Chapter Sixty-Two

As a chubby three-year-old, little Hongyao was sleepy very early. Seeing his grandfather still reviewing memorials, he insisted on going over and grabbing Kangxi's clothes, asking in a childish voice, "Grandpa, Grandpa, sleep with Hongyao."

Grandpa is not well-behaved at all. It's so late and he's still not asleep. His cute little face is very serious. "Grandpa, if you don't go to sleep, you won't grow tall."

When that serious and earnest look appeared on Xiao Hongyao's face, his words made Kangxi chuckle. "Hahaha, really? Who told you that you won't grow tall if you don't sleep well? Do you think Grandfather needs to grow any taller?"

Hearing Kangxi's question, Xiao Hongyao frowned slightly, looked up at Kangxi, and seemed to realize that, oh, the shortest person was Hongyao.

She sounded a little aggrieved, but also a little serious. "Yes, Mother said so. Mother said that I should eat and sleep well. Grandpa, you're not being good."

Kangxi laughed heartily as he listened to his grandson's childish scolding for his misbehavior. He gently stroked Hongyao's head and said, "Grandpa doesn't need to be good. You're the one who needs to be good. Go to sleep now. Grandpa will sleep in a little while."

Emperor Kangxi had Hongyao taken to bed. After he finished dealing with state affairs, he saw little Hongyao sleeping soundly and couldn't help but shake his head and chuckle. Only someone as unruly as him would sleep on his dragon bed with his legs in the air. He reached out and covered him with a small blanket.

However, Kangxi thought that since little Hongyao had already fallen asleep, and so many days had passed, it was time to go to the inner palace. Sigh, there is a difference between sleeping with a child and sleeping with a woman.

Sure enough, not long after Kangxi left, little Hongyao woke up from the heat. Because of the heat, he had a nightmare. After waking up in fright, he looked around blankly and, not seeing his grandfather, burst into tears.

Upon hearing the young prince's cries, the guards on night watch rushed over in alarm, "Prince Hongyao, Prince Hongyao, what's wrong? Why are you crying?"

"Grandpa Emperor, I want Grandpa Emperor!" Little Hongyao cried and shouted. The servants around him knew that the Emperor had gone to visit the harem.

He quickly said, "Prince Hongyao, His Majesty has important matters to attend to and will be back soon. Are you thirsty or hungry?"

"Waaah, I want it, I want it, Grandfather!" Hongyao was terrified. Grandfather's status was much higher than these servants, at least in terms of closeness. While crying, his little feet kept kicking hard.

Hmm... It looks like it's waving its arms and legs wildly, constantly rolling around and fussing for its maternal grandfather, and crying quite loudly.

The servants, fearing that Prince Hongyao would hurt his throat from crying, could only quickly comfort the little prince, "Prince Hongyao, don't cry, don't cry. This servant will go find the Emperor right away. Please don't cry. If the Emperor comes back and sees you crying, he will be heartbroken."

"Waaah, Grandfather, waaah..." Little Hongyao cried twice, then sobbed pitifully, sniffled, and tried to climb off the bed. He wanted to go back to his father. "Mother, Mother, I want Mother."

Waaah...

Seeing Prince Hongyao climb out of bed without even putting on his shoes, the servant was so frightened that he quickly grabbed a small shoe, stood in front of him, and knelt down, saying, "Prince Hongyao, please put on your shoes first."

They tried their best to stall Prince Hongyao, while another eunuch hurriedly went to report the matter to the Emperor.

"If you don't wear shoes, you'll easily catch a cold. If you get sick, you'll have to drink bitter medicine, which will be uncomfortable and cause headaches. The Emperor, His Highness the Crown Prince, and the Crown Princess will definitely worry about you." Little Li carefully put shoes on Hongyao.

My heart was filled with anxiety and unease. Why hadn't the Emperor returned yet?

Are we going to send Prince Hongyao back to Yuqing Palace in the middle of the night?

Although Xiao Li thought this was a good idea, after all, it was His Highness the Crown Prince who personally brought Prince Hongyao here. If the Emperor didn't say he would send the little grandson back to Yuqing Palace, and instead took it upon himself to do so, he would definitely be punished.

"Brother Hongyao, you've been crying for so long, your throat must be dry. Would you like some water to soothe it?" Little Li quickly poured some warm water to give Hongyao.

