Continue to change back and forth

At the Prince of Zhi's wedding, the bride and groom became supporting characters, two long-retired old men! Why they came is no longer the main point. At least Mingzhu's presence is quite normal. As for Suo'etu... everyone can understand that he is as lonely as the first snow.

Flip the table! What's the big deal about you two showing up hand in hand?

Everyone in the room was stunned, their eyes rolling down the fruit plate on the table. Those lucky enough to attend the Prince of Zhi's wedding were all high-ranking, worldly-wise people. After the initial moment, they slowly regained their composure. They gathered their eyes, returning them to their sockets, and greeted the two with a cheerful smile.

From their greetings, you can tell who they're closest to. Those who say, "Ming Xiang, Suo Xiang, good morning," are former Ming Party members. Those who say, "Suo Xiang, Ming Xiang, be well," are Suo Party members. And some, seeing both have retired, simply say, "Hello, both of you," vaguely.

While greeting, I was muttering in my heart: What is going on?

Tong Guowei, also present at this scene, was taken aback. What was going on? His status was so high that he was assigned to sit at the same table with Ming and Suo. After they exchanged greetings, Tong Guowei was surprised to find that these two guys were genuinely trying to reconcile!

After so many years of working together, these two could smile like brothers in public, then chuckle to Kangxi, "So-and-so is such a jerk! Let's get rid of him." This so-and-so must have been the other's right-hand man. As they spoke, they were probably still standing together in the Qianqing Palace, surrounded by a crowd of onlookers. One spoke with a smile, and the other listened with a smile as well.

Now!

Now these two old guys are actually embarrassed! Tong Guowei wanted to curse, you two old guys who are over a hundred years old in total, are actually embarrassed and blush a little... just because your eyes met or you clinked your glasses!

Oh my god! Heaven and earth, the sun is about to rise from the north!

Tong Guowei picked up his eyeballs that had fallen again, and pretended Cheng Cheng hadn't seen it. After all, he had been in the coffin for so many years, and Tong Guowei was quite capable, and he immediately saw the problem. This was definitely not a fake reconciliation, this was definitely... an agreement!

Because they had played tricks on each other so many times before, now that they are showing a little sincerity, they feel embarrassed. But what are these two trying to do with this harmony?

Tong Guowei's doubts are also everyone's doubts. In the early years, how much everyone was looking forward to this scene. Now everyone wants to eat these two old guys alive! Back then, when everyone was eating hot pot and singing songs to celebrate the beautiful new life, you two refused to do it. You dragged everyone into a fight and almost beat your brains out. The crown prince and the eldest prince became enemies. Now everyone continues to fight with white knives in and red knives out, and you started singing, dancing, playing games, and being affectionate!

If there were no question above, everyone would definitely come up and draw these two.

Now everyone suppressed their anger at being tricked and started to guess. The prize-winning participants included everyone. Even Yinzhi, who suspected Mingzhu had co-opted Soetu to gain his own power, was eager to verify this with Mingzhu.

Mingzhu's answer disappointed him, as Mingzhu hoped for reconciliation!

Yinzhi was furious: "The matter is done. Even if I stop, it may not end well!"

Mingzhu sighed and said, "What Guanglue Prince did back then was just imprisonment. That was a father against his son. The Crown Prince and the King are brothers, so he wouldn't go too far. He still has his dignity and reputation to consider."

Yinzhi's rage grew higher and higher: "What are you talking about? Am I going to surrender without a fight? All these years of hard work will become a joke, won't it?" Are you getting senile? I'm in the ascendant!

Mingzhu thought to herself, since I had you, everything has become so powerless!

Damn, if I had found someone who doesn’t smoke much, I would have dared to give it another try. Why did I have to meet you?

"Ahem, you're right. I was just saying...it's the worst that can happen."

