Chapter 57
"Wow." Little Hongyao couldn't distinguish the subtleties of small gifts; he only knew that the gift box his tenth uncle had given him was huge, so it must contain a lot of very good things...
"Tenth Uncle, Tenth Uncle, what is it?" The box in her hand was placed on top of this big box, and her two chubby little hands also touched the box on top, her bright eyes looking at the Tenth Prince Yin'e.
With a mysterious smile, the Tenth Prince Yin'e stepped forward and unveiled the mystery for Xiao Hongyao. Inside was a golden-red carp.
It was very large. Yin'e knew that Xiao Hongyao liked shiny and golden things. At the time, he thought to himself, "Isn't that the same as Ninth Brother?"
This golden-red carp is carved using gold and red coral, and it is exceptionally finely crafted.
Looking at the carp that was as long as his own arm, thick and fat, and most importantly... it looked expensive, how could Xiao Hongyao not like it?
"Thank you, Tenth Uncle." The silly little Hongyao couldn't tell that the gifts from the other uncles were much more valuable, but it was only after his father, Yinreng, reminded him that little Hongyao realized, wow, the uncles were all so generous.
"Thank you, Uncle."
"Thank you, Third Uncle."
"Thank you, Fourth Uncle..."
He kept thanking the Fourteenth Uncle. Originally, Yinreng hadn't planned to invite the younger ones, but then he remembered that when Hongyao was bored last time, the Fourteenth Uncle had sacrificed his own time to play with Hongyao for quite a while.
Since Fourteen has been summoned, the younger brothers (Twelve and Thirteen) cannot be ignored. As for Fifteen... he is too young, so he is ignored.
"Hongyao, whose gift do you like the most?" The Fourteenth Prince also brought out his favorite little bow from the storeroom. It was a gift from his father, the Emperor, who had used it when he was a child.
"From Ninth Uncle and Tenth Uncle." Although he knew that the items his uncles had given him were quite valuable, including antiques and calligraphy and paintings, they weren't suitable for him.
As for Xiao Gong, after being scolded by his mother for playing with Xiao Gong last time, he decided to hate Xiao Gong.
Little babies like shiny things, which are more eye-catching. Although the little bow that Fourteen gave him seemed to have an extraordinary origin, it was... pitch black, and little Hongyao wasn't really tempted to take it away.
Upon hearing that he was disliked, the Fourteenth Prince's expression turned somewhat unpleasant.
“It was a gift from Uncle Fourteen, and Hongyao likes it too.” How could little Hongyao, who was always by his father’s side, not sense the unhappiness coming from Uncle Fourteen? He immediately spoke up to coax Uncle Fourteen, “I like it too.”
As soon as he finished speaking, he felt his uncle looking at him slightly but not saying anything. After thinking for a moment, Xiao Hongyao stepped forward and took his uncle's hand again, "Uncle's, Hongyao likes it too."
Like a sea king about to capsize, he was still trying his best to show off his ability to balance things. Anyway, he had to coax each uncle a little, sending out his soft, sweet voice to coax them.
The First, Third, and Fourth wives, along with Jialuo, sat to the side, watching their uncles present gifts to Hongyao. They couldn't help but chuckle as they watched Hongyao frantically trying to appease everyone.
"It seems our Hongyao has the potential to become a Casanova in the future." The First Princess couldn't help but laugh out loud. She had never seen such a child before. How could her own princess know how to coax people? It was already a miracle if she didn't cry.
"Isn't that right? Oh my, listen to your sweet words. No wonder our master often says that he wants to have a child like Hongyao. Second sister-in-law, could you teach us a thing or two?" The Third Princess Consort Dong E was incredibly envious. If she couldn't, she would have liked to take a sack and bring the adorable Hongyao home.
The Fourth Princess Consort had no good feelings towards Hongyao, but her eyes were full of smiles. "It's all thanks to the Crown Princess's good teaching. If my children are this good in the future, then I won't have to worry."
The praise from one person after another made Jia Luo a little embarrassed. "Oh dear, everyone is praising me so much, I'm so shy." "It's all thanks to the Crown Prince's good teaching. I don't have much credit to it."
"However, you still need to be patient when interacting with children..." Jia Luo didn't really have any parenting tips. She felt like she was just groping her way across the river, and could only offer superficial words like patience and attentiveness...
Sigh, that's too general.
The First Princess and the others listened very attentively, but they also knew that they had to do these things themselves. They felt that the Crown Princess's words such as "coaxing the child," "telling the child that Mother loves you," and "growing up immersed in love" were not appropriate. Wouldn't that just spoil a little brat?
However, he didn't say it directly in front of the Crown Princess, and nodded repeatedly to indicate that he understood.
Forget about love; people nowadays are conservative, especially after being educated by nannies, they know even more what it means to be reserved.
As parents, why do we need to talk to our children like this?
"Your Highness the Crown Prince, is that how you do it too?" The First Princess Consort was a little curious, because when Yinti was at home, he would never say such things to her three little princesses. It was too, too... that kind of thing. If Yinti knew, he would definitely find it disgusting and get goosebumps all over.
