Newcomer (upper) 70

  He didn't want to give Empress Ulanara and Consort Xun a chance to remind him. The date set by the Imperial Observatory was mid-April, and Yunzhu brought it up with Hongli at the end of March.

  He was taken aback, his eyes somewhat embarrassed: "Just do what you think is right." He devoted himself to the establishment of the Customs General Administration, and Yunzhu didn't mention it, he really forgot that last year's selection show had pointed out such a jiaolong hadn't even entered the door.

  Yunzhu nodded and took the opportunity to personally select a auspicious-colored fabric for Hongli's wedding gown. The two gege (imperial sisters) and two shiqie (imperial consorts) were also rewarded with fabrics suitable for their status. However, when Hongli saw this, he disapproved, saying: "Every year, the Imperial Household Department also provides them with new clothes as a matter of course. Fu Jin is too kind to them." For Na Ke Gege, it's enough for her to just wear auspicious clothing; there's no need for such grandeur, what with the wedding gown and furnishing their new home. As for the others, except for Hua Ling Ah who was pregnant, everyone else was without merit or achievement, so there was no need to reward them.

  "Which woman doesn't like to dress up? Moreover, the clothes sent by the Imperial Household Department are luxurious and rich. But have you seen anyone actually wear them?! It's just for show, to let him know that she won't be stingy with his concubine. However, if they make a mistake, she won't forgive them easily. Heh, might as well apply some eye ointment while we're at it."

  Hongli was indeed stunned, thinking about the usual attire of Fucha and Gaolüwei. Although they didn't exceed their rank, they were all good things. These clothes and accessories weren't made internally; they must have been part of their dowry or sent by their families after entering the palace. The dowry for a prince's consort had its own standards; how could it be that they couldn't use them up? That meant they still maintained close ties with their respective families after entering the palace. Thinking this far, he couldn't help but feel somewhat displeased.

  Thinking back to when I accompanied Yunzhu to pay respects, Huang E Mama and E Mama were probing Yunzhu with their words, asking if she had any secret remedies for nourishing her body. She was still holding in a belly full of anger. The word "filial piety" weighed heavily on her head, so she could only feel more pain for Yunzhu, but these concubines and servant girls in the inner courtyard were getting restless again, making it even harder for her to bear!

  But she can't do everything for herself, after all, it's up to her to be the mistress of the house. If she can't keep these servants in line and learn how to scheme, what will she do when he's not around to see or reach her in time? For now, at least he can watch over her and protect her, and with the emperor supporting her from behind, there are people to help clean up any mistakes.

  Alas, it's a pity, just look at her. He has to believe that his Yunzhu won't be so incompetent.

  She hadn't missed the pained look in his eyes, and secretly smiled to herself. Since finding out about the Empress and Consort Xi's plans, she had taken precautions when he saw her tending to the orchid plants on his return from sword practice that morning. Knowing that most of last year's orchid fruits were used on him and the Emperor, thinking that there was no way to show filial piety to both mothers, she could only tend to these orchids with more care, hoping to produce more.

  He had long known that the jade orchid fruit she cultivated was incredibly effective for nourishing one's body, and he also knew about her filial piety and kindness. Every year, she would use the fruits to take care of her loved ones. Watching him and the Emperor work tirelessly day and night for the sake of the Qing dynasty, she silently helped them replenish their energy. Now, thinking of his mother, he couldn't help but feel comforted by her filial piety. However, this comfort turned into heartache after witnessing the schemes and demands of the Empress and Xi Fei. He was secretly annoyed that they disregarded their status and dignity, taking advantage of Yunzhu's kindness and causing her distress on her behalf.

  Everyone has their own mind, and there are also close and distant relationships. She doesn't believe that Xi Fei's position in his heart can surpass his own and the one he loves.

  There's nothing wrong with telling others, Yunzhu also frankly admitted that she didn't have any extra Yulan fruit in her hands, and promised to offer some to the two mothers when this year's Yulan tree bears fruit.

  The queen and Xi Fei's faces were filled with a mixture of shock and amusement, how dare she enjoy the jade orchard fruit before the emperor?! Even if she had eaten leopard gallbladder, she wouldn't have dared to do so.

  Within a few days, the Yongzheng Emperor had Xi Fei move from the Yongsu Palace to live in the Chengqian Palace, which was located just behind the Jingren Palace of Empress Ulanara and in front of the Zhongxiu Palace of Qi Fei. From then on, all of Yongzheng's consorts lived in the East Six Palaces.

  This position is like having a flea next to them that can't be swatted or shooed away, it's really annoying for the Empress and Consort Xi. But for Yunzhu, it's a good thing. Suppressing Consort Xi's arrogance is one thing, from now on she won't have to run back and forth between two places when paying respects.

