Concubine of the Eastern Palace (Qing Dynasty Time Travel)

Several young eunuchs, with their sleeves tied up, were kneeling on the stone floor in front of Qianqing palace, scrubbing it vigorously back and forth.

Not until they had wiped away the traces of tears shed by Shang Zhi, Sol, and Concubine Hui—restoring the floor tiles of the grand hall to their original mirror-like shine, slippery enough to trip a passing fly—did they quietly retreat.

Inside the western warm chamber of the Qianqing palace, a harmonious scene of three generations under one roof, filled with paternal kindness and filial respect, was on display.

In the warm chamber, six elegant palace maids stood on either side of large square brass ice basins with beast-shaped handles, holding cattail fans. They continuously waved the fans, sending streams of cool air into the room.

Kangxi was seated on a cool couch, holding the two-year-old eldest son of the crown prince by his side. With a kindly expression, he asked, “Akedun, tell your Imperial Grandfather, did you have a good nap at noon? Did you drink your milk when you woke up?”

Akedun first turned to look at the crown prince. Encouraged by his father’s reassuring gaze, he replied in a soft voice, “In response to Imperial Grandfather, Akedun napped and drank milk.”

For a two-year-old child to speak so clearly was already quite impressive. Moreover, he had remembered proper etiquette, bowing loudly before entering the room and offering a series of well-wishes: “Greetings to Imperial Grandfather. Wishing Imperial Grandfather great health and fortune.” This thoroughly delighted Kangxi, who held him on his lap and sighed to Yinreng, “This child, you’ve taught him well.”

Akedun was not only the eldest son of the Crown Prince but also the first and only imperial grandson under Kangxi’s care (since the eldest prince’s household had recently welcomed yet another daughter, now with four girls in total. Kangxi had even criticized Yinzhi, saying he only bloomed but bore no fruit). This was why Kangxi had previously expressed dissatisfaction with the Crown Prince’s favoritism toward the Han woman, Lady Cheng, a Gege.

Fortunately, Akedun’s birth mother was at least of Manchu bondservant origin, which barely satisfied Kangxi.

Yinreng watched as Kangxi lifted the child up to tease him into laughter. With a sigh, he remarked, “Your son was raised at Imperial Father’s knee and learned the ways of the world thanks to your teachings. Now, in raising this child, I merely try to emulate Imperial Father in all things. Yet, I fall far short and often feel anxious, fearing I cannot be a good father.”

Kangxi, naturally stirred by memories, chuckled and scolded, “You weren’t half as well-behaved as Akedun back then. You pulled on anyone’s beard without hesitation, and not one of your uncles escaped carrying you on their back. If you caught someone, there was no way for them to escape.”

“That’s because Imperial Father doted on me,” Yinreng replied smoothly, intentionally evoking memories of their time together to prepare for what he would soon say.

Kangxi handed the grandson to his wet nurse and instructed Liang Jiugong to take the child outside to the open space to play with a spinning top. He then ordered the palace maids to brew a fresh pot of tea before speaking with some frustration to Yinreng about the day’s events:

“That Peng Jiang openly accused Shang Zhi in court today, and half the officials were fanning the flames. Truly infuriating! As for the misdeeds committed by Chief Steward Ling, I know full well what he has done. I can’t entirely blame him…”

The late emperor left behind an empty treasury. Without finding ways to gather silver, how could the royal family maintain its dignity? Where would the funds come from to suppress the Three Feudatories or deal with Taiwan? The Ministry of Revenue, while managing the nation’s finances, only allocated a fixed amount for palace expenses, often claiming poverty and providing nothing. Chief Steward Ling, though corrupt, was not disloyal. Without his efforts to scrape together funds from here and there, even the concubines in the rear palace might have lacked money for their cosmetics.

Kangxi had kept Chief Steward Ling and Cao Yin in the Imperial Household Department for over ten years precisely for this reason. But now, someone dared to use this matter to slap both him and the Crown Prince in the face—it was utterly infuriating!

Of course, Kangxi would never admit that his tolerance of Chief Steward Ling’s crimes stemmed from his habitual “leaving a way out,” even with his own sons.

Even though the Crown Prince had taken on regency, Kangxi was annoyed by ministers who flattered him day and night, eager to please the future ruler as if Kangxi’s days were already numbered. This had caused Kangxi to harbor some suspicion toward Yinreng. However, he never doubted Yinreng’s ability or character—this was all the fault of those wretched officials!

Especially since the Crown Prince had personally exposed the Ling family’s misdeeds and had willingly accepted Lady Shi as his wife, Kangxi’s fleeting resentment had dissipated. His Crown Prince was so respectful and now bore grievances silently—how could Kangxi continue to doubt him?

