Riding the Wave (Part 2)

  A small and unfavored prince like Gege falling ill would naturally not attract much attention. Even Yunzhu only casually instructed someone to invite a royal physician and didn't care about it anymore afterwards.

  The palace has never been short of new topics, and recently, good news has come from both the Dry West Wing and the Jingyang Palace. The high-ranking concubine of the Clock Pavilion, Gaochang, and the noble lady of the Jingyang Palace, Lu Gui (Dong E's daughter), have both announced their pregnancies. On the same day, Emperor Yongzheng issued a decree allowing Dong E to inherit his brother's first-class marquis title, which had been stripped from him in the 40th year of Kangxi's reign. Everyone in the palace is speculating that the emperor attaches great importance to the child in Lu Gui's womb.

  "I knew it was a bad omen to have children on such an inauspicious day. Now look, it's brought me nothing but trouble!" Empress Xi heard the news and her head throbbed with pain, she almost couldn't catch her breath. A set of intricately decorated tea utensils were swept to the ground.

  "...and it's all because of that wretched woman." Concubine Qin hastily helped her sit down on the couch. Imperial Consort Xi supported her head with one hand and pounded the couch fiercely with the other, "Huang'er hasn't died yet, but that lowly Li woman has managed to make the Emperor feel guilty, which is why everyone in Zhongcui Palace is benefiting from this...". Concubine An and Noble Lady Zhang were old hands at the palace, their beauty had faded and they no longer received any favors or good fortune. She had actually forgotten about Consort Gao who had entered the palace with Yongzheng eight years ago, "If Consort Gao gives birth to a son, won't that wretched Li woman stir up trouble again?!"

  "Whatever are you getting worked up over, High Consort? Even if Madame Gao were to give birth to a prince, it would still be of the Han military banner's bloodline. Not only is there no threat, but on the contrary, it would even benefit your reputation, Master. Think back to when Empress Dowager was still around - did this harem ever have so many consorts giving birth to princes and princesses? Even if Consort Qi were to raise him herself, it would be the same. To Master and Fourth Brother, he poses no threat. Taking a step back, even if the child were to grow up, that would take ten or twenty years' time. Do you think Consort Qi could live that long?"

  The Chun Tao beside him quickly swept up the fragments of porcelain and retreated.

  "I also know, I just feel suffocated." Xi Guifei panted, not only Fuca Fulinga but also Su Bao Rou showed a few points of displeasure. "What's going on with that Lu Guiren? Didn't they say she was hiding in the Jingsun Palace annex, too ill and weak to come out and see people?"

  "It was on the eve of the New Year that the Emperor went to Jingyang Palace to receive the gods, and within a few days, he had already granted her favor." Qin Yuying grasped the source of information from Chengqian Palace, and all this was clear in her mind.

  "How could I have forgotten?" Xi Guifei frowned and asked patiently, but this Lu Guiren was absolutely a great calamity.

  "You were having a headache back then, and you didn't even look at it before stamping the seal." Qin Mama was also puzzled. "Gao Mama had already tampered with the food and incense, but unexpectedly she still got pregnant." Her eyes gradually turned vigilant.

  Isn't it obvious what kind of person Empress Dowager is?! Consort Xi gritted her teeth, seething with anger. "It must be that the Geng family helped her from behind the scenes. All these years she's been opposing me at every turn, and has long forgotten the kindness I showed her back then."

  The mistress and Yu Fei were just Gege at that time, and they didn't have enough strength to compete with Fu Jin and the two side Fu Jin. This was a temporary alliance, not a long-term support. The mistress served the emperor well and got pregnant with the fourth prince, successfully asking for the title of Side Fu Jin. Later, she indeed favored Yu Fei, but Yu Fei also helped her a lot... These things are hard to explain clearly. Qin Mama thought: "Yu Fei is not that kind of person who always interferes, she has been friends with the mistress for many years, and the fifth prince and fourth prince have a good relationship, so she wouldn't offend the mistress and fourth prince for a noblewoman." She thought, "This might be a plan devised by Lu Guiren," her face showed a faint worry, "If that's true, we need to be careful."

