Refuse

  It wasn't until mid-September that the aftershocks almost completely stopped, and the rebuilding of houses was basically completed. The people in the back palace moved into their new homes one after another, with those like Mingfei who had higher status moving in a bit later.

  Wuya's pregnancy has been smooth sailing, despite a few unexpected events that she managed to resolve quietly. Mingfei watched from afar, neither intervening nor intentionally stirring up trouble. Yihuan had indeed made a few underhanded moves, but the more she did so, the angrier she became. There were even several instances where it was said that due to Yu Zhen's actions, Wuya experienced some fetal movement and had to summon the imperial physician multiple times.

  Hui Bin and Rong Bin are much more low-key, at most they just muddy the waters and secretly stir up trouble.

  Mingfei hasn't moved back yet, and at night she still takes Abao to sleep. Taking advantage of the quiet night, she takes Abao into space. The eleven-month-old Abao can already make a few simple sounds, and due to the spatial reasons, he can even walk a few steps on his own without Mingfei's hands.

  Mingfei sat on the grass, behind her was a dense forest, and beside her was a clear river flowing by. She stretched out her hand to Abao: "Come, come over here to Mom!"

  Fluffy excitedly ran around Abao in circles, Abao wanted to walk towards Mingfei but also wanted to grab Fluffy's tail, so she bit her finger and stood still, unable to decide what to do for a while, then looked at Mingfei for help.

  Ming Fei smiled a bit mischievously: "Mother won't interfere, you decide for yourself. If you want Mother to hold you, come to Mother. If you want to play with Mao Mao, go chase after him."

  A Bao listened and understood, pouting her small mouth accusingly, clearly spitting out a word: "Bad!"

  Ming Fei laughed with a backward lean: "Sister-in-law is really bad, what can you do?"

  Abao's dark and shiny eyes almost welled up with tears, looked at Maomao who was sticking out his tongue and wagging his tail, and finally took small steps to walk towards Mingfei.

  A Bao walked slowly for a few steps, just as he was about to grab Min Fei's hand, Min Fei suddenly took a few steps back. A Bao was stunned, then continued walking forward, repeating this process several times until A Bao finally got angry and sat down on the ground with a thud: "No!"

  Mingfei stood aside and smiled lightly: "No? If you don't let Mother hold you, then sit here. Mother will go inside the house to sleep."

  Watching Mingfei turn and leave with her eyes wide open, Abao finally cried: "Liang! Liang!"

  Mingfei walked away, and Mao Mao immediately followed. Little Abao sat on the ground crying for a while, seeing that Mingfei didn't intend to pay attention to her at all, but instead stood still without moving forward, holding onto the railing beside her to get up, and then slowly moved towards Mingfei's direction.

  When Mingfei turned around, Xiaobao immediately showed a flattering smile, hoping that Mingfei would come and pick him up, but Mingfei still stood in place.

  Sunlight poured down from above, as if an angel with golden wings enveloped little Abao inside. Abao walked carefully, one step at a time, each step seemingly on Mingfei's head. She would rather her son not have a happy childhood than have him grow up to be ruthless and merciless. The children of the harem had to learn first and foremost to endure. A person with aspirations must always know what they need most and understand how to make sacrifices.

  Ah Bao finally grabbed Ming Fei's pants and laughed excitedly.

  Mingfei bent down and picked up Abao, kissing the slightly reddened cheek that had been crying: "Abao is a good child. It's Mother who is not good."

  Abao was overjoyed and nestled in Mingfei's arms, hugging her neck and shouting "Liang" nonstop.

  Mingfei carried him towards the house: "Does Abao want to eat apple puree? Mother made it for Abao."

  A Bao started showing off again, one hand directing Ming Fei to hold him and take a stroll in the woods, while his mouth still expressed his own wishes: "Want!"

  Mingfei found it somewhat amusing that Ah Bao's natural temperament could make him forget his pain and move on so easily.

  She herself hadn't been into the woods for several days, so she turned around and walked back: "Alright, Mother will take Abao to have a look around."