Hearing the cheerful shouts of the child outside—“Faster, spin it faster!”—Kangxi’s anger gradually subsided. Looking at Yinreng, who hung his head with a bitter smile and said nothing, Kangxi felt deeply remorseful. This time, his son had taken the fall for him, bearing the brunt of the blame.

“This matter will be handled by your Imperial Father. I won’t let you suffer in vain,” Kangxi said coldly.

Yinreng knew that those behind the scenes would soon face their downfall, but this wasn’t his ultimate goal. Lowering his eyes, he adopted a self-reproachful expression and said, “This is also my fault for failing to manage my subordinates strictly enough, allowing Chief Steward Ling to act so brazenly and cause such trouble. Imperial Father concealed the matter back then to save face for me. Now, being impeached by the censorate and worrying Imperial Father—this is entirely my fault…”

Kangxi patted the Crown Prince’s shoulder in reassurance, then suddenly asked, “And what about Master Cheng…”

Yinreng thought to himself: After all this buildup, we’ve finally reached the point.

He immediately put on a sincere smile and said, “Regarding the Cheng family matter, your son owes you an apology.”

Kangxi raised an eyebrow. “Oh?”

“The Concubine Cheng in my household is now expecting again. She has always served me dutifully and efficiently. However, her family background is rather humble, so I thought of elevating Master Cheng’s position. After all, he was once praised by you, Imperial Father, and his reputation as an official is excellent. It would also give Cheng some face,” Yinreng said casually, as if it were a trivial matter. “You wouldn’t know, but Cheng’s younger brother is also quite promising. Three years ago, at just twelve, he passed the xiucai examination, and this year, he’s preparing to take the juren exam. I feel that such talent shouldn’t go to waste.”

Kangxi nodded, not putting too much stock in Yinreng’s explanation. However, he now understood why Master Cheng had become involved in the matter! As expected, those opportunists targeting Yinreng had their sights set on the Crown Prince all along.

The anger that had just subsided flared up again.

Kangxi lightly tapped the table with his knuckles and glanced at his son. “Are you planning to elevate Cheng’s rank?”

Yinreng hesitated briefly but then smiled openly. “Nothing escapes you, Imperial Father.”

“She’s just a concubine. Even if she serves well, don’t get too attached,” Kangxi pointed out bluntly. “I can see you’re overly fond of her. Why insist on raising her rank? Simply reward her generously. Li is already useless, and now you want to establish a Side Concubine before the Crown Princess enters the household? How will the Crown Princess maintain her position in the future?”

Yinreng carefully explained, “Imperial Father is right. Your son has no intention of favoring a concubine at the expense of a wife. Once Lady Shi enters the household, I will certainly focus on her, ensuring she has the dignity and respect she deserves. However, while prioritizing her, others will inevitably be neglected. Although Cheng’s rank is low and may not seem important, I fear her children will suffer for it. With such a mother, they may be looked down upon. Elevating Cheng’s position is less about her and more about protecting the children.”

Yinreng deliberately downplayed Cheng and acted indifferent toward her. He wanted his father to overlook his true feelings, believing this would be better for Cheng in the long run.

Kangxi pondered for a moment and found the reasoning valid. After all, he had elevated Lady Uya to Noble Concubine De in the past for the sake of the fourth and sixth princes. Otherwise, those servants would have surely neglected the two children.

When Lady Shi entered the Crown Prince’s residence in the future, she might at most raise Akedun as her own. But a firstborn son from a Side Concubine was always different… A person’s energy is limited, and as Crown Princess, she would not only manage the household but also take on responsibilities for the inner court. It wouldn’t be suitable for her to take in all the children of the concubines. Besides, she would need to focus on bearing her own legitimate heir.

As for Cheng, she currently only had daughters, and it was uncertain whether the child in her womb was male or female. Even if it was a boy, a second-born son from a Side Concubine wouldn’t threaten the Crown Princess’ position…

The Crown Prince’s reasoning was sound. Cheng was insignificant, but the children of the Crown Prince could not be allowed to suffer because of her. After all, she had already given birth to the eldest imperial daughter and was now expecting again—a sign of her good fortune and fertility. Moreover, she was thoughtful and meticulous in her behavior, never causing trouble, and always knowing her place.

Because of his guilt toward the Crown Prince, Kangxi found himself seeking reasons to convince himself. Fine, this child had endured enough grievances. It was rare for him to ask for something directly, and this was not a significant request. Kangxi could not bring himself to deny him.