  Chengqian Palace has a "killing son's feud" with the noble people of Lu.

  "Let her give birth! I want to see if this child can be born and raised. The Empress Dowager's eyes flashed with a cold, cruel light. After all these years, she wasn't without blood on her hands either. A mere Dong E and a Guiren weren't worth her personally taking action."

  Qin's nanny fell silent for a moment, then said: "I'm worried about the master's physical health. In the past two years, the master's headaches have become more and more severe, and the frequency of attacks has also increased..."

  Whenever it comes to Xi Guifei, I get annoyed. Who doesn't love being healthy and living a long life?! "Drinking this tonic soup every day, but my body hasn't improved much... Do you think it's the problem with Yulan fruit?"

  Qin's nanny was startled, and then calmly shook her head, "It's impossible. This high nanny had secretly investigated earlier. The yulan fruit that Fourth Mistress gave you is the same as what she gave to the viscountess and Ruiqin Princess."

  The Empress's face was gloomy, and she also felt that it couldn't be the problem of Yulan fruit. Could it be that there was a problem with her own food? After thinking for a while, she had no clue, and her head hurt even more. She waved her hand, "Please call the imperial physician to take a look, I'll rest for a while."

  Qin's nanny helped her lie down and called Chunhui to come in and press the brain hole for Xi Guifei, before letting eunuch Zhang Bao go and inform the imperial physician.

  In human world, April is the time when flowers are in full bloom and then wither away, but for the imperial palace, it's just the beginning of their most beautiful and flourishing moment.

  The imperial harem is about to welcome new blood, and not only are the candidates nervous, but the consorts in the palace are also on high alert. They adorn themselves with their most beautiful faces, wear the most stunning clothes and accessories, trying to present their best selves to catch the emperor's attention and win his favor.

  The emperor, although advanced in years and famously devoted to his duties, was not particularly interested in beautiful women, but he was still healthy. Except for Li Guiren, who had been accused of treason and whose family had been destroyed, all the other concubines from the previous selection were pregnant one by one, each relying on their childbearing merits to advance in rank. Especially Lu Guiren from Jingyang Palace, this was already her second pregnancy.

  Whenever it comes to Rukui Ren Dong E's wife, no one is not envious.

  Although the first pregnancy did not successfully give birth to a prince or princess, Lady Rong was promoted from answer to noble lady. The second time she became pregnant, her family's title was restored before the child was even born - and it was her father who inherited the title! Moreover, she had truly not received much favor, only a few times, yet she became pregnant twice, really making people envy and resent her.

  The humble Qieyu, who lived in the Chengqian Palace, was promoted from a low-ranking palace maid to a Gui Ren due to her merit of giving birth to an imperial son... and as long as there is an imperial son, it's only a matter of time before she is further promoted.

  Yu Guifei of Yonghe Palace, Rong Gui Ren, Chang Gui Ren of Yanxi Palace...

  Those who don't have children want to have one, those who already have children want to conceive another... Give birth to a crown prince... Take advantage of the new imperial concubines not yet entering the palace to vie for favor, take advantage of Xi Guifei's illness and Yu Fei, Ning Pin, and Gu Pin taking charge of selecting the new concubines, they must seize this opportunity!

  The back palace was surging with dark waves, but Yongzheng in the Qianqing Palace didn't pay much attention to it. After receiving Qin's report that Xi Guifei was seriously ill and unable to preside over the selection of concubines, he issued an edict ordering Yu Fei to take charge, with Ning Pin and Gu Pin assisting, and temporarily entrusted the palace affairs to the fourth son Fuheng's wife Xiang.

  Xiang Li, different from Zhu Li, the decision-making power for important matters is still in the hands of Xi Guifei. However, everyone also knows that Xi Guifei is seriously ill and Si Furen is capable, during the earthquake in Beijing in the seventh year of Yongzheng's reign, she was able to manage the harem in an orderly manner, let alone on a peaceful day like today? It's just that Xiang Li is taking care of Xi Guifei's face.

