Hongzhao was born in Yuqing Palace. He was a twin, the first grandson of Emperor Kangxi, and his mother was favored. His maternal clan was powerful. He was surrounded by a perfect halo, making all the other imperial grandsons, including his two younger brothers, look down on him.
Under such circumstances, his life was too smooth, and he was too peaceful and tolerant towards others.
Even though his brothers were green with envy towards Yinreng, he had lost his mother at a young age and often guarded the vast palace alone.
Then look at Hongzhao. From the Empress Dowager to Emperor Kangxi, and then to his father and mother, who didn't dote on him? His twin sister, born of the same mother, protected him fiercely from a young age, and his son Hongsheng, who was born later, idolized him.
Not to mention the fiercely protective members of the Tong family, who treated Hongzhao like their precious darling, their beloved eldest prince.
An heir raised in a honey pot—too sweet isn't good either.
Emperor Kangxi was deeply troubled, but he couldn't bear to get a whetstone for his beloved eldest grandson. He'd almost ruined the crown prince with his sharpening; he figured he should forget about the eldest grandson.
Tong Wanyan, who was seeing her son off to court for the first time, hadn't slept well since last night.
She stood at the gate of the courtyard, and could see the person coming as soon as she looked up, waiting anxiously and worriedly.
"Xiao Yan, I'm back!" Yinreng couldn't help but smile brightly when he saw Tong Wanyan waiting at the door.
"I was just away at court, and this is the first time I've seen you waiting for me at the door."
Tong Wanyan couldn't bear to tell Yinreng that she was waiting for her son.
But who is Yinreng? He's a jealous and possessive man. How could he not see Tong Wanyan's avoidance?
With just a moment's thought, he knew he had been outdone by his own son.
"That boy Hongzhao went to the Qianqing Palace with Father Emperor. Father Emperor must be giving him special lessons and also affirming his performance today." Yinreng felt a pang of sadness, but not wanting Tong Wanyan to worry, he first explained his son's whereabouts.
Upon hearing this, Tong Wanyan immediately relaxed. She smiled radiantly, took Yinreng's arm, and said sweetly, "Hongzhao is following in your footsteps, so of course there's no problem."
Yinreng's arm was wrapped around hers, and his heart melted like a spring river: "So, all these years, you've never waited for me!"
He was still a little unhappy.
Tong Wanyan playfully shook his arm, and Yinreng looked at her helplessly, raising an eyebrow and waiting for an explanation.
"If you don't persuade me properly, I won't massage your legs today." Dragged and pulled into the house, Yinreng's domineering attitude proved utterly ineffective.
Tong Wanyan snorted and sat down on the chaise lounge, draping her calves over Yinreng's thighs.
Yinreng instinctively placed his hand on her calf and began to massage it.
Tong Wanyan covered her mouth and laughed, looking smug, her eyes full of charm.
Yinreng sighed indulgently, "I've fallen for you."
Tong Wanyan said sweetly, "You're not happy, Master?"
"I would be more than happy to," said Yinreng.
Once the spoiled Tong Wanyan was coaxed into a happy mood, she said, "It's not that I didn't want to wait for Master to return from court in the past. But what was my status at the beginning? Back then, I was very cautious and dared not act boldly. I wished I could do less and make fewer mistakes. Later, when I became close to Master, I realized that he was someone to be admired and all-powerful. When he went to court to handle state affairs, he must have been very capable. Why should I bother?"
Yinreng didn't listen to anything, only recalling how Tong Wanyan looked when she first entered Yuqing Palace, and how she had indeed been wronged.
"I feel terrible. I feel so sorry for you." Yinreng's eyelashes drooped, and he clutched his heart, feeling a dull ache.
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