So there's a better outcome? Yinzhi reluctantly accepted this explanation. Mingzhu then asked a lot of questions, discussing Zhang Jia's father's career and other issues. Yinzhi took charge: "So that's what you're worried about. How difficult is that? Just find another opportunity and ask the Ministry of War to give him a promotion. Didn't the Shi family also have four people in mourning at the same time? This extra help is certainly good, but less is not a big worry. Just don't pay any more attention to Soetu."

Mingzhu agreed vaguely. He saw that Suo Etu was also a little embarrassed, so he thought it was okay to see him less often, and just asked Kuifang to drink more with Suo Etu's sons.

After leaving Prince Zhi's mansion, Mingzhu got into a sedan chair. Considering his age, he was old enough to ride in one. As soon as the curtain was lowered, his back immediately bent and his fists clenched.

Yinzhi, Soetu and I have been at odds all our lives, yet I still have to speak softly to him at the last moment. Who do you think it’s because of? ! ! !

It's no wonder Mingzhu was so angry. Anyone would be furious if they found out that the person they spent twenty or thirty years cultivating was actually a fool. When they know that this fool might not only make the twenty or thirty years of hard work they put into him go to waste, but also ruin all the money they've accumulated elsewhere, their anger would immediately explode.

————————————I am the dividing line of flashback————————————

Mingzhu's status was much lower than that of Yaerjiang'a, the former heir of the current Prince Jian, but in terms of power and ability to handle affairs, he was definitely N times more powerful than Yaerjiang'a. When the target was Yinzhi, this multiple was even magnified - Mingzhu had been dealing with Yinzhi for many years and had been keeping an eye on him for many years.

While Yarjiang'a was still happy about being able to place a few spies in the Prince of Zhi's Mansion, reporting this to the Crown Prince as one of his political achievements, and promising that he was trying to find out what Yinzhi did every day when he went out, Mingzhu had already received an official report at the end of last year: the eldest prince was playing tricks.

The news arrived a little late; Yinzhi had already cursed everything he wanted to curse and buried everything. He knew it wasn't a good thing, so he kept the news a secret. Mingzhu didn't find out until long after he had begun work.

At that moment, Mingzhu really wanted to cry.

Why are you drawing circles when you can't do something else?

Mingzhu, whose heart was initially shaken by the Crown Prince's infidelity and the Prince of Zhi's constant misbehavior, has now completely abandoned Yinzhi. She must sever ties with the Prince of Zhi! How dare you even touch such a thing? Well, if it happens, you have your bloodline as a guarantee, and you can still survive, while others will be left with nothing but a dead household register.

This other person obviously includes Mingzhu, who is known to the whole world as the eldest prince's backer.

Mingzhu was utterly miserable. He had only spoken of easing relations with the Crown Prince, but he had a double-edged sword in mind—he'd have time to slowly see if there were any other princes he could support, and if there weren't any, he'd act later. But now it was too late. If he knew, others would also know what Yinzhi had done.

What if it's exposed tomorrow? This matter is of grave importance, and Mingzhu can't guarantee she can completely conceal it, especially since... Yinzhi had the evidence stored in the Eastern Palace. Putting it there is already dangerous enough, so digging it out now? It would only increase the exposure, right?

Action must be taken immediately!

After a brief review, it turns out that among Emperor Kangxi's sons, the only one who is competitive is the crown prince.

Damn it! Ming Xiang mentally raised his middle finger to the sky. Besides the eldest and second oldest brothers, his two sworn enemies, the third oldest brother was a nerd, the fourth oldest was a stone-cold fool, the fifth oldest was half-mute, the seventh oldest was born with a disability, and the ninth oldest and those below him hadn't even been granted a title or a residence! It looked like the only one left was the eighth oldest brother.

Mingzhu knew very well that the Eighth Prince still had no son, and Kangxi didn't look down on him for the time being. Although Yinreng also had no son when he was appointed Crown Prince, he was only two years old at that time, and now the Eighth Prince is twenty. The old man hasn't gone crazy yet. The Bannermen have a small population, so they value offspring.

After all the calculations, he had to bow to the prince!