  Yunzhu wouldn't be foolish enough to take on everything, not everyone wants to be a Wang Xifeng who is overworked and underappreciated. After receiving the imperial edict, she brought Ye Nianhua and Shang Nianhua to the Chengqian Palace to hand over to Qin Nianhua, saying in front of Xi Guifei who was lying on the bed: "According to reason, when the mother is seriously ill, the daughter-in-law should be by her side serving her at all times. However, this heavy responsibility entrusted by the Emperor, I really dare not neglect it, and some things that are not understood still need Mother's guidance."

  Xi Guifei listened to her and knew that she would still ask herself about everything after taking over the palace affairs, and would not take the initiative. A faint smile appeared on her slightly cold face. But Yunzhu's words continued, "Fortunately, there is still a Ce Fujun now, she can also help Wangye and his wife show some filial piety... Mother will get better soon, this selection of concubines still needs to rely on Mother to take care of it, and replace Wangye with several people who are willing to serve."

  Why should the high-ranking imperial concubine have to let that lowly maid servant attend to her personal needs? Xi Guifei didn't have the habit of putting people she disliked in front of herself, so she hastily said: "No need, I have Qin Yuye and Chunlan, Chunhui taking care of me..."

  "How can that be? Now that Mother is ill, how can we, as her children and daughter-in-law, not take care of her?"

  Won't let the son and daughter-in-law be filial? How would the emperor think of himself if this were to get out? Consort Xi's headache worsened, she couldn't ask Yunzhu, who was busy with palace affairs, to attend to her, lest others say she was being harsh. Wanting to counter Yunzhu's arrangements, she really didn't have the energy, "Just do as you like, just don't disturb me and let me rest."

  As for serving the illness, Gao Lü Wei was not dissatisfied, but instead felt that this was a good opportunity. She no longer thought that she could leave a better impression in Hong Li's heart and win his favor with naive ideas. She just wanted to let the emperor and more people know her virtues of benevolence, filial piety, bravery, and wisdom... This would consolidate her position.

  The next day, Korriye also followed Gao Lümi to Chengqian Palace to attend the illness. Unlike Gao Lümi, who was named by Yunzhu, she volunteered to attend the illness. "I, a concubine, also want to share some worries and hardships with Fugui, and do my best to help Wangye and Fugui." She didn't dare say anything about filial piety; after all, she wasn't yet in a position to consider herself as Xi Guifei's daughter-in-law.

  Yunzhu smiled lightly and said, "Then let's get up together."

  For nearly half a month, she took the two of them to Chongxi Palace every morning to pay their respects and ask about some palace affairs. After spending one or two hours there, she would leave Gao and Keliye behind to attend to Xi Guifei, while she returned to Qianxi to deal with palace matters and handle affairs in Qianxi.

  Although there are capable subordinates like Guo and Ye helping with daily chores, she still needs to understand the procedures, accounts, and rules for getting things done. Moreover, she should be familiar with new and old matters, and have a clear grasp of everything in her mind.

  Fortunately, she now has a super strong brain and doesn't have to work hard to do these things. After making some subtle adjustments, the atmosphere is clearer than when Concubine Jing was in charge.

  When the person below came to report, Yongzheng did not let Hongli avoid him. After the person retreated, he said in front of Hongli: "This daughter-in-law is not bad, right?"

  That was the first time in his life that he felt truly grateful to his father. Hongli smiled, "The Emperor's vision is always the best."

  That's natural, Yongzheng was somewhat pleased with himself, and then shook his head and cursed in a low voice, "Stinky little boy."

  Things you like should be hidden away, being so unguarded will only lead to the bitter taste of destruction by others someday.

  "When you have time, go visit your mother more often. Let Hongyu and Fu Heng take care of the matters at the Wu Bei Institute for now, and there are also people in charge at the Eight Banners' cannon factory and gunpowder factory, so it's not necessary to follow up every day." He too had gone through the age of vigor and blood, and was most familiar with the fact that men of this age loved archery, horseback riding, sword fighting, and now also guns and cannons.

  "Yes."

