After the third-day-old ritual, Yanxi Palace returned to tranquility.

Lin Yun focused on her postpartum recovery. Nourished by the spiritual spring water, her body recovered very quickly. However, the skin on her stomach, which had been stretched too much during pregnancy, was still somewhat loose, even though it had shrunk a bit.

However, she was not in a hurry. Every morning, she would lay out soft mats in the palace and do some gentle yoga movements to help her figure recover.

Occasionally, she would hold the children and walk slowly around the palace, teasing them as they babbled.

In her spare time, she loved designing clothes for children. She would have soft cotton and silk fabrics brought out, and then personally cut and sew them to make all sorts of baby clothes, hats, and socks.

She also drew many pictures, including an adorable little tiger, a round and chubby lucky pig, and a crane with outstretched wings ready to take flight.

Each finished product was exquisite and adorable. Even Granny Li couldn't help but exclaim, "Your Highness's craftsmanship is getting better and better!"

The two children grew up quickly. Hongyao's face was round and fair, and his eyebrows and eyes already showed some resemblance to Emperor Yongzheng.

Zhaohua resembles Lin Yun more, with a pair of bright and lively eyes, and two shallow dimples at the corners of her mouth when she smiles.

Lin Yun often hugged them, humming tunes softly, or telling strange and wonderful stories.

Although the two children couldn't understand, they always responded with babbling and occasionally waved their little hands, as if expressing their joy.

Lin Yun sometimes felt that life was fine just like this.

---

The atmosphere inside the Hall of Mental Cultivation was completely different.

Standing before the military map, Emperor Yongzheng's gaze was piercing. He tapped heavily on several key fortresses with his finger: "Issue my decree that all generals or deputy generals of all battalions across the country must immediately come to the capital to report on their duties, without delay!"

Su Peisheng bowed in agreement and was about to leave when Yongzheng added, "In addition, draft a secret edict for Yue Zhongqi and the Fourteenth Prince, instructing them to remain where they are and not to come to the capital."

"This servant understands." Su Peisheng accepted the order and left.

Two weeks later, at the drill ground in the capital.

Hundreds of generals sat in neat rows on one side of the drill ground, their expressions solemn.

Emperor Yongzheng sat high on the reviewing stand, surrounded by Yunxiang, Zhang Tingyu, and a group of officials from the Ministry of War.

In the center of the training ground, a group of elite soldiers were demonstrating the use of new flintlock muskets.

With a burst of gunfire, the target a hundred paces away shattered, and smoke and dust filled the air.

Some of the out-of-town generals were all shocked and began whispering among themselves.

Emperor Yongzheng stood up and said in a loud voice: "My beloved ministers, this is a flintlock musket that I ordered to be improved. It has a longer range and greater power."

"I have gathered you all here today for two reasons: first, to inspect our new weapons; and second, to announce an important decision."

The entire room fell silent, and all eyes were fixed on Emperor Yongzheng.

"I have decided that, effective immediately, the generals of the garrisoned troops throughout the country will be redeployed, and their weapons and equipment will be completely replaced." Yongzheng's gaze swept over the crowd. "I hope that you will all prioritize the overall situation and actively cooperate with the court's arrangements."

The generals looked at each other, some with joy on their faces, others with furrowed brows.

An older general stepped forward, bowed, and said, “Your Majesty, I have been stationed at the border for many years and am familiar with the local situation. If I were to be transferred rashly, it might affect the defense.”

Emperor Yongzheng smiled faintly: "Your loyalty is commendable, but I have my own considerations. The use of the new type of firearm also requires special training. I will send someone to assist with the transition to ensure that nothing goes wrong."

The general dared not say anything more and had no choice but to retreat.

Yunxiang added at the opportune moment: "The court will make reasonable arrangements for this transfer based on your merits and abilities. I hope you will not have any doubts, and will work together to protect the Qing Dynasty."

The atmosphere on the drill ground gradually eased, and the generals expressed their support. Yongzheng nodded in satisfaction and announced that the drill would continue.

Night falls inside the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

After reviewing the last memorial, Emperor Yongzheng rubbed his throbbing temples.

Su Peisheng tiptoed in and whispered, "Your Majesty, the Imperial Concubine has sent some white fungus soup to nourish you."

A hint of tenderness flashed in Yongzheng's eyes: "Bring it here."

Su Peisheng quickly brought over an exquisite porcelain bowl, lifted the lid, and a fragrant aroma wafted out.

Yongzheng took a bite; it was sweet but not cloying, and smooth as it went down his throat, instantly dispelling all his fatigue.

Yun'er would stew a bowl of sweet soup for him every day; this had become a secret between the two of them.

"Yun'er is so thoughtful." He murmured to himself, then said to Su Peisheng, "Go tell the Empress that I will visit her again tomorrow."

Su Peisheng bowed and withdrew. Yongzheng put down his bowl, his gaze falling on the military deployment map on the table, his thoughts returning to military affairs.

---

In the Northwest Camp, the Fourteenth Prince, Yunzhi, received a secret edict from Emperor Yongzheng. He unfolded it, raised an eyebrow, and then sneered, "Fourth Brother is wary of me." His adjutant cautiously asked, "Your Highness, what does the Emperor mean by this?"

Yunti casually tossed the secret decree onto the table, his tone tinged with self-deprecation: "What else could it mean? It's telling me to stay put and not go to the capital to get in his way."

He walked outside the tent, looked at the distant Gobi Desert, and suddenly remembered the news he had received a few days ago: the Emperor was overjoyed to have twins, a boy and a girl, and had even bestowed names upon them. The sixth prince was named Hongyao. Ha!

What's so dazzling about your house? It's all the most dazzling in your house, okay?

"They're born of the same mother, so how come he's so lucky?" Yun Ti muttered to himself, a hint of jealousy flashing in his eyes, but it quickly turned into helplessness.

He now makes a living under his fourth brother's command, and he can only suppress his resentment deep in his heart.

He shook his head and chuckled self-deprecatingly: "Forget it, why think about these things? I should think about how to manage this mess in the Northwest."

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