Yinzhi, you're such a bastard! You've screwed me over! Why did I even fancy you back then? If I don't fight Soetu, I'll just be a step behind him. If I drag you into this, I'll have one less head to fight.

You can't persuade Yinzhi about this matter, and you can't say directly, "I already know, you are too stupid to do this, don't do it." Once you say that, you will really be on the pirate ship.

He couldn't report him either, as he was definitely a descendant of the Zhi Prince family. If he did, his reputation would be bad, even if it was Yinzhi who was at fault first.

He must not let others report him, otherwise he will easily be swept up in public opinion.

It would be so surprising to hear that Yinzhi had done something important, but Mingzhu didn't know about it! Who would believe it? Even Mingzhu herself didn't believe it.

We must act immediately and jump ashore before Yinzhi is exposed.

Mingzhu's resolve to submit to the Crown Prince was resolute, prompting fierce opposition from Kuixu: "Father, even if we're going to break up with Prince Zhi, there's no need to rush to curry favor with the Crown Prince." He wasn't opposed to easing relations with the Crown Prince, but he didn't want to appear too eager or too low-key; that would be too embarrassing. He had to maintain his composure while also maintaining his dignity. What was easily gained was easily discarded.

Mingzhu cut the Gordian knot: "Prince Zhi is practicing the art of suppressing nightmares."

"Huh? What?" Kuixu's head was split open by a sharp knife, and an explosive piece of news was forced into his head. He was unable to come back to his senses for a long time.

Mingzhu said succinctly, "Prince Zhi has a lama cursing people. The Crown Prince is definitely cursed, and probably the other princes as well. I don't even know if there's an Emperor."

Kuixu: "..." I said he was stupid! After getting angry, he quickly figured out the key point. The eldest prince must be abandoned! Of the other princes... there was only the eighth prince left, and he was rejected by Mingzhu.

"This matter is of no small importance. Our only hope lies with the Crown Prince," Mingzhu quickly concluded. "I've always had a problem with Soetu, but I've never argued with him in person. If he gets angry, that's his business. It's not a big deal. Now that he's backed off and no longer hangs around the Crown Prince, it's not too embarrassing for us."

Kuixu said, "Who should I ask to pass on the message? The Shi family? They haven't finished mourning yet, so I'm afraid it will be difficult to get around."

Mingzhu smiled cunningly: "Soetu!"

"Didn't he ask the prince to force him to retreat? Does he still have the nerve to act as a guarantor in front of the prince?" Kuifang seriously considered the feasibility of the matter.

"If I don't retreat, I'll lose face. If I do, I'll have face," Mingzhu patiently answered her son's question. "Besides, he'll want to be the middleman for me."

It was Chinese New Year, a perfect time to take advantage of the chaos to make contact. However, he couldn't go alone, so he had to send his son as a pioneer, as Mingzhu herself was "sick."

Mingzhu's prediction was correct; Soetu was indeed somewhat tempted. After all, someone who had spent years at the pinnacle of power had calmed down and reflected after enduring such setbacks. He felt Kangxi's pulse: harmony.

Furthermore, Soetu also had his own plans.

The crown prince has not yet ascended the throne, and there are many variables, so he needs to carefully consolidate his position - this is for the crown prince's consideration.

I have retired and there are few opportunities for me to show my abilities. I have to prove myself useful occasionally so as to benefit my descendants.

Suo Etu was also quite suspicious of Ming Zhu's intentions. They had been enemies just a moment ago, but now they were in the same boat. Suo Etu was afraid that Ming Zhu was setting a trap for him.

Mingzhu half-seriously hinted to Suo Etu through her son who went to the Suo Mansion to pay New Year's greetings. Suo Etu showed his surprise, but quickly agreed to meet Mingzhu.

"What? You want to promise your granddaughter to the Shi family?" Soetu thought he had misheard.

Mingzhu said, "I just have this plan. The third son of the Shi family is handsome and has good character. Why not?"

Suo Etu looked as if he had taken the wrong medicine.