  These things flashed through her mind, and Yunzhu continued: "At that time when Fuca and Gaos were still not married to you as the mistress, it was helpless. But I know that no girl does not have expectations for her own marriage. During the selection of concubines, Koritei and I lived in the same place, it can be said that we had a predestined relationship, she also pointed out to Grandfather..."

  Hongli hummed, during the selection he didn't pay less attention to Yunzhu, and although the two showgirls who shared a room with her didn't dare to do anything to her, their attitude wasn't very good either, fortunately Yunzhu had a broad mind and thought for her. For a moment, he didn't have a good impression of Korvette Guoxin anymore.

  "It's just a concubine, don't exhaust yourself." Since the grand wedding, he had been watching everything Yunzhu did. Although her tolerance towards the Gao family made him feel stifled (indicating that Yunzhu still didn't love him), as a crown prince's consort, her performance was outstanding - filial, virtuous, loving to her siblings... Moreover, she also possessed the wisdom and cleverness of a wife who understood his mind and a beauty who shared his interests. With such an official wife, his emotions were no longer lacking, even if he would still be moved by other women's beauty, they would only serve as playthings or servants to soothe his body and mind, not something he would take seriously.

  "You can rest assured, there are Auntie Guo and others helping out."

  ……

  On the first day of April, a small sedan chair carried Kui'er into the Xigui Second House. Yunzhu was in charge and arranged for her to be settled in the second wing room on the left side of the second courtyard with Fulinga as her companion.

  Qian Xi arranged a few tables of wine and food, but as Ke'erlieyete's identity was not enough to invite other concubines from the palace to come and congratulate her, Yunzhu only invited two princesses and two princes to attend, so as not to make Hongli's celebration too dull.

  The two princesses and the two princes had a very good impression of Yunzhu, this fourth sister-in-law. They accepted the invitation and came over for a visit, but they were more concerned about Yunzhu. Seeing that she was not uncomfortable, they put down half of their worries and dispersed after using a little wine and dishes.

  Only Fu Cha Fulinga and Gao Luwei were not depressed, and they still had to put on a happy face. Fu Cha Fulinga thought to herself that whether it was the fetal movement, her eating habits or the diagnosis of Qi Taimei, the best obstetrician in the Imperial Hospital, all confirmed that she was carrying a boy... This is the eldest son of the master, as long as he is born, she will have secured her position, and no matter what happens to the master's harem in the future, she will have her own place, so there is no need to rush to fight for it, it's better to sit back and watch the battle between tigers.

  During this time, she also saw through it. Fu Jin would never participate in their struggle. She occupied the high point of identity, as long as she didn't make mistakes, her husband would respect and love her. But these gege qie wouldn't work, no children, no favor, until old age and decline, they would be forgotten, living a lonely and miserable life being trampled by others.

  Moreover, the emperor's doting on Empress Fucha is unmatched. Whether this favoritism stems from the emperor's true feelings, or from his esteem for the Fuca family, or from the emperor's special regard for Empress Fucha, her position remains unshakeable.

  Now that I have a child, I am in an invincible position. The most important thing is to let the child grow up safely, solidify my own position and avoid being calculated by others.

  Let the Gao and Kui families fight each other, it's best if they fight to the death and can't have children, that way their own position will be even more secure. As for the future of the child in her womb, she'll slowly plan for it, depending on the situation in the future...

  In the evening, when Huiling said this to Ping Xiaoyu in the house, Ping Xiaoyu looked at her with approval and said: "The master has finally grown up. In the future, even if I'm not around, she won't..."

  "What's the matter, Granny? My brother in my belly and I still need your help!" Fuling interrupted hastily, "Granny must help me take care of little brother until he grows up, gets married and has children."

  "Alright, alright, I won't say anything else. Here, this is a bone soup personally stewed by Autumn Leaf, Master, please drink it."

  "Hmm." Even the usually voracious Fulingya didn't dare eat much in the main hall, and now she was actually a bit hungry. "Nanny, what do you think Madam Gao is feeling right now?"

  "Haogege's appearance is gentle and elegant, with a hint of noble bearing, but her inner temperament can't shake off the petty housewife's air, she's quite overbearing. With this Keliyete Gege around, it's unlikely that no one will compete with her for favor, if nothing happens, it would be strange! Master, just wait and see, within three days, Keliyete Gege will definitely clash with her."

  "I hope Kuriyagawa-san isn't too weak." Fleur said with a smile.

  The second day is essential for the tea ceremony.

  Keruiye sat quietly with Fucha and Gao in the main hall, waiting for Yunzhu's arrival. More than half a year had passed, and her mental construction was done extremely well. The Xiu girl who used to live under the same roof now had a clear distinction between superior and inferior, and her identity was already established. She had to forget all the envy, jealousy, and resentment she once felt, and if she couldn't forget, she had to deeply suppress them in her heart.

  "The princess has arrived." Along with the announcement, Yunzhu supported Suwen's hand and sat her down in the main seat, smiling at them. Following behind them were several other palace maids.