Hongyao wrinkled his delicate and cute little face, and pushed away the teacup handed to him with disgust. "Change your shoes." Meaning, if I change my shoes and you bring me a teacup to pour water, I won't drink it.

Little Li was so frightened that he immediately knelt down, pleading, "Brother Hongyao, brother, spare my life!"

Prince Hongyao ignored him, wearing small shoes. He had accompanied Yinreng on the journey from Yuqing Palace to Qianqing Palace countless times, so he remembered it by heart.

Well, he thought he could remember how to get back.

As Prince Hongyao was about to leave the palace, Xiao Lizi quickly put the teacup back on the table. He then caught up with Prince Hongyao, stopped him, and hurriedly explained, "Prince Hongyao, please don't worry, His Majesty will be back soon."

When Xiao Hongyao saw that Xiao Lizi was blocking him, his expression immediately fell. With a stern face, he scolded in a cute but fierce tone, "Get out of the way."

However, because she had just cried, her eyes were still red, and her sobbing voice hadn't completely subsided. It didn't sound like she was cursing, but rather like she was being affectionate.

By the time Kangxi casually threw on some clothes and rushed back, Hongyao had already walked out of the palace gate. "Hongyao, where are you going?"

Upon hearing his grandfather's voice, Hongyao looked up, his aggrieved feelings rising again. His reddened eyes welled up with tears once more, and he called out in a pitiful voice, "Grandpa."

He quickly ran over and reached out to hug Kangxi. Kangxi bent down and picked up little Hongyao.

It is said that Manchus hold their grandchildren but not their sons. In fact, when Bao Cheng was young, he was very clingy and was held quite a few times, with very standard posture.

"What's going on? Why is Prince Hongyao crying in the middle of the night?" Kangxi turned his head and coldly questioned the servants around him, who were so frightened that they all knelt down immediately.

"Your Majesty, Prince Hongyao woke up from a nightmare, crying and asking for Your Majesty. He couldn't see you, so he wanted to go back to Yuqing Palace to find His Highness the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess." The subordinate didn't dare to hide anything and described the events in simple terms.

Upon hearing this, Kangxi gently patted Hongyao's back to comfort him, coaxing him softly, "You silly child, your Grandfather is here, isn't he? What dream did you have just now, Hongyao? Tell your Grandfather. Your Grandfather is here to protect you, don't be afraid."

"Hongyao, Hongyao, I don't remember." Hongyao only remembered feeling wronged and wanting to cry at the time, but he couldn't remember what he dreamed about.

"Hongyao, don't be afraid, Grandfather is here." Kangxi comforted Hongyao, picked him up and carried him inside, patting his little belly, "Are you hungry?"

"I'm not hungry." Hongyao shook his head. He had already eaten, but his throat was indeed a little sore from crying for so long. "Hongyao is thirsty and wants some water."

"Alright." When Liang Jiugong handed him the teacup, Kangxi personally fed Hongyao water. What a silly child.

That night, she accompanied Hongyao to sleep. The only one who was angry was Consort Chen, who should have had the opportunity to serve the emperor, but was instead robbed of it by the young prince.

The other concubines in the harem mocked her with a hint of schadenfreude, saying, "Oh dear, some people, even though the Emperor has already gone there, they still can't keep him. It's truly laughable."

Upon hearing this, Consort Chen's expression changed drastically, but returned to normal after a few seconds. "Hmph, you think I'm not good enough, but you all are? With the little prince here, none of you will ever be able to serve the emperor."

Consort Chen was there, mocking in the same tone, just waiting to see the show.

The other concubines didn't believe in this superstition, and then... for the next few days, the Emperor didn't enter the inner palace. He seemed to be truly at ease accompanying his young grandson. This attitude was truly worrying.

The high-ranking concubines who were already pregnant and preparing to become maternal grandmothers didn't care, but it was different for these newly arrived palace buds.

They entered the palace with several ambitious goals, such as gaining the emperor's favor, bearing him heirs, and protecting their families. But now, the emperor is acting as if he doesn't care about them at all.

Your Highness, you've gone too far. I heard that back then, Your Highness also stopped the Emperor from favoring the harem in the same way, and now it's the little grandson's turn.

