Spring in the Hall of Paintings

After meeting Imperial Concubine Hui, Yun Wei had only one person left to visit—Concubine Liang, the birth mother of Yinti. Concubine Liang was not the most prominent figure in the imperial harem, yet she could not be ignored. There were many rumors about her, but no one knew exactly how she had met Emperor Kangxi and gained his favor. She had managed to give birth to the Eighth Prince while holding only the lowly title of ‘Guiren (Noble Lady) in the treacherous palace. Compared to Imperial Concubine De, Concubine Liang’s background was even lower.

Imperial Concubine De was originally a ‘Baoyi’ (bondservant) under the Imperial Household Department and served as a female official beside Imperial Imperial Concubine Tong. When she was granted imperial favor and became pregnant, she was well taken care of by Imperial Concubine Tong, allowing her to safely give birth to the Fourth Prince, Yinzhen. In contrast, Concubine Liang had no such powerful backing. She had only received some goodwill from Imperial Concubine Hui, but since Imperial Concubine Hui already had the eldest prince, she did not care much about the pregnancy of others the way Imperial Imperial Concubine Tong did. Thus, Concubine Liang had to rely entirely on herself, navigating through perilous situations step by step until she was finally promoted to the rank of Concubine. For a time, she even held the emperor’s exclusive favor.

Emperor Kangxi’s harem was vast, yet he was rather reserved when it came to bestowing favor upon his women, and he rarely granted promotions. After the thirtieth year of Kangxi’s reign, a large number of young women from the Han Banner were selected into the harem, mostly as ‘Daiying’ (attendants) or ‘Changzai’ (companions). Though Kangxi was fond of their delicate beauty, he seldom promoted them. However, before Yinti’s marriage, Concubine Liang had been promoted twice—something unheard of in recent years. The harem was abuzz with speculation. Some believed that Concubine Liang was so beautiful that she had won the emperor’s heart, while others argued that it was because the Eighth Prince, Yinti, had proven himself outstanding, bringing honor to his mother. Regardless of the reason, Concubine Liang’s rise from a lowly palace maid to a principal consort was nothing short of a miracle in the harem.

Yinti had never resented his mother, Concubine Liang, for her humble origins. No matter how kind Imperial Concubine Hui was to him, she could never replace Concubine Liang’s place in his heart. While it was true that Concubine Liang had come from an unremarkable background, Yinti did not want his wife, Tong Jia Yun Wei, to look down on her. However, he was aware of his mother’s sensitive nature and simply said,

“Mother is rather sensitive.”

“Eighth Prince, I am Mother’s daughter-in-law,” Yun Wei interrupted Yinti for the first time, lifting her gaze to look at him steadily.

Yinti chuckled and once again took Yun Wei’s hand. Together, they went to pay their respects to Concubine Liang.

“Your son greets Mother.”

“Your daughter-in-law greets Mother.”

The couple performed the formal two-kneel and six-bow ceremony before Concubine Liang. Her lips trembled slightly as she looked at them. Now that Yinti had married, his wife, Tong Jia Yun Wei, stood before her—an extraordinarily beautiful woman with exquisite features, an elegant yet proper demeanor, and an air of grace in every movement. At first sight, Concubine Liang immediately took a liking to Yun Wei.

“Yinti, help your wife up.”

Yinti obediently helped Yun Wei to her feet, applying a bit of pressure with his hand as he said teasingly, “Mother likes you so much that I’m feeling jealous.”

“My lord.”

Yun Wei gently withdrew from his grasp and discreetly flicked her handkerchief. Concubine Liang’s smile deepened as she sighed, “No wonder His Majesty said you two are a perfect match. From what I see, you are truly made for each other—there is no pair more suited than you two. Yun Wei, come to me. Yinti was not wrong about you.”

Yun Wei was shy but not overly reserved, her refined upbringing as a noble lady evident in every movement. Concubine Liang’s voice was sweet but not cloying, melodious and pleasant to the ear. As Yun Wei looked at her, she realized that Concubine Liang was indeed one of the most stunning beauties in the imperial harem—elegant and ethereal, delicate like a willow swaying in the wind, exuding both fragility and grace. She sat gracefully, her posture refined, wearing a bright red kesi (silk tapestry) robe with multicolored embroidered wide sleeves. Her hair was styled into two baizi buns, adorned with jade ornaments, while a gold filigree hairpin with intricate engravings and honey-colored tassels added a touch of mortal charm to her otherwise ethereal aura.

At that moment, Yun Wei suddenly understood why the Emperor had delayed promoting Concubine Liang for so long. It wasn’t that he was unwilling—it was that any worldly title would seem like a desecration to her. She was like an immortal fairy descended to earth, yet bound by the supreme ruler of the mortal world, confined within the imperial harem.

“Yun Wei, you are very beautiful. Yinti is fortunate to have married you, and I am delighted for him.”

