The Forbidden City is as magnificent as a cage. It represents supreme power, but it also puts people on a tightrope, and once they fall, they will fall into the abyss.
It's like an endless grassland where you can drink, ride horses, sing pastoral songs, and dance around a bonfire at night.
Despite her feelings, if Tong Wanyan had to choose, she would still choose the Forbidden City, which is like a gilded cage.
Surrounded by servants, adorned in fine clothes and accessories, and indulging in fine wine and delicacies, she was indeed a commoner.
Although she said she wasn't tired, she fell asleep almost immediately after lying down on the bed and her head hit the pillow.
Chunque carefully tidied up Tong Wanyan's blankets and pulled Xiazhu out of the tent so as not to disturb Tong Wanyan's rest.
Xia Zhu followed Chun Que, casually patting her shoulder: "Master is in such good health. She's traveled for so long and is still full of energy. Sister Chun Que, I'll go light some calming incense for Master. You should rest for a while too."
Xia Zhu is a martial artist, and her physical strength is much better than Chun Que's.
Chunque was feeling dizzy and uncomfortable from the bumpy ride in the carriage. Upon hearing this, she said without hesitation, "Then I'll rest for a while. Wake me up in an hour, and I'll come and take over for you."
“Alright, no need for formalities between us,” Xia Zhu said readily.
Chunque went to rest in a small tent nearby, while Su Jixiang, having somehow acquired a cluster of flowers, walked over from a distance.
A large bouquet of flowers smells fresh and pleasant, and they look beautiful too.
He held the flowers in his arms as if they were precious treasures and walked into the tent.
Xia Zhu raised an eyebrow and curiously stopped him, saying, "What kind of flower is this? It smells strangely sweet."
“My lord likes flowers. When I went out, I saw a flower field not far away, so I asked the imperial physician to accompany me to see if there was anything wrong with those flowers. The imperial physician said that these flowers are common on the grasslands and it would be fine to place them indoors, so I boldly picked them.” Su Jixiang was very reliable.
Xia Zhu smiled and said, "No wonder the master always praises you. We can't match your thoughtfulness."
Su Jixiang scratched his head shyly, looking embarrassed, which made his round face even cuter.
“I’m only interested in flowers and plants. I’m so grateful that you don’t mind and have allowed me to take care of them,” Su Jixiang said sincerely.
Xia Zhu agreed: "Our master is the best person in the world. It is our blessing to serve him. You wait here at the door, I will go and get a vase. Our master is asleep, so please be quiet when you go in later."
She instructed Bai Shuo that the first thing a servant must master is to walk lightly and silently, without making any noise.
The things I bring when I go out won't be too big or take up much space.
Xia Zhu quickly brought over a small vase, about the length of a human hand, round and plump, which, when paired with the flowers Su Jixiang had picked, had a unique rustic charm.
When Tong Wanyan woke up, Yinreng had not yet returned.
After resting, Chunque brought over lunch: "Your Highness, the Crown Prince sent someone to say that he is having lunch with the Emperor and won't be back for a while. You can play with Fourth Princess Consort to pass the time. He will come to keep you company when he has time to come back."
It felt wonderful to be cared for and cherished by Yinreng.
Tong Wanyan sat cross-legged on the cushion: "I'm a grown woman, why would I need such detailed instructions? I'm afraid it was my fourth brother who asked Grandfather to tell me to bring my fourth brother's wife along?"
Chunque smiled faintly: "The Fourth Prince also sent someone over to say that he would like to trouble you. The Fourth Princess Consort is young and has just traveled far from home, so he would like to trouble you to look after her."
“I knew it. It must be that my fourth brother told the master and it wasn’t enough, so he had to send someone to make the trip himself. He’s meticulous and always considers everything.” Tong Wanyan said with great satisfaction, “He always has a cold face and is mature beyond his years, but I didn’t expect him to love his wife so much. I bet my fourth sister-in-law doesn’t know about this.”
Chunque served Tong Wanyan some food: "You can ask her when Fourth Princess comes over this afternoon."
Tong Wanyan blinked mischievously, "Of course, I have to tease her properly. That couple both like to act mature, they're too serious, not cute at all."
Not long after lunch, Dong E Hailan and Ulanara Fanghui arrived.
They changed into riding outfits, one sky blue and the other light purple, both looking very nice, quite different from their usual attire.
"It's true that beautiful people look good in anything. Sister-in-law Er's orange riding outfit makes her look exceptionally spirited and dashing," said Ulanara Fanghui.
“Second Sister-in-law has a bright and elegant appearance, and she is most suitable for wearing bright-colored clothes. Only Second Sister-in-law can pull off such dazzling clothes. If anyone else wore them, they would definitely be overshadowed by the bright colors of the clothes,” Dong E Hailan said, not wanting to be outdone.
Tong Wanyan smiled happily: "Did you eat too much honey at lunch and come here? You're praising me so much, is there something you want from me?"
"No, I'm telling the truth," Dong E Hailan said hastily, trying to explain.
Ulanara Fanghui nodded in agreement. She had always envied her second sister-in-law, who was so beautiful and charming with every smile and gesture. Unlike herself, she was flat-chested and short, looking like a child standing next to her second and third sisters-in-law.
They're both married, so why is there such a big difference?
Tong Wanyan originally intended to tease Ulanara Fanghui, but with Dong E Hailan nearby, she couldn't say anything.
"Let's go pick out a good horse." Tong Wanyan led the two out.
This grassland is a place where you can roam freely. Guards have surrounded and protected the area, so as long as you don't stray too far, you don't need to worry about your safety.
Tong Wanyan and her companions chose horses that caught their eye and were docile, their eyes shining as they gazed at the vast grassland.
"It turns out that only the three of us came out to ride horses!" When no one was around, Dong E Hailan still acted a little spoiled in front of Tong Wanyan.
The so-called gentle and virtuous Third Princess Consort is just a facade to fool outsiders; deep down, she is still the proud and extraordinary Dong E Gege.
Tong Wanyan held the horse's reins: "The Emperor and the princes have all gone to meet with the Mongol princes. Apart from the three of us, the others are not considered masters, so naturally they dare not show themselves rashly. Let's wait and see. After we run around this area a few times, someone will come out."
Tong Wanyan remembered that none of the three concubines who accompanied Emperor Kangxi on this trip were weak and averse to movement.
Ulanara Fanghui smiled brightly, the sunlight shining on her tiny teeth, making her look even more like a little apple.
Because it had been a long time since I had ridden a horse, even though I used to be an excellent rider, I was now quite rusty.
Tong Wanyan and her two companions rode on gentle mares, letting the horses walk slowly at first.
A group of guards followed behind them to prevent the horses from being startled and injuring the three princes' wives.
"Second Sister-in-law, I'm off!" Dong E Hailan squeezed her legs tightly around the horse's belly, flicked the whip, and the horse neighed and galloped away.
Tong Wanyan looked at her bright smile as she turned around, exchanged a glance with Ulanara Fanghui, and then rode off together, whipping their horses and galloping across the grassland, letting the wind blow through their hair.
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