  Xī Guì Fēi had never been so seriously ill, except for that one time in the seventh year of Yōngzhèng's reign. Whether it was for Hónglì or because she was currently the highest-ranking concubine in the palace, Yōngzhèng needed to show her imperial favor and honor, so after relieving her of her duties as head of the selection of maids and management of palace affairs, he sent Sun Taìyī to Chéng Qián Gōng to examine Xī Guì Fēi, thoroughly silencing those who had been spreading rumors that "Xī Guì Fēi has fallen out of favor and the Fourth Prince will lose power".

  Sun Taizhen's diagnosis left Yongzheng momentarily stunned.

  Before, in the Chengqian Palace, whenever someone was unwell, they would always be examined by Imperial Physician Huang, who specialized in treating headaches. Moreover, Gui Fei's poisoning from "monthly grass" was too light, so it was normal that Imperial Physician Huang couldn't diagnose it. At that time, when most of the people in the palace had been poisoned by "monthly grass", he ordered the secret guards in the palace to secretly investigate the inner court, and also instructed his subordinates who were newly in charge of the Jiangnan silk workshop to secretly investigate the Gao family... Who would have thought that those adulterated tribute goods would also flow into the Chengqian Palace?

  Everyone has inert thinking, and the emperor is no exception. The clothes, shoes, and socks of the two empresses were examined and found to be fine. A concubine who was not as important as the emperor would not have been suspected... In fact, even if someone had thought of this possibility, Yongzheng would not have made a big show of searching for items in the Chongde Palace, which is the most closely watched place in the harem. Any movement would have spread rumors.

  He didn't make a big move within the Imperial Household Department, and he didn't take care of his family's affairs. This doesn't mean that there won't be a reckoning in the future.

  That batch of tribute goods with added moonroot grass was circulated within the Imperial Household Department to the two places in the west of the Forbidden City, and passed through whose hands, leaving aside the complicated power struggles inside, it can be said that everything is clear. However, the investigation in Jiangnan has not made much progress.

  This is clearly a case of all the evidence being suppressed. The goods were from Suzhou Weaving and Dyeing, and in recent years, it was always the Gao family who was responsible. Coincidentally, among so many people in the Western Palace, only Yunzhu and Gaoshi were unaffected by the poison of the Moon Root Grass. The suspicion on the Gao family is too heavy, and Yongzheng does not want to suspect Gaobin, but one day without evidence, the suspicion deepens, and the resentment grows heavier. Relying on the trust and power granted to him, he still dares to plot for personal gain. Who doesn't have a private heart? But turning around and using the things given to him against himself is a serious offense against the king! It cannot be tolerated.

  As the emperor, he would not allow any uncontrolled forces to exist in his harem. The appearance of "Moon Root Grass" poison in Chengqian Palace made it necessary to clarify its origin and development.

  Yongzheng found out within half a day that Xi Guifei was poisoned by the moonroot grass because she wore clothes, shoes and socks made by Gao Shi, Su Shi and others - many of which had moonroot grass fabric added inside.

  "The poison of the moonroot grass in the imperial concubine is not that deep, her headache is because she had a head injury before and didn't recover well; the chest tightness and nausea are...because she took too many tonic medicines, causing an imbalance. He checked the pulse records of Xi Guifei and those doctors also suggested that she eat some light food, but unfortunately, she didn't listen."

  Didn't raise him well? That's because he was in a hurry to seize power. As for taking too much tonic, Yongzheng's mouth twitched slightly - that woman had never taken tonic before or hadn't seen tonic before? She actually got indigestion from eating it, what a huge loss of face for her.

  "Since it's just excessive dry fire, adding some detoxifying and fire-reducing herbs to her prescription will do. Let's not tell her about this, or else the Fourth Mistress will be difficult to handle."

  "Yes, Your Majesty." The Emperor was indeed very fond of the Fourth Imperial Concubine, and even considered the consequences of Consort Xi's anger towards her after learning the truth. "What about the Fourth Prince?"

  "He has asked you to speak the truth." Yongzheng snorted, knowing his son better than anyone else. Hongli's love for saving face was even more excessive than his own.

