Chapter 81 Chapter 81 Within two days, Yinzhen and Yin…

Within two days, Yinzhen and Yinsi departed for the Temporary Abode of the Imperial Court. The Temporary Abode of the Imperial Court, located near Shunzhi's mausoleum and some distance from the capital, would take Yinzhen and Yinsi about two weeks to travel back and forth, including the memorial ceremony.

When the two went to consult Kangxi, Kangxi remained silent for a long moment before finally agreeing. He even spoke to Yinzhen privately for a few words.

The general message was that Yinzhen should offer incense to the Seventh Princess after his departure.

Although the Imperial Book of Records had been altered, she was still Yinzhen's biological sister.

Since Kangxi had mentioned the matter, Yinzhen also mentioned the Uya clan.

"Your Majesty, I hope that what Uya promised will not implicate my fifth sister and fourteenth brother."

Kangxi nodded. "I understand. Wenxian and Yinzhen are old enough to understand right and wrong."

While the Fourteenth Prince had already moved to Ganxi Wusuo, the Fifth Princess was only thirteen and unengaged, so she still needed her mother's care. Kangxi was deeply concerned about leaving her with Uya, fearing she would subject such a healthy daughter to further abuse.

After much deliberation, Kangxi considered entrusting the Fifth Princess to the Empress Dowager's care, but she politely declined, citing her advancing age as insufficient to support a princess.

The Empress Dowager's reluctance to raise the Fifth Princess stemmed from her prejudice against her mother, Uya. Uya's actions against Concubine Yi were specifically aimed at the Empress Dowager's beloved grandson, the Fifth Prince. How could the Empress Dowager raise her daughter at such a time?

Kangxi fretted for days over who should raise the Fifth Princess, and later even went to Xianfu Palace to inquire about Wen Shan's opinion.

After hearing this, Wen Shan thought that according to historical records, the Fifth Princess should have been taken to the Cining Palace at birth, raised alongside the Fifth Prince, by the Empress Dowager. However, in this life, because of her, the Empress Dowager had always disliked the Uya family, and naturally would not raise her daughter. Unexpectedly, Kangxi wanted to give the Fifth Princess to the Empress Dowager again.

"I've thought about it over and over, and I can't find a suitable candidate. Please help me with some advice," Kangxi said, leaning on the couch with one hand supporting his chin. "Wen Xian will also be arranged to marry in two years, and she won't be able to do without someone to look after her."

It must be said that Kangxi cared deeply about these children. He didn't take out his anger on them for the Uya family's mistakes, and he still fulfilled his responsibilities as a father.

Kangxi couldn't even think of any, let alone Wen Shan. After some thought, she concluded that there were indeed few suitable candidates.

Eliminating those who had always had a bad relationship with the Uya family left even fewer.

Most importantly, Kangxi wanted to find someone who could look after the Fifth Princess wholeheartedly without being too low-ranking, which was a difficult task.

First, none of the consorts were suitable, and the number of concubines was limited.

"Hmm... what do you think of Concubine Mi?" Kangxi asked after a long pause.

"..."

You're really good at picking, picking someone with a grudge against the Uya clan.

Concubine Mi had been in the palace for many years and had just given birth to her first child last year, courtesy of the Uya clan.

"Concubine Mi has a kind, gentle, and amiable personality, but the Sixteenth Prince is still young and I'm afraid she won't be able to handle everything," Wen Shan said.

Kangxi thought about it and it made sense. He had just realized that Concubine Mi also felt that her gentle nature, if adopted by Wen Xian, would keep Wen Xian away from these intrigues and raise him to be more peaceful and docile.

Kangxi pondered for a moment, then suddenly laughed and said, "I've thought of a suitable candidate."

"What about Concubine Min?"

Concubine Min?

Wen Shan didn't respond, and Kangxi began to talk to himself.

"Min Concubine already has two princesses in the palace, so raising Wen Xian would be a breeze. Min Concubine is also a quiet and kind person, making her a good choice."

Kangxi's thoughts grew more and more satisfied. Seeing Wen Shan frown, he asked, "Why, what's wrong?" "

Your Majesty is very thoughtful. It seems that Min Concubine is indeed the most suitable." Wen Shan pondered but couldn't come up with a reason to decline the offer on Min Concubine's behalf.

She wasn't sure if Min Concubine actually wanted to raise the fifth princess.

Kangxi's thoughts grew more and more convinced that Min Concubine was the right choice. Having chosen her, he stopped thinking about it. Looking at Wen Shan beside him, he suddenly said, "How come you've been in the palace for so many years and still have no children?"

