Nothing major happened at the banquet, except that the Seventh Prince's concubine announced her pregnancy, and two other concubines in Kangxi's harem also announced their pregnancies.
At that time, Tong Cheng'er's only thought was that Kangxi was truly better than many others; the number of pregnancies in his harem alone was only equal to the total number of pregnancies in the harems of all his sons.
After leaving the palace, Tong Cheng'er quickly got into the carriage, and Yinzhen followed her in.
"If possible, it's better not to attend the New Year's banquet. It's not only a hassle to go back and forth, but you also can't really eat much of the food."
These were said by Yinzhen, and Tong Cheng'er agreed.
"That's the rule, who knows, maybe it can be changed in the future."
As for when that "later" would be, and who would change it, the two knew perfectly well and didn't continue the discussion.
Yinzhen held the child, who was already asleep. He began to look at her. On such a winter night, with a child in his arms and his young wife beside him, Yinzhen only hoped that this would happen every year.
Before we knew it, Hongzhao turned one year old. Naturally, his first birthday celebration was held in a lively manner. Hongzhao picked up a book, which seemed ordinary and nothing special.
Not long after the baby's first birthday celebration, Yinzhen suddenly returned one day and said, "The court may be going to war."
Tong Cheng'er was taken aback: "War? What kind of war?"
She didn't hear a single word about it.
Yinzhen explained to her, "Father Emperor wants to personally lead the expedition and defeat the Dzungars in one fell swoop."
Today, Mongolia's economy relies on the interior, and the two are interdependent. Mongolia is completely at the court's disposal, and the court can maintain the relationship between the two sides without sending princesses to Mongolia for marriage alliances.
This is the perfect time to attack the Dzungar Khanate.
Tong Cheng'er didn't understand warfare, but she was still a little worried: "Are you telling me all this because you want to come along?"
She knew that Emperor Kangxi personally led the expedition and that Yinzhen had studied martial arts.
Yinzhen nodded: "We'll go together."
Tong Cheng'er looked at him and said very seriously, "Can you not go?"
Yinzhen shook his head with difficulty: "I'm afraid that won't work. This time, apart from the Crown Prince, who will be in charge of the rear and supplies, all the other adult princes will have to go, without exception."
Tong Cheng'er knew he was definitely going when she heard him say that.
Yinzhen added, "Don't worry, we're just following along to earn some military merits. We'll be protected by others, so nothing will really happen. You can rest assured!"
How could Tong Cheng'er be at ease? On the battlefield, swords and spears have no eyes. In the constant back and forth, even if someone is protecting you, how can you say you are truly safe?
However, she didn't say it aloud, as it would be too unlucky.
Tong Cheng'er: "Have you set a departure date?"
Yinzhen: "We are still discussing it in public."
Tong Cheng'er sighed: "I don't ask for anything else, as long as you can come back safe and sound. Think more about me, think more about Yuanbao. I can't live without you, and Yuanbao can't live without his father either."
Yinzhen embraced her and said, "I will definitely come back safe and sound. I can't bear to part with you, and I can't bear to part with Yuanbao either."
After saying that, Yinzhen picked her up and took her for the night.
Not long after Yinzhen told her the news, news of the impending expedition came intermittently, and the Third and Fifth Prince Consorts always talked about it when they came over.
The Third Princess Consort didn't feel sorry for the Third Prince, but after all, he was the one she married. If something happened to the Third Prince, her life might not be easy. Therefore, the Third Princess Consort didn't like war either.
But what if I don't like it? I still have to play it.
However, within a month, the decision to go to war was made.
Tong Cheng'er was extremely reluctant to leave to go to war, but no matter how reluctant she was, she had to go.
On the eve of Yinzhen's departure, Tong Cheng'er nestled in his arms and said, "You must return safely."
Yinzhen kissed her eyebrows and eyes, and solemnly said, "Okay, I will definitely return safely."
The next day, before it was even bright, Yinzhen got up. He was very careful when he got out of bed, but he still woke up Tong Cheng'er, who hadn't slept very soundly to begin with.
Yinzhen: "You should sleep a little longer."
Tong Cheng'er got up and said, "I can't sleep."
Upon hearing this, Yinzhen sighed inwardly. He didn't want to go on the expedition either, but it wasn't something he could avoid simply because he didn't want to.
Tong Cheng'er rarely dressed Yinzhen, but she dressed him carefully, bit by bit.
Neither of them spoke while they were getting dressed. But once they were dressed, Tong Cheng'er's eyes welled up with tears; she was truly reluctant to part with her clothes.
She used to ask for nothing, but now she only hopes that he is doing well.
Seeing this, Yinzhen felt extremely distressed and held the person in his arms.
After an unknown amount of time, Su Peisheng's voice came from outside the door: "Master, it's time to set off."
Yinzhen and Tong Cheng'er reluctantly parted ways.
Tong Cheng'er: "I'll wait for you to come back."
Yinzhen nodded: "Okay."
Tong Cheng'er wiped away her tears, then escorted him to the gate of the mansion, watching him mount his tall horse until he was out of sight, before returning to the mansion.
Ru Xue said, "Your Highness, the imperial army is strong and well-equipped; there will certainly be no trouble."
They were indeed strong and well-equipped, but on the battlefield, swords and spears have no eyes.
Tong Cheng'er didn't say this aloud, but only said, "You're right."
When Tong Cheng'er saw Ru Xue, she suddenly remembered that it was time for her to get married as well.
"Is there any procedure for your matter with Mr. Rong?"
Ru Xue blushed upon hearing this: "What rules does this servant have?"
Just like before, she took the initiative to pursue him, but she can't be expected to take the initiative to propose marriage!
Tong Cheng'er understood upon hearing this, and then said, "It's time for the manor to hold a celebration. You're not young anymore. I'll ask someone to ask him about it later."
Although Ruxue also wanted to get married, she hesitated because her master was away on a military campaign and the manor was celebrating a wedding. "Why don't we wait until my master returns?"
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