  "Yes." Knowing the emperor's intention made things easier, and Sun Taizhen quickly retreated.

  The author has something to say: The following is the main body of the text:

  A small and unfavored prince, Ge Ge, fell ill, naturally no one paid much attention to him. Even Yun Zhu only casually instructed someone to invite the imperial physician and didn't care about it anymore.

  The palace has never been short of new topics, and on this side, the good news from Qianxi's two palaces has just spread. The high-ranking concubine of Jingyang Palace, Lu Guiren (Dong Eshi), also announced the happy news one after another. On the same day, Yongzheng issued an edict allowing Lu Guiren's father, Dong E, to inherit his brother's first-class marquis title, which was stripped in the 40th year of Kangxi. Everyone in the harem guessed that the emperor attached great importance to the child in Lu Guiren's belly.

  "I knew it was a bad omen to have children on such an inauspicious day, and now look what's happened! It's brought me nothing but trouble!" Empress Xi heard the news and her head throbbed with pain, she almost couldn't catch her breath. A set of intricately decorated tea utensils were swept to the ground.

  "...and it's all because of that wretched woman." Concubine Qin hastily helped her sit down on the couch. Imperial Consort Xi supported her head with one hand and pounded the couch fiercely with the other, "Huang'er hasn't died, and that lowly Li woman has managed to make the Emperor feel guilty, which means even the people in Zhongcui Palace will benefit from it..." Concubine An and Noble Lady Zhang were old hands in the palace, their beauty had faded and they had long been without favor or luck. She had actually forgotten about Consort Gao who had entered the palace with Yongzheng eight years ago, "If Consort Gao gives birth to a son, won't that wretched Li woman stir up trouble again?!"

  "Whatever are you upset about, High Consort? Even if she gives birth to a prince, it would still be of the Han military banner's bloodline. Not only is there no threat, but on the contrary, it would even benefit your reputation, Master. Think back to when Empress Dowager was alive, did this palace have so many consorts giving birth to princes and princesses? Even if Consort Qi were to raise him herself, it would still be the same. As for Master and Fourth Prince, there's no threat either. Taking a step back, even if the child grows up, that would take ten or twenty years' time. Do you think Consort Qi can live that long?"

  The spring peach beside him quickly swept up the ceramic shards and retreated.

  "I also know, I just feel suffocated." Xi Guifei panted, not only Fuca Fulinga but also Su Bao Rou showed a few points of displeasure. "What's going on with that Lu Guiren? Didn't they say she was hiding in the Jingsun Palace, frail and unable to see people?"

  "It was on the eve of the New Year that the Emperor went to Jingyang Palace to receive the gods, and within a few days, he had already granted her imperial favor." Qin Yuying grasped the source of information from Chengqian Palace, and all this was clear in her mind.

  "How could I have forgotten?" Xi Guifei frowned and asked patiently. This Lu Guiren is absolutely a great calamity, striking the snake without killing it.

  "You were having a headache back then, and you didn't even look at it before stamping the seal." Qin Mama was also puzzled. "Gao Mama had already tampered with the food and incense, but unexpectedly she still got pregnant." Her eyes gradually turned vigilant.

  Isn't it obvious what kind of person Empress Dowager is?! Consort Xi gritted her teeth, seething with anger. "It must be that the Geng family helped her in secret. All these years she's been opposing me at every turn, and has long forgotten the kindness I showed her back then."

  The mistress and Yu Fei were just Gege at that time, and they didn't have enough strength to compete with Fu Jin and the two side Fu Jin. This was a temporary alliance, not a long-term support. The mistress served the emperor well and got pregnant with the fourth prince first, successfully asking for the title of side Fu Jin. Later, she indeed favored Yu Fei, but Yu Fei also helped her a lot... These things are hard to explain clearly. Qin Mama thought: "Yu Fei is not that kind of person who always interferes, she has been friends with the mistress for many years, and the fifth prince and fourth prince have a good relationship, so she wouldn't offend the mistress and fourth prince for a noblewoman." She thought, "This might be a plan devised by Lu Guiren," her face showed a faint worry, "If that's true, we need to be careful."

