novelaction Chapter 240 The Concubine Leaves the Palace to Serve
Chapter 240 The Concubine Leaves the Palace to Serve
Chapter 240 The Concubine Leaves the Palace to Serve
Emperor Kangxi, who had just stepped into Changchun Garden, was leisurely holding a cup of fragrant tea and preparing to take a sip. However, when this sudden news reached his ears, the teacup in his hand slipped involuntarily and hit the ground with a crisp sound, but Kangxi was completely unaware of it.
His sharp, deep eyes were now filled with astonishment and confusion, and he subconsciously cast his gaze towards Liang Jiugong, who stood beside him. Kangxi's lips trembled slightly, and his voice, slightly hoarse, demanded, "I clearly remember the imperial physician's pronouncement that Yinreng would never have children due to the severity of his injury! You should be aware of this, right?"
Upon hearing this, Liang Jiugong froze in place, his face filled with disbelief. He clearly remembered the incident, recalling the time when the Emperor was attacked by an assassin. He and the Crown Prince had been caught in the same predicament, both wounded.
The prince was injured in his lower abdomen, and unfortunately he himself was stabbed by the sharp blade near his heart.
After enduring countless hardships and escaping death, he finally managed to escape death. Upon returning to his master's side, the first shocking news he heard was that the prince had lost his fertility. He still remembered this heartbreaking fact vividly, and even secretly lamented it for a long time.
Seeing Liang Jiugong's face, a look of shock that matched his own, Kangxi understood. The rumors about the Crown Prince's infertility were undoubtedly true. But now, the reality was that the Empress was pregnant again. What was going on? A tangled web of questions swirled around Kangxi, leaving him baffled.
It just so happened that there were imperial physicians on duty at Changchun Garden at that moment, including that Imperial Physician Liang. Although Liang's medical skills were not particularly exceptional, as he had not been able to identify the toxins contained in the elixir in time, it was undeniable that he did have some real skills.
More importantly, this person's loyalty was unquestionable. Therefore, even though the matter of the magic pill angered Emperor Kangxi and he implicated him in his anger, he ultimately did not directly order his execution or expel him from the Imperial Hospital.
On the contrary, he was demoted several levels, fined ten years of his salary, and ordered to continue to stay in the Imperial Medical Service to make use of his remaining energy and contribute his strength.
Liang Jiugong knew what the emperor was thinking, so he quickly sent Wei Zhu to fetch the imperial physician Liang. Not long after, the imperial physician arrived in a hurry.
However, at first he was fully convinced that the emperor was in poor health, but when he actually arrived at the scene and made some inquiries, he was shocked to find that the issue involved was actually the health condition of the current emperor.
When this topic was brought up, Imperial Physician Liang felt bewildered. After all, when he had diagnosed the new emperor, he had been absolutely certain there were no mistakes.
The new emperor's injury was indeed in that area. Although it wouldn't affect his normal physiological functions, it would be extremely difficult for him to reproduce. Even if there was still a tiny possibility, the chances of success were pitifully low.
Today, he suddenly heard the shocking news that the Empress was pregnant. Not only was the Emperor Retired in disbelief, but even he, the Imperial Physician, couldn't confirm it with certainty. After all, it had been several years since he last took the Emperor's pulse, and the Emperor's pulse record had long since disappeared.
So, he hurriedly bowed and said, "Your Majesty, the last time I diagnosed the Emperor was many years ago. I have no way of knowing the Emperor's current pulse condition! Your Majesty, how about I personally return to the Forbidden City and learn more about the situation?"
After hearing this, Kangxi frowned slightly and pondered for a moment, but finally waved his hand and decisively refused, "Forget it, forget it! Whether you are wrong or the emperor has found some magical medicine to cure her, the queen's pregnancy is always a great joy. Why should we go to such lengths to dig into the matter?"
Doing so might actually cast a shadow on this happy event. Since I have resolved to no longer interfere in the affairs of the court and to be a carefree and idle old man, I must carry this resolve through to the end.
Let's just leave this matter at that. If anyone dares to mention this again in the future, and I find out that the news has leaked out, don't blame me for being ruthless. Be careful that your heads will be in danger!" After saying this, Kangxi swept his eyes over the two of them fiercely, frightening Liang Jiugong and Liang Yuyi into silence, not daring to say another word.
That's how the matter ended.
The Empress's pregnancy was a moment of great joy within the palace! Capitalizing on the jubilant mood generated by this auspicious omen, Yinreng promptly issued an edict promoting the rank of all the former concubines of the Retired Emperor. These titles were deliberately prefixed with the character "Tai" (太)—the former Concubine became a Grand Concubine, while the Concubine was naturally promoted to Grand Concubine.
Furthermore, he took advantage of this opportunity to send Concubine Hui and Concubine Rong back to Prince Zhi's and Prince Cheng's residences to recuperate, claiming they were frail and in need of intensive care. This not only demonstrated the emperor's deep concern for his elders, but also kept Shi En and his younger brothers indifferent, preventing even outsiders from saying anything against the royal family. It was the best of both worlds.
However, when it came to Concubine Yi, the situation was slightly different. Concubine Yi had a straightforward personality and she had two princes, making her situation more complicated than that of other concubines.
So, when Yinreng mentioned this matter to Concubine Yi, Concubine Yi said frankly without any hesitation: "I really can't get used to living in the house of the fifth brother. The trivial matters in their backyard are so messy, I am too lazy to get involved! Besides, the ninth brother and his wife are so sweet and happy, why should I go there to join in the fun now!" In this way, Concubine Yi expressed her intention to stay in the Yiku Palace for the time being.
Moreover, Concubine Yi and the Grand Empress Dowager had a deep friendship, having spent many years together and developing a close relationship. If Concubine Yi left the palace at this moment, who would be able to constantly accompany the Grand Empress Dowager, chatting with her and playing cards with her to relieve her boredom?
After all, the elders of the same generation as the Grand Empress Dowager had passed away or fallen ill, and there weren't many who were healthy anymore. Therefore, after careful consideration, Concubine Yi finally decided to remain in the Forbidden City. As for when she wanted to leave the palace to live for a while, that would be decided later.
Concubine Tong, childless, had been confined to the palace for years. However, Buerhe whispered to Yinreng that he might consider turning his attention to the Ninth Princess. After all, the princes could take the concubines out of the palace to provide for them, so if fairness was the norm, shouldn't the princesses also enjoy the same treatment? Yinreng pondered this suggestion and felt it made sense.
So he first asked for the wishes of Concubine Tong herself. After getting her consent, Bu Erhe summoned the Ninth Princess to the palace to discuss the matter.
After a detailed discussion, everyone finally reached a unanimous decision: considering that this was the Ninth Princess's first pregnancy, she might not be able to take care of herself properly, so Concubine Tong from the Forbidden City would temporarily move to the Princess's residence.
After the princess safely gave birth to a baby boy, arrangements would be made for the dowager concubines to return to the palace. In this way, the four dowager concubines were completely unaware of their future care and support. When Emperor Kangxi learned of this, he couldn't help but admire this ingenious arrangement, privately giving Liang Jiugong a thumbs-up.