforts were in vain. After suffering a few losses, she became honest.

For some reason, Yinsi seemed to have not eaten all day today. Before he even had dinner, he had already eaten up the two plates of snacks on the table. He wiped his hands and said, "Don't be surprised, mother. Children, especially princesses, are often just tools for them to fight for favor and power. Concubine De is not deliberately abusing them. It's just that her life is not as smooth as before. When Seventh Sister was sick, Concubine De would not have any other thoughts but just took good care of her, but now..."

Yinsi did not continue, just shrugged.

"Well, we've got the message. Concubine Yi should be aware of it."

Wen Shan waved for the palace servants to serve dinner.

Yinxiang was unusually talkative today, perhaps due to some information he'd received from Yinsi. He began to spill the beans to Wenshan: "This time, Concubine De isn't motivated by personal vendetta. She's teamed up with Concubine Hui to set a trap for Concubine Yi."

Concubine De and Concubine Hui had indeed grown closer in recent years, something Wen Shan had heard a bit about.

By this time, the elders in the palace were less interested in competing for favor, mostly plotting for their sons.

This time was no exception. Concubine De and Concubine Hui were targeting Concubine Yi primarily for the sake of the eldest and fourteenth princes.

If Concubine Yi were convicted of murdering the heir, the three princes would bear a fatal taint, effectively wiping out their chances of the throne. Furthermore, the Fifth and Ninth Princes' friendships with Yinzhen and Yinsi only served to weaken them.

Yinsi remarked that Hui and Concubine De's flank attack was a promising move.

After all, the long-standing feud between Concubine De and Concubine Yi was quite confusing.

Wenshan knew from Yinsi's nonchalant demeanor that nothing serious was going on, so she didn't press for details.

They turned to talk about Fuqi. Fuqi was twelve years old this year, already an elderly dog. Fortunately, Yinxiang used to take Fuqi and Laifu to military training, which kept them in good physical condition.

But Fuqi, given his age, had become less and less active lately, lazily sprawling in his nest. Laifu would occasionally nudge him, seemingly aware of his mother's aging.

Wenshan had been spending more time with Fuqi lately, combing his fur and making him soft dog food. Fuqi's teeth were starting to fall out, making him unable to handle anything too hard. He'd often been sprawled out these days, barely able to eat much.

Yinsi and Yinxiang were also distressed by this. Birth, aging, sickness, and death were inevitable not just for humans, but for animals as well.

As they were discussing, Yinzhen arrived.

Yinzhen had single-handedly raised Fuqi and was closest to him. Luckily, Yinzhen had been very busy recently and had been visiting Xianfu Palace less frequently. Fuqi's spirits often brightened when he saw him, and he'd been hanging around him. So Yinzhen had assumed Fuqi was just getting older and a bit languid compared to before.

Wen Shan perked up, smiling and asking, "Why did you come here alone?"

Yinzhen had come alone, without Fucha.

Yinzhen sat down next to Yinsi, poured himself a bowl of soup, and then deftly snatched Yinsi's unused spoon.

Yinsi: "..."

This is unjust!

"The Fucha, Ulanara, and Majia families are having dinner in Chonghua Palace, so my son is here."

Wen Shan: "...it's just your first day of marriage, so forget it

, whatever you want." Yinzhen had grown accustomed to coming to Xianfu Palace in the evenings to eat with Wen Shan, Yinsi, and Yinxiang, and when the time came, he became restless. Fucha, a considerate and observant person, had long noticed Yinzhen's close relationship with his two younger brothers and his mother, so she offered to let her have a private conversation with the two concubines, which led to Yinzhen coming to Wen Shan's place. Yinsi

shook his head and said, "My mother has even sent Master Zhao to Chonghua Palace, and yet Fourth Brother is still trying to snatch food from us."