Mingzhu sighed, "I've already married off three granddaughters. Thinking about the fate of my fourth, I suddenly... Lao Suo, how old are you this year? How old am I this year? I'm almost dead. I just hope my children and grandchildren are safe, don't you think?"

Soetu chuckled and said, "As for current affairs, for us bannermen, apart from other things, it is not difficult to stay safe." Mingzhu was really sick.

Afterwards, Mingzhu never mentioned the marriage again: "Thinking back to the days when you and I were young..." The deepest part of their revolutionary friendship was during the execution of Oboi. After that, they would step on each other. The implication was that he wanted to get rid of the Prince of Zhi, and the most direct expression of his feelings was "I'll get on the boat with you."

Soetu approached the matter with a noncompetitive and noncompetitive attitude. If Mingzhu didn't rebel, that was all that mattered. If there was a conspiracy, he wouldn't sit idly by. He was retired, so any mishap wouldn't implicate the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince staying out of the situation would actually save him.

Suo Etu said worriedly: "I can't say for sure about this matter. Besides, the Shi family is still there."

Mingzhu smiled and said, "It doesn't have to be him. I heard that Yisan'a's family has several good children." That was Soetu's grandson.

Suo-etu looked at Mingzhu suspiciously, and Mingzhu looked back calmly, feeling extremely miserable. If he hadn't encountered the pig-headed captain, he wouldn't have needed Suo-etu's scrutiny. Suo-etu's withdrawal was like jumping out of a fire pit, but it actually made him a sticky piece of candy that he couldn't get rid of.

Suo Etu looked so good that Mingzhu felt a little envious. This envy was also conveyed to Suo Etu through her eyes. After decades of being rivals, they knew each other better than they knew their wives. They probably didn't spend every day wondering what their wives were thinking, but they had to wonder what each other was thinking and the meaning of their every move.

Suo Etu was also startled by Mingzhu's gaze. He wouldn't have understood that look when things were going smoothly, nor would he have understood it when things were going badly. But now, he understood. Yes, fighting had become really boring.

Out of caution, both sides engaged in several probing attempts, with Mingzhu even forcibly ordering core members of the Ming Party to cease all hostile actions. Mingzhu subsequently fell ill, so ill that even Emperor Kangxi, who was in Mount Wutai, learned of it. Soetu personally visited her. Soetu, a medical expert, felt Mingzhu's pulse and discovered it was truly unstable. Only then did Soetu begin to believe that Mingzhu was serious.

It’s not that Soetu doesn’t want to find the reason, but unfortunately the reason lies with Yinzhi, and he can’t find out the reason in Mingzhu Mansion.

A pair of old enemies, one wants to use the other to get ashore, the other wants to use the other to express his feelings, mixed with some mutual sympathy, and unexpectedly reconciled. Once the two reconcile, they both cleared themselves. Look how harmonious we are. In the past, it was just a disagreement on political views, and it had nothing to do with personal gain!

What? The Crown Prince and the eldest prince? They are brothers, how could they be at odds?

Look, they're so harmonious! The prince is so kind to his eldest brother! Uh, you mean the eldest brother? He just has a bit of a bad temper.

Finally, Mingzhu got a chance to survive.

——————————————Flashback——————————————

Mingzhu had been consuming too much of his energy lately, and he was a little tired. At least there had been some results. Suo'etu had appeared with him, and he had to explain to Yinreng that this was also a disguised introduction. He had made a good start, and the rest would be easy.

Mingzhu closed her eyes and decided to sleep all the way home. She had to continue pretending to be sick.

Well, Soetu will come to visit the patient tomorrow, right?

The next day, Suo-etu arrived as expected. Kuifang and Kuixu came out to greet him and escorted him directly to Mingzhu's room. Then they chatted with Suo-etu's son, who was accompanying him, and asked the two old men to make a plan.

Mingzhu needed a token of his loyalty, and he also prescribed a solution for Soetu: "Your Majesty needs stability right now, and we, as servants, should understand His Majesty's heart."