When they couldn't help but make small moves behind his back, Kangxi was already helpless. He really hadn't expected his little grandson to be so clingy.

Ever since that night when he was away, Hongyao had a nightmare and cried. Hongyao has been clinging to him every day. Except for the morning court session, he wants to stay by his side and occasionally hug and comfort him.

this……

He can't stay in the Qianqing Palace forever, can he? He occasionally wants to visit the inner palace and leave the palace...

"Liang Jiugong, summon the Crown Prince and take Hongyao back so he can pack up and prepare for a long journey." In the end, Kangxi still told Liang Jiugong to summon the Crown Prince. "I don't want to deal with your son for the time being. You can do whatever you want with him."

The key point is, how could Emperor Kangxi, with his loving heart, possibly be so harsh in disciplining his adorable grandson who loved to be spoiled? He couldn't even bear to raise his voice a little.

If I scold Hongyao, wouldn't my status as the Emperor's father be lowered in Hongyao's eyes?

At this moment, Emperor Kangxi completely forgot that he had scolded every one of his many sons.

He decided that Yinreng would play the bad guy, and he would play the good guy, so that he would be the closest person to Hongyao!

Liang Jiugong accepted the order and went out. Yinreng, who had heard the verbal instruction, quickly came over.

When they arrived, they saw the Emperor reviewing memorials, with Hongyao sitting beside him, holding a toy and waving it around, looking quite pleased with himself.

"Father?" Upon hearing his father's greeting to his grandfather, Xiao Hongyao subconsciously looked up and saw his father standing there. Xiao Hongyao was surprised, and then delighted.

The next second, she threw the toy aside, stood up happily, and ran towards Yinreng.

She called out in a strong, childlike voice, "Father, Father!"

Hongyao joyfully rushed towards Yinreng and hugged his lap, "Father, Father, Hongyao missed you so much! Have you missed Hongyao too? Why don't you come to see Hongyao?"

"Isn't Father here?" The doting Crown Prince bent down and picked up his chubby baby son, weighing him in his arms. Good, he hadn't lost weight, which meant that Father had taken good care of Hongyao.

"Have you listened to your grandfather? Has your grandfather taken good care of you?" Yinreng asked with gentle kindness and concern, his demeanor making even Kangxi, who was sitting above, feel embarrassed.

What the hell...

“Yes, Hongyao is very obedient.” As he spoke, little Hongyao proudly raised his chin. “Hongyao has taken good care of Grandpa Huang, making Grandpa Huang eat obediently, sleep obediently, and grow tall.”

Hongyao felt that he was the best son in the world. His mother had praised him, saying that he was smart, filial, diligent, studious, obedient, and sensible... The hundreds of words of praise were omitted.

"Hahaha, really? Grandfather can still grow taller?" Yinreng couldn't help but burst into laughter after hearing Hongyao's words. His gaze involuntarily drifted towards his father. If he grew taller... Hahaha, why is Grandfather acting like a child who needs to be coaxed?

Emperor Kangxi personally taught Yinreng to become the person he is today. What did that look in his eyes mean? How could he not know?

"Yinreng, are you asking for a beating? Do I have to teach you a lesson again?" Kangxi felt that if he didn't stop him, Yinreng would definitely tell Hongyao.

At such an innocent age as Hongyao, he might repeat Yinreng's words and spread them around. What would become of his reputation then?

"No need for that, Father Emperor. I will take Hongyao back first." Yinreng knew that his father didn't seem to like him staying here. He must have forgotten his father for someone new. However, since this new person was his son, he let it go.

"Yinreng, how do you usually educate my grandson? Apart from the Three Character Classic, he hasn't learned anything. As the crown prince, how can you be so lax with your child? How will he inherit the Qing Dynasty in the future?"

Kangxi felt he needed to have a serious talk with Yinreng about this issue. He said, "You must discipline Hongyao severely. You can't let the child be so lax, understand?"

"Father, you're right." Yinreng didn't really care at all. What did it mean to inherit the Qing Dynasty? I'll be deposed in the future, so how could my son possibly inherit it? I might as well live happily.

Anyway, if he works himself to death, he'll just end up being crippled anyway, so why bother?

However, in front of his father, the expression on his face looked quite sincere and earnest.

