Just when everyone thought that the Fourth Prince was a likely candidate to become the Crown Prince, Emperor Kangxi issued a series of honors. The deposed Crown Prince Yinreng, who had gradually faded from the ministers' view, was once again reinstated as Crown Prince by Kangxi through a nationwide announcement. The Third Prince was granted the title of Prince Yi, the Fourth Prince the title of Prince Yong, the Eighth Prince was restored to the title of Eighth Prince, the Ninth Prince the title of Ninth Prince, and the Fourteenth Prince the title of Beizi. Furthermore, the Yuanmingyuan Garden was specially granted to the Fourth Prince, Prince Yong.
This series of actions left everyone completely bewildered by the emperor's behavior. The most unwilling among them was Prince Yinqi, who never expected that the position of crown prince, which he had longed for, would still fall into the hands of the second prince, Yinreng.
This series of actions silenced all factions both inside and outside the court. Their original plans were completely disrupted by Kangxi's move. Those who had considered siding with a particular faction now had to reassess their loyalty to the princes.
Crown Prince Yinreng's confinement was lifted, and he resumed attending court with Emperor Kangxi daily, even beginning to govern on Kangxi's behalf. Kangxi also changed, delegating most minor matters to the Crown Prince. He himself was happy to enjoy his leisure time, often residing in Changchun Garden.
After Lanqin finished her postpartum confinement, she had heard about all these changes in her own room. Apart from marveling at the depth of Kangxi's thoughts, Lanqin could only endure it alongside the Fourth Prince.
Taking care of two children left Lanqin with no time for anything else. The two children cried together and ate together. They really were twins; did they have a telepathic connection?
Fortunately, Lanqin had a wet nurse and maids, but she couldn't just ignore them. Hongli was clearly stronger and healthier than Hongzhou. Hongzhou seemed to have some congenital deficiencies; he obviously didn't grow as well as Hongli in the womb.
"What's wrong with Xiao Qi?" Lan Qin still habitually called Hong Zhou "Xiao Qi".
"He's spitting up a bit! The Seventh Prince isn't drinking very well!" the wet nurse said hurriedly.
“Give him to me!” Lanqin said.
Holding Hongzhou and patting his back, Lanqin felt the frailty of her son in her arms. She said to the wet nurse, "Seventh Prince is a bit weak. After you finish feeding him, pick him up and pat him. Never feed him while he's lying in bed. He's easily choked by your milk, or it could even block his airway."
"Yes, I've got it." the wet nurse replied quickly.
"Your Majesty, Lady Uya has arrived. She said she made some toys for the two young princes and hopes Your Majesty will accept them," Jinju reported as she entered.
"This Wuya clan member keeps coming here, even though the master has refused her several times. She's really persistent," Cui Niang said, frowning.
"She's in a hurry. Fourth Master hasn't been to her place lately, has he? She's trying every trick in the book to get close to him, hoping to run into him." Lanqin glanced at the quartz clock hanging on the wall.
“My lady, I will go and send her away,” said Cui Niang.
"No need, let her wait in the main room. Hiding isn't a solution. It just makes it seem like we in the South Courtyard are afraid of her," Lanqin said.
After Lanqin finished tidying herself up, she took Cui Niang's hand and left Hongli and Hongzhou's room, heading towards her own main room.
"This concubine greets Consort Lanqin!" When Lady Wuya saw Lanqin come in and sit down, she had already stood up and bowed to Lanqin.
"Madam Wuya is too polite, there's no need for so much formality!" Lanqin said.
"I came to see the two young princes. They are twins, a very auspicious sign, and I wanted to share in their joy," said Lady Uya.
Just then, Fourth Master stepped into the South Courtyard. He walked briskly and reached the entrance, where he saw Lanqin talking to Wuya.
"This humble servant greets Your Highness!" Uya seemed quite embarrassed as she stood up from her seat and immediately bowed to the Fourth Prince. She gracefully curtsied, then deliberately tilted her body to one side, presenting her beautiful and exquisite curves to the Fourth Prince's eyes.
Fourth Master hadn't visited her for a while, and seeing her now made him feel a little guilty.
"You've come! You've come to see the young prince?" The Fourth Prince didn't reach out to help him up. He walked past Lady Wuya and sat down next to Lanqin.
Uya suppressed a hint of loneliness in her heart and stood up.
"Your Majesty, I have come to see the young prince of the concubine. I would like to share in the joy," said Lady Uya.
"Alright, I'll come see you when I have time. You should go back now. I still have something to say to my concubine." The Fourth Prince had just returned from the palace, and he planned to discuss Kangxi's plans with Lanqin.
"This concubine takes her leave!" Lady Wuya quickly curtsied and withdrew.
When Lanqin saw that the Fourth Master had returned and immediately spotted Wuya, she secretly felt a surge of resentment towards Wuya. She had clearly calculated the Fourth Master's arrival time at the South Courtyard. She must have observed for a long time and chosen the perfect day. If Lanqin hadn't let her in, Wuya might have "coincidentally" bumped into the Fourth Master outside, and perhaps even subtly criticized her for being arrogant and refusing to see her. Now that Lanqin had seen her, Wuya knew the Fourth Master would return at this time, so she conveniently displayed her alluring figure.
"Why aren't you saying anything!" Fourth Master asked, noticing that Lanqin seemed lost in thought.
"It's nothing, I was just thinking about the two children. Master, let's have dinner!" Lanqin quickly gathered her thoughts and said.
"Hmm. I see you've lost weight. People say you can gain weight during postpartum confinement, but you've not only not gained weight, you've actually lost weight?" Fourth Master said, looking at Lanqin's profile.
"Your Highness has lost weight because you've been taking care of the two princes. They cry and fuss at the same time, and even the wet nurses and maids can't serve them properly. Your Highness has to do everything herself," Cui Niang couldn't help but complain to Lan Qin.
"You can let the servants do more of the work. Why are you taking care of all that?" Fourth Master said, taking Lanqin's hand.
“They’re all my sons, I can’t just ignore them. My lord, I’m fine. I’ll just eat more and recover.” Lanqin said with a light smile. Uya’s actions just now made her realize that she could no longer let them run rampant.
"Hmm. What brings Uya here?" Fourth Master asked casually.
"She made some toys for the child, saying she likes children and came to take a look," Lanqin said. Sure enough, she was tempted. Wuya's seductive tactics were truly effective. The Fourth Prince, because of his postpartum confinement and the fact that he had been staying overnight at the South Courtyard every day, had been pent up for a month. Physically, he also needed to release his pent-up desires!
Lanqin couldn't help but think this, and said, "Master, the two princes will grow up well, won't they?"
The Fourth Prince raised his hand and touched Lanqin's face, saying, "Of course, our two princes will grow up safely. I will teach them to ride horses in the future!"
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