A Qing Dynasty Tale: Nian, the Side Consort

After an accident, Nian Ruoyao found herself in the body of Nian, the side consort of Fourth Prince Yinzhen, who had married him just three months earlier.

The good news was that she entered the household as a side consort, so she didn't have to struggle alongside all the young concubines.

The bad news was that her frail health, which left her sick every few days, might not even hold out until the Fourth Prince ascended the throne. Even if she wanted to compete, she didn't have the strength.

There was no going back, so Nian Ruoyao settled down to tend her little plot of land and live cautiously. Her one dream was to die of old age.

When his feelings ran deep, the Fourth Prince drew her into his arms. "I vow that in life we'll share a bed, and in death we'll share a grave."

Nian Ruoyao was crying on the inside. "The way you work yourself to the bone, you won't live long. Maybe we should put this topic aside for now."

Reader's guide:

1. This is semi-alternate history, with plenty of liberties taken. Please don't nitpick the history~

2. Please don't offer writing advice. You don't need to tell me if you drop the story~

My completed story, Qing Dynasty: Consort Tong Jia, is also worth a look~

Coming soon: Qing Dynasty: Pure Consort's Everyday Life Raising Kids. Synopsis:

Su Jingyu was born into the Qing Dynasty. In a capital full of Manchu and Mongol aristocrats, her strikingly pretty face earned her a place as a serving concubine to Fourth Prince Hongli.

The Su family had been Han Chinese for generations. Even if you traced their in-laws and old friends back three generations, you wouldn't find a single bannerman among them. After entering the palace, Su Jingyu landed at the very bottom of the Fourth Prince's household.

On the bright side, no one in the household saw her as a rival.

Su Jingyu was relieved: Safety first.

On the downside, even her immediate superior, the Fourth Prince, didn't notice her.

Su Jingyu cried: Bottom of the pecking order.

Thinking of how the Fourth Prince would live to the age of eighty-nine and become the longest-lived emperor in history, the "honest soul" Su Jingyu resolved to get moving. She gazed into the Fourth Prince's eyes and said earnestly, "My lord, I've really improved!"

She wasn't the only one who needed to keep up. Her sons and daughters couldn't fall behind either. A long life starts in childhood!

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Third Prince Yongzhang was favored by Emperor Yongzheng and adored by Consort Xi. From childhood, he was not the cleverest of the Aisin-Gioro clan, but he was the most doted-on among the imperial grandsons.

His mother said he wasn't cut out to rule over everyone, and his father told him just to do his best at his studies.

Little Yongzhang hugged the tortoise in his arms and nodded solemnly. He had decided to lie flat from a young age.

As far back as he could remember, his mother had been his father's darling, and he and his younger siblings were his father's little darlings.

After his father ascended the throne, their entire family became more noble and powerful than anyone could imagine.

The road ahead was smooth, and life was even smoother. Yongzhang couldn't imagine what he had to worry about.

Yongzhang: I can't spend all the money Father gives me. I really can't spend it all.

Su Jingyu: Her kid doesn't have to inherit the throne, so he can be happy one day at a time and enjoy each year as it comes.

Reader's guide:

1. This is semi-alternate history, with plenty of liberties taken. Please don't nitpick the history.

2. The kid isn't very ambitious and won't inherit the throne.

Theme: Wherever you find yourself, live earnestly and be kind to yourself