Although Hongli had many flaws, such as arrogance, lust, and ambition, he was still very filial and devoted to his parents, Emperor Yongzheng and Empress Dowager Niohuru.
After the late emperor's death, according to custom, the new emperor observes mourning for 27 months in three years, but Hongli only needs to observe it for 27 days.
However, he said he would observe three years of mourning and no one would object.
Three years later
In early spring, when all flowers are in full bloom, the flowers in the Imperial Garden, having survived the long winter, begin to bloom in competition, freely breathing in the warm air.
The charming young girls lingered among the flowers, their hair ornaments exquisite, jingling softly. It was hard to tell whether the flowers or the girls were more beautiful.
Yunyi originally wanted to stay in her palace and relax, but Baoning couldn't stay still and insisted on going out to play. She couldn't refuse her precious daughter, so she had no choice but to bring her to play in the Imperial Garden.
Even before we arrived at our destination, we could hear sounds coming from the Imperial Garden from afar.
"Your Highness, it looks like the young ladies from Chuxiu Palace have been brought to the Imperial Garden by their matrons."
Bao Ning asked curiously, "Mother, are the imperial concubines pretty?"
This is the first imperial concubine selection since Hongli ascended the throne. Bao Ning has never seen the candidates before, which is why she has this problem.
Over the years, Bao Ning has been raised to be very innocent. Because of her own arrangements, Yun Yi is not afraid that Bao Ning will have a bad future, so she is not so strict with her and has raised her to be innocent and lively.
Hearing her daughter's rather childish words, Yunyi suppressed a laugh and explained to her daughter, "Silly child, some of these young ladies may be your father's future concubines, of course they are beautiful."
After saying this, Yunyi asked in return, "Look at all the concubines and ladies in the harem, are there any who are not good-looking?"
Bao Ning shook her head. Her father's concubines were indeed beautiful, but she thought her mother was the most beautiful.
"I don't know if they are pretty or not, but I know that you are definitely the most beautiful, Mother."
Before Yunyi could laugh, Qingdai burst out laughing first: "Your Highness, I also think that Second Princess is right. Of all the concubines in the palace, you are the most beautiful, and no one can compare to you."
Yun Yi pointed at the two people in front of her and smiled helplessly: "You two rascals, all you know is to say nice things to please me. You can say these things now, but you can't say them outside, otherwise it will make us look too arrogant."
Bao Ning and Qing Dai nodded, saying in unison, "Mother/Master, rest assured, your daughter/servant understands."
Because the young ladies-in-waiting were in the Imperial Garden, Yunyi didn't want to go up there for fear of causing trouble, but Baoning was really curious, and Yunyi, unable to persuade her daughter, could only take her in to have a look.
These young women were indeed beautiful; at fourteen or fifteen years old, they were so tender they looked like they could be squeezed for water.
As soon as she stepped into the Imperial Garden, the youthful atmosphere that greeted her made Yunyi feel a little dazed, even though she was only twenty-six or twenty-seven years old and hadn't even turned thirty yet.
But after years of service, her soul had grown old, lacking the vigor and clarity of youth.
Upon seeing Consort Hui arrive, the young ladies-in-waiting inside, led by the matrons, all bowed in greeting.
Yunyi immediately spotted a particularly beautiful girl in the crowd. She had only ever seen that cool and scholarly air about her in one other person.
Later, when Yunyi left, Qingdai inquired and learned that the young lady was from the Yehenara clan.
Yunyi thought to herself, "Indeed, only Consort Shu of Emperor Qianlong could have such an aura."
It was already evening when the mother and daughter returned to Chengqian Palace. Yongjie had finished his studies and came to pay his respects to his mother, while Yongxuan had finished the homework Yunyi had assigned him and ran over to chatter away with his older brother.
Bao Ning saw her older and younger brothers chatting and ran over to join them.
As they talked, Bao Ning, a little boy, spoke in an adult tone, admonishing Yong Jie: "Big brother, don't study too hard. Third brother got very sick a while ago because he studied all night and he still hasn't recovered!"
When Bao Ning said this, her little face was so serious that Yun Yi secretly laughed, but dared not laugh out loud.
After the smile faded, Yunyi felt a pang of regret. Yonglian's health had not recovered after his serious illness, and he would die young in October.
Yonglian was a rare good child, but because of her own reasons, she could not save Yonglian, nor could she save Empress Fucha, who would die later. She could only be an observer and watch them leave.
Yongjie listened attentively to his sister's words without showing any impatience. He affectionately patted Baoning's hair and replied, "I understand. Thank you for your concern, Baoning. I will remember your words and make sure I don't get sick."
"Yes, as long as you listen to me, big brother. If you get sick, Bao Ning and Mother will be heartbroken."
As soon as she finished speaking, Yongxuan, afraid of being left behind, anxiously said, "Me too, me too! Big brother, you're sick, and I'm worried about you too."
Yunyi was very pleased to see the three little ones loving each other. The most precious thing in the royal family is family affection, and the relationship between her three children was so good that it was unmatched by others.
Halfway through the selection process, big news spread through the palace: Consort Jia, Jin, who had been in the palace for many years, was finally pregnant.
Once pregnant, it was like the clouds had parted and the sun had finally risen. Jin showed off everywhere, as if afraid that others wouldn't know she was pregnant.
Fortunately, the people in the palace are all of good character, and there are no scheming individuals among them; otherwise, she might not have been able to give birth to this child.
What made Jin Shi so proud was not only her pregnancy, but also the fact that this child was the first child born after Hongli ascended the throne. If it was a prince, then his status would be even more noble.
At this moment, years of resentment dissipated, and pregnancy did not damage her appearance; on the contrary, because of her good mood, she became even more radiant and beautiful.
Yunyi did nothing. In this mission world, she didn't intend to drug anyone or prevent anyone from getting pregnant and having children.
She had already taken action at the very beginning of her transmigration. She didn't need to do anything; she just had to wait for time to pass so that she could successfully complete her mission.
As for the current Empress Dowager Niohuru, Yunyi wouldn't have bothered with her if she weren't so annoying. Even if she had, she wouldn't have harmed her much, except that she would have slept with her more often.
After the imperial concubine selection in June, just like in history, the beautiful Yehenara woman was selected by Emperor Hongli to enter the palace and was given the title of Noble Lady Shu.
At this time, Consort Jia, who was still pregnant, was quite dissatisfied. She had served the Emperor for so many years and was still only a Consort. Why should a newcomer be granted the title of Consort as soon as she entered the palace?
Fortunately, she is pregnant now, and she will be promoted after giving birth. Otherwise, Jin would be ashamed and would not even be able to compare with a newcomer.
Consort Shu was a cool and aloof beauty, unlike the other concubines in Hongli's harem. Therefore, Hongli, who was fond of complexions, doted on Consort Shu.
Three women were selected for this imperial concubine selection, with Consort Shu of the Yehenara clan being the most favored.
In contrast, the other two newcomers, Liu and Xilinjueluo, seemed to be neglected.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
