Yinreng bullied his younger brother without any mercy or restraint.
Tong Wanyan and Ulanara Fanghui were used to this kind of scene. If everyone felt that everything was fine, then everything really was fine.
What kind of family is it if they don't bicker and argue?
Ulanara Fanghui knew best that every time Yinzhen was bullied by Yinreng like this, he would feel much more relaxed when he returned home.
Once, she boldly asked him, and Yinzhen said: It is perfectly normal for an elder brother to reprimand his younger brother. If the brotherly affection and respect really become estranged, it is only a superficial relationship bound by etiquette and law.
“You are still young and your body is still growing. You should eat and sleep more every day. When your fourth brother returns to the prince’s residence after court, have him accompany you for walks. This way, your health will be better in the future. If your fourth brother doesn’t have time, you can come to me, and I will teach you archery and martial arts.” Tong Wanyan treated Ulanara Fanghui like a younger sister.
The little girl always puts on a mature and composed demeanor, but deep down she's still a shy little girl.
"Second Sister-in-law is so good to me. I want to visit her more often, but my husband has shops and land left by my mother, and I'm a bit flustered since I just took over." Ulanara Fanghui sat quietly, speaking softly and sweetly.
Her eyes kept drifting towards Yinzhen, and she would secretly smile as she glanced at him, suggesting that she was having a very good time in the month since her marriage.
Yinreng pulled Yinzhen to sit down and teased, "You've handed over the family fortune to your fourth sister-in-law so early, you're obviously very satisfied with her."
Yinzhen said confidently, "My wife is the one I will spend my life with. A virtuous wife brings less trouble to her husband. My wife is sure to be a virtuous wife. Why should I waste my time on the affairs of the inner court? I should just make time to help my second brother."
When Ulanara Fanghui heard Yinzhen praise her for the first time, she felt uneasy, not knowing whether to sit or stand.
Tong Wanyan comforted her by handing her a plate of candied fruit: "Fourth sister-in-law, just sit and listen. You are husband and wife, husband and wife are one, you should be close. Your fourth brother is willing to trust you, so you should trust him too, right?"
"I trust Grandpa. He's very good to me, I know." Ulanara Fanghui took a piece of candied fruit, put it in her mouth, and tasted its sweetness.
“Perhaps it’s because I’ve been doing housekeeping work since I was a child, and that’s how my mother and the headmistress taught me. I’m quite good at managing things in the inner quarters. Second sister-in-law, don’t worry about me getting tired. Master knows everything.” Ulanara Fanghui added.
Tong Wanyan and Yinreng exchanged a knowing smile and said, "Oh, I haven't even said anything yet, and Fourth Sister-in-law is already protecting me. Alright, alright, everyone has their own way of living. Since you like it, you'll have to manage the mansion for Fourth Brother in the future. It's good to get started now. Unlike me, I learned a lot when I was a young lady, but I don't like these things. Fortunately, there are many capable people in Yuqing Palace, so I can live a carefree life."
"Second Sister-in-law lives a leisurely life. Last time, when Grandmother mentioned you, she said she envied you. You're practically living a carefree life," Yinzhen chimed in, joining in the conversation.
Tong Wanyan was extremely pleased with herself. Except for the time when she first entered Yuqing Palace, when she had to think about how to please Yinreng, she lived a very free life afterward.
She only needs to think about eating, drinking, and having fun every day; she doesn't need to think about anything that requires brainpower.
Yuqing Palace already has a clever crown prince; why should she compete with him to see who has more foresight in politics?
She would occasionally teach Yinreng how to act cute and spoiled to bring the imperial father and son closer, but other matters were none of her concern.
"This is my blessing. I can only envy you, my lord." Tong Wanyan smiled sweetly, her eyes filled with tender affection for Yinreng, which made people envious at first glance.
“Second Brother wasn’t always this considerate. If you ask me, it’s because Second Sister-in-law is so capable. Everyone likes Second Sister-in-law and wants to be close to her. Even Father Emperor treats Second Sister-in-law better than Eldest Sister-in-law.” Yinzhen saw things very clearly.
He had been moving between Consort De and Imperial Noble Consort since childhood, and had seen and felt more about the inner palace than Yinreng.
It is precisely because he has seen and experienced so much that he prefers to be close to Tong Wanyan, who has a Buddhist-like mindset.
Just sitting with Tong Wanyan, listening to her talk, or even just sitting still without saying a word, the comfort of that space is something to cherish.
“Fourth Brother is getting bolder and bolder, he dares to say anything,” Tong Wanyan said.
Ulanara Fanghui said, "What Master said is right. Eldest sister-in-law is indeed very good, but I also prefer to be with second sister-in-law."
Tong Wanyan raised her eyebrows at Yinreng triumphantly: "Your Highness, look how popular I am."
Yinreng indulgently rubbed her head, but she couldn't touch her hair bun; he could only rub the front part of her forehead.
"Everyone likes you, but I like you the most." Yinreng casually said sweet words in front of his younger brother and sister-in-law.
These words were far too blunt. Both Yinzhen and Ulanara Fanghui blushed deeply, their hands and feet trembling and huddled together.
Yinzhen brought his young wife over, not for any other reason than to genuinely come and freeload a meal.
The food served to the princes came from the imperial kitchen. Even though the food boxes kept it warm, it couldn't compare to freshly cooked dishes when it was all served on the table.
Moreover, the daily meals are fixed, and if you encounter something you don't like, you can't return it. If you occasionally crave something sweet, you have to pay for it yourself.
Yinzhen thought that now that he had a family and children, he couldn't let those eunuchs embezzle his money; he had to save every penny.
So, he brazenly brought his whole family to freeload a meal.
With Yinreng and Tong Wanyan, two discerning palates, the food at Yuqing Palace was of the highest quality. Not only did it taste good and look beautiful, but it also had to be innovative, with new dishes introduced before anyone got tired of the old ones.
"Second Brother, I'm hungry," Yinzhen said, clutching his stomach after exchanging a few words with Yinreng.
Yinreng asked, "Didn't you have a proper breakfast?"
"I have eaten, but I was just leading my wife on a walk, circling around to digest. Now my stomach is empty and I'm starving. Please, Second Brother and Second Sister-in-law, do me a favor and treat me to lunch earlier than usual," Yinzhen said, bowing ingratiatingly.
Yinreng watched with great interest as Yinzhen smiled obsequiously at him. To be honest, it was quite unusual to see someone with such a cold face smile so often.
Yinreng reached out and poked Yinzhen's barely noticeable dimple: "I really owe you something. Before, you came here alone to freeload, and you even had to bring my daughter. Now that you're married, you've brought your wife along. People go to war like father and son, what are you two called?"
Yinzhen looked down at Yinreng's well-defined hands, daring not to speak his anger, and said, "Anyway, I'm the younger brother, I'm young, so I don't care."
Tong Wanyan chuckled: "Fourth Brother, why don't you have some candied fruit to satisfy your craving first? This plate isn't too sweet, and Fourth Brother should be able to get used to it."
"Xia Zhu, go and urge the kitchen to hurry up, don't let our Fourth Prince go hungry."
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