  She was not wearing the bright red cheongsam that she had imagined, but a bean green satin cheongsam with wide yellow stripes at the collar and cuffs, embroidered with pale pink magnolia patterns. Her hair was simply styled in two small buns, adorned with a small phoenix hairpin made of jade, and a pair of emerald earrings hung from her ears. On her hands were a pair of transparent green bangles, and on her fingers were diamond-studded nail guards with grass-green floral patterns. Her skin was as white as snow jade, crystal clear and tender like a spring morning, elegant and refined.

  At a glance, she could see that Fucha Yunzhu was indeed as Ama had said, living a very smooth life and being favored by the Fourth Prince, otherwise he wouldn't have treated her with such casualness.

  "The concubine pays respects to Madame Fu, wishing her good fortune."

  No matter whether it was the pregnant Fuca or the gentle and beautiful Gao, in terms of appearance and family background, neither could be compared to herself. Especially Gao, who although came from a humble background, her father Gao Bin was a trusted official of the second rank, far more powerful than her own father, a minor fifth-rank official. In comparison, Fuca, despite being from a prominent clan, her father Weng Guotou was only a deputy commander, and not even of the same lineage as Fuheng, with less influence in the imperial court, and even further removed from Korolyov's family. She didn't need to pay much attention to herself, except that Fuca had become pregnant, which gave her more confidence than herself.

  "Keke." Yunzhu looked at Keliye, who she hadn't seen in almost a year, and saw that she had grown taller by quite a bit, probably around 1.6 meters now. The pink qipao couldn't hide her slender yet curvy figure. Her originally round face had thinned out, and her bright eyes were more subdued, making them appear even larger and darker on her pale complexion with a hint of red. Her tender lips were like flower petals, and the golden earrings sparkled. On her small head, she wore pink pearl flowers, which brought out her elegant and calm demeanor. "Yesterday was Keliye's younger sister's big day, today is for visiting relatives, and after today, we'll have to wait three more days before we can visit again."

  "Yes." Fulinga and others replied respectfully.

  "Let's begin." Yunzhu said to Guo and the others. Soon, a palace maid came forward and spread out a cushion under the main seat, while another maid brought over a tray of well-brewed tea.

  Korriyet approached the main seat, knelt on the cushion, took the tea from the tray brought by Ye Yatou, held it with both hands and raised it to her forehead, saying in a flat tone: "I, Korriyet, offer tea to the noble lady."

  She had a gentle demeanor, but her face didn't show any respect towards Fu Jin, which made Gu and others secretly annoyed and remembered it in their hearts.

  Yunzhu took over the tea, sipped a mouthful and put it back on the tray. "Mingxin?"

  "Yes." Ming Xin presented a pair of golden lotus-patterned inlaid pearl bracelets. "This—" Korieute looked at Fucha Fulina and Gao Luwei, who were sitting beside her.

  Being overly cautious, thinking she'd be the target? Yunzhu sneered, but that also depends on whether she's worthy. "Every sister has one, I won't favor some over others, take it. From now on, serve Master well."

  Kui Ye's face turned red with anger, but she took the sandalwood tray from Ming Xin and said, "Thank you, Fu Jin."

  "Guo Auntie?"

  "Yes." Guo's aunt walked forward and introduced Korriet to Fucha: "Korriet Gege, this is Fucha Gege. She currently lives next to the gege and is the first gege of Beile Yezi."

  "Have seen elder sister." Khorileute. Gu Xin Chao Fu Cha. Fulinga made a courtesy bow.

  "My sister is too polite." Fucha Fulina responded with a bow.

  "This is Gao Gege, currently living in the second courtyard of Qianxi, on the right side of the first wing." Madam Guo led her to stand before Gao Lüwei.

  "Nice to meet you, sister." Korieute Guoxin bowed slightly to Gao Rouwei. Seeing her being so polite, Gao Rou smiled and returned the courtesy, "No need to be so formal, little sister."

  "This is Baili's concubine, Zhang Xiaozhu and Liu Xiaozhu. They live in the left wing of the second courtyard (the one without a gable wall at the back)."

  "Servant Zhang (Liu) has seen her sister."

  "Get up quickly, two sisters."

  ……

  Madam Guo again introduced several aunts who were in charge of the inner affairs of the mansion to Ke'er Yuetuo, and then said: "The princess is new here. The palace maids and rough servants who served last night are already assigned to that wing of the house. The small eunuchs and some attendants will also be sent over later. If the princess finds them unsatisfactory, she can send someone to say so, and I and the general manager will replace them."

  "Thanks for your hard work, nanny." Keliyete thought to herself that no matter how she changed, the empress would still try to plant her own people, so she decided to wait for an opportunity to cultivate her own loyal followers later. Having made up her mind, she kept a close eye on Nanny Xing and her own senior maid, Lanxi, in all aspects of food and daily life, lest they be manipulated by others.