Kangxi, of course, could not have imagined that Yinreng was thinking of saying one thing to his face and another behind his back. He naturally assumed that Yinreng would obey the orders he gave.

"That's good, go back now." Kangxi finally understood what it meant to want freedom while raising a child, just like he was right now.

Yinreng didn't exchange many pleasantries with his father. Holding his chubby baby son, he happily headed back towards Yuqing Palace.

"Hongyao, what have you been up to with Grandfather lately? Tell your father about it." Yinreng's men couldn't find out anything from the Qianqing Palace, so there was no need for them to. Listening to their scattered thoughts, they realized that they mainly missed their son and wanted to talk to him.

“Hongyao, get up early every day, take care of the Emperor’s breakfast, then recite his lessons, such as ‘Heaven and Earth, the Primordial Universe,’ then eat pastries, sleep, play with toys, then swim with the Emperor, and then sleep.”

Hongyao stretched out his fingers and counted to his father what he had done throughout the day.

During the conversation, he recited most of the Thousand Character Classic to his father with such enthusiasm that Yinreng wondered, "Grandpa, how many times does Grandpa make us read the Thousand Character Classic every day?"

“Five times.” Hongyao stretched out his small palm and spread it in front of Yinreng. As he spoke, he touched the area of ​​his throat. “I’m thirsty. Drink more water.”

Yinreng was heartbroken. His son Hongyao was so intelligent, so why had he only learned the Three Character Classic? Wasn't it because he felt sorry for Hongyao? Really!

“Our Hongyao is so amazing. Hongyao, you’ve worked so hard. Father feels sorry for you. When we get back, we’ll ask Mother to make you some pear syrup, okay?”

Yinreng inwardly complained about his father's unreliability. Why was he pushing Hongyao so hard when Hongyao was still so young?

"Okay, Hongyao thinks he's really amazing, and even Grandfather praised him." Hongyao, who has no sense of self-awareness at all, has grown up with the constant praise from Jialuo, Yinreng, and Kangxi, making him particularly proud now, his smug eyes full of confidence.

"Wow, that means our Hongyao is really amazing! Even someone as amazing as Grandpa Emperor praised our Hongyao. It's really worth telling your mother so she can praise you too, okay?" Yinreng hugged the chubby little boy with a bright smile on his face.

Following behind His Highness the Crown Prince, Xiao Shunzi watched the conversation between the Crown Prince and the young grandson with a bright smile on his face, happy for His Highness the Crown Prince and showing the deep affection between father and son.

The little prince is so cute.

"However, you can't casually say how great you are in front of outsiders in the future. Otherwise, when others see that your father has such an outstanding Hongyao, they will be jealous of your father and try to steal Hongyao away, understand?" Hongyao definitely wouldn't understand if you told him to be humble and modest in front of others.

Speak in a tone that Hongyao can understand, and when he grows up a bit, Hongyao will be able to understand what you mean.

Hongyao's chubby little hands tightly hugged Yinreng's neck, his little voice domineering, "No, Hongyao only wants Father."

"Okay, okay, as long as it's Father, don't hug me so tightly." What did this chubby little guy eat at Father's? Why is he so strong?

Hongyao loosened his grip slightly, but still clung to Yinreng. "Father, Father, Grandfather said my swimming isn't pretty."

Although Emperor Kangxi only mentioned it once, Hongyao still remembered it very well. His grandfather actually said that his swimming posture was not good, like, like what... The last sentence was muttered in a low voice, and Hongyao did not hear it clearly.

However, Hongyao was well aware of the fact that his grandfather said it didn't look good, hmph.

"Swimming? Where did our Hongyao go swimming?" Yinreng's expression changed slightly, but he pretended to be calm in front of Hongyao, asking casually.

How could Father Emperor be so unreliable? Hongyao is so young, how could he take him swimming? What if something happens? Even if there are servants around, what if there isn't enough time to get medical help?

Wouldn't this cost him and the Crown Princess their lives?

"In the royal bathtub." As if answering a question, she happily raised her hand, cheerfully stating the answer, and looked at her father with sparkling eyes, as if to say, "Father, I gave the correct answer, will there be a reward?"

Oh... it's a large bathtub, a large bathtub? How can a large bathtub accommodate Hongyao's swimming?

"Why would Hongyao want to swim in the Emperor's bathtub?" Yinreng coaxed gently.

