Chapter 16: Kangxi's Mental Imbalance

After the tenth prince snatched the two portions of "Guoqiao Mixian" from Chuyu for the fourth prince, he immediately found the ninth prince.

The ninth prince generously praised his younger brother, feeling very satisfied. "It wasn't in vain," he thought. "I received the emperor's reward, and now I get to enjoy this delicious meal."

Just as the two brothers were enjoying their meal, Kangxi Emperor arrived. Since he didn't feel like napping during the afternoon, he decided to take a stroll.

Unconsciously, he arrived at the study room and could already smell the aroma of the food inside, so he decided to come in for a look.

Upon entering, he saw his two sons sweating and eating. This displeased him – it was the middle of the day, why were they having their meal in the study room? Furthermore, how could they enjoy good food without first showing filial respect to their father?

Seeing their own father, both princes were startled and hastily saluted, saying, "May the emperor have good fortune." However, they couldn't help but wonder why he had come at this time. Usually, he only came when they had lessons, to ensure they were studying.

"How come you are having your meal at this hour?" Kangxi Emperor casually asked. Actually, he didn't mind his sons eating, but he was afraid that the concubines in the palace would spoil his sons. Today they were sending food, tomorrow they might send full meals, and the day after that, they might even send someone to take care of them. Then how could his sons focus on their studies? So, he had to nip it in the bud.

Before the tenth prince could speak, the ninth prince nudged him with his elbow and said, "Father, this was sent over by the fourth sister-in-law for the fourth brother. She made too much, so we are fortunate to enjoy it today." The remark was quite tactful and made it seem like it was sent by Chuyu.

Upon seeing Kangxi Emperor looking towards the soup, the ninth prince continued, "Father, would you like to taste it? The soup made by the fourth sister-in-law is really good. It warms the stomach, making us feel much better. We have archery practice in the afternoon and must practice with a hundred arrows." He was really afraid that his father would forbid them from eating.

"Yes, I feel invigorated. I am sure I can knock down a cow now," the tenth prince added, building on what his ninth brother had said.

The ninth prince thought to himself, "The tenth prince is so clueless. Can't he express himself sincerely? It's not like he's been given some magical elixir."

Upon hearing this, Kangxi Emperor, with a strange expression, looked at his tenth son, who had yet to grow a full beard, and said, "Invigorated? Then eat more. But you must also digest it. Today, both of you will have to practice archery for an extra two hours each in the evening. I will instruct your tutor later."

"We obey, Father," the two of them wilted instantaneously, like flowers doused in boiling water.

Kangxi Emperor was satisfied with what he saw.

Cuddling with a scantily dressed and restless little woman in his arms, how could he sleep well?

These days, everyone sleeps separately, including married couples, each with their own blanket.

But this woman, she completely burrowed into his quilt.

Being a young and honest man, he really feared having a nosebleed again! Only heaven knows how he got through this night.

He gritted his teeth and looked at the little girl sleeping soundly beside him.

Just you wait, see how I'll deal with you in the future!

At this moment, his arm was half numb, and he couldn't help but curse in his heart. Did she take his hand as a pillow?

Does she even know how to behave in bed? And she's his legitimate concubine!

The more he thought about it, the angrier he got, almost wanting to pinch that fair and tender little face hard.

But to be fair, it's not entirely Chu Yu's fault.

She was having her period, feeling cold, and she was never well-behaved when sleeping. She kept tossing and turning in bed. Now she found a super warm "heating pad" next to her, how could she not get close?

Of course, she not only got close, but also touched what she shouldn't have.

Finally managing to move his arm, he turned to look at the little woman frowning in her sleep.

Unconsciously, he lightened his movements and went to the outer room, softly calling for Su Peisheng to come in and serve.

When Su Peisheng came in, he gestured for him to be quiet, only then did he realize that his concubine was still asleep.

He couldn't help but think, should he also be a little more polite to Jiang Fuhai's grandson in the future?

When Chu Yu woke up, it was already late morning.

Her face flushed as she recalled the good deed she had done yesterday, not wanting to remember at all. She really couldn't face anyone.

Zao'er and Xing'er came in to serve when they heard movement. After entering the inner room, Zao'er went to get clothes, and Xing'er called out to the mistress. When she heard Chu Yu's muffled response, she gently opened the haphazardly arranged curtain.

She saw her mistress with her bottom up and her head buried under the pillow, and was startled.