The Donggo residence was unusually tense this day. Unlike others who only heard vague rumors, as a noblewoman from the imperial clan, Madam Aisin Gioro had her own connections in the palace. Currently fuming, she gulped down several cups of tea before clutching her daughter in both anger and heartache on the couch:

“That good-for-nothing Aisin Gioro Yintang! With the wedding date approaching, why must he run outside? And of all places, he had to go to the Eighth Prince’s residence!”

“Now look what happened!”

“I always knew he was no good!”

“And this Eighth Prince too! Visiting unsavory places is one thing, but not being careful and bringing back contagious things…”

“Madam…”

Seeing his wife becoming increasingly unrestrained, Donggo Qishi hurriedly interrupted:

“The Eighth Prince was handling official duties. Distributing disaster relief is a major matter, so it’s reasonable for him to personally oversee…”

Such words shouldn’t be overheard by others.

Especially now with two princes in the palace, particularly the Ninth Prince, being unwell!

Though usually reckless, Donggo Qishi had enough sense to reach his current position.

But Madam Aisin Gioro was in no mood for reason. Looking at her increasingly beautiful daughter, she felt her heart ache even more. She sneered coldly:

“Hah! With the recent floods wreaking havoc, the outskirts of the capital are already chaotic enough. For a royal prince to go there personally—just the arrangements for his coming and going would keep the subordinates busy enough!”

“What? Are all those officials at the Relief Treasury just freeloaders that a royal prince must personally handle this?”

“Whether it’s deliberately winning hearts is something he knows best!”

As she spoke, Madam Aisin Gioro slammed her teacup onto the table angrily.

Did they think she didn’t know the princes’ little schemes? In her opinion, this Eighth Prince had grand ambitions.

He’d only been in charge for a short while, yet his reputation for being humble and approachable had already reached her father’s ears.

If the Ninth Prince continued following him, who knew what trouble might arise later?

She could tolerate other things, but dragging her precious daughter into this was unacceptable.

“Though it is strange—the disease was brought back by the Eighth Prince, yet he recovered quickly while the Ninth Prince remains unconscious with high fever for so long without news…”

Amid her anger, Madam Aisin Gioro couldn’t help but express puzzlement.

“What’s strange about that? People differ,” Donggo Qishi said dismissively.

“From what I hear, the Eighth Prince has excelled in horsemanship and archery since childhood. I saw it myself on the battlefield last time—despite his young age, his skills rivaled those of older princes.”

“At a tender age, he could test fierce northern steeds for His Majesty. The Ninth Prince, on the other hand, once suffered a severe illness that nearly took his life—how could he compare?”

Indeed, being valued by imperial clansmen and ministers alike, and trusted by the Emperor, the Eighth Prince clearly had real capabilities.

Being humble and approachable only counts when one has status and ability.

Thus, even while blaming him inwardly, Donggo Qishi couldn’t help but voice some admiration.

Nestled in her mother’s arms, An Ning nodded secretly to herself.

This was good—if everyone thought this way, all the better.

In truth, Donggo Qishi’s view was shared by most in the Forbidden City, including the palace.

Even the imperial physicians running around in circles thought similarly.

“Wait… Physician Zhang, what… what did you just say?”

“You said Little Nine… Little Nine would in the future…”

“But Little Nine hasn’t even married yet!”

Yikun Palace

Upon hearing this terrible news, the usually radiant and graceful Imperial Consort Yi, née Guwalgiya, nearly collapsed and had to be supported by palace maids to avoid an undignified fall.

Beside her, Emperor Kangxi also frowned, his authoritative gaze fixed on the messenger.

“Is there no other way?”

Trembling as he knelt, chief physician Zhang nearly buried his head in the ground:

“Your Majesty, spare us! It’s our inadequate medical skills. Given the Ninth Prince’s current condition, even if he wakes, regarding descendants in the future…”

“It… it would likely be difficult…”

At these words, Imperial Consort Yi staggered again.

Having spent years in the deep palace, Guwalgiya knew well how conservative imperial physicians were. When they said “difficult,” it practically meant hopeless.

Her Little Nine was still so young, without a single heir.

What would become of him…

“Your Majesty, what will become of our Little Nine… our Little Nine in the future!”

Collapsing onto the couch, Guwalgiya wept heartrendingly.

A beauty’s tears were a sight to behold, especially from this usually bright and understanding favored consort. Thinking of his ninth son lying sick in bed—despite disliking the boy’s temper, seeing his son in such misfortune made Emperor Kangxi sigh and pull his beloved consort into his arms.

“Don’t worry, I’ll ensure Little Nine is well taken care of in the future.”

The physicians bowed even lower.

Truth be told, Chief Physician Zhang had considered concealing the truth for self-preservation. But if no good news came from the Ninth Prince’s household later, the blame would still fall on them.

Especially since the prince was at marriageable age.

Since it couldn’t be hidden long, better to reveal it early—with the Eighth Prince as scapegoat, their punishment might be lighter.

Indeed, learning her son might remain heirless while lying sick in bed, while the culprit, the Eighth Prince, remained perfectly healthy next door, Imperial Consort Yi nearly exploded with rage. Rarely losing control, she not only berated the visiting Eighth Prince and his wife but also forbade them from approaching the Eastern Three Palaces.

As a long-term favored consort, Guwalgiya held some sway with Kangxi. Knowing the circumstances, the Emperor wasn’t without anger toward the Eighth Prince either.

As the saying goes, there are always two sides to a story.

If he previously thought the Eighth Prince was dutiful, now it seemed the prince might have been seeking fame and currying favor, with greater ambitions.

Thinking thus, Kangxi tolerated his consort’s minor transgressions. For her part, despite her fury, Guwalgiya knew when to stop.

The Eighth Prince was still the Emperor’s son—not someone concubines could bully.

Witnessing this, the Tenth Prince quietly distanced himself from his eighth brother.

No one in the royal family was foolish. Seeing Imperial Consort Yi’s state, everyone knew the Ninth Prince’s condition must be dire.

Though the Eighth Prince had treated him well these years, compared to his ninth brother…

Apologies, but there was simply no comparison!

The oblivious Eighth Prince watching all this: “…”

With physicians keeping secrets, the Eighth Prince remained clueless. Day after day, he sent fine medicines and tonics, hoping his ninth brother would wake soon and rekindle their fraternal bond…

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep