"We don't know how much longer we can live like this." Tong Wanyan leaned quietly on Yinreng's shoulder, unusually serene.
She knew perfectly well that with the arrival of the 29th year of the Kangxi Emperor's reign, the water in the pool would become increasingly murky.
Yinreng didn't know what she was nervous about. He squeezed her hand tightly and said, "No matter how much time passes, I will say the same thing today. No matter the storm, I will only hold your hand."
"Yes, me too."
The two masters' relationship was restored to normal, and the servants below were the happiest of all.
The lackeys in the South Courtyard, who had been so cautious a few days ago, all straightened their chests and raised their heads.
The Imperial Noble Consort, far away in Chengqian Palace, was overjoyed to learn that the two had reconciled.
She now places all her hopes on Tong Wanyan; Tong Wanyan is the continuation of her life.
Amidst extreme joy and sorrow, the Imperial Noble Consort's health, which had just begun to improve, deteriorated again.
All the imperial physicians in the Imperial Medical Academy left in droves in response to Kangxi's wrath.
One by one, they exhausted all their knowledge, but could only shake their heads and say that their days were numbered.
If the King of Hell wants someone to die at midnight, they won't live past dawn.
Knowing her situation, the Imperial Noble Consort gradually gathered her hidden agents and planned to divide them in two, giving half to Tong Wanyan and the other half to Yinzhen.
Meanwhile, the second princess, born to the first wife, was exactly one month old.
The Second Princess was, after all, the eldest prince's legitimate daughter, of true royal blood.
With the intention of bringing good fortune to the Imperial Noble Consort, Emperor Kangxi hinted to the First Prince to hold a grand full-month celebration.
It is said that newborn babies are full of spirit, which may make the Imperial Concubine feel more at ease.
Upon receiving the invitation from the First Princess Consort, Tong Wanyan immediately ran to find Yinreng.
"Master, I'd better not attend the full-month celebration for the Second Princess of the First Prince's family," Tong Wanyan said anxiously, her brows furrowed.
Yinreng smoothed her brow: "What's wrong? Sister-in-law is a good person, someone worth befriending."
“I don’t know what kind of person the First Princess Consort is. But I do know that she only invites the principal wives. Even if I go, I’ll be sitting with the concubines. I’m stuck in a limbo, and I don’t want that. Besides, I’m pretty, and you can tell at a glance that I’m a vixen. The First Princess Consort will definitely not be happy to see me.”
Yinreng poked her puffed-out cheeks: "Is it okay to praise yourself like that? So what if they don't like you? You are my concubine, and they will have to bow to you when they see you in the future."
"That's a matter for the future. Master, do I really have to go? They're all very calculating. What if I get fooled without even realizing it? And then I end up doing something that affects you, Master? Wouldn't I be in deep trouble?" Tong Wanyan said earnestly.
The rivalry between the First Prince and the Crown Prince had been brewing for some time. Given the First Prince's prestige among the military officers, his influence in the court was considerable.
For this full moon celebration, the eldest prince will definitely invite many relatives and ministers, in order to cultivate relationships.
Yinreng reached out and held her head, shaking it gently.
"Master, what are you doing?" Tong Wanyan was dazed by the shaking.
Looking into her dazed eyes, Yinreng couldn't help but chuckle, "I want to hear if there's any water in your head. What are you thinking about all day? I'll protect you from all the fighting outside. As long as I'm the Crown Prince, no one will dare to mess with you. Crown Prince, Crown Prince, I am the ruler, they are the subjects, do you understand?"
That's why, when Lady Tang and Lady Fan were humiliated by Yinreng on their wedding night, they only dared to look for the reasons within themselves. Yinreng was their heaven, their master; Yinreng could not be wrong.
The throne of the emperor is supreme, and for them to be able to serve Yinreng is a blessing they have accumulated over eight lifetimes.
Tong Wanyan was stunned for a moment before turning around.
