Chapter 3, at that time the complexion was as deceptive as spring snow

No! A sharp glint flashed in the Empress Dowager's expression. "The ancestral family laws and the court's regulations, the rules that have been in place for many years, can they be changed simply because you say they cannot?"

Kangxi's expression showed a hint of hesitation, followed by a trace of shyness, as he said to Mukush: "It turns out that Guma Ma entered the palace for this matter, which is indeed my fault, causing Guma Ma to worry. Please rest assured, Guma Ma, that Dongzhu will not suffer the slightest injustice in the palace."

This is it. I have long heard of Dongzhu's talents and interests. Hearing it today is indeed no exaggeration; even the grand princess, who once galloped alongside our founding emperor, has been influenced to recite poetry. I must admit, I feel somewhat envious. Quickly summon Dongzhu to the palace, so that I may also partake in this literary atmosphere. " Xiaozhuang took a sip of tea, glanced at Mukush, and then fixed her gaze on Kangxi, "Do you know why your aunt came to the palace today?"

Twenty years. The Empress Dowager slightly nodded, "In these twenty years, how many significant events have occurred. Emperor Taizong passed away, and we, the orphans and widows, entered the pass from Fengtian, trembling as we came to sit on this Han people's throne, and Fulin ascended the throne amidst peril... only to pass away early... Now we have the current emperor. Throughout this time, through great joys and sorrows, national and familial losses, you have not come. Ash, tell me, what has brought you, who has avoided me for twenty years, to my Cining Palace before dawn today?"

Oh? Kangxi's gaze momentarily paused, somewhat surprised

However, Mukush pondered carefully and discerned a hint of threat in these words

The affairs of the world are as fleeting as a spring dream, and human feelings are as insubstantial as autumn clouds. Mukush, for some reason, suddenly murmured a line of poetry

The ancestors were right; it is rare for the maternal grandmother to enter the palace. I have heard about it and specially came to pay my respects. Just as I entered, I happened to hear the maternal grandmother reciting poetry, seemingly from Zhu Dunru of the Song Dynasty, all of which are melancholic autumn pieces. However, this particular line seems rather negative; could it be that the maternal grandmother has encountered some troubles at home?" Kangxi and Mukush were meeting for the first time, yet it felt very comfortable and intimate. This brought some comfort to Mukush, and she was overwhelmed with emotions, feeling a bittersweet sensation that brought tears to her eyes. Not knowing where to begin, she could only say: "I don't really understand poetry or lyrics; it's just that Dongzhu often recites them. After hearing them so many times, I don't know if it was just fitting for the occasion that I casually blurted out such a line."

The Empress Dowager tightly grasped Mukush's hand, revealing a rare smile on her face: "Sister, is this what you were concerned about? Have you forgotten the Grand Consort from years ago?"

Mukesh was momentarily taken aback

Before the words had left his mouth, Kangxi, dressed in a plain robe, had already entered.

Twenty years. Mukush replied coldly, After my brother left, I have not seen him for twenty years

"You have arrived just in time, quickly come and meet your aunt. " The Empress Dowager's expression grew increasingly cheerful.

She, like the Empress Dowager, is proficient in Manchu and Mongolian, but has limited understanding of Chinese. Therefore, when this poem was released, it surprised the Empress Dowager somewhat

The meaning of this statement seems to be a kind of promise. Currently, the royal family needs the support of the Prime Minister, Sony, and appointing He Sheryun Fang as the empress is a necessity. However, the emperor is only twelve years old, and there is still a long time ahead, which allows for the complete alteration of such positions.

"Bumubutai!" Mukush let out a low growl, slamming one hand on the kang table, "My Dongzhu, she does not belong to the palace, why do you insist on bringing her into the palace!"

My younger sister has had a difficult life, and as her sister-in-law, I feel the pain alongside her. How could I possibly mistreat your precious granddaughter? The Empress Dowager gently patted Mukush's hand twice and said, "I truly like your Dongzhu. In my eyes, she is a perfect match for the Emperor. Sister, think about it, if this child is not matched with the Emperor, who in the world do you think she could marry? To be honest, after the announcement was made, I was contemplating whether to match her with the chieftain or prince of the Mongolian Forty-Nine Banners, or with a southern prince? Sister, think about it, if this child is not matched with the Emperor, who in the world do you think she could marry? To be honest, after the announcement was made, I was contemplating whether to match her with the chieftain or prince of the Mongolian Forty-Nine Banners, or with a southern prince? If you are reluctant to let her marry far away, then you must introduce her to the noble families in our capital, but those with suitable family backgrounds are all older, and I fear it would be even more of a burden for her.

The large red flower-patterned curtain hanging at the entrance lifted slightly as Su Malagu, dressed in a brown robe, entered to report: "The Emperor has come to pay respects to the Empress Dowager!"

Mukush fixed his gaze on the Empress Dowager, noticing the flickering expression in her eyes, which left him somewhat perplexed

It is not that you admire Dongzhu for her good character and skills, insisting on having her enter the palace as a concubine. Your aunt is reluctant, fearing that you might bully her, which is why she came to me to ask for a favor, hoping that you will treat Dongzhu well in the future

"I am the daughter of Emperor Taizu and the sister of Emperor Taizong, the only surviving princess of the Qing Dynasty who has endured nine deaths and one life. Is that not enough?"

Her calm and composed demeanor appeared even more infuriating to Mukush. The years of hardship and adversity had left merciless marks on Mukush's face, making her look at least a decade older than the Empress Dowager Bumbutai.

