Daily Life of Consort Xuan Raising Children (Time Travel to Qing Dynasty)

Wen Shan, a consort of the Borjigit clan known as Consort Xuan, lives a quiet life in the Qing palace during the twentieth year of Kangxi's reign. Unlike other consorts who vie for imperial favor, she prefers to spend her days cooking, crafting, and seeking the company of the Grand Empress Dowager and the Empress Dowager. Her low profile and noble lineage have granted her a peaceful existence, and she has no intention of entering the dangerous political fray of the harem. Her routine is disrupted when she encounters the three-year-old Fourth Prince, Yinzhen, kneeling in the snow at Cining Palace. He has been punished by Emperor Kangxi for an altercation with the Crown Prince, Yin Reng, who fainted after kicking the young prince down a flight of steps. Kangxi, furious and protective of his favored heir, orders Yinzhen to remain kneeling until he shows remorse.

Wen Shan intervenes, providing the shivering child with a warm cloak and showing him kindness. Her compassion catches the attention of the Grand Empress Dowager, who decides that Wen Shan should temporarily raise Yinzhen until his adoptive mother, Consort Tong Jia, gives birth to her own child. This decision thrusts Wen Shan into the center of palace politics. Although she initially views the task as a burden, she treats Yinzhen with genuine warmth and patience, cooking him meals, teaching him to make kites, and shielding him from the cold indifference of his biological mother, Consort De, and the neglect of his adoptive mother. Yinzhen, who has never experienced maternal affection, gradually forms a deep bond with Wen Shan, viewing her as the mother figure he always desired.

The core conflict arises from the intense rivalry between the imperial princes, particularly between Yinzhen and the Crown Prince. Yinzhen's refusal to submit to the Crown Prince's bullying and his respect for their strict teacher, Gu Badai, make him a target. When rumors spread that Yinzhen was reprimanded for being unfilial and unbrotherly, Wen Shan acts decisively to protect his reputation, reporting the leak to the Grand Empress Dowager. This move exposes the intricate web of spies and schemes within the palace, revealing that Consort Tong Jia and her faction are actively working to isolate Yinzhen. The Grand Empress Dowager, recognizing the political implications, intervenes to suppress the rumors and reprimand those responsible.

As Yinzhen grows under Wen Shan's care, his character is shaped by her gentle but firm guidance. He learns to balance his natural stubbornness with strategic patience, traits that will define his future reign. Meanwhile, the palace dynamics shift as Consort De, obsessed with her younger son Yinzhuo, continues to neglect Yinzhen, while Consort Tong Jia's pregnancy remains precarious. Wen Shan navigates these treacherous waters with caution, maintaining her neutrality while ensuring Yinzhen's well-being. The story follows their daily interactions, highlighting the contrast between the harsh political environment and the tender moments shared between the consort and the young prince. Wen Shan's role evolves from a passive observer to an active protector, influencing the trajectory of Yinzhen's life and, by extension, the future of the empire.

The narrative explores the complexities of motherhood, loyalty, and survival in the imperial court. Through Wen Shan's eyes, the reader witnesses the early struggles of a future emperor, marked by rejection and resilience. The bond between them becomes a cornerstone of Yinzhen's emotional stability, offering him a sanctuary from the cutthroat ambitions of his father and brothers. As the political landscape shifts and new alliances form, Wen Shan and Yinzhen face increasing challenges that test their relationship and their resolve. The story sets the stage for Yinzhen's rise to power, illustrating how early experiences of neglect and the subsequent support from a caring guardian shape his destiny.