“Coincidentally, Concubine Yi mentioned earlier that the Fifth Prince wants to promote Liu Gege to the rank of Secondary Concubine. In that case, you two brothers can submit your requests to the Imperial Clan Court together. Let the Astronomical Bureau and Ministry of Rites choose an auspicious date and draft the documents.”

After much consideration, despite his reluctance, Kangxi finally agreed.

Yinreng was overjoyed! With Kangxi’s consent, Cheng could now openly and honorably stand by his side, free from ridicule and contempt. However, he restrained his excitement, only allowing a hint of happiness to show. “Thank you for your grace, Imperial Father. I will have Cheng come to kowtow and thank you. You may not know this, but she often sews clothes and shoes for me and the children. She even secretly asked about your shoe size and made several insoles for you. She didn’t dare bring them out and has kept them at the bottom of her trunk.”

Kangxi burst into laughter. “Were those the insoles in your hunting boots at the hunting grounds? She’s filial, and her hands are skillful. Yesterday, I ate one of her pancakes from the kitchen—a fish-filled one. It was quite good.”

If Cheng had eagerly sent the insoles to the Qianqing palace through Yinreng, it would have overstepped her role. As a mere Concubine, she had no formal obligation to be filial to Kangxi. Such eagerness would have annoyed him. However, her quiet consideration, expressed subtly, made Kangxi feel comforted instead.

The reluctance Kangxi initially felt about approving her promotion softened into a willingness. After all, Kangxi had always been stingy with promotions. Even the four imperial concubines in his harem had waited nearly a decade as lesser concubines before being elevated. Though he cared deeply for them, he had not been in a hurry to raise their ranks.

But the Crown Prince’s household was small and understaffed. Fine, fine! Kangxi decided to treat this as a favor to his son. The Cheng family might not be prestigious, but if the Crown Prince wanted to support them, so be it. Han Chinese families were no threat.

Kangxi instinctively separated the Crown Prince from the aristocracy of the Eight Banners. He did not wish to return to an era of shared rule with the Eight Banners. He refused to be beholden to anyone, which was why he had never allowed the Crown Prince to marry a daughter of the Eight Banners’ nobility.

This empire was his, Aisin Gioro Xuanye’s. He was not his predecessor and would not tolerate anyone interfering!

Meanwhile, Akedun was sweating from spinning his top. With no clothes for him in the Qianqing palace, Kangxi instructed Yinreng to take the child home for a bath and a change of clothes. “Don’t let him catch a chill.”

Yinreng complied, leading Akedun to kneel and bid farewell. As they were about to leave, the child, reluctant to part after playing at the Qianqing palace on a non-festival day, asked, “Father, can I come to visit Grandfather Emperor again?”

Kangxi’s expression softened. He picked up the child and held him affectionately. “Of course! Grandfather Emperor likes Akedun. You’re welcome at the Qianqing palace anytime!”

Yinreng, who had long lost such privileges, couldn’t hide a touch of envy and bitterness. He said half-jokingly, “It seems your son is worthless now, Imperial Father. Your eyes are only for your grandson.”

This amused Kangxi, who pointed at Yinreng and laughingly scolded, “No manners! You’re already a father, yet you’re still competing with a child for favor!”

Yinreng feigned regret for his “slip of the tongue,” but Kangxi seemed even more pleased. Holding one hand of Akedun and grasping Yinreng’s arm with the other, he personally escorted them out. Nostalgically, he sighed, “You… always spouting nonsense. When you were little, I doted on you so much that even the censors complained in their memorials, yet I remained stubborn! Who could ever compare to you? You’re my Baocheng!”

Yinreng’s heart trembled, and his eyes turned slightly red.

“Imperial Father…”

“Go back now. I still have state affairs to handle. Mingzhu has already drunk two pots of my finest Longjing tea in the side hall—I must stop him before he finishes it all!” Kangxi said with a faint smile, the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes as if carved by the blade of time. “Don’t overthink. Everything will be handled by me.”

At that moment, Yinreng let down all his guard and sincerely expressed his gratitude to Kangxi.

###

In the back chambers of Yuqing Palace, Cheng Wanyun stretched lazily as she woke from a one-and-a-half-hour nap. On the floor beside her bed, Wang Cai, her dog, stretched out his front paws, arched his back, and yawned deeply.

Human and dog both yawned simultaneously.

As Cheng sat on the bed, her hair messy and her gaze vacant, trying to regain her bearings, Bitao entered to draw back the bed curtains. “Miss, you’re awake? The mold you ordered from the Workshop has arrived! Would you like to try it out later?”

