It is said that her appearance is 70% similar to that of the Virgin Queen Mother, but that is not entirely true.
The second girl and the imperial concubine are sisters from the same mother, but they are ten years apart in age. If they stood together, one might not recognize that they were sisters.
The biggest difference is in the eyes. The Imperial Concubine inherited her mother Hesheli's eyebrows, which are slightly upturned at the ends, revealing a bit of power inadvertently; the second girl has soft almond eyes. The older she gets, the more Tong Guowei sighs that these eyes are exactly the same as those of the Holy Mother Empress Dowager back then.
Therefore, the Second Young Lady and the Holy Mother Empress Dowager, the aunt and niece, only look 50% alike, but they both have a gentle, kind and natural demeanor.
This is also what the Tong family intentionally cultivated.
Everyone knows that the Virgin Queen Mother died young. When she passed away, the current emperor was only ten years old.
The emperor paid homage to his mother every year and wrote heartfelt elegy every year. Once, he sighed to his attendants, "The biggest regret in my life is that I wish I could be her lap and let her live a peaceful and happy life for half her life."
Because of his longing for the Holy Mother Empress Dowager, Kangxi loved the family of Tong Guogang and Tong Guowei as well, and made the direct line of Tong Guogang and Tong Guowei gradually prosperous and occupy a place in the court. He made his cousin the Imperial Noble Consort, acting as the empress and managing the affairs of the six palaces, and stuffed the children of the Tong family into the ranks of the Blue Feather Guards, among whom was the Imperial Noble Consort's younger brother, Tong Guowei's second son Longkodo.
If people have tasted the sweetness, why would they be willing to lose it
The Tong family had a queen dowager, and they also wanted to have a queen and become the maternal family of the next emperor.
However, the crown prince had already been appointed, and when the eldest girl entered the palace, there was also Empress Xiao Zhao in front of them to put pressure on them. They had no choice but to curb their ambitions, plan slowly, and wait for the future.
Not long after, Empress Xiao Zhao passed away, and the eldest girl, who was promoted to Imperial Noble Consort, was only half a step away from the position of Empress. However, the Imperial Noble Consort had been infertile for many years, so the clan members became interested and cast their sights on the second girl.
Unfortunately, the second girl was still young, so the plan of giving birth to a child for her elder sister to raise, like Concubine Yi and Noble Lady Le, was not feasible. Gradually, they became pleasantly surprised. This child... looked more and more like her aunt!
Considering the emperor's remembrance of the Holy Mother Empress Dowager, the elders of the Tonggiya clan made a decision to invite the old people who served the Empress Dowager in the past to train the second girl wholeheartedly, so as to prepare for the future and maintain the glory of the family.
Hesheli was somewhat reluctant, but was finally persuaded by Tong Guowei and acquiesced to the arrangement of the clan elders.
At this time, the Imperial Concubine lived far away in the palace and had not yet noticed the thoughts of the clan elders. She loved her sister sincerely and gave her rewards every now and then. In the 21st year of Kangxi's reign, the Imperial Concubine miraculously became pregnant. Seeing that their hopes were about to be fulfilled, the Tong family was ecstatic. If it was a prince, the second girl would not have to continue to "prepare for a rainy day".
Who could have imagined that, suddenly, the situation took a turn for the worse. The imperial concubine was plotted against, lost her child, lost her power, and her health declined, and the Tong family was seriously damaged...
No one could have expected it.
For the sake of the family, the only way is to stop the loss in time and find an opportunity to let the second girl enter the palace to help her seriously ill sister.
A few days ago, when Tong Guowei was playing a game in front of the emperor, he hinted at this idea. Unexpectedly, Kangxi politely declined: "Uncle, why don't you find a good man for your cousin? When the selection is held next year, I can also arrange a marriage for them."
Tong Guowei was quite embarrassed, but since the emperor said so, it would be difficult for him to force his younger daughter into the palace, right
Later he thought about it and felt relieved.
Ru Ying is already the Imperial Noble Consort, and her sister can only be a concubine at best. Even if the Emperor favors the Tong family, he will not make Ru Yue a concubine.
If two sisters hold high positions at the same time, the harem will be in chaos!
Looking back, he discussed it with the elders of the clan and there were only four words to come up with: wait and see, and make long-term plans.
If the Imperial Concubine can no longer hold on, then Ru Yue can take over...
Tong Guowei sighed and dispelled this dangerous thought.
He believed that he was not a heartless person. Even if the family's interests were more important, he felt guilty for his eldest daughter who had fallen into such a state. He thought that Ru Ying had a special relationship with the emperor, so it was not impossible for her to be reinstated.
