Chapter 4: Still Holding a Pipa (Playing the Pipa, Half-Concealed)

"Of course I will never forget you."

Yunli took out a jade pendant from his sleeve and gently placed it in Hongli's hand. "I just got a piece of warm jade. It's not big, just enough to make two jade pendants. I'll give you one."

It was warm to the touch and exquisitely carved; it was a rare and fine piece. Hongli withdrew his hand and, without any ceremony, hung it directly on his waist.

Seeing this, Yunli laughed even more heartily; he liked Hongli's unpretentious manner.

Their acquaintance dates back two years. At that time, Hongli was the fourth prince, who was raised in the Yuanmingyuan Garden and was not well received, while Yunli was the seventeenth prince, who was favored and pampered.

In his later years, Emperor Kangxi resided at Changchun Garden, which was relatively close to Yuanmingyuan Garden. It was there that Yunli, who was restless and anxious because his father was old, and Hongli, who was wandering around with a purpose, unexpectedly met.

At that time, Yunli was amazed that his rigid and serious fourth brother would have such a bright and talented son, but unfortunately he did not pay attention to him; while Hongli at that time vaguely saw the shadow of the spirited seventeenth prince of the previous world in Yunli.

The two met, and Yunli's inherent compassion for the poor and weak was unconsciously amplified under Hongli's influence, leading him to step in and discipline Hongli's "wicked servants." They gradually began to interact, but not frequently.

Until Emperor Kangxi's death, Emperor Yongzheng's ascension to the throne, and Consort Shu's decision to become a nun, the Tonghua Terrace, originally a symbol of the faithful love between Emperor Kangxi and Consort Shu, gradually fell into disrepair because the Empress Dowager disliked its extravagance.

Hongli found Yunli, whom he hadn't seen in a long time and who looked somewhat dejected, and sat quietly with him for the entire night. The friendship forged during times of hardship is always the most precious.

From then on, Yunli regarded Hongli as a close friend and took the initiative to become Hongli's teacher, teaching him poetry, music, and martial arts.

Another year has passed in the blink of an eye. If Yunli accompanies the emperor, he can openly enter and leave the Yuanmingyuan. Although he still needs to avoid some spies when visiting Hongli, things are much better now.

Having just experienced the test of archery, Yunli knew all too well that serving the emperor was like walking on thin ice. But looking at Hongli's handsome face, he couldn't help but ask, "Do you wish to return to the palace?"

Hongli smiled with slight surprise, "Why does Uncle Seventeen talk like a child, just like Hongzhou?"

“I’m not joking,” Yunli said, unusually serious. “If you want to go back, I will definitely help you.”

Yunli was serious. Although entering the palace was risky, he felt sorry for Hongli, who was quietly wasting time in the garden.

If Hongli wanted to go back, he would do everything he could to help him go back; and if Hongli wanted to fight for it, he would naturally stand with him.

“No need, Seventeenth Uncle,” Hongli shook his head. “I’m quite fine in the garden, away from the hustle and bustle. Being a leisurely person is not bad at all.”

Hongli appeared completely unconcerned, displaying the refined elegance of a scholar living in seclusion.

But that wasn't what he really thought. He definitely wanted to return to the palace, but how could he be the one to do it willingly? Shouldn't everything that this heartthrob wanted be given to him by others?

Seeing that Hongli showed no sign of reluctance, Yunli didn't bring it up again, thinking that since he was unwilling, he should take better care of him in the future.

With him around, Hongli will never be treated unfairly.

I immediately changed the subject and talked to him about the situation in the palace. Even though I wasn't going back, it was always good to know more.

"If the wind understands my heart, it will not easily destroy me. A new favorite, Consort Wan, has entered the palace, and it's another drama reminiscent of the late Empress Chun Yuan, but your Emperor Father seems to enjoy it immensely..."

Yunli smiled and shook his head, ultimately mindful of Hongli's age, and did not recount the scene he witnessed at the Yimei Garden banquet on New Year's Eve: hanging a small portrait on a tree branch, the poem identical to that of Empress Chun Yuan, and the feigned indifference of disguising oneself as a palace maid. There was no need to elaborate on such tactics, lest they offend Hongli's ears.