Cheng Wanyun’s sleepy eyes instantly lit up. “Yes! Call Eunuch Zheng over to help!”

Her takoyaki! She had been craving it for so long!

Although Cheng Wanyun had no idea how to make a takoyaki grill, she knew the general design—it was made of iron. Beyond that, she was clueless. The artisans at the Imperial Workshop, tasked with bringing her vague idea to life, likely found her demands so exasperating that their beards might have turned gray with worry.

Yet, according to Bitao, the master craftsmen at the Workshop actually liked her. After all, many of the artisans working for the Ministry of Internal Affairs also ran private workshops outside the palace. Her little inventions and novelties, once adapted and sold in the capital, had proven to be quite popular!

The improved baby chair and insulated flask were particularly well-received by the slightly wealthier families of commoners. Families with students preparing for the imperial exams found the insulated flasks especially useful. With the provincial exams approaching, many scholars had purchased these flasks to take into the examination halls, ensuring they wouldn’t have to drink cold water and risk falling ill. Wealthier families even used them to brew astragalus and ginseng tea for energy.

For this reason, Cheng Wanyun felt entirely justified in asking the Workshop for help. She hadn’t even charged them patent fees!

It had taken a whole month to complete the takoyaki grill. While waiting, Cheng Wanyun had instructed Eunuch Zheng to stockpile dried octopus in the palace kitchens.

Apparently, Eunuch Zheng had searched high and low for an entire month, eventually procuring some dried octopus from the Qingfeng Bureau. Fresh octopus was impossible to source. Even in modern times, fresh octopus was considered a luxury seafood item, and in the capital of this era, it was practically nonexistent.

In the sweltering summer heat, transporting freshly caught octopus from the sea to the capital along the Grand Canal was nearly impossible. Without immediate cleaning and sun-drying, the journey would take several days, and even with expensive ice preservation, less than a tenth of the octopus would remain fresh by arrival. Consuming such seafood could easily cause stomach problems.

Kangxi was known for his frugality, particularly during summer. The palace rarely stocked perishable seafood or river produce in this season, reserving such delicacies for the colder winter months.

Cheng Wanyun was already content with having dried octopus. She instructed Eunuch Zheng to pre-soak the dried octopus legs, blanch them, and dice them. She also prepared diced onions, shredded cabbage, batter, meat floss, and toasted seaweed flakes. Setting the takoyaki grill over a charcoal stove, she brushed it with oil and began experimenting with the cooking temperature.

The first batch was undercooked; the second was burnt. It wasn’t until the fourth attempt that she finally achieved relatively perfect takoyaki.

The round, golden-brown balls sizzled as oil bubbled on their crispy surface. Cheng Wanyun carefully flipped each one, sprinkled them with meat floss and seaweed flakes, and drizzled them with ketchup and mayonnaise.

Yes, she had finally succeeded in creating mayonnaise! After years of experimenting, she had perfected a recipe using egg yolks, soybean oil, vinegar, salt, and sugar. Although simpler in concept than ketchup, getting the proportions right had been a challenge. After six months of trial and error, she managed to replicate the flavor of Kewpie mayonnaise closely.

Her persistence had paid off! The Crown Prince had once teased her for never giving up when it came to food, even if she was willing to “slide to her knees” and concede in other matters. But now, she could savor the delicious combination of double sauces on her takoyaki!

One bite revealed crispy skin and tender filling, with the tangy and creamy sauces perfectly complementing the flavorful mix of onions, cabbage, and octopus. Even Mi Mi, her cat who loved fish, began pawing at her leg and meowing incessantly.

The aroma wafted out of the courtyard and reached Yinreng, who had just arrived at the entrance with Akedun. The mouthwatering scent was enough to stop the Crown Prince in his tracks.

There was no need for words—his beloved A Wan had made something delicious again! Yinreng quickened his pace, practically dragging Akedun behind him. The child, with his shorter legs, had to break into a jog to keep up, calling out, “Father!”

Yinreng turned to pick him up, noticing the boy’s unease in the unfamiliar surroundings. He gently ruffled his hair and reassured him, “You’ll like your Mother Cheng.”

Akedun nodded hesitantly, still unsure.

As they stepped into the back chambers, Akedun’s eyes widened in astonishment. He had never seen such a vibrant and beautiful courtyard. Pink and white climbing roses covered the walls, blooming into a sea of flowers under the bright sunlight. Below the floral walls were various camellias and roses in full bloom.

In the distance, there was an unusual, towering wooden structure painted to look like a little flying elephant. Akedun, being so young, didn’t recognize it as a slide or know what an elephant trunk looked like. But his instincts made him eager to climb the staircase and slide down the long slope.

