It wasn't just the women of the harem like Yihua who felt relaxed at the Yuanmingyuan Garden; the princes and grandsons of the emperor, whom Yinzhen had brought along to study, also did so.

Honghui no longer studies with everyone. Yinzhen takes him almost everywhere he goes and often asks him for his opinions on politics. In the eyes of the court officials, he is practically a second Yinreng.

Hongyun read to the little wolf every day and finally experienced the joy of being an older brother. Although the child always asked questions that he couldn't answer, the child called him "Third Brother" in a childish voice, which was wonderful.

The two quickly became close.

Neither Yihua nor Madam Li commented on this. However, things weren't always smooth sailing at the school.

Because Yinzhen had few children, and Kangxi had many, there were several imperial uncles who were about the same age as Xiaolang, so they studied together, which was quite lively.

Since their release, Hongxi and Hongjin have kept to themselves, avoiding contact with anyone, spending their days together.

After Honghui stopped coming to school, they started talking to Hongyun, intentionally or unintentionally.

Hongyun was somewhat flattered.

During the Kangxi reign, the most favored grandson of the emperor was Honghui, followed by the brothers Hongxi and Hongjin. They considered themselves to be born of the crown prince, and were different from their brothers, possessing a unique air of aloofness and pride.

They didn't even respect Honghui, let alone the not-so-outstanding Hongyun.

From Hongyun's perspective, his two older brothers, who were always arrogant, suddenly became approachable, which surprised him but also made him wary.

After all, he was taught and guided by Yinzhen, and under his influence, Hongyun was kind-hearted but also had a touch of shrewdness.

“Hongyun, Honghui has already gone out to take over political affairs. I heard that he has now entered the Ministry of Revenue, which was the Emperor’s former stronghold. He must be thriving there.”

"If you're still here studying and taking care of your kids, you might not even be able to see Honghui's back anymore."

"We two brothers couldn't bear to see such a gem go to waste, which is why we've been speaking so frankly with someone we're not even close to. Think about it carefully."

Hong Jin patted Hong Yun on the shoulder, and Hong Xi indicated that he could come and play together when he had time.

The little wolf was a head shorter than them all. He looked up and listened attentively. When Hongxi and Hongjin left, he tugged hard at Hongyun's clothes: "Third brother, were they talking badly about big brother?"

"Well... not really." Hongyun hesitated for a moment and shook his head. "Hongyan, remember, you absolutely must not go with those two alone, understand?"

“Yes, yes, Hongyan understands. Third Brother can’t go with them either.” The little wolf nodded vigorously. “Third Brother, the little wolf wants to catch goldfish. Will you come with me?”

"Let's go, let's go. Let's make this clear first, if Father Emperor's place won't work, let's go somewhere else."

"Alright," came the little wolf's somewhat regretful voice.

Hongyun took good care of the little wolf. He handed the little wolf, who was a bit tired from playing, to Guo Wei before returning to his room.

I didn't notice it when Little Wolf was with me, but when I was alone and quiet, Hong Jin's words sounded like a demonic whisper in my ear.

My older brother has always been like a high mountain; he could only look up at him since he was a child, seemingly close but actually very far away.

He was the most valued grandson of the Emperor and the most beloved son of the Emperor. As for himself, was he, like his mother, someone dispensable in the Emperor's heart?

Thinking this, Hongyun's eyes slowly reddened. He had tried his best to be a good son in his father's heart, but he could never catch up with his eldest brother, and now he couldn't even compare to his fourth brother's cuteness.

Hongyun wanted to go find Li Shi, but turned back halfway. His mother was always competitive, and if he went to say something like that, it would only make his mother feel awkward and wouldn't do any good.

With a turn of his footsteps, Hongyun headed towards the eldest princess's residence. Before he even stepped inside, he heard Liu Liu's laughter.

Yes, the older sister and Liu Liu live together.

Hongyun stood at the door and listened quietly for a while. He heard his older sister's gentle and quiet voice, which calmed him down a lot. He didn't disturb the "eagle catching chicks" activity inside and slowly walked back to his own yard under the moonlight.

Beside the spinning windmill, Hongyun unexpectedly spotted Honghui.

Honghui heard the voice, turned around and smiled: "Third brother, I've kept you waiting."

Hongyun's eyes flickered, and he dared not look up and meet Honghui's gaze. He cupped his hands haphazardly and said, "Brother, why are you here with your younger brother when Father isn't by your side?"

“Third brother is complaining that eldest brother hasn’t come as often.” Honghui revealed his right hand, which had been behind his back. “There’s a master brewer in the Yuanmingyuan who knows a lot about winemaking. I got two jars of good wine from him. Little Wolf is still a baby. Let’s drink it quietly and not let Father Emperor or Mother Emperor know.”

"What kind of fine wine is it that makes you keep it hidden away, brother?" Hongyun's interest was piqued.

"It's said to be a forbidden wine from the imperial court of the previous dynasty. Its name is no longer known. Master modified the incomplete recipe himself. Let's give it a try." Honghui went straight into the courtyard without waiting for Hongyun's consent.

Clearly, Honghui had given prior instructions, and the table was quickly filled with snacks to go with the drinks. Hongyun poured himself a glass, dipped his chopsticks in it, took a sip, and his eyes lit up: "Strong enough!"

"Come on!" Honghui raised his glass, and the two brothers drank together.

"During this time, I was conscripted by Father Emperor. Fortunately, you were there to support the school. Father Emperor has been praising you these past few days for acting like a good older brother."

Hongyun looked somewhat bewildered. He hadn't done anything special; he had just checked on the little wolf, which was a small favor.

Honghui remained calm and continued, "As you know, the composition of the school is complicated nowadays. Let's not even talk about our cousins, just look at our uncles. We can't be too close or too distant. Little Wolf is still young and can't control them. You've done a good job."

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