There was a hint of regret in his words.

Kangxi's early favor for Wen Shan was indeed mediocre, but he had been visiting her regularly for the past decade, yet she remained infertile.

He had pondered the matter a few years earlier, but later decided it couldn't be forced and didn't want to put pressure on Wen Shan, so he didn't bring it up.

Wen Shan was already sweating profusely.

It would be a miracle if she could conceive after taking the medicine twice a day.

However, it was a serious crime for a concubine to secretly take contraceptive pills, so she couldn't foolishly say so. So she could only feign sorrow: "Perhaps I'm unlucky and haven't been blessed with the chance to bear an imperial heir."

"Nonsense," Kangxi shook her hand and said sternly, "Don't say such things again."

"I think those imperial doctors are incompetent. They haven't been able to properly heal you in all these years."

Wen Shan wept bitterly for the imperial doctors who had been unjustly blamed.

She hadn't had any serious illness or injuries, so what was there to heal?

Kangxi spoke without hesitation.

He had just mentioned the Fifth Princess, and he had expressed with some emotion that it would be wonderful if he and Wen Shan had a daughter.

A daughter would be very well-behaved and adorable, and with three older brothers to look after her, she would surely be the center of all affection.

Wen Shan: "..."

It was clear that Kangxi and Yinzhen were truly father and son; even their dreams mirrored.

I want to give birth myself!

"Yinzhen, Yinsi and Yinxiang are also very filial, and they will certainly take good care of you in the future." Kangxi touched Wenshan's head and comforted her softly.

Wenshan nodded, and she was happy when Yinzhen praised her a few times.

After Kangxi left, Yinxiang somehow found out about the conversation last night and jumped in early in the morning to ask Wenshan if Kangxi wanted to put the fifth princess in the care of Concubine Min.

Wenshan nodded and said: "Your Royal Father has wanted to arrange a marriage for the fifth princess in recent years, and there must be a concubine to raise her."

From what Kangxi meant, it seemed that he was just going to raise her on behalf of her, and he had no intention of changing the imperial genealogy.

Yinxiang had a very average impression of this fifth sister.

"Wenxian has the temper of Uya, and it is not easy to get along with her." Yinxiang said: "I'm worried that she will go to the Yanxi Palace and bully Wenke and Dunke."

Wenke is only seven years old this year, and Dunke is only four years old. Yinxiang is really worried.

In her previous life, the Fifth Princess grew up under the Empress Dowager's wing and had an even more spoiled temper. She didn't get along with the Fifth Prince, who was also raised in the Cining Palace. However, the Empress Dowager loved this little granddaughter so much that she even chose a Tonggiya clan princess in the capital as her consort. She was one of the few princesses who hadn't been raised in Mongolia, so naturally, she didn't get along well with her sisters.

Although the Fifth Princess wasn't raised under the Empress Dowager's wing, her temper remained the same, though it had become somewhat more restrained.

Wen Shan laughed at Yinxiang's frown, "The Yanxi Palace is the territory of your mother and two sisters. How could they be bullied by the Fifth Princess?"

"If you're really worried, go and check it out more often."

The decision made by Kangxi was difficult to change, and they could not think of any good reason to refuse and could only accept it.

Yinxiang sighed, he was really not good at the intricacies of the harem, especially the battle of wits and courage with the emperor. It happened that the fourth brother and the eighth brother were not here at this time, otherwise the eighth brother would definitely have a way.

Wen Shan also took the time to go to the Yanxi Palace and told Minpin about this in advance.

Minpin, who has now given birth to a son and two daughters, has shed a lot of the arrogance of the cold and talented woman in the past and has become much gentler, like a lily in full bloom, gentle and beautiful.

Wen Shan often came to the Yanxi Palace. Wen Ke and Dun Ke liked her very much. When they saw her coming, they rushed over.

"Empress Xuan!"

Wen Shan held the two girls in each hand. The two sweet and soft girls hugged her neck and kissed her on both cheeks.

"Let Empress Xuan take a look at our two little princesses. How come you have become more beautiful again?"

Minpin watched with a smile: "Okay, you two stop teasing Empress Xuan."

Wen Shan stood up, picked up the four-year-old Dunke, weighed him, turned to Minpin and said: "Dunke has grown a lot recently."

Minpin smiled and said: "That's right. The clothes that were just made at the beginning of the year can't fit him now." Dunke

hugged Wen Shan's neck and rubbed her and said in a baby voice: "The clothes are broken!"