"Of course not. His Highness the Crown Prince, as a man, teaches us that Hongyao should become a Baturu in the future." Jialuo dared not reveal the truth. If the Crown Prince knew that she was talking nonsense outside and affecting his image, he would definitely be unhappy.
As her husband, Jialuo knew what kind of person Yinreng was.
Caring about face, arrogant...
On the other side, Yinreng listened to the Crown Princess's inner monologue and glanced at her indifferently. He didn't intend to expose her now and let her play along. However, he still needed to teach her a lesson about what it meant to care about face. He called it maintaining his dignity as the Crown Prince.
"Indeed, but it's a pity. Our master doesn't know how to get along with the children. You can't exactly take our daughter horseback riding and archery with him, can you?" The First Princess Consort was also worried, afraid that Yinti would lead her princess astray.
Indeed, what's the use of learning needlework and embroidery if one doesn't ride horses and shoot arrows? In the future, won't one just perish while serving the Mongols?
None of them lived long. The First Princess Consort is foolish; she can't even see that.
As Yinreng listened to his fourth sister-in-law's words, he suddenly remembered her identity. Oh, someone who has lived a lifetime must know a lot about her past life.
Sending the princesses to Mongolia? Not a single one? So they were all sent to Mongolia? Yinreng hadn't paid attention to the princesses' situation in Mongolia before, because he wasn't familiar with them, and his father wouldn't talk to him about such things.
The relationship between the Qing Dynasty and the various Mongol tribes was one of mutual support and mutual wariness.
However, over the years, very few of my uncles who married into Mongolia have accomplished anything significant.
"What's the problem? My brother likes it, and the child likes it too, that's enough." Jia Luo's way of educating children is different from that of people nowadays. For example, Jia Luo doesn't worry about things that the First Princess Consort is worried about.
Teach children what they enjoy, and also teach them how to live a better life.
"You can't say that. She'll still have to get married in the future." The First Princess Consort was already worried when she said this.
Seeing the First Princess Consort begin to feel worried and sad, Jialuo felt helpless. Is this how all pregnant women are? So sentimental and all that…
"Sister-in-law, why didn't you bring Erlinzhu and the others over? They could have come and met their younger brother, Hongyao." She quickly changed the subject, trying to stop thinking about things she shouldn't be thinking about!
On the other side, Hongyao finally managed to appease his uncles. As he turned his back to them, he let out a long sigh of relief and pretended to be exhausted as he wiped the sweat from his forehead. Look, he's sweating from exhaustion.
Yinreng took a sweat towel and wiped his son's face. His practiced movements shocked the other princes, who looked at the crown prince as if to say, "Your Highness, I never expected you to be this kind of person."
"Your Highness, I didn't expect you to be so skilled at this kind of thing?" The First Prince immediately came over and said sarcastically. As a Baturu of the Qing Dynasty, how could you act like a woman? And serve the child like this?
Yinreng raised his eyes and glanced at Yinti indifferently, "I knew it. My elder brother claims to be a good man, but it's all a lie. If the child sweats too much, he's prone to catching a cold and getting sick. If you don't even know this, how can you be a good father?"
"Why would Your Highness need to know this?" Yinti's face darkened immediately, his eyes showing a hint of guilt, but he couldn't let the Crown Prince notice. He could only quickly retort as Yinreng finished speaking, "You're acting like a woman. What kind of grown man would act like this?"
Other princes: We don't have children yet, so we don't need to get involved.
"Fourth brother, don't you think so?" Who knew that just as they were about to hand over the stage to their eldest brother and the crown prince, Yinqi had already turned around and started criticizing the fourth brother.
Among all his brothers, besides the eldest and the crown prince, only the fourth prince, Yinzhen, had two little princesses, who were only recently born.
When Yinzhen was asked this question, his whole body stiffened. "Well, the two little princesses are taken care of by the Fujin and the other princesses. I usually just go to check on them..."
"See? Fourth Prince is even worse than a good father. Unlike me, I'm different. I often play with Erlinzhu and the others. They're very close to you, Master." Yinti stepped on Fourth Prince's foot while praising himself.
Grandpa is definitely a good father.
Yinreng saw that Yinti was feeling guilty and lacked confidence. He said, "As long as you like it, brother."
"Is Hongyao thirsty? Here, have some water." Yinreng lowered his head to take care of Hongyao. What did other people's opinions matter to him? What mattered more was his son's health.
All the princes were shocked by the Crown Prince's actions, while Yinti was filled with anger: It seems that I have lost. How could I lose to Yinreng? How could I not be a good father?
"I wonder how Father Emperor is doing, and when he will return," Yinreng asked seemingly casually as he fed his son water.
Hearing Yinreng ask this question, the other brothers also showed concern for their father, saying, "They should have won a great victory, our Father..."
Yinreng did not pay attention to what they were saying, but listened to the thoughts of his fourth wife, Guarjia.