  Abao jumped into Mingfei's arms and kissed her face, Mingfei was so delighted by her son's adorable behavior that she squeezed Abao tightly in her arms, until Abao couldn't bear it anymore, pouting and burying his little face in Mingfei's chest.

  The weather is gradually cooling down, which greatly reduces the possibility of a large-scale outbreak. Mingyue's situation has not improved, but Amuru has taken the lead and left first. Mingfei deliberately sent someone to burn incense and returned to say that Qingfu declared in the mourning hall that he would not marry for ten years. The people from Amuru's maternal family felt a bit uneasy and tried to comfort him on the spot, but still couldn't change his mind.

  He Xieri was almost faint with rage.

  In Mingfei's memory, Qingfu has always been a gentleman-like figure, as fragrant as orchids, unwilling to be bound by worldly conventions. He was unwilling to get married, and how could he not be unwilling to take on the burden of the Tong family?

  Mingfei sighed and said, "Wang Ayi, you go back and pass on a message, just say 'a forced melon is not sweet', if she's really unwilling then that's fine, Long Keduo will do."

  The old woman said worriedly: "Madam has been thinking about the master a lot lately, this time she must be very angry."

  "Who says it's not, take some good medicine with you, and persuade your mother well. There is more than one son, we have to look forward, it's better for Qingfu to do so rather than doing something else that's out of line."

  Qing Fu had already thought of eloping once before. If it weren't for He Sheng Li threatening to die, who knows where Qing Fu would be now?

  The queen mother nodded in agreement.

  Watching Wang's nanny go down, Mingfei thought about other things in her heart. Lan Xiang's marriage was set for March 19th, and she should also make a few exquisite pieces of jewelry for Lan Xiang. Abao's first birthday party is just around the corner, what kind of thing should Abao grab to be most suitable?

  Mingfei thought Abao had also woken up, and then heard Kangxi award another large basket of tribute oranges.

  The Taiwan matter is still in preparation, but due to the sudden major earthquake, it has been slightly stalled. Now it has been formally brought up again. Li Guangdi is the main pro-war minister, while Mingzhu and others have expressed opposition. The country's disasters are endless, and there isn't much energy to care about that tiny island.

  The debate on the imperial court was quite fierce, Kangxi's temples were also painful, and because both sides had their reasons, there was no final decision to conquer Taiwan or not.

  The reward for Mingfei had just arrived when another decree from the Kangxi Emperor came, summoning all the consorts to go to the Imperial Garden to admire the Osmanthus flowers.

  Kangxi was somewhat annoyed and called on his consorts to accompany him for a stroll in the garden.

  Men love beautiful women, it's nothing special, but when they're together, it's a wonderful and proud thing to see, this is the inferiority that men can't change for thousands of years.

  Pei Huan smiled and helped Pei Yu and others change Ming Fei's clothes: "The emperor hasn't seen the master for several days, today the master can dress up properly."

  Pai Yu rummaged through the dresser and found a golden hairpin with a jade plum blossom that Kangxi had once given to Ming Fei: "Master likes this hairpin, the Emperor saw it and liked it too."

  Mingfei looked as calm and collected as ever, but if one looked closely, they could see the chill in her eyes.

  She could stay in the harem only because she had no other choice, she was willing to perfectly play a role just because she felt that she still had some dignity left, and she could still live. But this time, she only felt like a man's object, a beautiful object, which could be taken out and displayed when liked, and placed among many objects. She felt at this moment that she couldn't even be considered human.

  She had to clench her fists tightly in order to hold back her sorrow and anger.

  The sky in autumn is always a distant blue, so clear that you can't even find a wisp of cloud when looking at it, but Mingfei always feels that the blue color at this time is melancholic. The afternoon sun cast a layer of gold on the wood sorrel tree, and the lotus flowers in the pond had already fully bloomed and withered, because Mingfei said to "keep the remaining lotus to listen to the sound of rain", the pool full of withered branches and leaves made the autumn flavor even thicker.