Not only was there a slide, but Cheng Wanyun had also set up a play area with a large canopy, a sandpit, a rocking wooden horse, a swing, and a Disney-inspired mini-castle. The castle and slide were connected by a cylindrical tunnel. Children could crawl through the castle and slide down directly into the sandpit.

Instead of regular sand, the sandpit was filled with old beans discarded by the palace kitchens—soybeans, red beans, and black beans—which were much cleaner than river sand. These beans were regularly dried and replaced. A dedicated eunuch had even been assigned to manage the area.

This was the “play area” she had set up for E Linzhu and the unborn baby. E Linzhu could now play on the slide a few times with the help of her nanny! Each time, she would squeal and laugh in excitement.

The playground equipment was painted in bright, vibrant colors and adorned with flowers and animal designs, making it irresistibly appealing to children. Akedun could barely contain his excitement and began squirming in his father’s arms, eager to go and try it himself.

However, Yinreng held him tightly, and being in a new environment for the first time, Akedun was still a bit timid. He fidgeted restlessly and turned his gaze toward the other side.

To the left, nothing much caught his attention—a tall grape arbor with a small table and bamboo lounge chairs beneath it. These ordinary items failed to interest him, but on one of the lounge chairs lay a cat that seemed just as tall as he was! The large yellow-and-white cat sprawled on its back, belly up, its furry limbs spread out like a fluffy pancake.

The cat stretched long, looking like the noodles he’d eaten earlier that morning. Akedun thought it might even be taller than him!

The lounge chair swayed slightly, pushed intermittently by a large black dog resting its paw on the chair’s back. Just then, the dog stood up and fixed its shiny black eyes on Akedun with a watchful expression.

Startled, Akedun immediately turned his head and burrowed into Yinreng’s arms. He was a little scared.

“Wang Cai, sit down! You’re scaring the young prince.”

A clear, melodious voice, as soothing as a flowing spring, came from nearby. Upon hearing the voice, the large black dog obediently sat down. Akedun exhaled in relief and instinctively glanced back.

A young woman, no older than seventeen or eighteen, was walking toward them gracefully. Her thick, jet-black hair was tied into a simple bun. With willow-leaf eyebrows, almond-shaped eyes, skin as smooth as jade, and a slender figure, she carried an air of elegance. Her face was slightly flushed, accentuating her resemblance to a dewy begonia after a spring rain.

Akedun was stunned. Ever since he was born, the only people around him were plump, short nannies or emaciated eunuchs. When he lived in Lady Li’s quarters, she kept him strictly confined, never allowing him to leave the courtyard. This was his first time stepping into the back chambers.

During the New Year, Cheng Wanyun had just given birth and was in confinement, so he hadn’t met her then. Later, when he was moved to the new quarters in Chunben Hall, he was surrounded only by servants. Today was his first time seeing Cheng Wanyun.

At two years old, he might not yet fully understand the concept of beauty or ugliness, but children instinctively recognize and respond to it. Without any pretense, Akedun blinked his wide eyes and stared at Cheng Wanyun without looking away from the moment she entered the room.

Cheng Wanyun, on the other hand, felt incredibly self-conscious. Why had the Crown Prince suddenly brought the young prince over? He hadn’t even informed her in advance! Her hair wasn’t properly combed, her clothes weren’t changed, and she was still wearing an old, loose-fitting banner gown!

“The Crown Prince is back…” Cheng Wanyun cast a playful, half-accusing glance at him. “The young prince is here too. Come in quickly. I’ve just made something new, and it’s suitable for children as young as him!”

Yinreng gave an embarrassed smile. As soon as he returned, he couldn’t wait to come and share the good news with Wanyun. It also seemed fitting for Akedun to pay her a visit since they rarely met.

After all, once Wanyun officially became a side concubine, she would be Akedun’s proper stepmother. Yinreng hoped Akedun would grow close to and respect her. He didn’t want the tragedy between him and his eldest son to repeat itself with his other children.

Once Lady Shi joined the household, she would take over managing the inner quarters. If Akedun were later raised under the Crown Princess’s care, she, as the primary wife, would have the authority to decide how he was brought up. Even Yinreng would find it difficult to intervene in her decisions.

This period, then, was the best opportunity to forge bonds.

All in all, Yinreng was a little too overjoyed, and his happiness was plain for anyone to see. His open delight made Cheng Wanyun glance at him several times, puzzled by his almost giddy expression.

What was this? Had the Crown Prince gone out and found a pot of gold?