[While the Emperor could indeed be said to have won a great victory this time, it wasn't entirely a complete triumph. At the Zhaomodo post station, Galdan's main force was annihilated, and Galdan led his remaining troops to flee to the Tamir River basin, forcing the Emperor to personally lead another expedition. In the area of Acha Amutatai, he eventually committed suicide by poisoning himself...] (Source: Sogou Data)
While the Crown Prince was questioning the Fourth Prince's wife, Lady Guarjia, several of the princes were confidently asserting how powerful their Emperor Father was and how he would surely capture Galdan. I couldn't help but sneer inwardly.
[If Galdan wasn't strong, why would Father Emperor have needed to personally lead three campaigns? I also heard there was someone backing him up? Tsarist Russia or something. But those Russians weren't that formidable; they were still easily defeated by the Qing cavalry.]
"Ninth Brother, the matter of the longevity balm should be put to rest. All the imperial envoys have returned to the capital to report their missions." Yinreng suddenly changed the subject and brought up the matter with the Ninth Brother. Since no information could be obtained from Galdan's battlefield, then so be it.
Indeed, the empress dowager was not allowed to interfere in politics, and the news that Guarjia heard in the end was probably just hearsay, or she only knew a little bit of the surface.
"That's good, that's good." Yinzhen had actually forgotten about this matter a long time ago, because it had been handed over to the Crown Prince and the Emperor to handle, and it was not his place as the Ninth Prince who was still studying in the Imperial Study to deal with it.
However, the fact that the Crown Prince specifically told me about this shows that in the Crown Prince's mind, I have the ability and status. Otherwise, why would he specifically tell me this?
Yinzhen was secretly pleased, and his face was full of relief, showing that he had been concerned all along.
Yinreng found it amusing, never expecting the Ninth Prince to be this kind of person. Yin'e also nodded in agreement, criticizing those Westerners, "Those Westerners are really no good. They actually sold that harmful stuff, Ointment, to the Qing Dynasty, and even claimed it brought health and longevity."
"Isn't that right? Father Emperor even appointed several missionaries as officials and made Ferdinand Verbiest his Western tutor. Who knows if they will corrupt Father Emperor?"
"Pshaw, can Father Emperor judge for himself? Don't compare yourself to Father Emperor."
Yinreng listened to their arguing, but couldn't hear Guarjia's true feelings at all, and inexplicably felt that this shouldn't be the case.
"I wonder if the Westerners still have any other harmful things hidden in the shadows that we don't know about?" Yinreng said slowly. Since the Guarjia clan has lived for so long, and the Westerners' harmful things are so rampant, it's impossible that they haven't heard a word about them.
“Yes, I think it’s possible too. Those Westerners must have other harmful things. Second brother, have you found anything?” Yin’e shouted, rolling up his sleeves, ready to get down to business.
Yinti frowned, his expression grave. "Those Westerners should be driven out! They're a menace to our Great Qing."
Why didn't anyone discover the harmful effects of the drug in their past life?
[I never imagined those Westerners could be so vicious. If it weren't for the Ninth Prince discovering it, no one would have noticed.]
[By the way, how did Yinzhen find out? In his previous life, Yinzhen earned so much money, all of which was spent on Yinsi's struggle for the throne. Goods from the West must have been involved as well. Could it be that in his previous life, this matter wasn't exposed because of Yinsi's fight for the throne?]
[That's true. In his previous life, the Eighth Prince practically controlled everyone in the court. Even Tong Guowei was won over by Yinzhi. That must have cost a lot of money, right?]
[It's all earned by Yinzhen alone, not just Yinsi, but also Yin'e's daily expenses. I've heard Yin'e has no business acumen; how could he possibly ban something as highly profitable as opium?]
A struggle for the throne?
The Eighth Prince? All the money Yinzhen earned was used to fund the Eighth Prince's bid for the throne? He single-handedly monopolized it all?
Immediately, Yinreng turned his attention to Yintang. To compete for the throne, a prince would definitely need to win over powerful ministers and some minor officials.
What can be used to win them over? It certainly can't be empty promises, like talking about what will happen when I become emperor; the immediate benefits must be tangible.
She glanced discreetly at the Eighth Prince Yinzhi, then at the Ninth Prince Yintang. There were many things about Lady Guarjia that revealed her true feelings.
I never imagined that the Eighth Prince was so powerful. He even managed to win over Tong Guowei? And almost the entire court? That shows how influential the Eighth Prince was back then.
The Eighth Prince...
Furthermore, Yinzhen was quite capable; he earned enough money to support the Eighth and Tenth Princes. Indeed, the Eleventh Prince seemed to lack any business acumen.
If the eighth prince were to vie for the throne, he certainly wouldn't be making money. After leaving the palace and establishing his own residence, his expenses would be considerable. Supporting the daily expenses of his three brothers' residences, and also being able to support the eighth prince's bid for the throne, the ninth prince's wealth must be substantial.
Tsk.
