Chapter 36 – Attending Court

The next day, at the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

Kangxi, clad in a bright yellow ceremonial robe of brocade adorned with colorful clouds and golden dragons, lined with sable fur, sat at the top of the grand hall. Below him, the civil and military officials were arrayed in two columns. Crown Prince Yinreng stood foremost among the civil officials. As for the tall young general standing at the head of the military officers, he was the Emperor’s eldest son, Yin ti, newly married not long ago.

One glance at his radiant expression was enough for anyone to see he was basking in newlywed bliss with his young wife.

“The court is in session—those with petitions, speak; those without, you may withdraw.”

The morning assembly began.

Lately, the discussions had all centered on the refugees in the capital. Rumor had it that near Yongding Gate, the frozen corpses of the destitute were constantly being carried off to mass graves.

Kangxi listened silently to the clamoring debates among the ministers.

When he judged the time ripe, he gave a meaningful look to Nalan Mingzhu.

Receiving the Emperor’s signal, Nalan Mingzhu coughed twice and stepped forward.
“Your Majesty, this humble servant has a memorial to present.”

The noisy hall quieted at once as everyone turned their gaze on Mingzhu.

Beside him, Songgotu snorted softly—showing off again.

Mingzhu paid him no heed. He gestured for the eunuchs to carry something in from outside the hall.

Everyone watched curiously as it was set in the center. Ministers crowded around, and Mingzhu’s expression turned rather self-satisfied.

At last, Tong Guowei couldn’t help asking first,
“From here it appears to be nothing but a lump of coal. May I ask, Lord Mingzhu, what is the meaning of this?”

“Haha…” Mingzhu let out a pleased laugh.
“This is no ordinary coal! This is called honeycomb coal—it burns far longer than common coal!”

Following Kangxi’s instructions, Mingzhu had spent two days in his own residence experimenting with mud, until he settled on the most suitable mixture and form.

Now that he had succeeded, he had rushed at dawn to report to Kangxi, resulting in the current display.

As he spoke, the ministers began murmuring in interest.

“This was a method bestowed by His Majesty!” Mingzhu announced loudly.

At those words, all were startled—then, in the next instant, countless voices rose in praise:

“If this was devised by His Majesty, then it must be genuine!”
“With this, how need the people of the realm fear the winter cold?”
“All under Heaven will surely remember His Majesty’s grace!”

Even Yinreng gave Kangxi a surprised look. He had thought today’s focus would be on the down jacket, not realizing his royal father had also come up with honeycomb coal.

Basking in the flood of compliments, Kangxi cleared his throat.
“All right. Since all of you are interested, once court is dismissed, you may each take some home to examine.”

“Mingzhu, you have worked hard on this matter. As for establishing official kilns to produce this coal, let Songgotu draft a plan.”

Songgotu hastened to kneel and give thanks.
“This servant obeys.”

Not in vain had he trailed after Mingzhu, enduring three days of being ignored—he had finally secured a good assignment.

Kangxi continued,
“There is still another item I would share with you.”

He gestured for Liang Jiugong to bring forth the down jacket.

The Crown Prince did not step forward to receive it.

When he didn’t move, Yinti seized the garment instead, even casting a taunting look at Yinreng.

Yinreng ignored his elder brother’s childish provocation.

Yinti turned the jacket over curiously, examining it. Seeing this, Yinreng’s mouth twitched in annoyance. His Majesty was truly unfair—he’d snatched Yinreng’s jacket away to show the ministers, while keeping his own piece hidden like a treasure, never allowing anyone to touch it.

“Father Emperor—why is this garment so thin and light?” Yinti asked.

Kangxi smiled.
“Come, everyone—pass it around to have a look. The Crown Prince will explain it to you.”

“Yes, Father Emperor.”

Hearing that both Kangxi and Yinreng already knew about it, Yinti scornfully handed the jacket to another minister. Typical—always favoring the Crown Prince. They were both sons, yet the Crown Prince learned everything in advance, while he had to stand here learning of it with the rest, though he was the Eldest Prince.

Yinreng patiently explained the purpose and materials of the down jacket. All the ministers who held it were astonished.

When Yinti heard how warm it was, he snatched it back from the hands of an official and began putting it on himself to test it.

Yinreng saw this, and anxiety flickered in his eyes. That’s my jacket! With Eldest Brother’s big frame, he’ll stretch it out of shape! It’s the only one I have, brand new, not even worn yet!

He wanted to speak up to stop him but, fearing his brother’s stubborn temper, he turned to his imperial father for help.

Kangxi observed his son’s frantic look with amusement. Only after enjoying the sight did he finally intercede:

“All right, Yinti, return the garment to Baocheng.”

With his father’s intervention, Yinreng quickly reclaimed the jacket.

Yinti looked disdainful. It’s just a piece of clothing—what’s there to be so precious about?

“This jacket,” Kangxi declared, “the Crown Prince and I tested yesterday. What matters now is how we can promote its use throughout the empire. Does anyone have any suggestions?”

…

While the hall buzzed with discussion, Yu Ying was still sleeping soundly in Kangxi’s bedchamber.

After all, last night had thoroughly exhausted her.

Kangxi hadn’t touched her in some time—and when the most tempting delicacy presented itself, how could he possibly refuse?

That night, he had coaxed her into bed.

Those hands she had secretly praised for their elegance—once used to moving chess pieces—now applied every such technique to her body.

From her eyes and lips to her collarbone, and then still further down.

Yu Ying had wanted to grab hold of those hands tormenting her, but she had no strength at all. She nearly fainted from pleasure, her pale skin flushed pink from his attentions.

How could she ever be a match for a man like Kangxi, so experienced and masterful? Overcome by shame, she had pleaded again and again, yet he only slowed to watch her grow hazy-eyed and trembling with need.

At last, when Yu Ying could no longer bear it, she flung her arms around his neck, using what little strength she had to pull him closer.

Kangxi obliged, lowering his head.

When their bodies finally joined, they both let out a sigh of deep satisfaction. Yu Ying clung to him like a vine twined tightly around a great tree.

A storm of passion followed.

In the end, she fainted outright.

Remembering all that, Yu Ying sat on the bed, her cheeks still burning red.

When she heard that Kangxi had already left for court and not yet returned, she made up her mind at once—summoning Qingtao to help her slip back to Changchun Palace.

She absolutely could not stay in the Palace of Heavenly Purity!

At that very moment, Kangxi had finalized all plans for the widespread production of down jackets—still unaware that his great contributor had already fled from his palace.

By the time court ended and he changed into his regular robes, she was long gone.

When the servants reported she hadn’t even stayed for breakfast, Kangxi chuckled.

He admitted he had been a bit indulgent last night—but surely he hadn’t frightened her that badly?

No matter. She could run all she liked—he had plenty of ways to make her come back.

He ordered breakfast served.

After eating, he considered heading to Changchun Palace to see her. But then he thought better of it—going to the harem this early in the day would only invite censure from the court. Worse, it would make Yu Ying the target of all the other consorts’ jealousy.

Not appropriate. Not yet.

Very well.

With a flick of his queue, Kangxi turned and went to his study instead.