Tong Guogang's proud expression silenced Kangxi, who couldn't utter a single word.

If you ask yourself honestly, if another concubine gave birth to a son for Emperor Kangxi when he was in his forties, he would definitely spoil her rotten.

As people get older, they always want to find some proof that they are still in their prime. And new offspring are the best proof.

Kangxi glanced at Tong Guogang, his disdain evident in his eyes: "Uncle, Yuanbao is still here."

Don't say those reckless things in front of children.

Tong Guogang immediately shut his mouth and gave Tong Wanyan a fawning smile.

Tong Wanyan chuckled: "It's a good thing that Father and Mother are in good health."

"Yes, yes, Yuanbao'er is right." Tong Guogang was overjoyed, feeling as if his heart was filled with honey.

Emperor Kangxi couldn't help but laugh along: "In a few days, let Auntie come to the palace to see Yuanbao'er as well."

Tong Guogang hurriedly bowed deeply to Emperor Kangxi: "Thank you, Your Majesty! Your Majesty is truly a wise and benevolent ruler who cherishes your court officials!"

Kangxi kicked out, but Tong Guogang dodged it with lightning speed.

"Yuanbao'er, before I entered the palace, your previous father asked me to pass on a message. How do we find that boy Tong Ruita's wife?" Tong Guogang ostensibly asked Tong Wanyan, but in reality, he was asking Emperor Kangxi.

The main wife's family and Tong Ruita's family could not be related by marriage, but they still needed to arrange a good match for the young man.

Since Tong Guogang regarded Tong Ruita as his savior and a nephew he valued, he wanted to do his best to find him a powerful and good in-law.

Tong Guogang's eyes kept drifting towards Kangxi. Kangxi said, "Uncle, it's rare for you to come to the palace on your own initiative. Are you just here to cause me trouble?"

"Your Majesty, you are a wise ruler for all time!" Tong Guogang was well-versed in the art of flattery.

Kangxi closed his eyes; he wanted some peace and quiet.

"There is a princess from Mongolia who came to the capital from her tribe a month ago. I originally intended to bestow her upon an unmarried prince or heir in the imperial clan. Since my uncle has spoken, let Tong Ruita take a look at her first," Kangxi said.

"Thank you, Your Majesty. The person you have chosen must be excellent," said Tong Guogang.

Tong Wanyan thought about Tong Ruita's strong and fierce appearance and also felt that he would be a good match for a Mongolian princess.

“What do you think, Yuanbao? You and Tong Ruita have a deep bond, so you should understand each other better than I do.” Kangxi was not an autocratic emperor.

"The wife Father chose for Second Brother is a perfect match. I heard from the Empress Dowager that Mongolian women admire strong men who can fight and drink. Second Brother's appearance doesn't suit the tastes of women in the capital. Perhaps a spirited Mongolian girl would be more suitable for him," Tong Wanyan said truthfully.

What was said unintentionally may have been taken to heart by the listener.

Tong Wanyan's casual remark unexpectedly reminded Kangxi of something.

"Uncle, are the physiques of Manchu men not as good as they were before they entered the Central Plains?" Kangxi asked.

Tong Guogang said honestly, "That's definitely incomparable. Before entering the pass, we Manchus were a nomadic people who often had to fight with wolves and other tribes. Now that the world is at peace, some of the Eight Banners descendants rely on their ancestors' protection and are idle. Their health is definitely deteriorating day by day."

Seeing that Kangxi's face was as black as the bottom of a pot, Tong Guogang hurriedly tried to salvage the situation, saying, "Of course, there are also many brave and valiant Manchu soldiers. The Fuca, Tongjia, and Shumulu families all have sons who have joined the army, and other major clans also have sons who have joined the army. Even Your Majesty's eldest son, isn't he eating and living with the soldiers in the military camp?"

"These are indeed scions of prestigious families. However, there are also quite a few parasites who are living off the blessings of their ancestors," Kangxi said coldly.

Tong Guogang fell silent, knowing that Kangxi didn't want to hear him say anything more at this point.

After letting Kangxi sulk for a while, Tong Guogang whispered, "Your Majesty, my wife is still waiting for news at home. I will come to the palace to see you and Yuanbao again next time."

"Alright, go back, go back. I don't care about anything else, but the Tong family must be properly managed, otherwise I will hold you, the clan head, accountable," Kangxi said.

Tong Guogang said generously, "Your Majesty, please rest assured. If this servant sees any ignorant members of the Tong family, I will kick them on the spot. I will absolutely not let them embarrass Your Majesty."

The Emperor's maternal family must be of the highest caliber!

Tong Guogang understood Kangxi's meaning, and Tong Wanyan sat obediently.

Looking at the newlywed father and daughter, Kangxi's gloomy mood instantly lifted.

"You may all go back," Kangxi said again, urging them to leave. "Yuanbao'er, tell Baocheng about your background in a few days. I'm worried he'll get sick from the stress."

Tong Wanyan blinked, looking troubled. "Isn't it a bit inappropriate to keep it from Master? If we don't tell him today, we'll have to tell him eventually. He'll probably be even angrier when he finds out he's been deceived."

No one knows a son better than his father; how could Emperor Kangxi not understand Yinreng's temperament?

He sighed: "Then go back and think carefully before you speak, and make sure you don't upset him and make him sick."

"Don't worry, Father Emperor," Tong Wanyan assured him.

Tong Wanyan and Tong Guogang went out together, but they did not travel the same way.

Although the family genealogy was altered in front of Emperor Kangxi, the news has not yet been made public. In order to avoid adding any further complications, Tong Guogang and Tong Wanyan are both careful not to cause trouble.

There's still a long way to go, and their family will have plenty of opportunities to reunite.

However, before parting ways with Tong Wanyan, Tong Guogang couldn't help but say, "Yuanbao, you have your own older brothers. You should call Tong Qinian and Tong Ruita by their family names from now on. Otherwise, your three older brothers will be jealous."

Tong Wanyan smiled slyly, "If Father doesn't tell, my brothers won't know! I'll keep it a secret from people from now on, so don't worry."

"Alright, Yuanbao'er is so clever. Your dowry will be ready and sent to you as soon as it's prepared. From now on, we can just spend money and hire people, and live a comfortable life," Tong Guogang instructed.

Tong Wanyan nodded heavily: "Thank you for your kindness, Father."

When Tong Wanyan returned, she walked back.

She picked some pretty flowers along the way, carrying a large bouquet, and returned to Yuqing Palace.

Seeing that her face was rosy and she was still in the mood to pick flowers along the way, Yinreng knew that she had not encountered anything bad.

Not only that, but what you're about to encounter is probably a very good thing.

"Come here quickly and let me see. You look so happy. What good thing has happened?" Yinreng reached out and tugged at Tong Wanyan's sleeve.

Normally, Tong Wanyan could easily knock Yinreng's hand away.

However, he was now a frail patient, and Tong Wanyan could only follow his force to get to him.

"It's a good thing for me, but it might not be so for you, sir." Tong Wanyan smiled mischievously.

Yinreng said, "Tell me about it. Given how much Father Emperor dotes on me, he certainly wouldn't do anything to harm me."

"This is not something Father Emperor can decide," Tong Wanyan said, keeping him in suspense.

Yinreng pretended to tickle her: "I'm going to get angry."

"It was Master who insisted on hearing it. Congratulations, Master, on gaining a new cousin." Tong Wanyan bowed and offered her sincere congratulations.