I am truly grateful to the Guarjia clan for giving me this information. A faint smile of elegance appeared on my face. "I haven't found it myself, but you can send someone to investigate. It would be a great achievement, both in front of Father Emperor and in front of the people of the Qing Dynasty."
"Second brother is right."
"Indeed, we should pay attention to the fact that many people of the Qing Dynasty are suffering greatly in places we may not be able to find."
Yinreng was merely setting the stage; after recounting all of this, he mentioned the upcoming wedding of the fifth prince and his family.
However, the Guarjia clan did not reveal any more surprising news afterward. At most, there were reports of the fifth and seventh princes favoring their concubines over their wives, and the eighth prince having only a son born out of wedlock after more than ten years of marriage.
Yinreng turned to Yinzhen with concern, "Although they are just two little princesses, they are still your daughters, so you should still care for them more. Look at your eldest brother, he is different."
Before Yinzhen could answer, Yinti interrupted him indignantly, "What's wrong with me? I just like daughters, so what?"
"Alright, alright, let's not talk about this anymore. Serve the meal, serve the meal! Hongyao is hungry, Hongyao, are you hungry???" Seeing that the eldest son and the crown prince were about to start arguing again, Yinzhi quickly spoke up to stop them.
The gentle and refined man wore a smile, exuding a unique charm. Hongyao liked his Eighth Uncle very much; the Eighth Uncle was like a spring breeze and also handsome. "Father, let's eat. Hongyao is hungry."
[Mind your own business. You should spend your time worrying about your own backyard. Is it only the Crown Princess who's happy, but the other concubines in the harem? How many years has it been?]
Yinreng knew it was inappropriate to say anything more. Guarjia seemed quite annoyed with him. He was already showing concern for the fourth prince, what more did she want?
And what does the matter of the isolated backyard have to do with you?!
Yinreng was also getting annoyed with the Guarjia clan, but the information he received today was enough for him to make plans for the next period of time.
Looking at the gentle and refined Eighth Prince, I never expected that Yinzhi would be so capable later on. However, he also has a lot of ambition. I wonder if this ambition will come in the future or if he already has it now.
However, all the fruits were for the fourth son.
All of you will work for me. Yinzhen is one of you. He might be good at managing the Ministry of Revenue in the future. As for Yinsi, how about the Privy Council? No rush, no rush. They're not married yet. We'll go to Father Emperor after they're married and ask him to think of a place for them.
Yinreng was in a good mood, which everyone assumed was because of Hongyao's birthday.
After leaving, the Fourteenth Prince followed the Fourth Prince. He was still a little unhappy, saying, "Fourth Brother, why isn't Hongyao's little bow my favorite? That's my absolute favorite."
"Fourth Brother loves reading the most. I'll give you some of his treasured books. You can read them and memorize them when you have free time, how about that?" Instead of answering his question, Yinzhen brought up another matter.
The tone was seemingly casual, yet the words were spoken with utmost seriousness.
Yinzhen knew that his fourth brother was not just talking. What kind of treasured books did he want him to memorize? He hated memorizing books the most, so he quickly shook his head, "No, no, no need, fourth brother, I don't need them, you keep them."
“Look, what Fourth Brother likes is different from what you like, isn’t it? Similarly, what Hongyao likes is also different from what you like. When giving gifts to others, shouldn’t we give them what they like?” Yinzhen also did not want Yinzhen to have a conflict with Yuqing Palace.
While comforting him, she brought up Hongyao's behavior earlier, "Besides, why doesn't Hongyao like it? I saw him and he loved it so much, didn't I tell you I liked it?"
“But, but, Hongyao said that his favorite gifts were those from Ninth Brother and Tenth Brother.” The Fourteenth Prince was a little deflated; he still hoped that the gifts he gave would be the most popular among others.
“Hongyao is still young and doesn’t know how to appreciate things. He only knows that shiny things attract his attention. When Hongyao grows up a bit more, he will realize how good you, his fourteenth uncle, are to him.” Yinzhen usually doesn’t say things like this, but he does so so that Yinzhen won’t have any conflict with Yuqing Palace because of it.
He had heard some time ago that his mother forbade the Fourteenth Prince from going to Yuqing Palace to play, and he even went on a tirade of abuse.
"Fourth Brother, I want to go back to the Prince's Residence with you." Fourteenth Brother still thinks Consort De is a bit crazy, especially since she has told him many times how bad the Crown Prince and Crown Princess are in Yuqing Palace, knowing that she is going to Yuqing Palace today.
He doesn't want to go back.
"Whatever you want." Seeing that Fourteenth Prince was no longer pouting, Yinzhen resumed his indifferent, expressionless face.
Fourteenth Prince didn't care about Yinzhen's cold face. The main reason was that after Consort De was confined to her quarters, the oppressive environment, coupled with the generous gift from Fourth Prince's wife, made her temper rise uncontrollably.
She used to be a kind and gentle mother to Fourteen, but now... she's becoming more and more distorted, as if she's afraid Fourteen will fly out of her grasp, controlling him and not letting him go anywhere.
If someone disobeys, they're likely to get scolded...
