Knowing that things should be left unsaid, Tong Qinian stuffed a thick stack of envelopes into Tong Wanyan's hand in front of Yinreng, then dragged Tong Ruita away.

He feared that if he continued to be an eyesore, Yinreng would kill him on the spot.

Tong Wanyan stared at the envelopes that took up half the table and indicated that she didn't want to talk.

Yinreng summoned a guard to send these items back to Yuqing Palace ahead of time.

Tong Ruita's commotion was quite loud, and Yinreng didn't intend to keep Tong Wanyan cooped up in Heshunlou for an entire afternoon.

Having finally escaped the palace, it would be a shame not to explore the area further.

Unlike the other older princes who were fostered by their maternal families in their childhood, Yinreng, raised under the very nose of Emperor Kangxi, was not actually very familiar with the outside world.

Rather than saying he was taking Tong Wanyan out for fun, it would be more accurate to say he was taking the opportunity to relax for a while.

Bright red candied hawthorns, time-honored wontons, and plain noodles lined the streets, their various aromas vying to attract the attention of distinguished guests.

Tong Wanyan couldn't resist buying a skewer of candied hawthorns; they were sweet and sour, and tasted delicious.

Seeing that she was eating with relish, Yinreng snatched the food and took a bite, his face scrunched up from the sourness.

Yinti, who had walked away and then circled back, unfortunately witnessed this scene and laughed so hard he couldn't stand up straight.

I never expected my usually aloof second child to have such a down-to-earth reaction. Experiencing all the flavors of life is much better than being detached from reality.

Yinti's gaze was too bright; Yinreng frowned and didn't notice, but Tong Wanyan's eyes met his at a glance.

Thinking back on the misunderstanding, Yinti nodded slightly to Tong Wanyan and hurriedly walked into the alley next door.

He was in a good mood today and wouldn't embarrass him in front of the second prince's concubine.

The First Princess Consort, with her small pregnant belly, greeted him with maternal radiance.

"You're back so early today, Master?" The First Princess and Yinti were a young couple with a very good relationship.

The impetuous and irritable Yinti in front of outsiders became as docile as a big cat in the hands of the First Consort.

He strode forward and nervously embraced the First Princess: "Thinking of you and your daughter in the manor, how could I not come back sooner? I brought you some dried fruit from Li's shop on East Street. I remember you loved this flavor the most when you were pregnant with the eldest princess."

The First Lady's face was full of happiness; the feeling of being remembered by her husband was so comforting.

"For some reason, I don't like sour foods this time, but I crave spicy ones instead. I can only regret not being able to accept your kind offer. You should eat it yourself; Li Ji's candied fruit tastes quite good." The First Princess Consort pressed her forehead with a distressed expression, her face almost ruined from eating too much spicy food.

Yinqi chuckled and helped his wife circle the courtyard: "Please forgive me, my wife. You know I've never liked women's food. Aren't you going to the palace to pay your respects to Mother tomorrow? Just say it's my filial piety towards Mother."

The First Princess gave him a reproachful look. Did he think his mother was stupid?

"Fujin, what kind of person do you think Consort Tong is?" Yinti asked, thinking of the people he had met today, and started chatting with the First Fujin.

The First Consort was no surprise at Yinti's keen curiosity. After thinking for a moment, she replied, "I met her once in Chengqian Palace. She is well-mannered and knows her place. The Imperial Noble Consort likes her very much, which is probably not just because she is a niece of the same clan."

For some unknown reason, the First Princess smiled and said, "Consort Tong is an absolute beauty. When I first saw her, I was almost stunned. The Crown Prince is truly blessed!"

Yinti said nonchalantly, "No one is as good as my wife! I ran into the Crown Prince and Consort Tong at Heshun Tower today. He doted on his sweetheart. It was a rare sight indeed."

"Alright, let's not talk about the Crown Prince. The Imperial Observatory's forecast is that this summer will be scorching hot, and you're probably going to suffer then." Yinqi touched the First Princess's belly with concern.

The First Lady's due date was in July, right in the hottest part of summer. Postpartum women still had to undergo confinement, so ice cubes and cold water were not allowed.

The First Princess felt a warmth in her heart. She held Yinti's large hand and said, "It's alright. It's my blessing to be able to bear children for you. You treat me so well, how could I not appreciate it?"

The atmosphere in the First Prince's courtyard was harmonious, while the atmosphere in Yuqing Palace was quite the opposite.

Yinreng stood awkwardly opposite Tong Wanyan, not daring to even sit down.

He opened his mouth as if to say something, but the guilt in his conscience prevented him from speaking.

Tong Wanyan looked at him with a smile, her eyes full of trust and reliance, and the deep affection that Yinreng loved most.

Yinreng was still young, and he couldn't bring himself to say to Tong Wanyan with a clear conscience: "You're just a concubine, and it's already quite generous of me to favor you. Countless women will enter Yuqing Palace in the future, and there's also the Crown Princess who will be putting you in a difficult position."

He was captivated by the girl before him. Apart from her family background, she was perfect in every way, even outstanding and impeccable.

He didn't want to see such a good girl sad.

Tong Qinian's request was still vivid in his mind; he knew she was a pampered girl.

"Xiao Yan, Father has asked the Imperial Noble Consort to choose a secondary consort and two princesses for me." After saying that, she continued even more smoothly: "I told Father that I have been busy with state affairs lately and have no time to deal with matters concerning my children. But I couldn't say it too much, otherwise Father would definitely be dissatisfied with you."

"Two months later, bring two princesses into the house first, and the concubine will be brought in three months later."

"With a new love, will you forget the old?" Tong Wanyan got up and threw herself into Yinreng's arms, clutching his clothes at the chest, tears falling.

Yinreng was heartbroken: "No, there will always only be Xiaoyan in my heart. No one else loves me as a person except Xiaoyan."

"That's hard to say. You're a man of great literary talent, refined temperament, and handsome appearance—you're perfect in every way. If a girl sees you, she'll be completely captivated by you." Tong Wanyan said, genuinely flustered.

Suddenly, with a tearing sound, Yinreng's clothes were ripped.

Tong Wanyan calmly covered the hole, and in her emotional state, Yinreng did not notice the change.

Tong Wanyan sobbed, "The thought of Master smiling at other women and making other women happy in the future makes my heart ache."

"Master, please don't be blinded by all the flowers. Even if you are... even if you are blinded, please don't forget me. I would be very happy if you could come to see me occasionally in the future."

Tong Wanyan smiled sadly and affectionately at the right moment, her watery eyes filled with deep tenderness and reluctance.

Yinreng, who had been pretending to be hard-hearted, panicked instantly.

"Xiao Yan, I will not let you be sad," Yinreng said, emphasizing each word.

These words will forever be etched in his heart, reminding him that as long as she remains unchanged, he will never forget his original intention.

Having received the promise, Tong Wanyan smiled through her tears.

She wasn't very pretty with her face covered in tears, but Yinreng thought she was at her most beautiful at that moment.

“Your Majesty, I know that as the Crown Prince, you have many unavoidable circumstances. I also know that you did this so that the Emperor would not blame me. I know all the kindness you have shown me, and I remember it all in my heart. I will never forget it.”

Profound emotions always have to overcome various obstacles and hurts before they can become unforgettable in the shortest amount of time.

Because of this one incident, Yinreng will never forget Tong Wanyan in his lifetime.