"Isn't the big bathtub for swimming?" Hongyao blinked his beautiful, round eyes, looking brightly at Yinreng, his eyes still filled with a hint of doubt and confusion, as if to say, "Isn't it? Father."

“Otherwise, where should we go swimming? Mother said we can’t play in the water outside.” Hongyao is a good child; he remembers everything his mother said.

Hongyao's words caused Yinreng to fall silent for a second before nodding seriously and firmly, confirming, "Your mother is right, listen to her, let's play in the big bathtub!"

Actually, he also wanted to say that the large bathtub was also dangerous, but children are very curious. After spending so much time with Hongyao, Yinreng understood this even better. If he strongly forbade Hongyao from doing it, Hongyao might want to try it even more.

As a result, he died after trying it. At least when Hongyao was taking a bath, there were so many servants attending to him, and the Crown Princess was also there watching.

"When we get back, I'll show it to Father and see what's wrong with Hongyao's swimming. It must be because your Grandfather doesn't know how to appreciate it." Yinreng stepped on Kangxi to praise Hongyao, who grinned happily.

Soon, he returned to Yuqing Palace and went straight to the main courtyard to hand the child over to the Crown Princess. The Crown Princess must miss Hongyao, having not seen him for so long.

So, as expected, the moment he entered the main courtyard, he saw the Crown Princess running towards him with bright eyes.

Just as Yinreng was beginning to think, "The Crown Princess truly cares about me the most," he saw the Crown Princess take Hongyao directly from his arms and hug him tightly. "My Hongyao, I missed you so much. You're finally back. It's been so long. Did you miss me?"

Holding Hongyao close and affectionately, Hongyao also hugged his mother. Perhaps he had missed her so much, he was overjoyed and cried tears of happiness, wailing, "Mother, Hongyao, Hongyao missed you so much..."

Hongyao had always grown up with Jialuo and spent the most time with her. Before this separation, Yinreng had taken him to the front courtyard for a period of time, which separated them.

That's why he was able to hold on for so long this time, because Hongyao knew that his mother would be able to come and be with him soon.

That's how it was last time.

With this thought in mind, Hongyao was able to stay with Huangmafa, who was all alone. As a little Baturu, Hongyao had to take good care of Huangmafa, reminding him to eat well and sleep well, otherwise he would be naughty.

"Mother, Mother, Hongyao, Hongyao is so amazing." After crying for less than half a minute, little Hongyao stopped sobbing and then clung to Jialuo, telling her about what he did with his grandfather in the Qianqing Palace.

“Hongyao takes care of Huangmafa. Hongyao tells Huangmafa to eat and sleep obediently, but Huangmafa is not obedient. He doesn’t sleep obediently at night and runs around everywhere.” Hongyao said this while gently shaking his head to show his displeasure.

Upon hearing the last sentence, Yinreng and Jialuo were silent for a few seconds, exchanging an awkward glance. They chuckled and laughed. "Hongyao, we already know that. So, Hongyao, are you still thirsty today? Didn't you learn the 'Thousand Character Classic'? Why don't you recite it for your mother?"

They quickly changed the subject, saying that continuing to talk about this could really lead to trouble.

Moreover, as a son and daughter-in-law, it's not appropriate for them to concern themselves with this issue.

As soon as this topic came up, Xiao Hongyao immediately forgot what they were talking about. He raised his head, straightened his chest, and, full of fighting spirit, immediately recited it to Jialuo.

Immediately, Jialu clapped her hands vigorously, "Our Hongyao is so great, so amazing!"

"Xiaoqing, hurry up and prepare the meal. Hongyao has lost weight." The distressed mother felt that even her chubby son was starving.

Yinreng glanced at Hongyao's chubby little body, wondering where Jialuo got the conclusion that she had 'lost weight'.

Also, has the Crown Princess overlooked something? Can she please not neglect her own man just because she has Hongyao?

Since bringing Hongyao back, the Crown Princess has never thought of herself, neither verbally nor in her heart.

“Hongyao has already eaten, don’t overeat.” Yinreng reminded him, “It’s not about eating more, but about eating more. Besides, if you say that about Hongyao, Father Emperor will think you’re saying he’s abusing Hongyao.”