Suo Etu agreed: "Yes, all the previous efforts were in vain."

Mingzhu smiled knowingly: "The princes should be more considerate of His Majesty than the servants, and the Crown Prince should be even more so..."

Suo Etu frowned and said in a worried tone: "The prince is very considerate nowadays. Even if there are people who stir up trouble, he will tolerate it."

Mingzhu sighed, "It's hard for the Crown Prince. It's always better to be patient. The Holy Lord will understand the Crown Prince's grievances."

Suo Etu secretly noted that he had not taken credit for this service in front of Yinreng. If it were someone else, he would have bullied her, but Mingzhu... he really didn't dare. He took the opportunity to pay his respects to Kangxi during the Emperor's birthday celebration and reported it to Yinreng.

So, Mingzhu met with the crown prince while discussing the southern tour at the behest of Emperor Kangxi. The two were extremely polite to each other. Mingzhu took the opportunity to offer the crown prince a prescription: "Stay put, don't be too prominent! Soetu and I shouldn't openly side with you; it's too dangerous! I can guarantee my own safety, but you can take care of Soetu."

The words were very cryptic. It was impossible to say directly, "The Crown Prince's influence will make the Emperor resent you. If he doesn't resent you now, he will definitely reduce your power in the future." Fortunately, Yinreng understood the roundabout way and replied, "Khan Ama is the ruler of the world."

Mingzhu knew that he had touched upon Yinreng's path.

reconciliation.

Mingzhu felt relieved. Yinzhi was very angry at home. Mingzhu was so weak! Yinzhi blamed Mingzhu in his heart and turned the problem to Yinreng: It's all because of you. Why don't you die?

Yinzhi planned to hold an academic seminar on cursing for two people in Baoen Temple as soon as his wedding day was over, to develop new methods and try to curse his second brother to death as soon as possible.

————————————————————————————————————————

Tong Guowei had no idea Yinzhi was cursing. Yinzhi knew it wasn't a good thing, and he kept it a secret. Only someone like Mingzhu would have figured it out. He wondered what Ming and Suo were up to. Were they working together to support the eldest prince?

Are you kidding me? The eldest prince is just an idiot. Tong Guowei looked down on him anyway. Tong Guowei also believed that if it weren't for the fight with Soetu, Mingzhu wouldn't have looked down on Yinzhi, let alone Soetu.

Is this a step back? Right now, the eldest prince can't leave Mingzhu, but the crown prince can and has already left Suo'etu. If Ming and Suoqi withdraw, the eldest prince will be doomed!

Tong Guowei's heart was relieved. His doubts returned: Why would Mingzhu do such a thing? Considering the recent rumors of Mingzhu's declining health, Tong Guowei finally resolved his doubts: This was a way out. If Mingzhu could live another twenty years, perhaps the situation would be different.

The outcome is still undecided, so if he wants to go first, he must make arrangements for his own retreat.

Tong Guowei sat there for a while, wondering if he should also express his goodwill to the prince. My hatred value is definitely less than Mingzhu's, right?

While he was lost in thought, Colondo came in.

In Longkodo's heart, he would never let the fourth son suffer any injustice. As long as it was not the crown prince, anyone would be fine. Seeing Suo Etu and Mingzhu appear together at Yinzhi's wedding, Longkodo wondered: Did Mingzhu win over Suo Etu?

Is there any hope for the eldest prince?

That’s fine too!

Longkodo excitedly came to Tong Guowei, hoping to give Yinzhi a push. Regardless of whether he disliked Yinzhi or not, if he ascended to the throne, the entire line of princes would be the worst off, bar none! As for the Eighth Prince, it was a pity. Longkodo enjoyed interacting with him, and he was kind and tolerant, making him a good candidate. However, the Eighth Prince himself hadn't expressed his feelings, so it was a good thing I didn't mention it to him.

