The officials were deeply grateful and kowtowed to express their thanks.
The atmosphere was lively with toasts and laughter, a far cry from the undercurrents of previous years.
Halfway through the banquet, Yongzheng raised his cup and stood up, saying loudly: "This year, the country is prosperous and the people are at peace, the harem is stable, and the government is efficient and clear, all thanks to the concerted efforts of all my beloved ministers."
"I raise a toast to everyone, wishing for favorable weather and abundant harvests next year, and for the Qing Dynasty to prosper!"
The courtiers responded in unison: "Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"
Lin Yun sat next to Yongzheng, looking at him sideways, her gaze inadvertently meeting his.
He smiled slightly at her, his eyes full of tenderness.
She lowered her head and took a sip of wine, a faint blush rising on her cheeks.
The ladies on both sides were filled with envy at this sight.
The Emperor was not so relaxed when the Empress was alive last year.
Now that Consort Lin has ascended to the throne, the Emperor seems like a completely different person. He is now very polite and generous to his court officials.
According to her husband, the emperor seems to be getting younger and younger these past two years.
That's true, how can life be the same no matter who you live with?
Living with the one you love, isn't that the more you live, the more comfortable you become?
——————
For every person who is happy, there is someone who is suffering.
Deep within the imperial tomb, a cold wind howled.
Hongli stood in the cold wind, gazing towards the capital, his eyes surging with resentment and hatred.
In the distance, the faint sound of cannon salutes could be heard, a sign of the jubilation of the Forbidden City's year-end celebrations.
"The Lin family..." he murmured softly, his voice like a poisoned blade.
He clenched his fists so tightly that his nails dug deep into his palms.
"Everything you've taken away, I will take back with my own hands."
In the cold palace, Niohuru huddled on a dilapidated bed, listening to the sounds of string and wind instruments coming from outside the palace walls in the distance.
"Hongli... my son..." She trembled as she stroked the faded purse in her arms, the beanbag that Hongli often played with when he was young.
Tears blurred her vision, and she suddenly burst into maniacal laughter, "Your Majesty, have you abandoned even your own flesh and blood for that vile woman?"
Ulanara sat quietly by the window of the Cold Palace, twirling a string of Buddhist prayer beads in her hand.
Her once elegant and graceful face is now only haggard.
She gazed at the snow-covered courtyard, vaguely recalling the glory of when she held the Phoenix Seal.
"The Emperor has never truly loved me..."
She sighed softly.
Silence reigned all around, except for the echo of her voice in the empty room…
The courtyard of Consort Nian was the most desolate.
She had long since gone mad, sometimes laughing maniacally, sometimes weeping bitterly, clutching a tattered rag doll and murmuring, "My child... Mother is here..."
The palace maids avoided her at all costs, and only the cold wind swept past her feet, carrying withered leaves.
That night, the celebrations in the Forbidden City were in full swing, while the losers in the shadows were each chewing on their excruciating pain.
——————
After the banquet, Yongzheng and Lin Yun walked side by side on their way back to the palace.
Snowflakes drifted down gently, landing on their shoulders.
Yongzheng suddenly spoke up: "Yun'er, this year's New Year's Eve is the most comfortable one I have had in recent years."
Lin Yun turned her head to look at him and said softly, "Your Majesty, so do I."
Emperor Yongzheng stopped and took her hand: "I will be even busier when the fishing season opens next year. You must take good care of yourself and the children."
Lin Yun nodded solemnly: "Your Majesty, rest assured, I will. Please take care of your health as well."
A hint of satisfaction flashed in Yongzheng's eyes, and he said softly, "Let's go back. The children must be getting impatient."
The two figures gradually disappeared into the distance, vanishing into the swirling snow.
The bells of the Forbidden City tolled softly, signaling the approaching New Year.
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