Upon hearing that his fourth brother had agreed, the fourteenth brother, beaming with joy, grabbed his fourth brother's clothes and said, "Let's go, let's go to the brother's place!"
"Fourth Brother, shouldn't I be old enough to move to the Prince's residence?" Fourteenth Brother, eager to leave Consort De, looked up and asked.
"Um."
"Fourth Brother, where should I live then?"
The Fourth Prince's wife, Lady Guarjia, walked beside him, watching the Fourteenth Prince's chattering voice, her expression not changing much. In terms of acting, she was excellent.
Hongyao, who had just celebrated his birthday, was full of energy. He wasn't happy staying cooped up in the small house in the main courtyard and insisted on going out to play.
And so, having heard the word 'swimming' from somewhere, she insisted on stretching out her little arms, saying, "Mommy, I want to play, play in the water, play in the water."
If it weren't for the fact that Hongyao is only two years old, Jialuo would have raised her big hand and slapped Hongyao's bottom hard. Playing in the water? You'll know what it means to be arrogant and ignorant once I slap you.
"I'll let you play in the tub tonight." That night, I'll give Hongyao a bath and let him play in that big tub.
"What about now?" Hongyao insisted on going out to play with his mother now. She never took him out to play, and he was getting bored. He was such a quiet, withdrawn person.
I learned the term "silent gourd" from my mother. Anyway, Hongyao is a gourd.
So, Little Gourd insisted on jumping around in front of Jia Luo, clamoring to go out and play. "Alright, Mother will send someone to ask the Imperial Household Department if the little tricycle they made for you is ready yet. If it is, I'll take you to play, okay?"
"Okay." Hongyao was overjoyed to hear that he could go out and play. As for what a tricycle was, he didn't care.
The Imperial Household Department naturally took the matter of Yuqing Palace to heart. As soon as they heard the Crown Princess say that it was a toy for the little prince, they immediately had it made.
After spending half a month working through the night, it was finally done.
When the wooden tricycle was presented to Jialuo, she thought it was quite impressive. Who said that people in ancient times were inferior to modern people? As long as you give them an idea, they can still make it.
The only concern is... won't wooden tires be stable enough?
"Have you tried it?" Jialuo was just a useless nobody; she was only responsible for describing it. The specifics of how it was made were up to the people in the Imperial Household Department.
It must be said, as expected of someone who serves the royal family, they truly possess the necessary skills.
"Your Highness, we have already tried it. It is a bit slow, but it is just right for the young prince," the steward from the Imperial Household Department explained. He did not mention how difficult it was. As long as the task assigned by his superiors could be completed, it was considered a success.
"Hmm." Jialuo even had someone take her around in the small tricycle. She wondered if Xiao Hongyao would like this kind of small wooden vehicle.
The manager took the tricycle for a spin. On the smooth ground, it worked without any problems. If it were a heavier vehicle, it would easily collapse, but Hongyao wasn't heavy.
"Xiaoqing, call Prince Hongyao over." Jialuo nodded and then turned to instruct the maid beside her.
Xiaoqing responded and went out to find Prince Hongyao. When little Hongyao learned that his mother was looking for him, he quickly came over on his short legs. Can we take Hongyao out to play now?
Hehehe.
"Mother, Mother." As soon as she walked in, she saw the unfamiliar steward and the small tricycle next to him, her eyes shining.
Sure enough, boys are just as sensitive to cars, regardless of the era or size.
For example, at this moment, after calling out to Jialuo, Xiao Hongyao's gaze fell on the small tricycle. "Mother, what is this?"
“This is a tricycle. Didn’t you say you wanted to go out and play? Riding this tricycle will definitely make you the most dazzling one in the entire harem. Everyone will envy you.” Jia Luo put her hands together and spoke in an exaggerated tone, which immediately filled Xiao Hongyao with curiosity about the tricycle.
"Wow." Sure enough, upon hearing Jia Luo's words, Hong Yao exclaimed "Wow!" and excitedly circled around the small tricycle.
"Come on, try sitting down first." The tricycle wasn't entirely made of wood. For example, the seat and backrest, which the person in charge knew were made of soft cotton and cloth to cover the hard wood, were covered by soft cotton and cloth, enough to protect the little prince.
This tricycle was not much different from the tricycles of later generations. The only difference was in its design. It was decorated with exquisitely carved patterns and coated with a layer of shimmering gold. Once it went out, it would be absolutely dazzling in the sunlight, which perfectly suited Xiao Hongyao's aesthetic.
For example, at this moment, Xiao Hongyao was radiating a happy atmosphere, extremely excited, with his chubby little hands gripping the handles and his feet on the pedals.
"Mother, let's go play, let's go play!" Little Hongyao excitedly wiggled his little body, with two eunuchs already standing guard beside him.
Wuhu! Let's go out and have some fun!
Jia Luo followed behind, but the sun seemed a bit too strong at this moment. Jia Luo regretted that he shouldn't have come to find Hong Yao as soon as he got the tricycle.