Tong Guowei was furious when he saw Longkodo's restlessness. "What are you talking about?! The Crown Prince, the heir apparent to the throne, can you just change him? I've said it before, the Crown Prince hasn't lost his integrity, so don't get caught up in this mess so easily. Look at Mingzhu and Suo'etu, they were certainly talented men at the time, but now they're stuck at home gardening and raising fish. Why is that? Why are you so against the Crown Prince? Why is the Crown Prince so against you?"

Thinking about it carefully, the prince was indifferent to the Tong family, but he did not show any hostility - except for this one in front of him. Tong Guowei looked at his son carefully and asked: "Did you cause trouble outside?"

Longkodo couldn't say it was because of Si'er, nor could he say he had provoked the crown prince, so he could only vaguely say, "He just doesn't like my son."

Tong Guowei said angrily, "Why does he like others? Your brothers, nephews, and your son all say that the crown prince is quite kind. The third prince of the Eastern Palace is even quite fond of Orondai. You better behave yourself!"

Tong Guowei breathed a sigh of relief. After observing Ming and Suo's attitudes and deciding to lean towards the crown prince, he was truly relieved. The psychological pressure of getting rid of a crown prince who hadn't done anything wrong and whom the emperor still loved was simply too great! Even Tong Guowei wouldn't dare attempt it lightly.

Longkodo could only agree to it for the time being. He went to Si'er's room in great embarrassment and said shamefully, "I'm sorry to have to trouble you for a while." The Black Cloud Pearl was too difficult to deal with.

Si'er was very understanding and rubbed his shoulders to relax him: "I have no grievances when I am with you." She didn't know that in these few months, her husband had been running back and forth on the road to succession several times, and almost persuaded the real uncle of the emperor to fight with the prince.

Longkodo felt even more guilty, and immediately forced everyone in his courtyard to call Si'er "Madam". The words "aunt" and "concubine" were never used on Si'er again.

After hearing this, Longkohe Sheli was furious. Tong Guowei was very calm. The imperial edict still belonged to Yue Xing'a's biological mother, and Yue Xing'a was still living well. Longkodo... it was much safer to let him mess with the affairs of the inner court than to make a random decision to seize the throne.

—————————————————————————————————————————

Since everyone knew about it, it made no sense that Kangxi wouldn't know what happened at his son's wedding. He summoned Mingzhu and Suo'etu to ask if the southern tour was fake and what the two old men were up to. This summons gave Mingzhu the opportunity to show off his talents to the crown prince.

Since Mingzhu was truly despairing of Yinzhi, and Suo'etu had also figured out the ropes, the two of them acted very frankly. Kangxi had also been dealing with them for decades. These two people were pondering Kangxi, and Kangxi was pondering them as well, and he was very surprised. What kind of gods had enlightened them?

It's not a matter of who was befriending whom; it all depends on your perspective. To say Mingzhu was befriending Soetu suggests the eldest prince was plotting something nefarious, while to say Soetu was befriending Mingzhu suggests the crown prince was restless. Only when both of them let go can there be true peace.

Kangxi said, "I want to take the fifteenth prince and several other younger princes with me on this southern tour. As I get older, I can no longer live without my children."

Mingzhu said: "Are you still studying, my brothers? My grandsons and granddaughters are old enough to get married, and I worry about them all day long." I am older than you, and you are still young.

Suo Etu said: "Yes, yes, it's okay if my grandchildren get married, but I have to worry about whether my great-grandchildren will become successful. I worry about them all the time." I am also very old.

These three old men!

The atmosphere was harmonious, and Kangxi was in a good mood: "Why don't you all stay at home? Why don't you go on this southern tour together? You still have many old friends in the south. People like Gao Shiqi and Zhang Ying are living in the south." I can also observe you from nearby.

Both of them said that they were too old to walk anymore, and if they wanted to move again, they would probably have to "retire from the road."

Kangxi frowned and said, "Stop talking nonsense! You still want to follow me and see this beautiful land and this peaceful and prosperous era."