As Yun Wei was observing Concubine Liang, the concubine was also carefully studying the poised and graceful young woman before her. She could not recall Yun Wei’s appearance from the imperial selection, but upon seeing her now, radiant and striking, she felt a rare admiration. Concubine Liang had always been confident in her own beauty, yet looking at Yun Wei, she knew that in just a couple of years, Yun Wei’s elegance and charm would surpass all others in the mortal world. What was even more precious was Yun Wei’s composed and distinguished temperament.

Turning her gaze to Yinti, Concubine Liang remarked, “His Majesty has given you a true treasure. You must not take her for granted.”

“Mother, he treats me very well. Being with him is my greatest fortune,” Yun Wei replied with a gentle smile.

Yun Wei spoke candidly in front of Concubine Liang. Yinti chuckled and said, “I would never neglect Yun Wei. Imperial Concubine Hui once said the same thing. The world often says that a man forgets his mother after marrying a wife, but in my case, it seems like marrying a wife means forgetting the son instead.”

Concubine Liang couldn’t help but laugh, while Yun Wei’s face turned slightly red. Concubine Liang took Yun Wei’s hand and smiled, “This son of mine may appear gentle and refined, but he’s actually quite mischievous. He has always been playful and unrestrained in front of me.”

“When I was still unmarried, I used to act spoiled in front of my mother,” Yun Wei said. “She once told me that such behavior is what makes a mother and daughter close. Being too serious would only make our bond feel distant.”

“The Lady of the Loyal and Brave Marquis is indeed wise. Only someone like her could have raised such a considerate daughter.”

“Mother, as long as you don’t blame Yun Wei for being too soft and delicate.”

Yun Wei took the opportunity to show closeness to Concubine Liang. Before her marriage, Lady Fucha had advised Yun Wei on handling relationships between a daughter-in-law and a mother-in-law. Although the imperial concubines lived within the palace and did not require their daughters-in-law to serve them daily, the palace walls still created distance in familial relationships. Seeing each other less often meant fewer conflicts, but it also weakened emotional bonds.

The official wives of the imperial princes were personally chosen by Emperor Kangxi, while the side concubines and concubines were decided by their birth mothers. Gaining Concubine Liang’s affection would give Yun Wei more influence. Even though she could not prevent the existence of side concubines and concubines, Concubine Liang would not make things too difficult for a daughter-in-law she liked. She would carefully consider the women she chose for Yinti and consult Yun Wei’s opinion. Not all imperial concubines were shallow women who only aimed to burden the main wife by filling their sons’ households with concubines.

Every official wife of an imperial prince came from a respectable background, with families that Emperor Kangxi relied upon. Moreover, if a prince’s household was in disorder, it would earn Kangxi’s displeasure. Palace concubines were experts in calculating benefits and losses, clearly understanding priorities. Their sons’ futures were their greatest hopes and support within the palace.

Even if the four senior concubines remained favored, their youth had passed, and they could not compete with younger, more beautiful women. Thus, their greatest concern was securing noble titles for their sons.

“How could I blame you? I cherish you too much for that,” Concubine Liang reassured her. Then, recalling something, she asked, “You looked completely different during the selection process, didn’t you? I sensed something was off back then, but I couldn’t find any flaws. You deceived me quite well.”

“Mother, I… I…” Yun Wei’s face turned even redder. She stole a shy glance at Yinti, who was listening intently, and murmured almost inaudibly, “A woman adorns herself for the one she loves. Because I married him, I was able to transform and spread my wings like a butterfly.”

Yinti’s heart swelled with joy. In just two steps, he moved to Yun Wei’s side, placing a firm yet gentle hand on her shoulder. Seeing the silly grin on Yinti’s face, Concubine Liang feigned seriousness and scolded, “Yinti, do you dare to act so brazenly in front of me?”

Yun Wei lifted her gaze toward Concubine Liang, her eyes carrying a hint of shyness. Seeing her expression, Concubine Liang could no longer maintain her stern demeanor. In that moment, she suddenly understood the helpless look Emperor Kangxi often showed when dealing with her. It wasn’t that Yun Wei was more skilled than Concubine Liang, but rather that Concubine Liang had learned to act a certain way for survival in the palace. Yun Wei, on the other hand, was a beloved and pampered young lady who had never suffered any grievances since birth. Unlike Concubine Liang, who had climbed step by step to her current position, Yun Wei’s natural grace and sincerity made her utterly irresistible.

“This isn’t my lord’s fault—it’s my own mistake,” Yun Wei said.

As she attempted to rise, Yinti gently pressed her back down. He found Yun Wei’s anxious expression endearing and whispered, “Mother isn’t blaming us. More than anyone, she wishes for us to be a harmonious couple. And more than anyone, she loves me.”

“Yun Wei, I am entrusting Yinti to you,”

Concubine Liang said. “Celebrate with him when he is proud and joyful, but also remind him not to become arrogant. When he faces hardships and setbacks, comfort and support him. I trust that you will do well.”

With that, she placed Yun Wei’s hand into Yinti’s palm. Yinti held it tightly, but Yun Wei suddenly stood up, pulling Yinti down to kneel before Concubine Liang. Lifting her head, she spoke firmly, word by word, “To long for and cherish one another, never to part—Mother, I will stay by his side for a lifetime.”