  She pushed open the window, and even smelled the faint scent of osmanthus, which must have been golden and blooming in a large area, just right for making some soft and sweet osmanthus cakes. She might also be able to move some into space, so that the quality of the osmanthus would be even better.

  "Master, it's almost time, can't let the Emperor wait, right?"

  Yes, that is the Emperor, everyone in the world is his servant, what is she? She is just a grain of sand in the vast ocean, tiny like an ant.

  She withdrew her gaze and said faintly, "Go and call a imperial physician for me. Then go and give an explanation to the Emperor, just say that I am not feeling well and fear that if I were to attend, I would bring illness to the Emperor. Please ask the Emperor to excuse me."

  The imperial concubine always had one or two pills in her hand that could cure illness, but she also had them and it was the first time she used them.

  "Master, what's going on now?" Pei Huan asked in surprise.

  Mingfei turned around and walked in: "You don't have to ask, just do as I say." She just didn't want to force herself to stay in this place.

  Kangxi took a dozen or so concubines to the Imperial Garden, where they strolled around. From afar, the fragrance wafted up to their noses. Kangxi looked relaxed, and someone dared to say a few playful words. The emperor smiled, and the beauties behind him followed suit, giggling together. The Imperial Garden lit up a bit more.

  Before Kangxi could send someone to ask if Mingfei was okay, the eunuch beside Mingfei replied to Kangxi: "The master is a bit chilled today and has been having headaches. This afternoon, he felt his body ache all over, so he called for the imperial physician to come and take a look. Indeed, it turned out that the master had caught a cold. The master said that he didn't dare to pass on his illness to Your Majesty and didn't dare to come over, and begged Your Majesty to forgive him."

  Although wind and cold illnesses are not minor, they can also be major. Kangxi was still very concerned about Mingfei: "Did the imperial physician say whether it's serious or not?"

  "The emperor's illness is not very serious, and he will recover after taking a few doses of medicine."

  Kangxi paused for a moment and said: "Very well, I'll go with you to see the Imperial Consort."

  Some people have no hesitation in thinking that getting sick is actually a trick of the imperial concubine to retreat and advance, just wanting the emperor to accompany her alone.

  Rong Gui anxiously said: "I'm worried, I'll follow the Emperor to take a look at the Noble Consort. If there's anything I can do, I'd be happy to lend a hand."

  Huier nodded in agreement: "The slaves can still serve the noble princess well."

  Kangxi looked back and said: "Rong Gui Ren and Hui Gui Ren will follow me, the rest of you can withdraw."

  Mingfei lay on the kang bed, wearing a light-colored undergarment, her cheeks pale and looking delicate and pitiful. Kangxi's voice involuntarily softened: "How can you be so careless? You're not a child anymore, yet you still don't know how to take care of yourself. Is it that the people below are not diligent enough?"

  Mingfei coughed lightly: "These past few days, the weather has been cold and hot, it's just that I wasn't careful enough myself, it doesn't concern anyone else. It's just that my body isn't feeling well now, if Your Majesty waits for too long, I'm afraid I'll pass on the illness."

  Kangxi disapprovingly said: "I am in good health, where is it said that just because you say so, it can be done? You speak, but I still have some misgivings."

  Hee Bin and Rong Bin felt a sour taste in their hearts, saying that they were favored but couldn't compare to the Imperial Consort. When had the Emperor ever spoken to them with such affection? Not to mention not caring whether they would contract an illness or not, insisting on staying by his side.

  Mingfei turned her head and said to the two of them: "I just have a small illness, I shouldn't let the two sisters come over and trouble themselves, this is my fault."

  The two busy people bowed to Mingfei, and Rong Gui said: "What is the noble concubine saying? Serving the noble concubine is what we slaves should do. How can there be any hardship in this? The noble concubine is being too kind to us slaves."

  Ming Fei smiled and coughed again.

  Kangxi hastily stretched out his hand and patted her back: "But have you taken your medicine?"

  Ming Fei shook her head: "It's just getting started."

  Kangxi turned around and instructed Li Dequan: "Go get some of the donkey hide gelatin and dates from Shandong that were brought over earlier for Empress Nian."

