Ever since the Emperor issued the decree to bestow Nian Yunrong upon Prince Yong, Yinzhen, as his secondary consort, the entire Prince Yong's residence began preparations in earnest.

The princess was carried in a small sedan chair, but the concubine was formally married into the family.

Because of the many tasks, Li Cefujin, Geng Youran, and Niohuru Wanru were specially asked to help this time.

Firstly, regarding etiquette and regulations, Yinzhen specifically instructed the Ministry of Rites to send someone to explain in detail the imperial family's etiquette and regulations for welcoming a secondary consort, including the wedding ceremony, greetings etiquette, and participation in banquets.

Regarding the title for his secondary consort, Kangxi had assumed his son would request one, but Yinzhen simply said, "His surname will suffice; there's no need for a separate title."

Secondly, regarding wedding preparations, the auspicious date for the wedding was determined by divination conducted by the Imperial Astronomical Bureau.

The bride and her family were required to decorate the mansion according to royal etiquette, including the decoration and arrangement of various aspects such as the wedding procession route, the wedding venue, and the bridal chamber.

At the same time, the Fujin (principal wife) also had to assist Yinzhen in preparing the betrothal gifts, demonstrating respect and importance to the Fujin's family.

Thirdly, there was the personnel arrangement and reception. The Fourth Prince, Yinzhen, needed to assemble a wedding procession composed of trusted confidants and family members to be responsible for the entire process of welcoming his concubine.

The princess consort was responsible for sending invitations to members of the royal family, high-ranking officials, and relatives and friends to attend the wedding. Consort Li, Geng Youran, and Niohuru Wanru were also responsible for arranging the reception of guests on the wedding day.

In addition, there are preparations for the secondary consort's attire and ceremonial robes. The secondary consort has ceremonial robes and ceremonial robes made according to imperial regulations. The prince and his family members also need to prepare attire that conforms to royal etiquette to wear on the wedding day.

To show his sincerity, Yinzhen specially ordered people from the Imperial Household Department to go to Nianfu to measure the size of Nian Yunlong's crown and robes.

On this day, people from the Imperial Household Department brought several bolts of fine fabric to the Nian residence so that Nian Yunrong could choose from them.

"Mother, did you call me?"

Nian Yunrong was reading in her room when she was soon called to the front hall.

"This is a tailor from the Imperial Household Department. Prince Yong specially sent him to take your measurements and make your official robes."

"So early? Isn't there still two months left?"

The people from the Imperial Household Department said:

"The prince taking a concubine is a major event, and all matters need to be carefully arranged. Moreover, there are strict regulations and limits on the number of official robes and hats for the concubine. Two months is already a tight schedule."

"Then I'll trouble you to take the measurements more carefully, Granny."

"Please rest assured, Miss Nian."

Coincidentally, Nian Gengyao was returning home from court at that moment when he ran into people from the Imperial Household Department.

"Mother, who are these people?"

"Oh, Prince Yong sent someone to take your sister's measurements for making clothes. Speaking of which, how's the matter I asked you to inquire about going?"

Nian Gengyao glanced around at his younger sister, who was choosing designs, and shook his head at his mother, indicating that they should talk about it after his sister returned to her room.

About an hour and a half later, the people from the Imperial Household Department left, and Nian Yunrong returned to her study with her maid.

Only then did Nian Gengyao tell Madam Nian what he had found out about the Fourth Prince's harem.

"Now, the Fourth Prince's inner court is mainly managed by his wife. Although Consort Li also has some power, the Prince intends to share it with a princess named Niohuru who assists her. Currently, Consort Li is still the most favored, mainly because she has two sons to rely on. The others are just ordinary princesses."

"It seems that this Consort Li is cunning. She was able to give birth to two illegitimate sons and raise them under the nose of the primary consort. She is probably not someone to be trifled with."

Nian Gengyao shook his head.

“Mother, I don’t think so. Although Consort Li has two sons, she was confined to her quarters for a long time recently, and I heard that it was her sons who pleaded for her. If Consort Li continues to make the same mistake, I’m afraid the Fourth Prince won’t be so lenient. I think that the princess named Geng Youran by the Fourth Prince’s side should be given more attention by my sister.”

"Oh? What kind of trouble can an unfavored princess cause?"

Madam Nian was somewhat skeptical, as her husband also had several concubines, but she managed them all perfectly well.

Anyone who tried to stir up trouble was almost always ignored by her husband.

An unloved princess who doesn't even have children, what ability does she have to make her daughter worry about her?

“Mother, from what I’ve heard, this Lady Geng is not as simple as she seems. She was originally just a maidservant by Consort Hui’s side. She entered the Yangxin Hall because of her excellent cooking skills, and was later given to the Fourth Prince as a lady.”

"This Princess Geng has quite a background; she even has connections with the Emperor."

"Yes, Mother, do you remember the pastries your son brought back last time?"

Mrs. Nian nodded.

His son was highly regarded by the Fourth Prince, who specially rewarded him with some pastries to take back to show filial piety to his mother.

"Mother, all the pastry recipes for the pastry shops under the Fourth Prince's command were provided by this Lady Geng."

"What?"

Madam Nian then realized that things were not going well; this Lady Geng was actually the Fourth Prince's money bag.

"Anything else?"

Mrs. Nian's head was spinning.

"besides?"

"This Lady Geng may not seem to be as favored as Consort Li, but in reality, the Fourth Prince dotes on her. Last time I visited the Fourth Prince's residence, she actually allowed her pastries into his study, and not only was the Fourth Prince not angry, he even rewarded her. Given the Fourth Prince's usual character, he would never allow anything unrelated to official business into his study."

Mrs. Nian nodded, seemingly indicating that she hadn't done enough for her daughter.