They were supposed to wait until morning to set off, and then... they restricted Hongyao to play in a small grove of trees in the backyard of Yuqing Palace.
Several large trees provided shade from the intense sun, and beneath them were stone tables, stone benches, swings, seesaws, and other play equipment. "Let's play here today, and tomorrow morning when the sun isn't so strong, we can go out and play, okay?"
Seeing that Xiao Hongyao seemed unhappy and could only stay in Yuqing Palace, Jialuo helplessly coaxed him softly.
Xiao Hongyao reluctantly nodded in agreement. Just as the manager had said, he rode the tricycle around twice, slowly, but Xiao Hongyao found it very novel and how could he not be happy?
Hehe, playing around, having fun, eh... I'm a little tired.
The tricycle was made of wood, and although it incorporated some iron and plastic-like materials, it was still a heavy burden for Xiao Hongyao.
"Mother, I'm tired." After only two laps, we stopped.
"Then let's go back and play again tomorrow. How about Mommy gives you a bath? Come on, have some water..." Jialuo hugged her chubby baby, wiped his sweat, fed him water, and went back.
Back home, Jialuo remembered her promise to Hongyao and specially got him a big bathtub. Want to play in the water? Go ahead! She even brought out a little duck to keep him company while he bathed.
Xiao Hongyao nervously clung to the edge of the wooden tub; it was really deep, and he was scared…
"Look, that's how the water is. If it's a little deep, it will make us Hongyao sink. You're not allowed to play by the water anymore, understand?" Jialuo took the opportunity to educate little Hongyao, who nodded with a wronged expression.
Finally, little Hongyao finished his bath with a pitiful look on his face. When Yinreng returned, he ran to Yinreng's side and whine, "Father, Hongyao, I don't want to play in the water anymore."
“Hmm, Hongyao thinks that way, that’s great. So, can you tell your father why?” Yinreng picked up the chubby baby who had just had a bath, not thinking that he needed to put on any fatherly authority in front of his son.
"Hongyao takes a bath, the tub is so deep, it's scary." Little Hongyao said in his childish voice, shaking his head at the same time, and his chubby little hands patted his little chest, just like Jialuo had done before.
"Hahahaha..." From his son's words, Yinreng guessed what had happened. It must be that Hongyao was thinking about some random things again, which the Crown Princess had taken notice of.
"Then Hongyao must remember this: don't go to play by the water anymore, understand?" Yinreng continued, and seeing little Hongyao nod obediently, he affectionately reached out and patted his little head. "Hongyao is such a good boy."
Hongyao was very pleased with his father's praise. He lay on his father's body and told him in a childish voice what he had done that day.
Watching the father and son empathize with each other, Jialuo didn't join in. Instead, she ordered the food to be served and pondered what to eat...
Regarding the Crown Princess's neglect, Yinreng felt that he needed to have a good talk with her about their marital relationship. How could she just push him onto Hongyao and let it go?
That night, after Hongyao had fallen asleep, Yinreng had a serious discussion with Jialuo about matters between husband and wife in their room. "Your Highness, I've been busy lately and have neglected you. Are you unhappy about that?"
[Unhappy? Are you alright? I'm not the kind of woman who makes a fuss unnecessarily. Knowing you're busy with state affairs, why would I still cling to you and want you to spend time with me? That's just annoying.]
"Your Highness, you have some free time now?" Jialuo's eyes lit up when she heard Yinreng's words. She really missed him. It had been so long since they last met. If it weren't for the chubby baby's company, she would have felt really lonely.
Yinreng: I've already been replaced by my son? Impossible!
He sat down next to Jialuo, his long, slender fingers gently brushing a strand of her hair aside. His voice was deep and husky, his hot breath swirling around her ear, "Did you miss me?"
"I've been thinking about it." Jialuo tugged at Yinreng's clothes. Is His Highness the Crown Prince trying to seduce me? Right? The hormones he exudes are so alluring.
"Your Highness, you've been neglecting me lately." Yinreng didn't think he was seducing the Crown Princess; only women would do that. He was simply educating her.
"I didn't." Jia Luo never thought she had neglected anyone. Besides, wherever the Crown Prince was, her gaze was there. Isn't that how it is when you're in love? Absence makes the heart grow fonder. Didn't Your Highness ever think about this?
Seeing Yinreng's deep eyes looking at her, Jialuo lost herself for a moment. Education was impossible; it would all end up as bedroom education.
Yinreng could only think to himself that the Crown Princess was too alluring and had made him lose his mind again. He would definitely teach her a lesson next time, showing her what it meant to put her husband first.
The next day, when Jialuo woke up, Yinreng had already gone off on his business. Jialuo didn't think much of it and said she was used to it.
I had only been washing up and changing for a short while when little Hongyao came over impatiently, wanting to go play with his mother in a tricycle, a tricycle!!!
The sun wasn't very strong in the morning. After having breakfast with Hongyao, Jialuo accompanied him out.