  Chengqian Palace has a "killing son's feud" with the noble people of Lu.

  "Let her give birth! I want to see if this child can be born and raised. The Empress Dowager's eyes flashed with a cold, cruel light. After all these years, she wasn't without blood on her hands either. A mere Dong E and a Guiren weren't worth her personally taking action."

  Qin's nanny fell silent for a moment, then said: "I'm worried about the master's physical health. In the past two years, the master's headaches have become more and more severe, and the frequency of attacks has also increased..."

  Whenever it comes to Xi Guifei, I get annoyed. Who doesn't love being healthy and living a long life?! "Drinking this tonic soup every day, but my body hasn't improved much... Do you think it's the Yulan fruit that's the problem?"

  Qin's nanny was startled, and then calmly shook her head, "It's impossible. This high nanny had secretly investigated earlier. The yulan fruit that the Fourth Mistress gave you is the same as what she gave to the Viscountess and the King's Concubine."

  The Empress's face was gloomy, and she also felt that it couldn't be the problem of the jade orchid fruit. Could there be a problem with her own food? After thinking for a while, she had no clue, and her head hurt even more. She waved her hand, "Please call the imperial physician to take a look, I'll rest for a while."

  Qin's nanny helped her lie down and then called Chunhui to come in and press the brain hole for Xi Guifei, before letting eunuch Zhang Bao go and summon the imperial physician.

  In human world, April is the time when beauty fades away, but for the imperial palace, it's just the beginning of a more vibrant and flourishing beauty.

  The imperial harem is about to welcome new blood, and not only are the candidates nervous, but the consorts in the palace are also eager to compete. They adorn themselves with beautiful makeup, wear their most stunning clothes and accessories, trying to present their best side to catch the emperor's attention and gain his favor.

  The emperor, although advanced in years and famously devoted to his duties, was not particularly interested in beautiful women, but he was still healthy. Except for Li Guiren, who had been accused of treason and whose family had been destroyed, all the other concubines from the previous selection were pregnant one by one, each relying on their childbearing merits to advance in rank. Especially Lu Guiren from Jingyang Palace, this was already her second pregnancy.

  Whenever it comes to Rukui Ren Dong E's wife, no one is not envious.

  Although the first pregnancy did not successfully give birth to a prince or princess, Lady Rong was promoted from Answering Concubine to Noble Lady. The second time she became pregnant, before the child was even born, her family's title was restored and it was her father who inherited the title! Moreover, she had truly not received much favor, only a few times, yet she became pregnant twice, really making people envy and jealous.

  The humble Qian Gui Ren who lived in the Chengqian Palace was promoted from a low-ranking palace maid to a Gui Ren due to her merit of giving birth to the emperor's son... and as long as there is an imperial son, further promotion is only a matter of time.

  Yu Guifei of Yonghe Palace, Rong Gui Ren, Chang Gui Ren of Yanxi Palace...

  Those who don't have children want to have one, those who already have children want to conceive another... Give birth to a crown prince... Take advantage of the new imperial concubines not yet entering the palace to vie for favor, take advantage of Xi Guifei's illness and Yu Fei, Ning Pin, and Gu Pin taking charge of selecting the new concubines, they must seize this opportunity!

  The harem was in turmoil, but Yongzheng in the Qianqing Palace didn't pay much attention to it. After receiving Qin's report that Xi Guifei was seriously ill and unable to preside over the selection of concubines, he issued an edict ordering Yu Fei to take charge, with Ning Pin and Gu Pin assisting, and temporarily putting palace affairs in the hands of the fourth son Fuheng's wife.

  Xiang Li, different from Zhu Li, the decision-making power for important matters is still in the hands of Xi Guifei. However, everyone also knows that Xi Guifei is seriously ill and Si Furen is capable, during the earthquake in Beijing in the seventh year of Yongzheng's reign, she was able to manage the harem in an orderly manner, let alone on such a peaceful day?! It's said that Xiang Li is just for the sake of Xi Guifei's face.