  Mingfei got up to thank him, but Kangxi pressed her down: "Don't get up, you're weak now, and this empty courtesy is not necessary."

  Ming Fei smiled weakly.

  Kangxi looked at her pitifully, originally intending to reach out and touch her cheek, but probably remembering that there were still Rong Bin and Hui Bin behind him, the hand he stretched out only patted Mingfei's shoulder.

  Mingfei was just a little confused for a moment, she lay in bed and thought quietly for a while, suddenly feeling a bit funny. The so-called dignity was what kind of dignity, as a modern woman, the bottom line she had always insisted on had actually been trampled underfoot long ago, it was just going to play in the garden, which really didn't count as anything.

  Kangxi watched as Mingfei took the medicine and then fell asleep before getting up to leave, but he didn't plan on taking Rong Bin and Hui Bin with him: "The Empress's body is not comfortable, you two will stay here to serve her today. If you serve well, I will reward you."

  Both of them bowed their heads in gratitude.

  Changchun Palace, due to Mingfei's presence, exudes a modern sense of simplicity and does not appear as elaborate and luxurious as other palaces. However, every detail is exquisite. It is said that Rong Fei and Hui Fei serve Mingfei, but in reality, they would not be doing such tasks even if they were promoted to the rank of fei. Kangxi simply showed his attitude of valuing them highly.

  Rong Bin and Hui Bin sat in the outer room and looked around.

  Rong Gui smiled and said, "The Long Spring Palace of the Noble Consort is really too simple. I think that everything in Yi Gui's palace is more resplendent than what's in the Noble Consort's palace."

  "She's just a concubine, how can she compare to the noble consort? Just looking at her finery, what use is it? I am but a slave, after all."

  Rong Gui's eyebrows slightly raised, her tone unchanged: "Who says it isn't? She probably thinks she's very impressive herself." Her voice suddenly dropped, leaning in towards Hui Gui: "You don't know, I saw something not suitable for a Gui at her place the other day. Guess what she said when I asked her?"

  Hee-bin looked at him with interest and lowered her voice: "What did you say?"

  "It's said to be a reward from His Majesty!"

  "Who doesn't have a few things bestowed by the Emperor these days? Why be so arrogant? I don't believe the Emperor would bestow such things on her, the Emperor wouldn't break the rules like that."

  Rong Pinniang nodded in agreement: "I think so too."

  Mingfei lay on the bed with her eyes closed, listening to Changyao repeat their conversation word for word. She smiled slightly and said, "Don't mind what they say." It was just a way to deceive Yihuan, hoping that Mingfei would get rid of Yihuan after verifying the truth, either out of unhappiness or anger.

  She waved her hand: "Let them two go back, no need to wait on me anymore."

  She was also quite tired from all the commotion today.

  She thought she was ill and didn't plan to see Ah Bao, but Ah Bao had never been apart from Ming Fei for so long, especially after staying with Ming Fei at night. When Ah Bao was carried in by the nanny, he cried breathlessly, and when he saw Ming Fei, he became even more pitiful, stretching out his small hands to be held by Ming Fei. As soon as he entered Ming Fei's arms, he tightly wrapped himself around Ming Fei's neck, burying his face in the crook of Ming Fei's neck.

  Mingfei patted Abao's little butt: "What's wrong? Your mother didn't abandon you, why are you crying so sadly?"

  Abao's little head rubbed back and forth on Mingfei's cheek, his two hands grasping Mingfei's ears.

  Mingfei's sadness was dispelled by Abao's actions, and she couldn't help but laugh: "What's wrong with you, child? Abao is Mama's good kid, Mama won't abandon Abao, what is there to be afraid of?"

  She hugged her son and kissed him.

  You are the most reluctant flesh and blood that Mother has had since you came into this world. Even if the world doesn't want Mother, Mother can't do without you.

  She hummed a soft lullaby to Abao, gently patting his back, and Abao obediently lay on Mingfei's shoulder, soon closing his eyes.

  She had no reason to sleep with Abao now, let alone she was still ill outside. She coaxed Abao to sleep and then used a wet handkerchief from the space to wipe his hands and face before letting Naiya take him down.