The tricycle was definitely a very conspicuous presence in this dynasty. Sure enough, when he saw that everyone was watching him, Xiao Hongyao grinned even more happily, stepped on the small pedal, and hummed as he headed towards the Imperial Garden.
The Ninth Prince and the Tenth Prince skipped school in the Imperial Study again and went off to play around. Since their father wasn't around, they weren't afraid.
Then, they encountered little Hongyao, who was humming and puffing as he pedaled his tricycle. "Wow, Hongyao, what's that?"
"Second sister-in-law, I've never seen this toy before." Unlike Yin'e, the Ninth Prince Yin Tang immediately spotted the business opportunity, mainly because he wanted to get back the profits he had been swindled out of before.
For example, after the last time the ginseng ointment was rejected, I haven't been able to find anything suitable. Now, looking at this little tricycle, I immediately know it's suitable for toddlers aged three or four.
However, it seems to be a bit difficult?
"It's a little gadget I just came up with. Hongyao insisted on going out to play, but it's too heavy to carry. Does Ninth Brother have something on his mind? However, the wooden wheels aren't quite right. It would be even better if we could improve them."
When Jialuo saw that Yinzhen's bright eyes were as if they were painted with the color of money, she immediately understood his meaning and also expressed her own.
"Second sister-in-law, you really are the one." He gave the Crown Princess a thumbs up, but he wasn't sure if she was suitable and needed to be assessed further. "Once I've assessed whether she's suitable, I'll come back to cooperate with you, second sister-in-law."
I'm so happy, I've finally found a new project. I'm heartbroken about the profit sharing he's been giving to the other guys lately.
Perhaps because the relationship wasn't deep enough, a lot of money was spent, and the feelings faded a lot. The impression they had of the people was: a bunch of money thieves.
Unlike my second sister-in-law, who gives money.
Upon returning, I immediately took the tenth prince to make arrangements. They wouldn't leave the palace? Fine, then. We'll find someone from the Imperial Household Department to make two items for the prince, modified according to his wishes!
As for the mynah birds, don't come looking for me. I'm extremely busy and have no time to see anyone.
The fifth and eighth brothers knew why, but feeling guilty about holding their share of the profits from 'Sheng Qingzhong', they still went to help, saying: "We're brothers, just treat us to a meal one last time, that's enough!"
That's how they salvaged their precarious brotherly bond.
Yin Tang remembered that the Crown Prince and Crown Princess had promised him last time that this time, the profits would be split 30/70, with him receiving 70% and the Crown Princess 30%.
Of course they had to work hard! Besides, Fifth Brother, Eighth Brother, and Tenth Brother had all received their share of the Shengqingzhong profits, so they had to work hard for them this time. Then they were bossed around by Yinzhen.
When Xiao Hongyao got the tricycle, the Fourteenth Prince heard about it and was a little angry. Didn't his second sister-in-law, the Crown Princess, say that she would share the tricycle with him?
But then she remembered that her mother forbade her to go to Yuqing Palace, so she pretended to go to find her fourth brother, and finally sneaked off to Yuqing Palace.
Hehe, it's really fun. I heard that Ninth Brother and the others are doing this too, and then I went to Brother's place.
The Yonghe Palace had a new batch of servants, and someone had planted spies inside. In addition, many of the people used to be from the Wuya family. Consort De really didn't know where the Fourteenth Prince had gone. She only knew that he had gone to see the Fourth Prince.
Hmph, at least she knows how to help her younger brother.
Yinti didn't care about any of this. His wife's belly was getting bigger and bigger, and she was about to give birth. This time, he didn't even ask the imperial physician to check whether it was a boy or a girl.
Absolutely not accurate!!! (Imperial Physician: Your Highness, every time I take your pulse, I say it's a princess, I'm very accurate, but you just don't believe me.)
To avoid affecting her mindset, when the First Lady said her water had broken, she immediately called the midwife over, while she waited anxiously and expectantly.
Consort Hui of Yanxi Palace was also looking forward to it, hoping that the First Princess Consort could give birth to a little prince. There were already three little princesses, and if word got out, people would laugh at them.
After waiting all day, it was almost evening when the child was finally born. Upon reporting the news, it turned out to be another princess!
Consort Hui immediately smashed a set of porcelain and cursed it as worthless.
Yinti stood at the door, waiting all day until his legs were numb. When the midwife came out to announce that it was a little princess, it would be a lie to say he wasn't disappointed. He had thought he was hoping for a little prince, but it turned out to be a daughter.
It's not that he doesn't like them, it's just that this is already the fourth one, when will God finally grant him a legitimate son?
Should we really learn from the Crown Prince? Is his secret formula for conceiving a child even accurate?
The midwife looked at the eldest prince's face, which was changing color all over the place, with some worry. She knew that the eldest prince and his wife had wanted to have a legitimate son for many years, but they had only been able to have little princesses.
How could anyone be happy? In other places, giving birth to a little princess might earn a reward, but now... it's good enough if you don't get scolded.
Yinreng was unaware of their anxiety. He simply had them rewarded and then told them to take the little princess back to prevent her from catching a cold.