  Yunzhu wouldn't be foolish enough to take on everything, not everyone wants to be a Wang Xifeng who is overworked and underappreciated. After receiving the imperial edict, she brought Ye Nianhua and Shang Nianhua to Chengqian Palace to hand over duties to Qin Nianhua, saying in front of Xi Guifei who was lying on the bed: "According to reason, when the mother is seriously ill, the daughter-in-law should be by her side serving her at all times. However, this heavy responsibility entrusted by the Emperor, I really dare not neglect it, and there are some things that still need Mother's guidance."

  Xi Guifei heard her say that, knowing she would take over the palace affairs and ask herself about everything, not taking the initiative to make decisions. A faint smile appeared on her slightly cold face. Unexpectedly, Yunzhu's words continued, "Fortunately, there is still a side concubine, Ce Fujun, who can somewhat help Wangye and his wife show some filial piety... Mother will soon recover, this selection of imperial consorts still relies on Mother to take charge, and choose several suitable people to serve."

  Why should the high-ranking imperial concubine have to let that lowly maid servant attend to her? Xi Guifei never had the habit of putting up with people she didn't like, so she hastily said: "No need for that, I have Qin Yuye and Chunlan, Chunhui taking care of me..."

  "How can that be? Now that Mother is ill, how can we, as her children and daughter-in-law, not take care of her?"

  Won't let the son and daughter-in-law be filial? How would the emperor see himself if this were to get out? Consort Xi's headache worsened, but she couldn't have Yunzhu attend to her as she was busy with palace duties, lest others say she was being harsh. Wanting to counter Yunzhu's arrangements, she really didn't have the energy, "Just do as you like, just don't disturb me and let me rest."

  As for serving the illness, Gao Lü Mi was not dissatisfied, but instead felt that this was a good opportunity. She no longer had naive thoughts about leaving a better impression on Hong Li's mind and gaining his favor. She just wanted to let the emperor and more people know her virtues of benevolence, filial piety, bravery, and wisdom... This could consolidate her position.

  The next day, Korileyte also followed Gao Lüwei to Chengqian Palace to nurse the illness. Unlike Gao Lüwei, who was named by Yunzhu, she volunteered to nurse the illness. "I, a concubine, also want to share some worries and hardships with Furen, and do my best to help Wangye and Furen." She didn't dare say anything about filial piety; after all, she wasn't yet in a position to consider herself as Xi Guifei's daughter-in-law.

  Yunzhu smiled lightly and said, "Then let's get up together."

  For nearly half a month, she took the two of them to Chongxi Palace every morning to pay their respects and ask about some palace affairs. After spending one or two hours there, she would leave Gao Shi and Ke'er Yuetuo to attend to Xi Gui Fei, while she returned to Qianxi Er So to handle matters related to the palace.

  Although there are capable subordinates like Guo and Ye helping with daily chores, she still needs to understand the procedures, accounts, and rules for getting things done. Moreover, she should be familiar with new and old matters, and have a clear grasp of everything in her mind.

  Fortunately, she now has a super strong brain and doesn't have to work hard to do these things. After making some subtle adjustments, the atmosphere is clearer than when Concubine Jing was in charge.

  When the person below came to report, Yongzheng did not let Hongli avoid it. After the person retreated, he said in front of Hongli: "This daughter-in-law is not bad, right?"

  That was the first time in his life that he felt truly grateful to his father. Hongli smiled, "The Emperor's vision is naturally the best."

  That's natural, Yongzheng was somewhat pleased, and then shook his head and scolded in a low voice, "You stinky little boy."

  Things you like should be hidden away, being so unguarded will only lead to the bitter taste of destruction by others someday.

  "When you have time, go visit your mother more often. Let Hongyu and Fu Heng take care of the matters at the Wu Bei Institute for now, and there are specialized personnel managing the Eight Banners' cannon factory and gunpowder factory, so it's not necessary to follow up every day." He also came from a young age full of vigor and blood, and was most familiar with the fact that men in this age group loved archery, horseback riding, sword fighting, and now had to add guns and artillery.

  "Yes."