Yinreng's teachings made Jialuo realize immediately that although there is a kind of thinness that only your mother thinks you are thin, this is the palace, and there are many rules.

"It's all because I was too hasty. Father Emperor has taught Hongyao very well. Look, our Hongyao has already learned the Thousand Character Classic. He's amazing!" Jialuo immediately changed her tune and praised the Emperor to the skies. However, she didn't know if her words would reach the Emperor's ears.

"Father Emperor said he would teach Hongyao well, but after so many days, he has only learned the Thousand Character Classic. Isn't that the same as me?" Yinreng felt extremely indifferent, but he overlooked the fact that the other man had been teaching him for a few days, while he had been teaching him for several months.

"Your Highness, why don't you go and say this to Father Emperor?" Jialuo glanced at Yinreng indifferently. She didn't believe that Yinreng would dare to say such a thing to Father Emperor.

"Why wouldn't I dare?" Yinreng stubbornly raised his chin, stood up, went out, and returned to the front courtyard. He wanted the Crown Princess to reflect on her actions and not neglect her husband because of her son!

Watching His Highness the Crown Prince storm off from the main courtyard in a huff once again, the servants there were no longer as cautious as they had been the first time. Instead, they went about their business as if it were nothing new.

Neither Hongyao nor Jialu noticed the Crown Prince's actions, or rather, they were completely unaware of his departure. The two, who had not seen each other for a long time, missed each other dearly and expressed their longing for one another.

"Hongyao, it's been so long since I've seen your mother, have you missed her?" Holding her chubby son, Jialuo felt a sense of security and comfort.

She felt that there was more time when Hongyao was around. Even with the Crown Prince, he had to go out to handle important state affairs during the day, so how could he be with her all the time?

Before Hongyao came along, Jialuo didn't find it difficult to get through anything.

But ever since Hongyao came into her life, and he was no longer by her side, time suddenly became unbearable. However, she couldn't very well go to the Qianqing Palace and tell the Emperor that she wanted Hongyao to stay with her. Wouldn't that make the Emperor even more worried about whether Hongyao was doing well by her side?

"Yes, Mother, do you miss Hongyao?" Hongyao, who hadn't seen his mother for a long time, also missed her. He nestled in his mother's arms and asked her in a soft, sticky voice.

“Of course, Mother misses Hongyao terribly, but Mother remembers that Hongyao has to stay with his Grandfather, right? So Mother has been waiting at home for Hongyao to come back.” Jialuo’s gentle voice softly reached Hongyao’s ears.

As Hongyao listened to his mother's gentle voice, he gradually drifted off to sleep.

After seeing that Hongyao had fallen asleep, Jialuo didn't say anything more. She looked down at her chubby baby for a long time before carrying Hongyao back to bed.

Finally, Jialuo also felt a little sleepy, so she stayed up with Hongyao and went to sleep together.

However, the Crown Prince, who left in a huff, did not receive any concern from Jialuo or his son. The princesses in the back courtyard had suffered so many cold treatments, being either confined to their quarters or having their privileges reduced, that they were all afraid and dared not come to the front courtyard again.

So, after waiting and waiting, feeling like he was the one being ignored, the crown prince became unhappy.

He immediately summoned someone to inquire, "Where are the Crown Princess and Hongyao? What are they doing now?"

Have you missed me? Have you mentioned me?

"Your Highness, the Crown Princess and the young prince have fallen asleep and haven't woken up yet. However, they should be awake by now, right?" This was a message he received a long time ago. So much time has passed; they should be awake by now.

Yinreng was displeased. Didn't she think of him at all? That woman, the Crown Princess, really forgot about men after having a child.

She was so eager to pounce on him before, saying she wanted to have his baby, and she was really pushing herself to be on top, rocking wildly. But now…

"Oh." Yinreng felt that a woman like the Crown Princess really needed to be ignored for a while in order to bring her to her senses.

Coincidentally, the next day, the Emperor sent him to a village in the suburbs to investigate a case. He had heard that members of the Heaven and Earth Society had stayed there. Yinreng also brought his fourth son along. He was meticulous and thorough.

Two or three days later, Yinreng finally finished his work. As for that case, there was no trace of the Heaven and Earth Society, which showed that they had swept the tail clean.

Besides, Father Emperor is about to depart, so shouldn't he go back and pack his luggage properly?

