Chapter 366: Chapter 366

On a summer afternoon, outside the waterside pavilion, intermittent cicada chirps could be heard from time to time, standing out prominently in this tranquil room.

Holding her younger sister lightly, Wei Yun spoke the last sentence very softly, but An Ning could sense a thread of determination in it.

Although in Eldest Sister Wei's heart, she felt quite confident about her Baozhu's temperament, if there really was a one-in-ten-thousand chance, she was definitely not someone who couldn't bring herself to be ruthless.

An Ning didn't speak, only holding the sister before her equally tightly.

Living in such a terrible era, with fathers, brothers, and husbands all unreliable, surrounded by pitfalls both large and small, only sufficient open-mindedness and decisiveness could allow one to live as comfortably as possible.

What a pity—in their previous lives, both sisters had far too few chips in their hands, while conversely, the misfortunes and troublesome people they encountered were far too many...

After seeing her sister off and resolving a matter of concern, An Ning was clearly in good spirits over the following days.

Tinglan Waterside Pavilion was undoubtedly an excellent summer retreat. Surrounded by green bamboo in the courtyard and with Xihua Pond not far away, even during the hottest summer days, the rooms remained pleasantly cool.

Her level of leisure made even Kangxi, who had come along, green with envy. One morning:

"If A-Ning has nothing to do, why not get up early each day and come with me to the training grounds for some exercise?"

"I see your horsemanship hasn't shown any improvement in years."

An Ning, who was leisurely reading a book while reclining on the couch at that moment: "......"

Secretly rolling her eyes internally, An Ning didn't hold back, immediately retorting:

"So tormenting your sons every day isn't enough for you? Now you're setting your sights on me too!"

"Besides, aren't there plenty of princes accompanying you for exercise every day?"

Speaking of which, it was quite unfortunate. Logically, with their extremely controlling father not in the palace, you'd think these imperial princes would have an easier time.

Actually, not at all. Those who hadn't yet established their own residences outside the palace were somewhat better off, able to come along with the imperial consorts and princesses to escape the heat. But those who had established residences, aside from court affairs and official duties, had to come to the gardens every few days under the blazing sun to pay respects to their emperor father.

Sometimes, if pressed for time, they even had to come on horseback.

A few days earlier, An Ning had heard from palace servants that the Ninth Prince was complaining to someone outside the gardens.

If only he hadn't been so eager to establish his own residence earlier.

Of course, in a way, these imperial princes were getting what they asked for. After all, as early as the beginning of the year, the man before her had already hinted at wanting to confer titles upon the various princes.

Just ask—if they weren't diligent now, wouldn't they inexplicably end up lower than their brothers when the results came out later?

So even though Yin Tang complained, in this sweltering heat, even when drenched in sweat every time, he still made the trip no less frequently than his brothers.

It had to be said, this emperor was truly skilled at making people run around.

At noon, the large celadon ice basin on the kang table brought a slight coolness. Not particularly interested in figuring out what this narrow-minded emperor was scheming now, An Ning simply turned another page.

But the next moment, she heard him suddenly say:

"In a while, I'll confer upon you the title of Imperial Noble Consort, A-Ning. What do you think?"

A breeze brushed past, causing the magnolia plant on the windowsill to tremble slightly. Stunned for a few seconds, An Ning finally processed his words, then looked suspiciously at the emperor before her, who appeared as casual as if he'd merely commented on what to eat today.

Seeing her genuinely stunned and silent, Kangxi across from her visibly relaxed, leaning leisurely against the couch, a clear smile flashing in his usually somber eyes.

Pulling her onto his lap casually:

"What, is my beloved consort unwilling?"

"Whatever are you saying, why would your servant be unwilling?" Looking down at him from above, An Ning gave him a sidelong glance:

"Your servant just feels this doesn't quite match Your Majesty's usual way of handling things, which is why I was somewhat surprised earlier."

She wasn't lying—she was genuinely curious right now.

Given his temperament, she would have expected him to wait a few more years, until several princes had stronger influence, or until the situation became more chaotic.

Then, for the stability of the harem—and most importantly, for his own safety—he would inevitably need to strengthen her chips and authority.

There was no helping it—her inherent conditions were just too disadvantaged. She essentially had no family background or children. No matter how favored or powerful she became, in many people's eyes, she still belonged to the group with no future.

This situation would only become more apparent later on, as the emperor aged and the various princes gained more power.

The palace was most prone to fawning on those above and trampling those below. With people's hearts becoming restless, even just to avoid turning his own harem into a sieve, promoting her status and strengthening her authority would be appropriate.

Unless he truly felt comfortable handing harem authority to someone else, especially after nearly having his fertility unknowingly destroyed in earlier years...

The Imperial Noble Consort position was equivalent to deputy empress. While it differed from Imperial Noble Consort by just one character, the actual difference was vast.

Although she didn't know what game he was playing, taking benefits when offered was only sensible. Facing this man's meaningful gaze.

After a brief moment of surprise, idly toying with the bright yellow jade tassel that had fallen by her hand, it was only after a while that the woman before him lightly snorted:

"Whatever the reason, since Your Majesty dares to give it, then your servant naturally dares to accept it!"

In short, just as the various princes were still racking their brains, tirelessly traveling back and forth between the two places under the scorching sun every day to curry favor with their emperor father, several months later, on the very first day after the imperial carriage returned to the palace, what everyone learned was that their emperor father had ordered the Imperial Household Department to urgently produce ceremonial robes for the Imperial Noble Consort.

The various princes: "???"

However, such perfect timing wasn't without its benefits. Right at the critical moment when the various princes were about to receive their promotions, and fearing to attract the emperor's displeasure, until the Imperial Noble Consort appointment edict was formally issued, there really weren't many tactless people in either the Front Court or Rear Palace who dared to voice opposition.

Fortunately, after much anticipation, in the thirty-eighth year of Kangxi's reign, the long-awaited appointment edicts for the various princes finally arrived.

Out of curiosity, she took a glance. Yet this single glance made An Ning's mouth twitch involuntarily.

Casually glancing at the person beside her, An Ning couldn't help but sigh:

My god, what an absolutely petty man.

Indeed, when it came to emperors as creatures, aside from everything else, holding grudges and transferring anger were truly first-rate.

Loving the house and its crows might not be certain, but hating the house and its crows—tsk...