Kangxi decided to let these two accompany the southern tour, and also included the crown prince in the list. Hongdan, who was always accompanied by him everywhere, naturally got a place on the public travel. Then, after thinking about it, he put these people on the list for the trip to Rehe.

————————————————————————————————————————

"Leaving again?" Shujia couldn't help but be surprised when she heard the news. "Didn't you stay in the capital in previous years? Why are you traveling so frequently lately?" Is Khan Ama worried about you? Does he want to keep a close watch on you?

There was no intention to monitor him, but rather to take the opportunity to train his other sons. Yinreng was conflicted, wanting to follow the emperor to enjoy the cool breeze, while wanting to stay in the capital to strive for achievements.

"It's a different time now," Yinreng replied. "It's windy outside the Great Wall and cold at night. Bring some warm clothes for Hongdan."

Shujia sighed. They'd all gone out to play, leaving her at home looking after the house. She was worried about her son, but her husband...she also had to worry about him having affairs. The Southern Tour was scheduled for September, but the summer trip to Rehe was in June. Her youngest son had only just turned 100 days old and needed careful care.

Seeing that she was not happy, Yinreng mercifully announced the good news: "Khan Ama meant that our whole family should go."

Shujia couldn't believe her ears: "Really?"

Yinreng nodded.

With such good news, Shujia packed her luggage more happily, and by April 16, her birthday, the smile on her face was even bigger - Hua Shan's mourning had lasted more than a hundred days, and people from her parents' home could come.

This time, the Shi family had one more female member than in previous years: Shi Wenzhuo's wife, the Crown Princess's aunt.

This aunt was rejected in the imperial selection, not because of her own poor qualifications, but because of the tragedies of the Three Feudatories Rebellion, which caused her to age beyond the required age.

The southern climate and soil are quite nourishing. After following Shi Wenzhuo's exile for so many years, first to Songjiang Prefecture and then to Suzhou, my aunt looked much younger than her actual age. She had fair skin, with only a few crow's feet at the corners of her eyes, which were almost invisible with clever makeup. She spoke in a soft voice, although a little fast.

After Mrs. Xiluo made the introduction, the aunt greeted her niece generously.

Shujia called out repeatedly, and Hongxiu came forward to help her up. This aunt had seen Hongxiu before, and when she heard Hongxiu call her "Second Madam," she smiled and said, "Thank you, aunt." She sat down according to the rules, and looked at this niece whom she had never met before with a polite smile.

Shujia was dressed in auspicious attire today, looking graceful and dignified. Shi Wenzhuo's wife, however, saw a hint of softness and liveliness in the corners of her eyes and lips, and thought to herself, "That's it! It's not good for a woman to be too rigid." She glanced at her other three nieces and compared them. The eldest and third nieces were both born out of wedlock, so they unconsciously had a softer demeanor. The youngest niece, on the other hand, was a little too proud, which was not good.

While he was daydreaming, Xiluo spoke. Shi Wenzhuo's wife blinked and gave half of her gaze to her sister-in-law.

The Shi family was the first to arrive, and they had time for a private chat. Mrs. Xiluo introduced the family situation: "The third and fourth girls are quite good at sewing, and the younger brothers Mingxi and Mingxi are also learning to read. The men in the family have some free time now, so they can teach them more." Pointing to her sister-in-law, "Their two children are very pretty."

Shujia had heard from Hongxiu that Shi Wenzhuo had brought his entire family with him when he returned: his wife, his concubine, and his two sons, Shi Litu and Shi Liha. But now she asked again, "I regret that I never saw them, Auntie. How old are these two brothers now?"

Time flew by when they had topics of common interest. Shujia had a general understanding of the two cousins' situations and was about to ask, "Have you enrolled in the government school?"

Shi Wenzhuo's wife replied, "The master has already contacted our Zhengbai Banner's official school and he has been enrolled there for a month." Children go to official schools not only to learn things, but also to build interpersonal relationships, etc. This makes Shi Wenzhuo and his wife very satisfied.