  Xī Guì Fēi had never been so seriously ill, except for that one time in the seventh year of Yōngzhèng's reign. Whether it was for Hónglì or because she was currently the highest-ranking concubine in the palace, Yōngzhèng needed to show her imperial favor and honor, so after relieving her of her duties as head of the selection of maids and management of palace affairs, he sent Sun Taìyī to Chéng Qián Palace to examine Xī Guì Fēi, thoroughly silencing those who had been spreading rumors that "Xī Guì Fēi has fallen out of favor and the Fourth Prince will lose power".

  Sun Taizhen's diagnosis left Yongzheng momentarily stunned.

  Before, in the Chengqian Palace, whenever someone was unwell, they would always be examined by Imperial Physician Huang, who specialized in treating headaches. Moreover, Gui Fei's poisoning from "monthly grass" was too light, so it was normal that Imperial Physician Huang couldn't diagnose it. At that time, when most of the people in the palace had been poisoned by "monthly grass", he ordered the secret guards in the palace to secretly investigate the inner court, and also instructed his subordinates who were newly in charge of the Jiangnan silk workshop to secretly investigate the Gao family... Who would have thought that those adulterated tribute goods would also flow into the Chengqian Palace?

  Everyone has inert thinking, and the emperor is no exception. The clothes, shoes, and socks of the two princes were examined, but nothing was found to be wrong. A concubine who was not as important as the emperor would not have been suspected... In fact, even if someone had thought of this possibility, Yongzheng would not have made a big show of searching for evidence in the palace of Chengqian, which is the most closely watched place in the harem, and any movement would have leaked out.

  He didn't make a big move within the Imperial Household Department, and he didn't handle the affairs of the royal family. This doesn't mean that there won't be a reckoning in the future.

  That batch of tribute goods with added moonroot grass was passed around within the Imperial Household Department until it reached the Western Depot, going through whose hands, and aside from the complicated web of power struggles inside, it's all clear now. However, the investigation in Jiangnan hasn't made much progress.

  This is clearly a case of all the evidence being suppressed. The goods were from Suzhou Weaving and Dyeing, and in recent years, it was always the Gao family who was responsible. Coincidentally, among so many people in the Western Camp, only Yunzhu and Gaoshi were unaffected by the poison of the Moon Root Grass. The suspicion on the Gao family is too heavy, and Yongzheng does not want to suspect Gaobin, but one day without evidence, the suspicion deepens, and the resentment grows heavier. Relying on the trust and power granted to him, he still dares to plot for personal gain. Who doesn't have a private heart? But turning around and using the things given to him against himself is a serious offense against the king! It cannot be tolerated.

  As the emperor, he would not allow any uncontrolled forces to exist in his harem. The appearance of "Moon Root Grass" poison in Chengqian Palace made it necessary to clarify its origin and development.

  Yongzheng found out within half a day that Xi Guifei was poisoned by the moonroot grass because she wore clothes, shoes and socks made by Gao Shi, Su Shi and others - many of which had moonroot grass fabric added inside.

  "The poison of the moonroot grass in the imperial concubine is not that deep, her headache is because she had a head injury before and didn't recover well; the chest tightness and nausea are...because she took too many tonic medicines, causing an imbalance. He checked the pulse records of Xi Guifei and those doctors also suggested that she eat some light food, but unfortunately, she didn't listen."

  Didn't raise him well? That's because he was in a hurry to seize power. As for taking too much tonic, Yongzheng's mouth twitched slightly, did that woman not take tonic before or had she never seen tonic? She actually got indigestion from eating it, what a great loss of face for her.

  "Since it's a case of excessive dry fire, adding some detoxifying and fire-reducing herbs to her prescription will do. Let's just keep this between us, or else the Fourth Mistress will be difficult to handle."

  "I obey your orders." The Emperor indeed favors the Fourth Imperial Concubine, even considering the consequences of Consort Xī's anger towards her after learning the truth. "What about the Fourth Prince?"

  "He has asked you to speak the truth." Yongzheng snorted, knowing his son better than anyone else, and Hongli's love for saving face was even more excessive than his.

  "Yes." Knowing the emperor's intention made things easier, and Sun Taizhen quickly retreated.