Yi Hua clung to the middle of the tree, panting softly. She had overestimated her pampered physical condition and underestimated the height of the tree. These two variables meant she couldn't climb up or dare to climb down, which was a difficult situation.

When Yinzhen arrived, he saw Yihua clinging to the tree, too afraid to move. He wanted to scold her but was afraid of frightening her, so he could only suppress his anger and reach out his hand: "Fujin, slowly let go. I'll catch you down below. Don't be afraid."

Upon hearing this, Yi Hua mustered her courage and slowly slid down, though her palms and thighs were cut and a little sore.

Honghui also realized something was wrong, and he came over with tears in his eyes, crying, "Mother! Mother!"

"Honghui, be good, Mother is fine, go play." Yihua endured the pain.

Yinzhen immediately scooped Yihua up in his arms and said, "Honghui, follow me."

The group returned to the main courtyard.

In the East Courtyard, the eldest princess looked up at the sky, a hint of longing in her eyes.

But she dared not. The person her mother hated most was Song Eniang, who had caused the death of her little brother.

The second person he hated was his stepmother, because his younger brother Honghui was very likable.

The third person she hated was herself. The eldest princess felt wronged and wanted to cry. She also wanted to be a boy so that she could play with her younger brother Honghui and her mother wouldn't have to take bitter medicine every day.

I really want to fly a kite!

***

Upon hearing the news, the imperial physician rushed over to treat Yihua's wounds and apply medicine. Yinzhen and Honghui, whose faces were extremely similar, both showed similar expressions. The servants in the main courtyard were also silent and avoided the main house without being told.

Granny Chen reluctantly entered to assist the family physician.

Ignoring the pain, Yi Hua laughed and said, "Thank goodness you came, Master, otherwise I would have made a fool of myself today."

Yinzhen gave a vague "hmm" and quietly looked at Yihua, waiting for her to continue.

Yi Hua swallowed hard, feeling somewhat at a loss.

Honghui stood with his hands on his hips, puffing out his cheeks, his little voice filled with anger: "Mother is naughty!"

Yinzhen picked up Honghui and placed him on his lap, feeding him a piece of pastry: "Our Honghui knows he shouldn't climb trees, right?"

“That’s right, Mother deserves a beating,” Honghui chimed in.

"What are you hitting?" Yinzhen asked, somewhat puzzled. He considered himself a kind father to Honghui and had never used family discipline before.

Honghui sat comfortably in Yinzhen's lap, ordering him to get him water: "If Honghui is naughty, Mother will hit him. If Mother is naughty, Father will hit him."

After listening, Yihua didn't know whether to praise Honghui for his good logic or reflect on her own parenting. How could she undermine her mother in front of her father? Shouldn't her father and mother be more on her mother's side?

I've spoiled you for nothing, you little fatty.

"When did the Princess Consort lay a hand on Honghui?" Yinzhen asked curiously. Yihua's devotion to her child was obvious to all; she was willing to hit the child.

Yi Hua could only confess: "Hong Hui has a sweet tooth, but she is still young and her teeth are growing. I have set a limit for her: one piece of milk cake every day and one piece of nougat every other day."

"This boy was tricked into feeding his wet nurse in secret. I found out and spanked him a few times. He probably remembered it because it hurt."

Yi Hua said solemnly, "I believe that since a promise has been made, it must be kept. Hong Hui is intelligent and should not lose his integrity."

Yinzhen finally smiled: "You do have a way of teaching Honghui, but a wise man does not stand under a crumbling wall. Does the princess realize her mistake today?"

"Yes." Yi Hua lowered her head and admitted her mistake.

Honghui clapped his hands and stuck out his little bottom: "Father, spank Honghui."

Yi Hua felt instantly healed. The little fat boy meant that since Mother knew she was wrong, then Father should hit himself instead of Mother.

Yinzhen was touched by the radiant smile on Yihua's face. He gently patted Honghui's little bottom and said, "Go play. Don't sneak food in secret. If your father finds out next time, he'll punish you with a ruler."

Honghui covered his little bottom and ran away.

The physician left behind a replacement ointment and left. Granny Chen chased after them to ask about their dietary restrictions for the past few days. Only Yihua and Yinzhen remained in the room.

Yi Hua felt a little uncomfortable.

Suddenly, Yinzhen reached out and avoided Yihua's scratches, letting her lie on his lap.

“The Princess Consort’s educational methods are excellent, so we must set an example.”

Before Yi Hua could understand what was going on, she felt a light tap on her bottom.

The next second, Yi Hua's cheeks turned bright red, and physiological shyness took over. She struggled to get up, but Yin Zhen, who had anticipated this, pressed down on Yi Hua's body.

Another palm struck down, and Yi Hua felt that Yin Zhen's dry, large palm lingered for a few more seconds this time, and he even rubbed it.

Suddenly the punishment took on a completely different flavor. Yinzhen swallowed hard, feeling the soft touch on his palm, reluctant to let go.

"Madam...do you know your mistake?"

Yi Hua quickly looked up: "I know, I know, Master, please let me go first."

For a moment, Yi Hua disregarded social hierarchy and blurted out "I" and "you," which Yinzhen did not find offensive.

"To ensure that the Princess Consort receives a proper education, let's continue," Yinzhen chuckled softly, his voice carrying a seductive undertone.

Yi Hua admitted that she was tempted, but upon reflection, she realized that she wasn't truly averse to it. Blushing, she nestled in Yin Zhen's arms without resistance.

Although Yinzhen didn't go all the way because of Yihua's injuries, both of them enjoyed themselves very much.

***

May of the thirty-seventh year of the Kangxi Emperor's reign.

Emperor Kangxi issued an edict to confer the title of Prince Zhi on his eldest son, Prince Cheng on his third son, and Princes Beile on his fourth, fifth, seventh, and eighth sons.

The newly built Fourth Prince's Mansion is filled with joy.

Yinzhen felt some regret that he had not been granted the title of Prince of the Second Rank along with his third son, and he was even more ashamed and annoyed that his eighth son had been granted the title of Prince of the Third Rank.

All the princes received titles, and their wives arranged a time to go to the palace together to express their gratitude.

As the eldest princess grows older, Yihua plans to take her and Honghui with her this time. Consort De occasionally inquires about this granddaughter, showing that she cares about her.

Yi Hua and her entourage first paid their respects to Consort De at Yonghe Palace. Hong Hui was already very familiar with the place. After politely greeting her, he quickly leaned against Consort De's leg, raised his chin, and began to talk incessantly about his new experiences.

Things like Honghui learning another character, Honghui riding horses with his fourteenth uncle, and Honghui being scolded by his father, etc.

The daily routine was mundane, but Consort De listened attentively and offered suggestions from time to time. The grandmother and granddaughter got along very well.

The eldest princess sat quietly next to Honghui, listening attentively without the slightest impatience.

Observing his words and actions, Consort De rewarded the eldest princess with a set of jewelry and said to Yihua, "The eldest princess has excellent manners, and Honghui is innocent and adorable. We will go to pay our respects to the Empress Dowager together later. Just be poised and graceful."

"yes."