At this moment, it was reported that the Prime Minister, Sony, was seeking an audience outside the palace

Kangxi shook his head

Mukush looked at Kangxi, whose handsome figure and elegant demeanor, complemented by a well-tailored dragon robe, were strikingly outstanding. His fair complexion, heroic eyebrows, and prominent nose, especially the pair of bright, shining dragon eyes beneath thick, dark eyelashes, along with his warm smile.

In that moment, Mukush suddenly felt a sense of relief, for she beheld another scene: beside the extraordinary young emperor nestled her beloved granddaughter, which would be the most dazzling and enchanting picture in the world

"Sister." The Empress Dowager placed her hand over Mukush's hand, "The Eastern Pearl is a treasure in your eyes, and in my heart, it is the same."

The Empress Dowager gazed into Mukush's eyes: "For the Eastern Pearl?"

Mukush raised her eyebrows slightly, locking eyes with the Empress Dowager, her gaze seemingly piercing into the depths of her heart. "Dongzhu's grandfather was one of the five ministers who followed the founding emperor in his rise to power, and his contributions to the court are as countless as the stars in the sky. Moreover, I am the daughter of Emperor Taizu and the sister of Emperor Taizong. If we consider not only appearance and talent but also status and lineage, do you not think, Empress Dowager, that it is unreasonable to take Dongzhu as a consort?"

Mukush was surprised that Bumubutai, who had always been cautious in speech and action, would express himself so clearly. Indeed, the current powerful matriarch of the harem, the Empress Dowager, was once merely a minor consort of her brother, Emperor Taiji. In front of her stood her own aunt, the Emperor's primary consort, as well as the favored Consort Hailanzhu, and other esteemed consorts. Yet now, after standing in the harem for decades, she is the only one left.

Mukush revealed a comforting smile from the bottom of his heart. Having received the family gift from Kangxi and also performed the national rites, he pondered for a moment before speaking: "Since the Emperor has arrived, there must be important matters to discuss with the Empress Dowager, so I shall take my leave."

The Empress Dowager held the prayer beads in one hand while observing Mukush's expression, not in a hurry to speak.

Recalling the long-buried past, the death of Hailanzhu... the death of Zhezhe... the death of Wuyunzhu...

This is clearly a form of coercion

Mukush's expression changed suddenly, and he could not suppress the pain in his heart. The implication of Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang's words was that if he did not enter the palace, he would allow Dongzhu to be married off at will, whether to the Mongols or to those from the south, or even to be given as a concubine to the nobility. This would be too much of a humiliation for Dongzhu

Her wisdom and methods, her ambition and decisiveness, are unmatched by ordinary individuals

"Sister, the weather has turned cool; you need to add some clothing. Look at how cold your hands are." The Empress Dowager personally placed the teacup from the table into Mukush's hands, her expression warm and pleasant.

Empress Dowager, my dear sister-in-law. You have been astute all your life, yet do you not know why I have come to seek you today?" Mukush looked at her in disbelief. Although her temples were already streaked with silver and her facial wrinkles were not as pronounced as his, it was evident that she was in the autumn of her years. However, the composure and elegance she possessed since her youth had not changed in the slightest, and the more so, the more it made one feel a sense of coldness and hypocrisy. Although her temples were already streaked with silver and her facial wrinkles were not as pronounced as his, it was evident that she was in the autumn of her years. However, the composure and elegance she possessed since her youth had not changed in the slightest, and the more so, the more it made one feel a sense of coldness and hypocrisy.

"Ash, how many years has it been since we last met?" The Empress Dowager finally spoke, gazing into Mukushna's wrinkled eyes.

"It is!" Mukush furrowed his brows and said decisively: "The East Pearl cannot enter the palace"

If the rumors are true, then ... ...

Muku Shi, seeing the Emperor so warm, courteous, and exceptionally handsome, unlike the eccentric and reclusive Shunzhi of the past, felt a great fondness in his heart. He had long since quelled his earlier apprehensions and simply smiled, saying: "Your Majesty, please do not say such things. As one grows older, one spends all day with their eyes open worrying about their children and grandchildren, fretting over trivial matters. Now that I see Your Majesty's character and demeanor, I can naturally rest a thousand hearts. What is there left to worry about?"

What is the rush? The Emperor is not a stranger; he is your grandnephew and has now become your granddaughter's husband. It is only right to get closer to him. The Empress Dowager then instructed Su Malagu to prepare lunch

"Salute to Empress Dowager, salute to Grandmother!" Kangxi performed his greetings with composure, exhibiting a measured approach in his movements.

Give me a reason The Empress Dowager remained calm and composed

At this moment, on the zitan carved cloud-pattern kang table, there are two metal enamel-painted teacups, from which gentle steam is rising. The two individuals seated opposite each other both have calm expressions, as cold as ice.

Inside the Yanshou Hall on the north side of the Cining Palace Garden, a large red carpet is laid on the kang by the window, adorned with a large red embroidered pillow featuring a cloud dragon holding longevity. The weather has just begun to cool, and Su Malagu has already instructed someone to replace the sitting mat with an autumn fragrance-colored golden python pattern, and has draped a black fox fur cover over it. Thus, sitting on it is naturally both comfortable and warm

The Empress Dowager smiled even more warmly: "Am I not also your brother's consort? You should understand that in the palace, what matters most is who can smile in the end. What does the initial rank matter?"