Before the good news came, bad news came from the palace. The imperial concubine was detained in Chengqian Palace by imperial decree, and no one was allowed to visit her. There were rumors that the emperor was going to depose the imperial concubine!
Upon hearing the news, Hesheli's face changed drastically and she was extremely anxious. So was Tong Guowei.
At least the reputation was retained. If the reputation is gone, how can the Tong family keep its reputation? !
This time, the meaning of the word "detention" was enough to scare him.
Tong Guowei closed his eyes and remained silent as the lady's sharp questioning went straight into his ears. He was just getting upset when he heard the low and crisp voice of his second daughter. She also wanted to visit the imperial concubine in the palace.
"Ruyue, why are you in the front hall? You are really making trouble." Tong Guowei turned his head and pointed at her. After a long time, he sighed, "What a wild idea! What a wild idea! Your sister committed a serious crime, causing the emperor to be disrespectful of the old relationship. You can imagine what her mistake was! Your mother repeatedly sent a sign to the palace, but there was no response... What's the point of you going?"
He had a premonition in his heart, but he didn't say it out loud. If the Queen's calculations against Uya and the Sixth Prince were exposed, it would be no wonder that the Emperor was furious.
You know, the Tong family also contributed, and they were lucky not to be implicated. How could they get close to the emperor
Ru Yue opened her eyes wide and bit her lower lip: "Ama!"
From this perspective, the second daughter looked more and more like the Holy Mother Empress Dowager when she was young. Tong Guowei's heart softened and he could no longer say harsh words, "Listen to your father and go back to the yard, okay?"
"Father, it is human nature to seek benefits and avoid harm. I understand you." At this moment, Longkodo, dressed as a guard, strode over and looked at him coldly, "Something happened to the Imperial Concubine, and you were afraid of implicating the family. Secondly, you were guilty and didn't want to see the Emperor. Now you are scolding your sister. I think this is really stupid!"
Guilty? Stupid
This child dares to speak rudely to my father!
"You—" Tong Guowei pointed at his seventeen-year-old son, who looked very proud and dignified. He was so angry that he was about to die. "Rebellious son, what do you know? If you go to the palace to beg for mercy at this time and run into the emperor's wrath, the whole Tong family will be ruined. You said it so easily!"
Longkodo worked for the emperor and knew some of the details of the Lantern Festival banquet. Kangxi always valued this cousin, so he did not vent his anger on him when the incident happened. However, Longkodo could see that the emperor's attitude towards the Tong family had become much colder.
That is why Ama wants to win back the Holy Heart.
As people get older, they become more and more confused!
In the past, his sister wanted to change the Fourth Prince's imperial edict, which he thought was perfect. However, his father disagreed, and the family disagreed, just because they looked down on the Fourth Prince's status. It was really ridiculous.
Longkodo and the Imperial Concubine had always had a deep relationship, and he could not bear to see Tong Guowei's behavior of keeping himself out of trouble. With all the grievances gathered together, he sneered, "Father, you are so confused. Who asked you to come to the palace to beg for mercy? Now you should apologize! The Imperial Concubine made a mistake, but the Tong family is like a quail, not making any movement. Are you not guilty? Are you afraid that His Majesty will not be able to find out about you?"
After that, he turned to look at Ru Yue, restrained his sarcastic expression, and said slowly: "Sister, it is not unreasonable for you to want to visit. When father pleads guilty, the more sadly you cry, the better. For the sake of aunt, His Majesty will definitely allow us to see the Imperial Concubine for the last time..."
When he said the words "last meeting", Longkodo's voice was choked with sobs, "Father, which one is more favored by His Majesty, a loyal and righteous person or a cold and indifferent one?"
Tong Guowei listened, and his anger gradually subsided. He was stunned for a long time, and suddenly realized that Longkodo's words made sense.
Everything else is secondary. He was worried that Ru Yue couldn't meet the emperor. Isn't this a perfect opportunity
Just based on that face, the Tong family is invincible.
Watching the backs of her two children gradually go away, Hesheli was still wiping her tears. Tong Guowei snorted coldly, lifted the corner of his robe and sat down, and said irritably: "When will this rebellious son stop talking back to me?"
Soon, his irritability was washed away by his relief, and he murmured, "Madam, my Tong Jia clan has a successor..."
*****
Three days later, Yikun Palace.
A rich aroma came over him, and his slightly cool hands rubbed his temples. Kangxi was drowsy on the recliner, with the corners of his lips slightly raised. After a long while, he closed his eyes and asked, "Who did Xiuxiu learn this technique from?"
Yun Xiu paused. The male members of the Guo Luoluo family were keen on learning martial arts. This unique secret technique was well-known in the military camp and was specially used to treat bruises. She had seen it many times since she was a child, so naturally she learned a little bit of it.