"In short, be careful. This Lady Wan is quite cunning; if you encounter her, be cautious."

The reason Yunli chatted with him about these palace affairs wasn't because he was gossipy, but mainly because he was worried that Hongli, lacking experience, might run into these newly arrived concubines and be taken advantage of.

"Uncle Seventeen is overthinking it. I don't like going out either. Besides, there are so many people coming and going in the garden these days, I'll stay far away from them."

In Yunli's mind, Hongli was too upright and noble to be tainted by such mundane matters. Hearing him say this, Yunli felt relieved, but also somewhat uncomfortable. They were just low-ranking concubines, yet Hongli, a prince, was being told to avoid them.

Thinking of this, Yunli couldn't help but feel indignant for Hongli, and he was also very dissatisfied with Yongzheng's behavior. He only had women in his heart and couldn't see such a good son. How could he possibly submit from the bottom of his heart?

...

Emerging from Xianyue Pavilion, Chen Meizhuang strolled along the lakeside, her arm linked with Caiyue's. Admiring the shimmering water, the well-arranged pavilions and towers, and the verdant mountains, she couldn't help but let out a long sigh, her anxiety about conceiving lessening considerably.

"It is indeed a royal garden, and compared with the palace, it has a unique charm that makes people feel comfortable."

“Your Highness is right. Look how beautiful the scenery is. I think you should go out more often,” Caiyue said, encouragingly agreeing as she glanced at Shen Meizhuang’s expression. In her opinion, Her Highness was just too hasty. She had only been in the palace for a short time; it was normal not to show signs of pregnancy yet. Why bother with fertility-enhancing drugs?

However, she couldn't interfere with her master's decision, but she felt sorry for her master who had been frowning lately. It was rare to see her with a relaxed expression, so Caiyue naturally wanted to persuade her.

“You should walk around more.” Shen Meizhuang nodded with a smile. Putting aside everything else, walking around more will improve your health and also benefit your pregnancy and childbirth.

Moreover, such a beautiful view should not be wasted.

Shen Meizhuang's appreciative gaze swept across the lake, but she suddenly spotted a tall, upright young man with the bearing of a bamboo in the gentle sunlight on the opposite shore.

A simple, moon-white dress fluttered in the wind, as if carrying the gentle breeze of spring and the brightness of summer. Her steps were light and graceful. Even just her back view was dazzling, instantly capturing all of Shen Meizhuang's attention.

As if afraid to disturb the beautiful scenery before her, Shen Meizhuang couldn't help but murmur softly, "Who was that?" only after the boy disappeared from her sight.

Caiyue had just recovered from her amazement and shook her head, "This servant doesn't know either."

His words were full of regret that they could not get to know each other.

Shen Meizhuang didn't ask any more questions, but she was still a little dazed when she arrived at Bitong Academy, where Zhen Huan lived.

"Sister Mei, Sister Mei, what's wrong?"

"Ah, I..." Shen Meizhuang was a little embarrassed, her face flushed, and she couldn't suppress her curiosity as she asked, "Huan'er, do you know who lives on the other side of Moon Lake?"

Zhen Huan didn't know why Shen Meizhuang asked such a question, but after thinking about it carefully, she shook her head. Being new to the place, she didn't know much about the Yuanmingyuan either, so she looked at Cui Jinxi standing to the side.

“Jinxi…”

Shen Meizhuang's gaze also shifted to Cui Jinxi. Upon hearing this, Cui Jinxi respectfully bowed and replied, "Your Highness, the other side of Moon Lake is not our residence, but Wuzhen Pavilion, a place where the princes in the courtyard study."

"Now..." Cui Jinxi hesitated, but seeing the two young ladies' curious expressions, she thought she would take this opportunity to explain the taboos in the palace to them, and continued, "Now only the Fourth Prince and the Fifth Prince, who are raised in the garden, are studying there..."