Hongtun set off for Beijing early the next morning, and Daiyu personally saw him off at the dock.
His heart was filled with reluctance, and he whispered, "Yu'er, wait for me to come back for you."
Daiyu raised her eyes, a faint smile in them, yet unable to conceal a hint of shyness and anticipation.
She nodded slightly and said softly, "I'll wait for you."
Hongtun felt a warmth in his heart and couldn't help but reach out to tuck a stray hair behind her ear. His fingertips accidentally touched her cheek, and both of them were startled before looking away.
Hongtun coughed lightly and said solemnly, "Don't worry, after I return to the capital, I will report to the Emperor and Empress, and the marriage will be arranged as soon as possible."
Daiyu gave a soft "hmm," her ears turning slightly red.
She handed Hongtun a brocade pouch that she had prepared beforehand and whispered, "Be careful on the road."
Hongtun took it, his fingertips touching the intricate embroidery on the brocade pouch. A thought struck him, and he carefully tucked it into his bosom.
As the boat slowly left the dock, Hongtun looked back and saw Daiyu still standing there, the morning breeze blowing her clothes, like a light and elegant ink painting.
He didn't enter the cabin until her figure disappeared from sight, feeling both sweet and wistful.
Upon returning to Beijing, Hongtun immediately went to the palace to pay homage to Emperor Yongzheng.
Inside the Hall of Mental Cultivation, Emperor Yongzheng was reviewing memorials when he heard that Hongtun was requesting an audience, so he immediately summoned him inside.
Hongtun bowed respectfully: "Your subject Hongtun greets Your Majesty."
Yongzheng put down his vermilion brush, looked up at him, and seeing that he was travel-worn but still full of energy, nodded slightly: "Get up. How was your trip?"
Hongtun stood up and reported on his experiences during his trip to Jiangnan, especially mentioning Lin Ruhai's support for the marriage and Daiyu's recent situation.
After listening, Yongzheng's eyes flashed with satisfaction: "Lin Ruhai is a man of great understanding and righteousness, which pleases me greatly. You should start preparing for your marriage with Daiyu as soon as possible."
Hongtun quickly expressed his gratitude: "Your Majesty, I thank you for your grace."
Yongzheng abruptly changed the subject and asked, "Are you aware of the naval battles?"
Hongtun was taken aback, then replied, "I heard on the way that my eighth uncle had won his first battle, defeating the British fleet and enhancing our national prestige."
Emperor Yongzheng nodded, his gaze deep: "The affairs of the sea frontier are of great importance. I am currently discussing with your father how to further strengthen the navy."
Hongtun respectfully replied, "Your Majesty is wise. Although I am not talented, I am willing to serve the court."
Yongzheng smiled faintly: "It's good that you have this intention. Go see the Empress first; she has been thinking of you."
---
Kunning Palace
Lin Yun was reviewing the dowry list inside the palace when she heard that Hong Tun was requesting an audience, so she immediately summoned him in.
After Hongtun bowed, Lin Yun smiled and asked him to sit down, saying gently, "You must be tired from this trip. How is Daiyu?"
A gentle light appeared in Hongtun's eyes: "Your Majesty, Daiyu is well. Lord Lin is very supportive of our marriage and has asked me to convey his regards to Your Majesty."
Lin Yun nodded with satisfaction: "That's very good."
Lin Yun suddenly asked, "Have you seen any of the Jia family members?"
Hongtun replied, "I met Daiyu's maternal grandmother at the Jia residence. The old lady of the Jia family was in good health and seemed to care deeply for Daiyu."
Lin Yun sighed softly, "Grandmother Jia is getting old, and she only has this one niece. She must dote on her."
After a moment's hesitation, Hongtun still briefly mentioned the matter of Baoyu.
Upon hearing this, Lin Yun smiled and waved her hand, saying, "Yu'er has lived here with me for longer than she has lived at her maternal grandparents' house. Daiyu was only eight years old then, so there wasn't much affection between them. You don't need to worry about it."
Hongtun solemnly replied, "Your subject understands."
Lin Yun gave him a few more instructions and then told him to go back and get some rest.
Hongtun returned to the palace late at night.
The mansion was brightly lit, and the servants greeted him with bows and inquiries upon his return.
He went straight to his study and ordered someone to prepare hot water for a bath to wash away the dust of his journey.
After changing into casual clothes, he finally felt his tense nerves relax a little.
Inside the study, the desk was piled high with documents that had accumulated during the time away from Beijing.
Hongtun casually flipped through a few books, most of which contained trivial matters of the household and news from the court.
Although he was only sixteen years old, he had already been assisting his father, Yunxiang, in his work.
The eldest brother, Hongchang, was born to a concubine and was an illegitimate son.
Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the position of heir apparent will be inherited by him, the legitimate son.
He rubbed his temples, his gaze falling on the moonlight outside the window, his thoughts drifting back to the Jinling Wharf, to that beautiful figure standing in the morning breeze.
"Second Prince, His Highness requests your presence." The steward's voice came from outside the door.
Hongtun snapped out of his thoughts, got up, straightened his clothes, and followed the butler to his father's study.
Prince Yi, Yunxiang, was writing a memorial under the lamp when his son entered. He put down the document and said gently, "You're back? Did your trip go smoothly?"
After bowing, Hongtun sat down and gave a detailed account of his trip to Jiangnan.
After listening, Yunxiang nodded in satisfaction: "Lin Ruhai is a wise man. This marriage will benefit both families."
He paused, then suddenly lowered his voice: "His Majesty has been paying close attention to matters concerning the coastal borders recently. Now that you have returned to the capital, you need to keep a close eye on the movements in the court."
Hongtun's expression hardened: "What does Father mean?"
Yunxiang's gaze was deep: "Eighth Prince has won a victory at sea, and some people in the court have begun to stir. Although your marriage to Daiyu has been arranged, a tall tree catches the wind, so you must be careful with your words and actions."
Hongtun nodded solemnly: "Your son understands."
The father and son discussed some household affairs until late at night before retiring.
——————
Meanwhile, Wang Xifeng was completely absorbed in making soap.
In less than two months, I made three types of soap from the recipe: one for laundry, one for facial cleansing, and one for bathing.
She immediately sent someone by fast horse to deliver the document to the Empress for inspection. If there were no problems, she would proceed with mass production and market launch.
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