Yes, the Crown Prince is different from the other princes.
If she were someone else's concubine, she would have been humiliated countless times. But she was the Crown Prince's concubine, the heir apparent's secondary wife, and thus their mistress.
"Your Highness is truly remarkable. I'll have Chunque go and inform them. In any case, some people from Yuqing Palace need to go." Tong Wanyan earnestly massaged Yinreng's shoulders and back.
Yinreng found it difficult to comment on such sycophancy.
Enjoying the unexpected service, Yinreng crossed his legs, squinted his eyes, and hummed comfortably, "Pound to the left, a little lower, too light, hey hey hey, too heavy, too heavy."
Tong Wanyan was exhausted, her head covered in sweat and her little hands red. Suddenly, she met Yinreng's teasing gaze and gave up.
"You did this on purpose!" Tong Wanyan exploded.
Yinreng kissed her hand: "I'm all yours, and I just want to get a back massage and shoulder rub, is that not allowed?"
Tong Wanyan couldn't possibly compete with Yinreng in terms of shamelessness. She shook her little hand and ran away angrily.
Yinreng had no choice but to get up and follow behind her.
This little devil of his has more audacity than the heavens.
As expected, when Yinti held a full-month celebration for his second princess, it was a grand and lively affair.
Of all of Kangxi's sons, he is now the only one with offspring.
Whether they were members of the royal family or ministers, everyone presented their congratulatory gifts with sincere hearts.
Yinti had already established his own residence outside the palace, and taking advantage of this opportunity, Tong Wanyan was able to escape the palace and broaden her horizons.
Tong Wanyan arrived at the right time; quite a few people had already arrived at the First Prince's residence.
Unfortunately, Madam Tong had just alighted from her sedan chair.
The two groups clashed, leaving Tong Wanyan somewhat embarrassed.
"This servant greets Consort Tong." Madam Tong bowed respectfully to Tong Wanyan.
The emotions in her eyes were so complex, a mixture of pain, hatred, and a touch of tenderness.
Tong Wanyan nodded slightly and took the initiative to enter the First Prince's residence first, avoiding Tong's wife.
She didn't want to get involved in past grudges and entanglements, nor did she have the ability to.
With mixed feelings, Madam Tong followed the maid from the First Prince's residence to her table.
She wasn't of high status, and the reason she was invited was because of the favors of Tong Qinian and Tong Wanyan.
One is the emperor's new favorite minister, and the other is the crown prince's first concubine; both are promising figures in the future.
Tong Wanyan walked into the inner courtyard and gave the First Princess Consort a gentle smile and a slight nod: "Congratulations on the birth of your daughter, First Princess Consort."
The Second Princess was held in the First Princess's arms. She glanced at her and exclaimed, "The Second Princess is so beautiful, like a fairy from heaven."
The First Princess Consort smiled dignifiedly and said readily, "Thank you for your kind words, Consort. You probably don't know all the princess consorts of the imperial clan yet, so let me introduce you to them."
No one would act high and mighty in front of the Crown Prince's concubine, especially when the Crown Princess is not present.
When it comes to social interaction, Tong Wanyan is not very good at it and is not good at being adept at social maneuvering.
But the good thing is that she behaved herself and didn't offend the other wives.
A beautiful and obedient concubine from a prosperous family is someone worth befriending.
Chatting with a group of wealthy women about cosmetics, silks, and jewelry, and listening to the private affairs of the mansion, Tong Wanyan's knowledge and experience broadened rapidly.
The Second Princess's full-moon celebration was a complete success. The First Prince and his wife never stopped smiling, happily pacing around the room.
After the banquet, Tong Wanyan stayed until the very end to leave, so as not to bump into Madam Tong again.
After all the guests had left, the eldest prince and his wife counted the gifts from the important guests.
When the First Princess opened Tong Wanyan's congratulatory gift, she was greatly surprised.
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