  Pei Yu brought up the well-cooked medicine, and Ming Fei frowned as soon as she smelled the aroma. Wang Nai Nai said: "Master doesn't like drinking medicine anyway, why bother today?"

  It's also, what's the point of this, suffering from all the fuss is still herself. She helplessly sighed: "Nanny said it was true, what's the point? Right, Mother really doesn't mind?"

  The queen lightly blew on the medicine: "It's just right at this time, Master should drink the medicine first before talking."

  Mingfei furrowed her brow and took the medicine.

  "The wife was quite angry, but the husband had never been willing to be the head of the household. This time, something like this happened again, and it seemed that the wife had come to a realization, saying 'let's just do things the way the husband likes'."

  "Have you seen your grandfather?"

  "After seeing him, the old master was fine except for not looking too good. He listened to the host's words and sighed, saying that he didn't think anyone understood him as well as the imperial concubine did, and said that he wouldn't do anything out of line, asking the imperial concubine to rest assured."

  Mingfei sat against the pillow, hesitating and refusing to take her medicine.

  The old woman Wang coughed softly: "Master, it's time to take your medicine."

  Mingfei's face scrunched up even more, pinching her nose as she took a deep breath and swallowed it down. The attendant beside her hastily handed over the honey dates bestowed by Kangxi to Mingfei's lips, and only then did the sweet flavor of the dates slightly alleviate the bitterness in her mouth.

  It wasn't until a while later that Ming Fei's discontented voice was heard: "How can this medicine be so bitter? Is the imperial physician doing it on purpose?"

  Pei Huan said in surprise: "This medicine is not very bitter, is it?"

  Mingfei took a look at the remaining medicine and handed it over to Peihuan: "You try some."

  Pei Huan hastily took a sip and suddenly changed color: "This medicine is no good, Master, spit it out quickly!"

  Mingfei's hand shook and she began to induce vomiting without thinking, fortunately it was just after drinking, almost all of it came out.

  Pai Huan was so frightened that he went to invite a doctor.

  Ming Fei's face was pale, and she lay weakly on the couch, taking the water handed over by Wang Nian, secretly replacing it with spatial spring water. As soon as she took a sip, her stomach reacted.

  The imperial physician arrived when Mingfei had just finished using the restroom. Since it was already nighttime, the palace gates were also locked. Mingfei's side called for the imperial physician and still startled Kangxi, who specially sent someone to inquire about the situation.

  The eunuchs tidied up the inner chamber, slightly lit some incense and put down the bed curtains. The imperial physician carefully took Mingfei's pulse.

  Wang's tense hands were sweating, staring at the imperial physician without blinking.

  The imperial physician furrowed his brow and examined him several times, but the more Wang's nanny looked at him, the more anxious she became: "What serious illness could he have?"

  The imperial physician went back and forth, but couldn't find any pulse that could explain the reason for Fei La's diarrhea. Not saying anything seemed unreasonable, so he forced himself to say: "Your Highness has a weak spleen and stomach, and on top of that, the food from last night hasn't been digested yet, which is why you have diarrhea. I'll prescribe some medicine for Your Highness, and after taking it, you should be fine."

  Mingfei sat in the tent and hummed: "You are a royal physician, not a swindler on the streets. When did I ever have a weak spleen and stomach? None of the other physicians said so, why do you say that now? Don't make up nonsense, just tell me what you can see from my pulse. Is there anything abnormal?"

  The imperial physician was sweating profusely after being scolded by Mingfei, but he didn't dare to fool her randomly. He stuttered and said: "I'm ashamed, I haven't found anything abnormal."

  Mingfei frowned and said: "Peiyu, take him to see the medicine residue, and then show him the remaining medicine to see if he can find anything unusual."

  Pai Yu responded with a nod.

  Author's note: I'm so sorry for forgetting to release chapters, I'll try my best to update daily or every other day. Last time was mainly because I needed to accumulate enough words to enter V, and there was no way around it, apologies~~~~~~~