At the end of the 48th year of the Kangxi Emperor's reign, the Prince Yong's mansion lost a young prince, and a gloomy atmosphere descended upon the mansion, as if a dark cloud was pressing down on the mansion and lingering there for a long time.
The year has turned to 49, another election year.
There was a lot of talk in the capital about the talent show.
The long-dormant Prince's mansion has become active again, and rumors about the concubine have resurfaced.
That evening, Yunyi was having dinner with her two daughters when Erlinzhu, somewhat curious, brought up the recent discussions in the manor.
"Mother, do you think Father will really take another concubine into the household? If there really is another concubine, and she's one of those who came through the imperial selection, won't she be disrespectful to you, Mother?"
The little girl was spoiled by her parents and older siblings from a young age. From the time she was old enough to understand, her mother was a concubine, the highest-ranking person in the household's inner courtyard besides the main wife.
If there really were a concubine selected through a talent show, she would certainly be young and from a high-ranking family, and would likely surpass Yunyi, who came from a humble background.
Somewhat amused, Yunyi shook her head and tapped Elinzhu's nose, laughing and scolding, "Little brat, what nonsense are you talking about! Whether your father takes a concubine or not is not something a little girl like you can discuss."
Hutuli glanced at her sister with a smile and shook her head gently, finding her words both amusing and helpless.
"Mother, I'm just worried about you, why are you laughing at me!"
Feeling that her mother and sister hadn't taken her words to heart, Erlinzhu pouted, somewhat unhappy.
Seeing that her youngest daughter was a little angry, Yunyi skillfully coaxed her: "Alright, alright, Mother won't tease you. Mother's Linzhu is the most considerate and adorable little girl."
"That's more like it." Erlinzhu lowered her pouting lips and continued to pester Yunyi with curiosity, wanting to know her thoughts.
"Mother, please tell me, are you worried?"
After putting down her chopsticks and wiping her mouth, Yunyi knew that her daughter was the type to not give up until she got to the bottom of things, so she could only slowly begin to explain.
“Your mother is a concubine, your father’s first concubine. Even if new concubines enter the household, according to seniority, your mother has been there longer. Besides, don’t you know what kind of person your mother is? She is usually very easygoing. She doesn’t bother others unless they bother her. She just lives her own life and doesn’t care what others do.”
Erlinzhu nodded: "Alright, Mother is right, I misunderstood."
Curiosity kicked in again, and Erlinzhu continued to ask, "Then Mother, what kind of person do you hope the new concubine will be?"
Just as Yunyi was about to answer, she suddenly heard Xiaoqi say that Yinzhen was eavesdropping at the door.
With a sudden thought, as if she had just remembered something, she changed the subject. Since Yinzhen was here, she would have to say something properly.
Outside the door, Yinzhen had just arrived. He heard Erlinzhu talking about these things and kept asking Song Shi questions. For some reason, he suddenly became curious as well, so he didn't go in but stood at the door listening.
With his left hand behind his back, Yinzhen turned sideways to look into the room, his right hand unconsciously turning.
Lowering her eyes, Yunyi sighed softly: "Putting everything else aside, your mother does hope that you, Li Eniang, will become the new concubine."
Hmm? This result was unexpected. Yinzhen perked up and continued listening.
After saying this, as if recalling something, Yunyi spoke slowly and deliberately.
“Back then, I entered the manor with Sister Li. I gave birth to Hongyao and Hutuli, and then to Hongxuan, Hongjing, and Elinzhuni, and was thus promoted to the rank of secondary consort.”
"Sister Li gave birth to Hong Fen, Hong Yun, Hong Shi, and Qi Bu Chen. Now Hong Fen and Hong Yun have both left, and Sister Li only has her two children by her side."
"Not to mention how long I've known Sister Li, just the fact that she's given birth to three sons and one daughter for your father means she should be promoted. I have no ulterior motives in saying this; it's all from the bottom of my heart. But just listen and don't tell anyone else, especially your father. I'm just a woman in the inner quarters; I shouldn't get involved in this."
After explaining her thoughts, Yunyi also warned her two daughters to keep it a secret and not to tell anyone.
Hutuli and Erlinzhu nodded in unison: "Don't worry, Mother, we know, and we won't tell anyone."
"Oh! What are you talking about?" Yinzhen stepped into the room and asked with a smile.
Yunyi pretended not to notice that he had arrived long ago, and got up to greet him with some surprise. "Master, why did you come at this time? I and the children are having dinner and haven't prepared anything for you yet."
As she spoke, she beckoned Bai Zhi over, preparing to go to the small kitchen to order some dishes.
Yinzhen raised his hand to stop Song Shi's movement. "It's alright, there's no need to go. I've already eaten."
Since he had said so, Yunyi let it go and dismissed Baizhi.
Actually, the three of them, mother and daughters, had almost finished eating. Now that Yinzhen had come over, Hutuli sensibly said a few words to her father, then pulled her younger sister away.
Yunyi and Yinzhen sat down in the inner room together, and Yunyi personally poured a cup of tea for him. "Is Your Highness not busy today? You've returned so early."
It's no wonder Yunyi was surprised. Yinzhen seemed to be very busy lately, returning home late at night and leaving again just as dawn broke. He hadn't been to the backyard for a long time.
Yunyi was somewhat surprised to see Yinzhen come over for dinner tonight, which is why she asked that question.
Taking a sip of tea to moisten his throat, Yinzhen said calmly, "I've finished my business, so I came back early. I thought it had been a long time since I'd been here, so I came to check on you."
Hearing this, Yun Yi smiled and came behind Yinzhen to massage his shoulders.
Yinzhen did not refuse and closed his eyes to enjoy Song's service.
The room fell silent for a moment, time standing still.
After a long pause, Yinzhen suddenly spoke, "I overheard you talking about a concubine at the door just now. If I really take a concubine into the household, you..."
Yunyi paused, lowered her eyes to hide her expression, and said with a soft smile, "Master, if there really is a new concubine entering the manor, I will definitely get along well with my younger sister."
He grabbed Song's hand, which was resting on his shoulder, and patted it gently. "Father wants to appoint a new concubine to the household. She comes from a high-ranking family and was bestowed by the Emperor. Aren't you afraid that she will suppress you when she enters the household?"
"You jest, sir. I'm already this old, and Hongyao is about to marry his wife. Why would I bother with such things as my sister? Besides..."
Yunyi held Yinzhen's hand, her tone full of trust, "Your Highness treats me so well, and the wives in the manor are also good people. I believe that Your Highness and the wives will not let the new sister be too presumptuous."
"Hmm!" Yinzhen responded softly and then fell silent.
After a while, Yinzhen made an excuse and returned to the front courtyard.
Yunyi didn't say much, only offering a few words of concern about his health, and considerately saw him out.
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