Jin Wang Dotes on His Concubine

Yaoniang sat on the kang, watching Consort Yong carefully pay her respects from above. Her emotions were complex.

Perhaps the initial impressions from their first few meetings were too strong. Consort Yong had always been an unattainable figure in Yaoniang’s eyes. She was bright and graceful, adept at handling all situations. Her face bore almost no signs of hardship. The qualities Consort Yong possessed were exactly those that Yaoniang lacked. Despite harbouring some aversion towards her due to certain events, Yaoniang couldn’t help but secretly admire her.

The person she once looked up to was now bowing before her. If Consort Yong hadn’t wanted to perform this gesture, there were countless ways to avoid it, yet she chose to pay a grand homage.

“Rise and take a seat.”

The three of them took their respective seats. The palace maids brought over some tea, while the atmosphere remained awkward. Nobody knew what to say until Consort Yong broke the silence.

“Empress niangniang is truly blessed. The phoenix and dragon twins symbolize prosperity and are an auspicious omen. Only someone as fortunate as you, empress niangniang, could give birth to such a blessing.”

Yaoniang smirked, “Fourth sister-in-law flatters me. Your words make me embarrassed.”

“The blessing of empress niangniang is worthy of such praise from a humble consort like me.”

Yaoniang glanced at Consort Yong’s face, a subtle observation she had been making.

Yaoniang acknowledged that she couldn’t reach the level of Consort Yong’s abilities, so she was curious about her intentions. Consort Yong, a woman of great capability, portrayed her expressions and tone in a way that conveyed sincere words, free from any falsehood.

Even Yaoniang couldn’t help but be captivated by her, though she remained cautious. She hadn’t forgotten the past: being tricked out of the manor, her Xiaobao being kidnapped, Xu Yanru’s schemes during her childbirth, and Wang Defang’s matter – they were all linked to this woman.

Yaoniang was simply curious about what Consort Yong intended to do.

After a while, Xiao Jirou and Qiao-shi exchanged a glance and excused themselves.

They didn’t even ask to take a look at the infants, wanting to leave together so as to prevent Consort Yong from bothering Yaoniang further. Unfortunately, Consort Yong showed no intention of leaving. Xiao Jirou could only pretend not to notice, saying, “Fourth Sister-in-law, let’s go. Her Majesty needs to rest after childbirth. It’s not good for us to stay here too long.”

“Seventh sister-in-law and Madam Shizi can go first. I still have something to discuss with empress niangniang.”

This statement was quite clear. Xiao Jirou and Qiao-shi were caught in a dilemma—whether to leave or stay. It was only with a reassuring look from Yaoniang that Xiao Jirou left with Qiao-shi.

Once they were gone, Yaoniang straightforwardly asked, “For what reason did fourth sister-in-law seek bengong out?”

Consort Yong smiled slightly, a hint of allure in her eyes, and with a slightly husky voice, she said, “Since empress niangniang asks, this consort won’t hide anything. Ever since Yong Wang passed away, as a widow, it is normal to stay behind closed door during the mourning period. While mourning for three years is proper, it may be impractical for Jing Ge’er and Shan Ge’er. So, this consort would like to request for empress niangniang to grant permission for Jing’er and Shan’er to resume their studies in the imperial study.”

Just for this?

Yaoniang couldn’t help but glance at Consort Yong, who appeared both respectful and honest.

Considering Consort Yong’s past actions, Yaoniang couldn’t agree right away. “Bengong can’t make decisions on this matter alone. Bengong will have to consult with His Majesty when he returns.”

“In that case, this consort will thank empress niangniang first.”

Consort Yong didn’t linger and bid her farewell.

Once she was gone, Yaoniang pondered the underlying motives behind Consort Yong’s actions. Indeed, Consort Yong had a history of scheming, and while Yaoniang usually avoided getting involved in external affairs, she knew some details about Yong Wang Manor through Emperor Jin’an. To be completely honest, Yong Wang wasn’t a very scheming person himself, so more than half of the handiwork by Yong Wang Manor carried traces of this woman.

This was why Yaoniang felt so wary of her.

The palace banquet lasted until evening. Emperor Jin’an returned to Kunning Palace, and Yaoniang shared the encounter with him.

“Your Majesty, do you think she has an ulterior motive?” Yaoniang inquired.

Emperor Jin’an let out a faint snort, a touch of mockery in his tone, “What motive could she have? Zhen has said it before – if she were a man, she’d be a formidable foe. But alas, she’s a woman. You need not think too much. She can’t stir up much trouble.”

As they spoke, a wet nurse brought Sanbao and Sibao over.

Emperor Jin’an, though not adept at carrying children, had learned through his experiences with Xiaobao and Erbao. He extended his arms to take Sibao, while Sanbao was naturally handed over to Yaoniang’s embrace.

Yaoniang looked skeptical.

Observing her reaction, Emperor Jin’an realized she would likely have interactions with He Wanyi in the future, so he offered some guidance, “This woman understands the value of timing and strategy. With Yong Wang gone, the foundation of his household is weakened. Even if she has ambitions, she’s like a drifting leaf without roots now. She’s well aware of how Zhen views Yong Wang Manor. That’s why she secluded herself from the outside world for so long, both to observe mourning and to distance herself from Yong Wang’s deeds.

“Now, appearing at this time, it is evident she understands human nature. During this joyful occasion, you will also be in a good mood. If she spoke up, it’s unlikely you will refute her on the spot to avoid souring the atmosphere. By letting you know, Zhen will also know. By achieving all this, she’s already fulfilled most of her goal because she has already predicted that Zhen would consent to this matter.”