"Yes, the clothes are broken. Make new ones for us Dunke."

Wen Ke poked his head: "Empress Xuan, isn't Thirteenth Brother here?"

Yinxiang often came to the Yanx Palace to play with his two sisters, and occasionally brought Yinzhen and Yinsi to show off his two lovely sisters. Although they were not raised together, the relationship between brother and sister was very good.

"Your Thirteenth Brother is in the Shangshufang," Wen Shan said with a smile. "He got caught by Master Zhang today and won't be back for a while."

Wen Ke stuck out his tongue. "Thirteenth Brother, you're naughty!"

Wen Shan had never raised a daughter before, and she had doted on Wen Ke and Dun Ke since they were young. Whenever she came over, she always brought them plenty of food and toys, and this time was no exception. Zhenzhu brought out the little cake Wen Shan had made, and the two little princesses cheered and ran off to play.

Minpin pulled Wen Shan to sit down, shook her head, and said fondly, "Since marrying Xia Dun Ke, your appetite has improved. You eat more every day than Wen Ke."

"Being able to eat is a blessing. Dun Ke is still young, and it would be great if he could be healthy," Wen Shan said.

Minpin shared the sentiment. "Many children in the palace suffer from illnesses. I just hope Yinxiang, Wen Ke, and Dun Ke can grow up safely."

"What happened with the Seventh Princess a few days ago..." Minpin paused and said, "They're all pitiful people."

As the saying goes, even a tiger won't eat its own cubs. As a mother, she couldn't understand why Uya Shi could be so cruel.

Since the topic of the Seventh Princess was on the table, Wen Shan took the opportunity to tell Concubine Min that Kangxi wanted Concubine Min to raise the Fifth Princess.

After a moment's reflection, Concubine Min said, "Since it's the Emperor's wish, I can only obey."

Concubine Min had no grudges or personal ties with Uya, and naturally held no prejudice against her children.

She would raise the Fifth Princess with all her heart and soul until she married.

"I haven't seen the Fifth Princess many times, but I vaguely remember her as a very beautiful child," Concubine Min said

. A maid brought tea, and Wen Shan took a sip to moisten her throat and nodded.

"The Fifth Princess is bright and charming, and even the Emperor loves her."

Uya's appearance was naturally gentle, but the Fifth Princess was incredibly bright and beautiful, more like a daughter born to Concubine Wenxi or Concubine Tong.

People are visually oriented, and the Emperor even more so.

Although not a concubine, Kangxi favored the Fifth Princess among his daughters, as she was immediately striking.

Wen Shan shared Yinxiang's concerns with Concubine Min, who laughed out loud.

"Yinxiang is just worrying about nothing. How could he let Wen Ke and Dun Ke suffer any injustice in the Yanxi Palace?"

Duanpin died of illness a few years ago. Now there is only one concubine, Minpin, living in the Yanxi Palace. She has the final say in everything.

To put it bluntly, the Fifth Princess is living under someone else's roof. How could she turn around and bully Wen Ke and Dun Ke? Wouldn't her mother be too useless?

"Is the Fifth Princess still living in Yonghe Palace now?" Minpin asked.

The princesses lived with their mothers before they got married. Naturally, the Fifth Princess also lived in Yonghe Palace before the incident with Uya.

Wen Shan nodded: "That's why the Emperor felt it was inappropriate. He couldn't let the princess suffer any injustice."

Uya was under house arrest, and Yonghe Palace had been sealed off. It was indeed inappropriate to lock the Fifth Princess in there as well.

Concubine Min sighed, "Innocent children."

Wen Shan spoke with Concubine Min for a moment before Wen Ke came running over and said, "Mother, my sister and I are going to wear the clothes that Concubine Mi sent us a few days ago tomorrow!" Concubine

Min smiled and patted her daughter's head. "What are your plans for tomorrow?"

"Fourth sister invited us to go flower viewing!"

Wen Ke said crisply.

"Okay, I'll have Ruyi find them for you later."

Concubine Min looked helplessly at her daughter, who happily ran back to her snack after her request was granted. "I really hope they never grow up, that they can always be carefree like this."

Wen Shan shared her sentiments. If only Yinzhen and the others could continue playing carefree in Xianfu Palace like they did when they were little.

Wen Shan thought of Wen Ke's words and smiled, "You and Concubine Mi seem to be getting along well lately?"

Concubine Mi had been in the palace for almost ten years. In the blink of an eye, that timid girl from Jiangnan had become a palace veteran.