Master Zhao had worked for Wen Shan in the small kitchen of Xianfu Palace for many years and had already learned some of Wen Shan's skills. When they were cleaning up Chonghua Palace, Wen Shan was worried that Yinzhen wouldn't be used to the food, so she sent Master Zhao over.

"Fourth brother, how is living in Chonghua Palace?" Yinxiang asked with a grin.

Ever since Fourth brother moved in, Eighth Brother has been the most depressed. Back in Ganxi Wushe, they were neighbors, often sneaking around in the dead of night. Now that Fourth brother has moved in, Eighth Brother has been sullen for days.

Yinzhen: "It's okay. The Crown Prince went to Chonghua Palace before I came."

Yinsi, buried in his food, looked up: "Huh? What did the Crown Prince do there?"

"He gave some gifts and didn't say anything." Yinzhen didn't take the Crown Prince's sudden visit seriously, as he had also gone to Ganxi Wushe to give Third Prince a gift.

"By the way, Mother, when I just came in, Fuqi seemed a little down." Yinzhen was a little worried. "A few days ago, he was still running over when I came, but today, he just glanced at me and didn't move." Yinzhen

felt something was amiss, and considering Fuqi's age, he became even more worried.

Wenshan hadn't wanted to tell Yinzhen. After all, Yinzhen would be leaving for war soon. But now, she thought, if Fuqi couldn't survive the next few months, waiting for Yinzhen's return would be even more difficult. It would be better to spend some quality time with Fuqi.

So, Wenshan finally told Yinzhen the truth about Fuqi's condition.

"Don't worry, the doctor checked and said Fuqi isn't in any serious condition. It's just age, it's inevitable." Seeing Yinzhen's distress, Wenshan consoled him, "Luckily, Fuqi isn't ill. He's just a little lazy."

Yinzhen pursed his lips and nodded. "Mother, I want to take Fuqi to Chonghua Palace to raise him.

Is that okay?" Wenshan nodded quickly, agreeing.

After bringing Fuqi home, Yinzhen spent a few days playing with him. After his wedding leave ended, Fucha meticulously cared for the dog, whom Yinzhen had raised since childhood.

Half a month after Yinzhen's wedding, Wenshan gradually began to understand the personalities of her daughters-in-law.

Fucha was dignified and gentle, Majia was charming and lively, and Ulanara bore some resemblance to Yinzhen in her stern and proper dispositions. All three were indeed easy to get along with, devoid of ill intentions. Fucha often brought them to Xianfu Palace to pay her respects to Wenshan.

Wenshan lamented that finally, she had someone to play mahjong with.

Fucha proved adept at managing internal affairs. Chonghua Palace was under constant scrutiny, and Yinzhen and Yinsi had naturally taken numerous precautions. However, Fucha still held sway within the palace. After observing her for a few days, Yinsi had to admit that Fucha was indeed a very qualified legitimate wife, freeing Yinzhen from having to worry about any inner court matters.

Even the daily routine of Yinxiang and Yinsi at the Ganxi Wusuo was assisted by Fucha, the eldest sister-in-law. Majia and Ulanara remained docile, and for a time, Chonghua Palace seemed impregnable, with those who attempted to infiltrate it finding no success.

Fucha was devoted and dedicated, and Yinzhen treated her with equal respect. He provided her with everything a legitimate wife deserved and promised that he would only allow Majia and Ulanara to conceive after Fucha had given birth to a legitimate son, without any illegitimate son standing in the way.

Kangxi's only grandchildren were the eldest prince and Irgen Gioro's daughter. Now that Yinzhen and the third prince were married, grandchildren would likely be piling up like mushrooms after rain.

She hadn't expected to become a grandmother at only thirty-five...

Wenshan felt both happy and melancholy at the thought.

Yinsi and Yinxiang have been busy with something behind Yinzhen's back lately. They have been caught by Yinzhen several times but their mouths are sealed shut.

A few days later, Wenshan still didn't know what Yinsi and Yinxiang were doing, and Concubine De and Concubine Hui took action against Concubine Yi first.