March of the 48th year of Kangxi's reign

Nian Gengyao, who was then serving as a fourth-rank academician, brought his younger sister, Nian Sisi, who had been living in their hometown recuperating from illness, to the capital.

The men of the Nian family were all promising talents, and Nian Gengyao received many offers from princes when he first entered the Hanlin Academy.

Yinzhen once admired his abilities, but this man was very cunning, hesitating between Yinzhen and the Eighth Prince, which displeased Yinzhen.

As for servants, good ones are easy to find, but loyalty is the most important thing. In addition, Nian Gengyao was a frequent visitor to brothels, and Yinzhen could not tolerate such a lifestyle, so he gradually distanced himself from him, and their relationship could only be described as neither close nor distant.

Nian Gengyao had a younger sister, and the two siblings had a very good relationship. Nian Sisi's health had just improved when she was brought to the capital. Firstly, he genuinely missed her, and secondly, Nian Gengyao wanted to find her a good family in the capital now that she was of marriageable age.

"Second Brother, I'm much better. I just came out for a walk. You don't need to take leave to come with me." Nian Sisi was dressed in a light yellow outfit with a pure white cloak over it. Her face was so pale from illness that it seemed to glow, and she exuded a delicate and charming aura that made passersby turn their heads frequently.

Nian Gengyao straightened her clothes: "You're new here and don't know the capital at all. I'll accompany you for a few days before I feel at ease."

"Are you tired? Let's go to that restaurant over there and rest for a bit. Their Eight Treasure Duck is amazing. Second Brother will treat you." Nian Gengyao shielded himself from the stares around him and asked for a private room facing the street.

Nian Sisi was a charming young girl who found everything fascinating. She kept asking Nian Gengyao all sorts of questions, creating a very harmonious atmosphere.

"Second brother, that candied fruit and pastries shop looks pretty good, there's a long line. And also, that teahouse is nice, the name is quite unique."

Nian Gengyao followed Nian Sisi's gaze and said, "That's the Fourth Prince's wife's shop. Don't be fooled by the name 'teahouse,' it actually sells sake, which is exclusively for women. I'll send someone to buy some for you to sweeten your mouth later."

The eight-treasure duck was quickly prepared, and Nian Sisi finally turned her gaze away. The two then enjoyed a pleasant lunch.

The sunlight in March isn't too strong; it's a bit chilly in the mornings, but the midday sun feels warm and pleasant, making it a perfect time to go out and have fun.

Thinking that it wasn't easy for her second brother to take a day off, Nian Sixiang didn't delay for a moment and dragged him out for another stroll.

at the same time

Yinzhen took advantage of the noon to go out and queue up to buy some snacks for Liu Liu. The little girl had been clinging to Yi Hua all morning, saying she wanted to eat crab roe pastries. This shop was the only one that sold the most authentic ones. Yinzhen remembered this and since he had nothing to do at noon, he went out for a walk to digest his food.

When Nian Gengyao saw Yinzhen, he naturally stepped forward to pay his respects.

Yinzhen waved his hand, indicating that there was no need for formalities outside. He was puzzled by Nian Gengyao's protectiveness towards the woman beside him. Could it be that the prodigal son had turned over a new leaf?

Nian Gengyao introduced to Yinzhen: "Your Highness, this is my younger sister. She spends most of her time living with our mother in our hometown and has just arrived in the capital."

Yinzhen nodded, took the crab roe pastry, and turned to get into the carriage next to him.

Nian Sisi looked at him with some curiosity: "Second brother, which prince is this? He actually lined up to buy snacks himself."

“This is Prince Yong, and it’s probably his wife and young master who like him,” Nian Gengyao casually remarked.

Nian Sisi touched her chest and felt her heart beating a little fast, but she didn't feel like she was having an attack. Instead, she felt a kind of floating joy. As Nian Gengyao led her away, she turned her head to look at the carriage that had already gone far away.

Nian Gengyao seemed to realize something. In fact, he brought his younger sister back at this time because he wanted to send her to a prince's residence. As for which prince, he had not yet decided.

Now that the Crown Prince has been reinstated, he seems to have regained his former glory. If my younger sister enters the Crown Prince's residence, she will become an imperial concubine. However, the Emperor previously considered deposing the Crown Prince, which adds uncertainty to everything.

Now that there are several more princes and beiles, Nian Gengyao still needs to think about which one to choose, and it would be best if his younger sister would like him.

Prince Yong wasn't bad, it's just that he had a very powerful princess in his household, and he was afraid his younger sister would suffer.

“Sisi, Prince Yong and his wife are a loving couple, and they have two sons and a daughter, which has earned the Emperor’s praise,” Nian Gengyao reminded her.

"Second brother, even in such a high position, he remains devoted to his wife. I think Prince Yong is a trustworthy person." Nian Sisi didn't know what was wrong with her; she only met him once, but she wanted to defend him.

"Are you silly? The prince is deeply in love with the princess, how could anyone else have anything to do with him?" Nian Gengyao was a little puzzled. His younger sister was usually quite smart, so why was she getting a little stuck on this?

Nian Sisi seemed lost in thought and didn't continue the topic. The two walked for a while longer, but ultimately, considering Nian Sisi's weak health, they decided to return home.

******

That evening

Yinzhen returned with some snacks and had just entered the main courtyard when he heard Liu Liu's voice.

"Big brother is the best, Liu Liu likes big brother the most." On the table were identical crab roe pastries. Yinzhen had something to do today and was a little delayed, so he did not come back with Honghui.

“This was bought by my older brother after queuing for a long time at noon, sacrificing his rest time. How can Liu Liu repay him?” Honghui pinched a little bit and fed it to the little wolf.

"How about Liu Liu embroiders a purse for her older brother?" The little girl has recently been learning needlework. Contrary to her carefree nature, she displays an extraordinary level of focus whenever she enters the embroidery room.

The head of the embroidery workshop was full of praise for Liu Liu's talent. It was the first time she had seen such a gifted beginner. If this were her apprentice, she would definitely discipline her strictly. However, the Second Princess was, after all, the mistress, and she could only guide her, not interfere too much.

“Okay, big brother wants a wolf head.” Honghui rubbed the little wolf’s cheek and found the texture to be excellent.

Yinzhen entered with a dark face. Looking at Honghui's behavior in front of his younger siblings, he thought that Honghui was really good at seizing every opportunity and had been vying for favor since he was a child. He had learned all these tricks in the palace.

Yi Hua, with her sharp eyes, noticed the paper bag in Yin Zhen's hand and nudged Liu Liu, saying, "Look what Father brought you!"

After Liu Liu turned around and bowed to Yinzhen, she looked at him longingly, like a little glutton.

Yinzhen was amused by his daughter's expression and handed her the snacks: "I bought these on the way. It's late today, so we can eat them tomorrow. Don't skip your meals just to eat snacks."

"Father is the best." Liu Liu leaned in and pressed her cheek against Yinzhen's, completely melting his heart.

Seeing the father and daughter being affectionate, Honghui took out a bag of candy from his pocket and handed it to Yihua: "Son remembers that Mother likes to eat their candy. Please be discreet and don't let the two little ones find out."

"Hahaha." Yi Hua was amused. To prevent the children from getting cavities, she limited everyone's sugar intake.

When Yinzhen turned around, he saw Honghui and Yihua talking together, and thought to himself again, "This kid is not learning anything good in the palace!"