Yun Xiu still feels scared when she recalls Tu Yue’s screams after being massaged by Sanguan Bao when she was a child.
But she is a woman with limited strength, and no matter how much she massages, she cannot achieve immediate results...
Thinking this in her heart, Yun Xiu smiled lightly and said softly: "To be honest with you, Your Majesty, the technique that I and Nanny Dong asked for advice on is just the right strength?"
The Emperor was extremely surprised that Concubine Yi could condescend to serve him personally. He was so overwhelmed with praise that how could he be so tactless as to find fault with her
He made up his mind that no matter how Xiuxiu massaged him, he would say yes.
Who would have thought that the strength was unexpectedly just right, making one's fatigue disappear completely, falling into drowsiness, and feeling so comfortable that one only wanted to sigh.
Kangxi slowly opened his eyes, held Yunxiu's hand, pulled her into his arms, rested his chin on her shoulder, and said with a smile: "Excellent, I couldn't be more satisfied."
Seeing Liang Jiugong and the servants all lowering their heads, Yun Xiu took a deep breath and smiled brightly: "Your Majesty!"
Kangxi knew that the woman in his arms was shy, so he always wanted to tease her. It was a rare sight to see a beautiful woman angry.
He was feeling happy when he heard Yun Xiu softly say, "Your Majesty, have you forgotten something? Today is the day when Madam Tong and the Second Miss enter the palace."
Kangxi was stunned, his face darkened, and then he explained: "Tong Guowei prostrated himself before me and pleaded guilty, scolding me for being unfilial, saying that he had no other request but to see my eldest daughter for the last time and make her life easier for the rest of her life."
Yun Xiu raised her eyebrows slightly. Her emphasis was on the three words "Second Young Lady". Did the Emperor actually explain the reason to her
She couldn't respond to this, so she just sighed, "The Imperial Concubine is seriously ill. If she moves to another palace, I don't know if she can survive."
"I have already issued an edict to demote her to a concubine. Xiuxiu should change her mind." Speaking of the Imperial Noble Consort, Kangxi's face was as gloomy as water. "So what if she can't make it? I have already shown mercy by allowing her to meet her mother and sister..."
Yunxiu was quite amused and confused. Why was the emperor angry again
"I am the one who talks too much," she kissed his cheek and said with a smile, "Let's not talk about it. The weather has finally cleared up, Your Majesty, why don't you accompany me to stroll around the Imperial Garden? I have been bored in the house for a long time."
"..." The emperor touched his cheek and immediately forgot his anger. He didn't know what day it was. After a moment, he said with a straight face, "Let's get going."
Although he had a stern face, the smile that could not be hidden was so intense that Liang Jiugong couldn't bear to look at it.
That day in the Qianqing Palace, the Emperor asked, "Which queen is the kindest?" The Fourth Prince mentioned Master Yi without thinking, and then after hesitating for a while, he mentioned Concubine Cheng.
Liang Jiugong knew that Concubine Yi already had two princes, so even if the Emperor was tempted, he had to give up the idea.
As expected, after being stunned for a moment, the emperor murmured "Chengpin" softly, but the Fourth Prince mentioned "Yi'eniang" without hesitation, which shocked him.
Since then, the emperor wanted to stay in Yikun Palace every day, and his love for Master Yi was indulgent. Just like now...
Liang Jiugong wiped his face and said, "Your Majesty, where have your wisdom and bravery gone?"
In the winter, all trees in the imperial garden were withered, only the plum blossoms were in full bloom. Yunxiu was wearing a moon-white long hair, and the emperor was wearing a dark casual suit. From a distance, they looked like a perfect couple.
Miss Tong's second daughter, Ru Yue, looked at this side from afar, with a look of joy in her almond-shaped eyes.
Soon, the joy faded away, and there was a lady following my cousin!
Taking a deep breath, remembering her father's instructions, a blush appeared on her face again. Ru Yue took small steps and mustered up the courage to step forward.
Kangxi caught a glimpse of a figure out of the corner of his eye and tried his best to suppress his surprise and excitement. Mother
No and no.
The dead cannot be resurrected, she is not my mother.
—The place where she was standing was where Concubine Ping was wearing a veil to seek favor!
Before Ru Yue could shyly call out "cousin", the sword was unsheathed with a "clang". Kangxi was shocked and angry. He pulled out the sharpened sword from the guard's waist and placed it across her neck.
Yun Xiu was stunned before she could react.
The emperor said coldly, "Tell me! Are you a human or a demon, or a spy who sneaked into the palace? Who gave you the courage to have such sinister intentions?!"