Shujia ordered all her sons to come, including Hongxi. The fifth prince in the cradle was someone Xiluote and others had never seen before, so they looked at him carefully again.

Wu Mingli came in at this time and said, "Master, someone has been sent from Ningshou Palace."

Next, the heads of the nearby palaces sent their greetings again, followed by the ladies of lower status, whose status was lower than that of the wives who came later. The newly appointed wife of Prince Jian also arrived. She was very familiar with Shujia and when she saw Shuhui and her sister, she also shook hands and called them "sisters."

The two young girls from the Shi family were once again surrounded by people, with everyone praising the fourth sister, Shuhui, more than anyone else, and Shuhui was quite at ease. Shujia felt that, objectively speaking, the third sister was more approachable because she was more lively.

The newly appointed First Consort Zhang Jia was one of the quietest of the onlookers. She had gradually integrated into the Consorts' circle and was still adjusting. The more exclusive the circle, the more cautious those who entered became, "reluctant to say a word or take a step too far, for fear of being looked down upon."

Remember what the Eighth Lady said: "Have a great bearing." And what the Third Lady praised: "Gentle." The First Lady took these as common expressions, and prepared to use them when praising others in the future, so as not to show that her language was inconsistent with everyone else.

Shujia said, "Don't praise them so much for now. They are so young, they won't be able to bear it if you praise them too much."

The Eighth Lady said, "Second sister-in-law is too modest. If it were really bad, we wouldn't bother to care."

Shujia smiled and said, "Please take your seat."

The party was also very harmonious. They praised each other, gossiped a little, and then talked about clothes and jewelry... until the birthday party was over.

Yinreng arrived just in time, when most of the guests had left and only the women of the Shi family were still there. His brother-in-law came in, and the elder and younger sisters-in-law withdrew, and the two background members, Wendu and Jueluo, also left. Yinreng greeted his mother-in-law gently, "You seem to have lost weight. Please eat well and relax."

Xiluo Te replied, "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness."

Yinreng added, "I often see Fu Dali, Qingde, and Guanyinbao. They are all very good. At the end of this year, I will definitely call them back to serve again." These three are grandsons, and the mourning period is one year, which is at the end of this year. The implication is that the male members of your family will not be able to escape from their positions, so don't worry.

Shi Wenzhuo's wife's favorability towards the prince increased greatly. It was rare for a prince to be so polite and thoughtful. Yinreng then asked her, "Is this Shi Wenzhuo's wife?" Shi Wenzhuo's status was not high enough for his wife to be called a wife, but it was really pleasing to the ears.

He murmured a "yes" and listened to Yinreng ask Shi Wenzhuo a few more questions before saying, "It's getting late. The palace gates are locked, so it's difficult to deal with. I'll ask Lu Yougong to see the ladies off."

Shujia smiled and said, "Is that even necessary?"

Shi Wenzhuo's wife thought to herself, even if this man wasn't the crown prince, such a polite son-in-law is rare. What's even rarer is that this son-in-law is quite nice to our daughter. The couple has three sons, but they still speak so casually. It's obvious that they are not as cold as ice.

Overall, he's a good person.

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The Crown Prince, who was considered a good man by his aunt the Crown Princess, fell ill a few days after his birthday.

He was very ill, his forehead was burning, and he was too drowsy to get out of bed, so he had to take sick leave.

Kangxi: "What?" He felt so bad. The prince must be very sick, right? Call the imperial physician immediately!

Yinzhi: “What?” Success?! Am I going to be rich?

Mingzhu: "What?" Your sister! The Prince of Zhi is doomed after the incident.

Suo Etu: “What?” I’m worried. Prince, you can’t get into trouble!

The author has something to say:

It's the end of the year, and there's a lot going on. There's an event at work tomorrow, so you all know...

If you come back early, it will be more, if you come back late, it will be less, if you come back too late, there will be no update.

Anyway, tomorrow is like the chocolate candies in the box~