Emperor Kangxi’s Test

After bidding farewell to Rujia, Murong went directly to Changchun Palace to pay respects to Consort De. Over the past month, Consort De had visited Murong several times. Murong clearly understood that Consort De had forgiven Rujia primarily to preserve her own virtuous image, yet Murong found it understandable, even believing this was the true nature of Consort De.

A pair of joyful, expectant eyes gazed affectionately at Murong's graceful figure slowly approaching. "Rong'er, you've finally fully recovered."

"My greetings to the Fourteenth Prince."

Seeing Murong's calm expression, a shadow briefly crossed the Fourteenth Prince's eyes. His heart felt as though it had been cut a thousand times. Murong, I've failed you. I fought against it, but it was useless. My wedding is fast approaching. I thought I'd never see you again. I'm already so relieved to see you recovered. Countless words flooded his heart, yet he dared not speak. Eventually, a thousand sentiments condensed into a simple remark: "You've lost weight."

Murong mischievously thought to herself, It seems you're the one who's gotten thinner, Fourteenth Prince. I've been eating and resting comfortably without duties. Outwardly, she only lightly lowered her head in silent agreement.

From inside, Consort De called, "Is that Rong'er outside? Come in quickly. What are you two whispering about out there?"

After exchanging pleasantries, Consort De sent the Fourteenth Prince away. Drawing Murong to her side, she gently said, "Rong'er, Auntie couldn't care for you properly, causing you to suffer. Your mother is very worried and secretly sent word asking if you could leave the palace. Since you've technically been eliminated, returning home would be appropriate. But a few days ago, His Majesty asked about you." Murong feigned shock immediately, despite her lack of surprise.

Consort De gently patted her, comforting, "Don't be afraid. Your reputation is so prominent that everyone in the palace knows about you. His Majesty intends to keep you here for future arrangements. Given your previous hardships, the noble consorts have all conceded. If you stay, you'll be given a suitable role in my palace. You won't suffer."

Murong smiled sweetly, replying, "With Auntie here, what could Rong'er possibly fear?"

As they spoke, a eunuch arrived, clearly not from Changchun Palace, carrying himself with an air of superiority. Murong guessed he was from the emperor's inner circle. Indeed, he greeted, "This servant pays respects to Consort De. May Your Highness be blessed."

"Hai Zi, rise. What brings you here?"

"Reporting to Your Highness, His Majesty summons Miss Murong."

Consort De and Murong exchanged a surprised glance.

Murong followed Eunuch Hai Zi to the Imperial Garden, where Emperor Kangxi sat leisurely in the Wanchun Pavilion, attended by several palace maids and eunuchs, with guards stationed further away. Murong knelt, saying, "Your humble servant Fucha Murong pays her respects to Your Majesty."

A refined, deep voice replied, "Lift your head."

Murong looked up, slightly astonished to see Emperor Kangxi casually playing with a music box. Glancing discreetly, she observed that despite his age, Kangxi appeared surprisingly vigorous, more like a man in his early forties than an emperor burdened with state affairs. Yet, his commanding confidence was unmistakable.

"You are Murong?" Emperor Kangxi set down the music box, scrutinizing her carefully. "Who could imagine your father would produce such a daughter?"

Without waiting for Murong's reply, he dismissed the attendants with a wave. Standing, he said, "Walk with me." Murong quickly rose, following closely behind with a eunuch at her side—whom she correctly guessed to be Li Dequan. As anticipated, Kangxi turned back, instructing, "Li Dequan, wait here."

Maintaining a composed demeanor, Murong continued walking humbly behind him, adopting the delicate, respectful bearing expected of a court lady. Emperor Kangxi paused before several bamboo stalks, gently caressing their leaves as he asked softly, "I heard you were poisoned?"

"Your Majesty is perceptive. This servant knows little about it. I became unconscious after mistakenly consuming medicine, and due to my inherently weak constitution, I couldn't endure it."

Kangxi chuckled coldly, suddenly raising her chin with his hand. "I rarely intervene in harem affairs, but some things inevitably reach my ears. That Han Feng truly lives up to his reputation as a skilled physician, worthy of the Third Prince's repeated recommendations. I heard you already had a connection?"

Murong now truly understood the phrase, "The emperor's intentions are unfathomable." The man before her was certainly not someone to underestimate. How much does he actually know? Feeling slightly uneasy with her chin in his grasp, she tilted her head slightly, explaining softly, "Lord Zhou once saved my life. Before entering the palace, I fell gravely ill and was fortunate to recover thanks to his exceptional skills. I did not expect to owe him another debt within the palace."

Kangxi smiled faintly. "Indeed, a miraculous healer. Many maidens have died from poisoning, but few have survived. He truly deserves his reputation."

He softly stroked her face, murmuring, "Such breathtaking beauty; it would have been a tragedy if you had died." Slowly releasing her, he watched closely for her reaction.

"I've also heard you've captivated several of my sons. Very well, I shall indulge them. They can see you daily instead of begrudgingly visiting their aging father. Go back and pack your things. Tomorrow you shall begin serving in Qianqing Palace."

"This servant obeys. Thank you for Your Majesty's kindness."