After all, it was his daughter who was born after his wife went through countless hardships and almost faced death.
When the First Consort gave birth, she did not know whether the child was a boy or a girl. She had already fallen into a deep sleep, feeling tired and in pain, with physiological tears welling up in the corners of her eyes.
But everyone thought that the First Princess Consort was crying because she had failed to give birth to a legitimate son.
This was mentioned by the midwives after they finished cleaning the First Princess's body. Originally, several midwives were whispering and chatting, but Yinti overheard them.
Yinti remained silent.
The Fujin (principal wife) wanted to give birth to a legitimate son, and her eagerness was the same as his own. He also knew that his mother was putting so much pressure on her, and that the Fujin sometimes couldn't sleep at night.
He was under a lot of pressure. He had several daughters and still wanted a legitimate son. Many officials in the court were talking about him behind his back...
That night, the Princess Consort still did not wake up. The eldest prince, Yinti, lay in the study in the front courtyard, and the study light stayed on all night.
The next day at dawn, Yinti sent someone to the storeroom... no, he went to the storeroom himself and selected several valuable gifts, which were wrapped exceptionally beautifully and were clearly the style of precious gifts.
Several young eunuchs, each carrying a box, followed behind the eldest prince toward Yuqing Palace.
On the way there, many people saw her and were speculating, "Didn't they say that the First Princess Consort gave birth to a princess? Why is she carrying such heavy gifts to Yuqing Palace?"
"Yes, could we have heard wrong? But didn't that person in Yanxi Palace smash several sets of porcelain? She must be a princess, otherwise she would have happily come out to show off by now."
"So, after giving birth to a princess, why go to Yuqing Palace?"
"Perhaps we should go to His Highness the Crown Prince and see if he has any secret formulas for conceiving a son? Didn't the Crown Princess give birth to a son in one go?"
"There are plenty of wives who give birth to sons in one fell swoop, so why can't the eldest prince ask His Highness the Crown Prince for something?"
Everyone was speculating about what the First Prince was going to see His Highness the Crown Prince for, and they even doubted whether the news they had heard before was true. Could it be that the First Princess Consort really gave birth to a baby prince and the First Prince was sending a generous gift to His Highness the Crown Prince?
It's common knowledge that the eldest prince and the crown prince are at odds.
At this moment, regardless of what others were saying behind his back, for the sake of his son, Yinti lowered his noble head and went to ask his old nemesis for help.
Last time, he even had the audacity to tell the Crown Prince, "Your Highness is sure to have a little prince this time." Now, he has been slapped in the face by reality, and the eldest prince's face is flushed with shame, a mixture of embarrassment and anger.
But there was no other way; after all, he's a man, and he has to be the pillar of his family!
At this time, Yinreng was still processing memorials in the Qianqing Palace and was not sitting on the dragon throne. He was discussing with his father's trusted ministers how to deal with the disaster caused by the Yellow River flood.
Not long after, Xiao Shunzi came to report that the eldest prince was waiting at Yuqing Palace and had sent a generous gift.
Yinreng: ? ? ?
He paused for a moment, then, as if struck by a sudden thought, a faint smile appeared on his lips, a smile that seemed both mocking and knowing. "I understand."
It must be because he already knew about the birth of the princess by the First Consort. Seeing how many 'grand gifts' Yinti sent over, he guessed that Yinti had gone through a period of inner struggle.
Oh dear, if I don't go back to watch the show, I'll really miss it. All those things he went through so much trouble to say to Yinti will definitely drag him down with him this time.
Anyway, I don't have to make big decisions. The important ministers left by my father can handle it after they discuss it. I should go back and see my elder brother.
He swore it wasn't to see his older brother make a fool of himself.
As a man who had successfully fathered a male heir, the Crown Prince naturally had to maintain his composure. He returned to Yuqing Palace with leisurely steps, showing no sign of urgency.
Yinti waited for a long time at Yuqing Palace, but Yinreng did not return. His expression grew increasingly anxious. "Why hasn't the Crown Prince returned yet? Have you gone to report to him?"
Knowing the Crown Prince as he did, he was certain the Crown Prince would come back immediately to laugh at him.
It has to be said that the person who understands you best is still your enemy (or rival).
"Brother, I heard that your wife has given birth to another princess for you. Congratulations! You have a wonderful daughter!" Yinreng cupped his hands in congratulations. Upon hearing this, Yinti's expression turned rather unpleasant.
"Second brother, are you trying to make a fool of me?" When he got angry, he would call him "second brother" directly. Yinti felt that Yinreng was doing it on purpose.
"How could that be? My elder brother has brought me so many generous gifts this time. Come, come, let's drink until we drop and have a good chat." Yinreng also cheerfully ordered people to bring wine and dishes.
My elder brother has finally fallen into this quagmire; I can't let him escape.
The Emperor might have thought he was really incapable, but the fact that he was the only one who doted on the Crown Princess seemed abrupt.
For example, the eldest brother would be a great candidate!
(End of this chapter)
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