“Good, good, good! Never to part—what wonderful words.”

Concubine Liang wiped the corners of her eyes, completely satisfied with this daughter-in-law. The Tong family had always maintained a low profile, yet they had raised such an outstanding young woman. Now that Yinti had married her as his principal wife, Concubine Liang pressed her hands together in prayer and murmured, “Amitabha.”

Yinti’s palm was burning with warmth. Yun Wei was not putting on a show; her words had come from the heart. Feeling touched by his kindness, Yun Wei took a box from Lu Yi’s hands and placed it in front of Concubine Liang. “Mother, please excuse my humble craftsmanship.”

When Concubine Liang opened the box, she was met with exquisitely embroidered Suzhou silk handkerchiefs, delicate shoes, and inner garments. Though the fabric was not the most luxurious snow satin or brocade, it felt exceptionally comfortable to the touch. Seeing Concubine Liang’s surprise, Yun Wei explained, “You may not know, but while this fabric is not the rarest, nor as precious as those tributed from Jiangnan’s imperial weavers, after years of study, I’ve found it to be the most comfortable for making close-fitting garments. Mother’s fair complexion will be beautifully complemented by bright red fabric, making your skin look even more radiant. In a few days, I will also send some fragrances into the palace—when used together, they will have remarkable effects.”

Concubine Liang hesitated for a moment, and Yun Wei softly added, “It won’t harm the body. The fragrance contains ingredients that help replenish energy.”

“You’ve put in so much thought,” Concubine Liang said, her expression complex. Every woman hopes for exclusive favor, yet she nodded and said, “You are in the prime of your youth, and you and Yinti are newlyweds. These will indeed be useful.”

“Mother, the fragrance also has benefits for preserving one’s beauty,” Yun Wei explained naturally. “When I was in the women’s quarters, I often gathered with my sisters to blend perfumes and make rouge. Tong Jia Side Concubine once told me that there are no ugly women, only lazy ones. I deeply agree. Skillful use of rouge and fragrance can preserve one’s beauty—so why not embrace it? I sincerely hope that you remain in good health, so my lord can also be at ease.”

Yinti was somewhat confused—he understood a little but not entirely. Concubine Liang smiled and said, “I never doubted you. You are sensible and considerate. Now, I’m just looking forward to holding my legitimate grandson.”

“Mother…”

Hearing this, Yun Wei shyly lowered her head, her expression full of maidenly bashfulness. In contrast, Yinti remained serious and responded, “Mother, rest assured, my wife and I will do our best.”

“If you don’t put in the effort, I’ll deal with you both myself.”

“We will strictly follow your teachings.”

Yinti tugged at Yun Wei’s sleeve. She was caught in a dilemma—neither obeying nor disobeying seemed appropriate. To make matters worse, Concubine Liang was clearly siding with Yinti and deliberately asked, “Yun Wei, did you hear what I said?”

“Yes, Mother,” Yun Wei murmured, her voice softer than a mosquito’s buzz. Concubine Liang chuckled and said, “I’ll be waiting for your good news.”

Just then, a palace attendant announced, “Your Highness, His Majesty has sent a reward.”

Yinti and Yun Wei immediately helped Concubine Liang up, and the three of them knelt in a triangular formation to express their gratitude. “We humbly thank His Majesty for his grace.”

The curtain was lifted, and Li Dequan entered with a beaming smile. “Concubine Liang, Eighth Prince, Eighth Princess Consort, please rise.”

Only then did Yinti and Yun Wei stand. Behind Li Dequan, sixteen palace maids carried trays with exquisite dishes. Li Dequan announced, “His Majesty knows how deep the bond is between Your Highness and the Eighth Prince. As a special favor, he has bestowed sixteen fine dishes for the Eighth Prince and Eighth Princess Consort to enjoy dinner before leaving the palace.”

“We express our deepest gratitude for the Emperor’s benevolence.” Yinti and Yun Wei knelt once more in gratitude. The female officials attending Concubine Liang quickly ordered the table to be set. After some bustling about, the sixteen exquisite dishes from the imperial kitchen were arranged neatly.

Yun Wei and Yinti accompanied Concubine Liang for the meal. Since it was an imperial feast bestowed by Kangxi himself, Yun Wei was not required to serve Concubine Liang personally—palace maids attended to that duty. Throughout the meal, Concubine Liang observed Yun Wei closely. Having been taught palace etiquette by Mama Yang, Yun Wei’s every action—from dipping her fingers in water to eating, drinking tea, and rinsing her mouth—exuded the grace and poise of a noble lady. Even the most critical and demanding mother-in-law would not have been able to find fault with her.

After finishing the meal, Yinti and Yun Wei finally left the palace.

As the sun set in the west, Yinti personally helped Yun Wei onto the carriage, which was designed according to the regulations for a prince’s principal consort. Only after ensuring she was seated properly did he mount his horse and return to the Eighth Prince’s residence.