Chapter 21

Cui Mulin looked at his wife, Qinqing, who was already writhing in pleasure in his arms, and suddenly came up with a cunning plan.

Feigning affection, he said, “Qinqing, when we go to Jehol, we’ll need to rely not only on Dalang but also on you.”

Qinqing looked puzzled, “What do you mean? I am just a woman. What can I do?”

“When we arrive at Jehol Palace, Consort Kang will definitely host a banquet for all the ladies of the various families. You should find out what she likes and dislikes and flatter her accordingly. Since she is the mother of the Emperor’s eldest son, if you win her favor, it will be much easier for us.”

With the Dowager Empress and the Empress Dowager remaining in the capital, all the women accompanying the Emperor to Jehol will be under the highest honor from Concubine Kang, who will oversee the women’s events.

Cui Mulin then pushed his hardening member into Qinqing’s wet and eager body and continued, “Consort Kang though of humble origin is very proud. You need to seduce her and make her like you. If you succeed, Dalang’s future will be secured.”

Qinqing, deeply devoted to her husband, eagerly nodded in agreement.

Since the age of thirteen, Cui Mulin had indulged in his own pleasures, despite his handsome looks by contemporary standards. However, noblewomen had never shown him any real interest.

Qinqing, a concubine daughter from the Minister of Rites’ family, had a plain appearance but was known for her virtuous demeanor due to being raised by her stepmother.

The Marquis of Boling had hoped Qinqing would be a controlling influence on his son, but despite her good management of the household and harmonious relations with the family, she couldn’t change her husband’s lack of interest.

“Qinqing knew that Husband is deeply concerned about Dalang and is thinking of his future,” Qinqing said, her eyes shining with joy.

“Of course. Dalang is our eldest son, and we must plan carefully for him,” Cui Mulin gasped, “If you can win Consort Kang’s favor, everything will be much easier…”

Imagining Consort Kang’s stunning, curvaceous body beneath him, allowing him to do as he pleased, Cui Mulin’s arousal intensified. He thrust forcefully into Qinqing, savoring the pleasure.

In less than fifteen minutes, as the clouds cleared and the rain stopped, Cui Mulin, panting and exhausted, noticed Qinqing still feeling a bit dazed and disoriented.

Cui Mulin regained his composure and said, “Consort Kang seems to be very sensitive about anyone mentioning the Crown Prince in her presence, so Qingqing should be careful not to bring him up.”

Qinqing nodded, “I understand. My mother-in-law has warned me about this several times.”

“Do you know why Consort Kang dislikes the Crown Prince so much?” Qinqing asked, clearly confused.

Cui Mulin did not know. Since the emperor’s cousin ascended the throne, he imposed strict control over the palace, especially within the inner court and harem. Many rumors circulated within the palace but rarely reached beyond its walls.

Rumors suggested that Consort Kang Yu Yi, who has a strong aversion to the Crown Prince, would, after a satisfying meal, walk over to visit her very chubby son.

Renshou Palace and Luhua Palace are both in the Sixth Eastern Palace, just a short distance from each other, separated by only a few dozen steps on a palace road.

Nowadays, Consort Kang Yu Yi, unlike before, does not use a sedan chair. After finishing her meal, she simply walks over to her son’s residence.

Her son, with his facial features as delicately sculpted as if from jade, is remarkably chubby. His entire body is plump, and his round face is so bloated that it slightly sags, adding to his adorable appearance.

And the Crown Prince is extremely attached to her; if he does not see Consort Kang for a day, he keeps thinking about her.

When Kang Yu Yi arrived at the east wing of Renshou Palace, the nanny was feeding the Crown Prince meat paste soup.

Now that the Crown Prince is almost six months old, it’s time to start feeding him rice porridge, meat paste, and vegetable paste.

Kang Yu Yi took the silver spoon and fed him spoonful by spoonful.

The Crown Prince’s lower gums have started to show a few milk teeth, but he still swallows the meat paste soup as if drinking milk.

Before Kang Yu Yi could scoop up a new spoonful, he had already opened his mouth wide, eagerly waiting to be fed, with some drool at the corners of his mouth.

“Little glutton, what an appetite!” Kang Yu Yi teased, poking his chubby face.

The Empress Dowager, who had just finished her duties in the Buddha Hall, came over and said, “In a few days, we’ll be heading to the Jehol Palace. Consort Kang and the Emperor should visit the Crown Prince more often in these last few days. I’ve also sent for the Emperor to come by after he finishes his official duties.”

“Will His Highness not accompany us to Jehol?” Kang Yu Yi was surprised.

The Empress Dowager replied, “The Crown Prince is still under one year old and hasn’t been vaccinated against smallpox. He cannot leave the palace yet. The Empress Dowager and I will also remain here.”

Kang Yu Yi felt a bit sad and reluctant but realized that the little chubby prince was indeed too young for such a long and tiring journey; he might not endure it well.

The smallpox vaccination was crucial because, at the beginning of the dynasty, the smallpox plague ravaged the population for hundreds of years.

Later, the third Emperor Wenzong promoted smallpox vaccination by collecting scabs from smallpox patients, grinding them into powder, mixing with cooling herbs like ice chips and camphor, and blowing the powder into the nostrils using a bamboo tube.

Although some people did die from smallpox after a failed vaccination, the majority who were successfully vaccinated remained free of smallpox for the rest of their lives.

Once widely promoted and mandated for local households, smallpox was gradually brought under control.

Even the tribal leaders from the northern regions summoned during the Jehol tour had to have been vaccinated or previously infected with smallpox to get a chance to meet the Emperor in person.

As a palace maid of the royal family, Kang Yu Yi had been vaccinated as a child to be allowed to serve her master closely.

About half an hour later, the Emperor arrived and directly took the little chubby prince from Kang Yu Yi’s arms, holding him with one hand.

Previously, when Kang Yu Yi did not visit often, the little prince was very fond of his tall, imposing, but strong father, who would lift him high with ease. Despite his stern expression, his eyes were full of affection.

But now, with the fragrant, soft, and beautiful Kang Yu Yi present, the little prince immediately began to pout and cry as soon as he was separated from his mother.

Kang Yu Yi hurriedly approached to soothe him, saying gently, “Little Highness, be good and don’t cry. Mother Consort is still here.”

The Crown Prince was quickly comforted but continued to reach out towards Kang Yu Yi for a hug.

The Emperor adjusted his hold, positioning the Crown Prince to face Kang Yu Yi.

Seeing the mother and child so affectionate and harmonious, the Emperor felt a pang of softness in his heart.

After a while, he suddenly mentioned, “Regarding the Liao you mentioned last night, I have instructed someone to go and arrest her.”

【月醺阅读提示】本章内容仅供站内阅读，禁止批量抓取、搬运或未授权转载。