After entering the palace, Concubine Mi never became overly friendly with any of the other concubines, living a quiet life in her own

Chuxiu Palace. Fortunately, Kangxi always favored her. Although a few concubines showed some jealousy, they all managed to get through it safely, and now she has her own child. Wen Shan had even presented a gift to the Sixteenth Prince's full-month banquet a while ago. One could tell from Concubine Mi's expression that she felt her life was complete and desired nothing more.

Concubine Min said, "Since Concubine Mi finished her confinement, she's been visiting often. We get along really well, and we often have tea and chat together."

Both Concubine Min and Concubine Mi were not competitive, so they seemed to be compatible.

"That's a shame. It took all these years for Concubine Mi to become such close friends," Wen Shan quipped.

Dunke ran over, tugging at Concubine Min's clothes, saying he was hungry. Concubine Min helplessly tapped her forehead: "You're hungry again after just having snacks an hour ago?"

Dunke blinked at Wen Shan and Concubine Min.

Wen Shan's heart melted at her gaze. After a moment's thought, she borrowed the Yanxi Palace's kitchenette, preparing to cook for them herself and dine with them tonight.

"How can this be done?" Concubine Min quickly intervened, "Your Majesty is a noble concubine. This is unacceptable."

Although Wen Shan had sent many homemade meals over the years, it was still unseemly for her to cook in the Yanxi Palace's kitchenette.

"It's alright. It's time for dinner. Let's not be so particular," Wen Shan said with a bright smile, rubbing Dunke's furry head. "Go play with me. Dinner will be served soon."

Dunke cheered and ran off.

Wenshan then sent Zhenzhu to the Shangshufang to tell Yinxiang to come directly to the Yanxi Palace after he was done.

Concubine Min had no choice but to follow Wenshan to the small kitchen to help her.

...

After Yinzhen and Yinsi left, the palace was bustling with activity. Kangxi's order for the Seventh Princess' funeral was to be a grand affair; he couldn't let his poor daughter be implicated because of her mother's fault. Concubine Tong was scrambling to get help, but Wenshan and Uya had countless old and new grudges, so Concubine Tong didn't dare ask Wenshan for help and could only ask Concubine Rong and Concubine Ping to handle the affairs.

Concubine Yi was now furious with Uya. With Uya confined to Yonghe Palace and the Fourteenth Prince in Ganxi Wusuo, she couldn't touch him. So, upon hearing that the Fifth Princess was being sent to Concubine Min's care, she went to see Wenshan.

Wenshan had just returned from Liangpin's visit when Concubine Yi arrived.

"Why are you here in such hot weather?"

Wenshan had the maids serve two bowls of freshly brewed sour plum soup, which was even better when it was iced.

Concubine Yi took a sip, her brow furrowed, and then she finished the entire bowl,

completely forgetting she'd come to inquire about the Fifth Princess.

"Could I have another bowl?"

Concubine Yi and Wen Shan were familiar with each other, so she didn't mind such trivialities. Feeling it wasn't enough, she asked.

Zhenzhu served Concubine Yi another bowl. Wen Shan smiled and said, "If you like, I'll have someone bring you some back later."

Concubine Yi quickly agreed. This year's heat was incredibly hot—it was only the beginning of summer, and it was already hotter than the height of previous years.

Without these cooling treats, it would be difficult to endure.

After two bowls of sour plum soup, Concubine Yi asked about the Fifth Princess.

"Your Majesty, I heard the Emperor intends to entrust the Fifth Princess to Concubine Min's care?"

Wen Shan nodded. "The Emperor has already decided. I expect a decree in a few days."

Wen Shan was a little puzzled. This wasn't a big deal, but Kangxi hadn't issued a decree, yet the rumor had spread.

"Why, you don't look happy." Wen Shan knew from Concubine Yi's expression that she was not happy with Kangxi's decision. Concubine

Yi: "Uya promised to frame me and nearly ruined me and my brothers Yin'er forever. Although the emperor punished us, I still can't get rid of the hatred in my heart." Concubine

Yi has never been a kind woman. Perhaps it's because she hasn't taken the initiative in recent years that people think she's easy to bully. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.

Uya showed her no mercy, so naturally she would give them a taste of their own medicine.

Concubine Yi understood that Uya and Concubine Hui were targeting her three children, so she would also have to gouge out Uya's heart to vent her hatred.

The Fourteenth Prince was not easy to deal with, so that only left the Fifth Princess.