Also, the Crown Princess's self-reflection over the past few days should be almost over; it's time to listen to her report.

When they arrived at the main courtyard, Jialuo and Hongyao were playing a game called "Little Tricycle." It was a bit clumsy, but Hongyao was having a lot of fun.

Upon seeing Yinreng's figure appear, Hongyao and Jialuo both greeted him happily, "Your Highness (Father)."

"Your Highness, are you done with your work? You've almost finished packing your luggage for the journey. Your Highness must be very busy lately. Xiaoqing, Xiaoqing, quickly bring some tea for His Highness to moisten his throat."

Jialuo's words left Yinreng silent for a few seconds. Oh, so all his busyness these past few days has also given Jialuo a chance to reflect on herself. The Crown Princess has no awareness at all, has she?

"Your Highness, do you know what I've been busy with lately?" Yinreng smiled. Since he was able to tell His Highness what he was doing, why didn't he tell her what he wanted her to do to reflect on herself?

"I don't know, but His Highness is not here. He must be busy with some important state affairs. I don't understand those national affairs." Jialu shook her head matter-of-factly, and seemed to be quite proud of it.

"Father is busy, Father is working hard, Father has some cake." Hongyao got off the tricycle and quickly pushed his cakes in front of his father. Father has worked hard, Hongyao's cakes are for Father.

A virtuous wife, a filial son—what more could a man want?

Yinreng's anger subsided considerably in that instant. He sat down, eating pastries and drinking warm tea, before speaking to Jialuo, "We're preparing to leave in a couple of days. Are your luggage really all packed?"

"Your Highness, rest assured, everything is packed and we are ready to depart at any time." How could the people below not pack the luggage when the Crown Princess is traveling? Anyway, there is plenty of stuff, and packing doesn't mean that the rest of the things can't be used normally.

Two days later—

On the day they were to set off, perhaps because the Imperial Astronomical Bureau had chosen an auspicious day, the sky was clear and the air was crisp. Jialuo got up early, before dawn.

Hongyao was also rubbing his eyes sleepily. Yinreng carried Hongyao directly into the carriage, asked Jialuo to take good care of Hongyao, and then went to the front to accompany the emperor.

As soon as Jialuo and Hongyao got into the carriage, they continued to sleep soundly. The swaying carriage rocked them like a cradle, making them sleep even more soundly.

When he woke up again, the sun was already high in the sky, and the sun was shining brightly. Xiao Hongyao was already awake. Looking at the small space and seeing Jialuo beside him, he was no longer afraid.

"Mother, Mother, Hongyao is hungry." At this moment, Hongyao didn't think of anything else but his own hunger.

"Okay, Hongyao, wash up first, then we'll eat. We're getting ready to head to Mongolia, Hongyao, are you excited?" Jialuo helped her chubby son wash up and then fed him pastries before bringing up the next question.

Upon hearing this, Hongyao's eyes widened and brightened instantly. He casually lifted the curtain of the carriage next to him, and upon seeing what was there, he couldn't help but exclaim "Wow!"

"We're still in the capital. We'll leave this afternoon. Then, your father will take you horseback riding, okay?" Jialuo drew one pancake after another. Aren't all children happy about this?

Anyway, it's going to be Yinreng who takes care of him.

Meanwhile, Kangxi learned that Yinreng had brought Hongyao. Feeling bored in the carriage, he ordered Yinreng to bring Hongyao over. It wouldn't be good to have him sleep with him at night, but playing with the child during the day would be quite enjoyable.

Sure enough, Hongyao was taken to the front of the imperial carriage in no time.

The princes were too embarrassed to go to the women's carriages behind to see Hongyao, but they dared to go to their father's carriage to see Hongyao.

For example, the eldest prince, Yinqi, who desperately wanted a legitimate son but couldn't conceive one for a long time, simply said, "Little nephew, do you want to watch your uncle ride a horse? Your uncle will take you riding a horse!"

"Okay, okay." Hongyao nodded happily upon hearing this, and then eagerly crawled outside, only to be caught by Kangxi.

"Yinti, how old are you? Use your brain! How old is Hongyao?" The stern voice scolded Yinti. He was usually extremely reckless. It didn't matter if he fell, but what if Hongyao fell?

(End of this chapter)