Consort Hui and Consort Yi chatted amicably. Consort Gui's position had suddenly changed this year, and she was sitting in the first seat for a while, which made her a little unaccustomed to it.

She was a straightforward person, from a prestigious family, and could get along well with Consort Yi and Consort Hui.

Trying to curry favor with Emperor Kangxi at the New Year's Eve banquet is something young girls do; she no longer wants to fawn over him or compete for his favor.

When the First Princess Consort saw Tong Wanyan, she greeted her in a friendly manner, her face revealing an expression of amazement.

It's a pity that their eldest daughter didn't come this time, so we didn't get to see her truly stunning beauty.

"The concubine is dressed so elegantly and gracefully today; she's the most beautiful among all the sisters-in-law," the First Consort whispered.

If she were the Crown Princess, she would have spoken the term "sister-in-law" openly. But Tong Wanyan was different; she could only speak vaguely and gloss over the issue.

Tong Wanyan returned the compliment, praising the First Princess and the First Prince as a perfect match, a handsome man and a beautiful woman, a truly well-matched couple.

Yinti respected his primary wife very much, and he did not bring any of the women from his household to the New Year's Eve banquet.

In his eyes, a concubine was not worthy of being presentable in a respectable setting.

Of course, Tong Wanyan cannot be included.

Just like the concubines in Emperor Kangxi's harem, the wives and concubines of the crown prince had different statuses from those of other princes. The distinction between ruler and subject was an insurmountable chasm.

For example, the concubine who was currently favored in Yinzhi's courtyard, he begged Consort Rong several times, but she still couldn't get anyone to come with him.

They are not worthy of the status; they would be a disgrace to come here.

Tong Wanyan sat steadily in her seat, enjoying the scrutiny from all sides.

Today, Princess Jiarong and Princess Shuo also brought Tong Qinian into the palace. This was an exceptional summons by Emperor Kangxi, which was also a sign of his favor towards Prince Su's residence and Tong Qinian.

Tong Wanyan looked towards the princesses' seats, which were all princesses of the Aisin Gioro family in the capital.

Despite being a princess, Jia Rong and Princess Shuo sat in the middle without showing any weakness, which shows how much she was pampered by two generations of Prince Su since childhood.

Tong Wanyan's presence was the focal point that drew everyone's attention.

Wherever she looks, some people's eyes always follow her.

Jia Rong and Princess Shuo looked up at her generously and smiled from afar. Her face was rosy and her eyes were filled with happiness.

Previously, some people mocked her for her hasty marriage, saying that even with the emperor's blessing, she would still be looked down upon. But now it seems that's not entirely true.

"When Jia Rong got married, the procession stretched for miles in red, a truly grand and lively affair. The people who came to celebrate said they hadn't seen such generosity in recent years. On the day of the wedding, the Tong family distributed wedding cakes all over the streets, and then served porridge for seven days afterward, showing great respect to Prince Su. Don't underestimate her just because she didn't prepare for marriage as long as other princesses and noblewomen; I dare say none of them lived as well as she did, and their dowries were more presentable and substantial," Yinreng said.

Yinreng knew that Tong Wanyan was somewhat disappointed that she couldn't attend Tong Qinian's wedding.

"I know, my brother is handsome and talented and loves his wife dearly. He is a husband and son-in-law that is hard to find even with a lantern. Please don't worry, my lord. I didn't think too much about it. It's just that I haven't seen my sister-in-law for a long time and I miss her a little." Tong Wanyan smiled gently, thanking Yinreng for his thoughtfulness.

Yinti overheard a few words and said, "I also went when Jiarong got married. My uncle is well-liked, and all the capable members of the imperial clan went to support Jiarong. The scene was extremely impressive."

Yinreng glanced at him sideways. They were talking to each other, what was he doing interrupting?

Yinti said casually, "Some of the aunts and sisters-in-law were worried about Jiarong marrying down, but when that boy Tong Qinian came riding a tall horse, they all changed. They all smiled gently and told their families not to make things difficult for him. Is being good-looking really that useful?"

Yinti was all muscle; having spent so much time in the military camp, his skin was tanned and rough. It wouldn't be insincere to praise his bravery and strength, but it's best not to say anything more.

The First Lady lowered her eyes; this fool had embarrassed himself in public.

Tong Wanyan smiled politely, thanked Yinti for the praise of Tong Qinian, and remained silent.

Yinreng didn't have many reservations. He reached out and pushed the person aside: "Brother, I'm talking to my concubine. If you have nothing better to do, talk to your sister-in-law and don't keep coming over here."

"Do you think I want this? Look at yourself, who hangs out with their wife like that? A grown man should naturally drink and chat with other men. You coward, Yinzhi, don't dare to come near you, and I'm too lazy to drag him over," Yinti said nonchalantly.

The First Princess Consort's dignified and gentle smile almost slipped off her face.

Yinreng and Tong Wanyan exchanged a knowing smile. They guessed that Yinti would definitely not be able to enter the Grand Consort's courtyard that night.

"Brother, look up," Yinreng said.

Yinti instinctively looked up, but apart from the murals on the ceiling, there was nothing interesting to see.

Yinreng was exasperated by his stupidity: "I was referring to Father Emperor."

Yinti then turned his head and saw Kangxi chatting and laughing amicably with Consort Gui and Consort Yi.

Instantly, the dignified words he had just spoken made his teeth ache.

Is it wrong of him to say something wrong? Even the Emperor is like this, so why did he have to cause trouble and offend the Princess Consort?

Yinti calmly turned his head and used his chopsticks to place a cold appetizer on a plate for his primary wife.

"Princess Consort, have a date to fill your stomach," Yinti said.

The First Princess Consort was used to Yinti's occasional foolishness; she had long since figured out what kind of person her husband was.

She reluctantly took the spoon and ate the cloyingly sweet pitted date.

"Consort, I wonder if your second brother is engaged?" The First Consort took a sip of tea to cleanse her palate from the sweetness.

Tong Wanyan genuinely didn't know whether Tong Ruita was engaged or not.

However, since the First Princess Consort asked that question, it's certain that she never did.

Tong Wanyan said, "My second brother was not yet married at the time of the Mid-Autumn Festival. I don't know if Father and Mother have found him a girl yet."

The First Princess Consort laughed and said, "I won't mince words with the Second Princess Consort. My cousin is fourteen this year, and my family has already asked for a place in the imperial concubine selection next year. If Lord Tong were not yet married, I wonder if he and my family would have such a connection."

The Grand Consort was from the Irgen Gioro clan and was the daughter of Korkun, the Minister of Revenue.

The Minister of Revenue was in charge of all land, taxes, household registration, military supplies, salaries, grain and military pay, and fiscal revenue and expenditure in the Qing Dynasty. He wielded considerable power and was extremely wealthy.

Such a location is not something an ordinary family can control.

Yinzhen had recently studied under the Minister of Revenue and had a good opinion of him.

Yinreng treated the affairs of Tong Wanyan's family as his own. Although he bullied Tong Qinian and Tong Ruita, he was actually very protective of his own.

"Which family is your cousin, sister-in-law? Although Viscount Tong has a title, there are many people with titles in the capital. He was born out of wedlock, as you and your family know," Yinreng said bluntly.

The First Princess Consort had expected to be asked this question, but she hadn't anticipated that it would be Yinreng who raised the doubt.

She envied Tong Wanyan, who was cherished and cared for in every detail.