Wen Shan was a little surprised to hear this, but after thinking about it, she felt that it was quite consistent with her understanding of Concubine Yi.

"After all, the child is innocent," Wen Shan advised. "You can do whatever you want to Uya, but if you attack the Fifth Princess, once the Emperor finds out..."

Attacking the heir to the throne was Kangxi's Achilles' heel.

Although Kangxi suppressed the matter for the sake of the Third Prince after Rong Fei's revelations, her position in the palace declined significantly, and Kangxi clearly ignored Rong Fei.

Concubine Yi, naturally understanding this, waved her fan and smiled, saying, "Your Majesty, what are you thinking? I wouldn't attack a child. Even if they're not my own, it's still a sin against my virtue."

"..."

Even now, she was still going to taunt Uya, revealing her genuine hatred.

However, Wen Shan was curious about Concubine Yi's reason for coming to her specifically to ask about this.

"I was just thinking, what's the point of just raising a child? Raising a child for Uya wouldn't bring me any benefits. I might even end up resenting her," Concubine Yi said sarcastically.

Wen Shan understood. Concubine Yi was planning to alter the Fifth Princess's imperial genealogy, depriving Uya of her daughter forever.

After a moment's thought, Concubine Yi added, "The Fifth Princess is already eleven years old and will be getting married soon. Having a mother like her is a burden."

Wen Shan was somewhat frustrated. "You're becoming increasingly blunt in my presence."

This was too blunt. Was it really appropriate to address such words directly to her?

Concubine Yi raised an eyebrow, unconcerned. "Your Majesty and the Eighth Prince saved my life and mine this time. What's there to hide?"

Now Concubine Yi accepted it. Yinzhen was devotedly following the Eighth Prince. Yinqi, on the other hand, had a good relationship with both the Fourth and Eighth Princes. Although Yinzhen wasn't as active and withdrawn as his brothers, Yinqi and Yinzhen would protect him for the rest of his life.

Since he couldn't rely on the princes and sisters of Xianfu Palace, there was no point in hiding. He might as well openly side with Concubine Xuan.

"I'll pretend I didn't hear what you said today," Wen Shan said. "The Emperor's intentions are hard to fathom, so don't overdo it."

Although she sometimes couldn't understand Kangxi's thoughts, her sixth sense had been honed over the years. For example, Wen Shan couldn't help but feel that Kangxi was up to something and was ready to deal with anyone who jumped the gun.

It was best to be quiet at a time like this.

Especially with Yinzhen and Yinsi away from the palace, anything that happened would be troublesome.

Kangxi, with the news spreading like wildfire, hadn't issued a directive yet, so there was clearly something fishy going on.

Even Uya, confined to Yonghe Palace, knew that the Fifth Princess was about to be taken to Yanxi Palace.

Since Yonghe Palace was sealed and Consort De was demoted, most of the palace staff had been laid off. While none of the Fifth Princess's attendants had been moved, the Yonghe Palace was a different place now.

Uya remained silent all day, leaning against the window, lost in thought. The Fifth Princess hesitated several times, not daring to approach.

Only after hearing the news did she rush in, tearfully declaring, "Mother, I don't want to go to the Yanxi Palace!"

She knew neither Concubine Min nor her two younger sisters. Going there would mean living under someone else's roof and being looked down upon. Even staying in the dilapidated Yonghe Palace was preferable to her.

Uya gave her a numb look, then averted her gaze.

"Let's go. Remember to take care of your Fourteenth Brother when you get out."

Hatred welled up in the Fifth Princess's heart. "Mother, why is your heart only focused on your Fourteenth Brother? Are my sisters and I truly nothing?"

It was impossible for the Fifth Princess to remain unshaken by the fact that Uya had personally murdered the Seventh Princess. If

Mother could sacrifice her Seventh Sister for her Fourteenth Brother, could she also sacrifice her?

And now it seemed the answer was yes.

Upon hearing this, Concubine De stroked the Fifth Princess's hair, her tone tinged with pity.

"Little Fifth, Mother can no longer recover. Your only hope now is your Fourteenth Brother. Do you understand?"

The Fifth Princess slowly loosened her grip on Uya's clothes. She wanted to protest, but found herself at a loss for words.

It was indeed difficult for her mother to turn things around now. It was impossible for a son to be honored by his mother. It seemed that her only hope was this brother who was born to the same mother.

But she felt an inexplicable helplessness in her heart.

Why can she be sacrificed for the sake of her fourteenth brother and must be dependent on him?