This question sounded familiar, because not long ago, the Empress Dowager had asked the Emperor the same question.
"I have also asked, and the Emperor said that the eldest son should be strictly trained and should not fall behind in his studies. It is best for Yonglian not to participate in things like going to the Summer Palace, so as not to disturb his mind and cause him to miss his studies."
Such words were truly unexpected for Yu Ying. "Did His Majesty really say that?"
"Absolutely true, would I lie to you?"
The Emperor cares so much about Yonglian; it seems he's grooming Yonglian to be the Crown Prince, which is why he doesn't want him to be playful. Thinking of this, Yuying felt a sense of relief.
"So it turns out that I misunderstood Your Majesty. I thought Your Majesty didn't like Yonglian, which is why you refused to take him to Rehe."
"You're overthinking it!" the Empress Dowager replied with a smile. "Yonglian is the only legitimate son, and the other princes are naturally incomparable. Although the Emperor has some misunderstandings with you, he still cares a lot about the children. You mustn't misunderstand his good intentions. Besides, you've always worried that Yonghuang will bring misfortune to Yonglian. Now that Yonghuang has left the palace, you should be secretly glad."
"Your Majesty is absolutely right. I was just being foolish. I was afraid that His Majesty would not like Yonglian."
"That's not true, don't overthink it. Yonglian will stay in the palace, and the imperial concubines will take care of him. We can just go to the summer palace in peace. If you can clear up the misunderstanding with the emperor and give him a legitimate son or daughter, that would be even better."
Speaking of this, Yu Ying's eyes dimmed, and she sighed repeatedly, "The Emperor has no feelings for me. He has never wanted to come to Changchun Palace again. I'm afraid I will have to disappoint Your Majesty's expectations."
The Empress Dowager had indeed held expectations for her before, but now even those expectations were gone. However, seeing the Empress's self-pitying appearance, the Empress Dowager felt sorry for her, thinking that her role as Empress was too stifling. So she kindly comforted her:
"Regarding what happened last time, I understand that you want to change your mindset. You sacrificed a lot to please Hongli. As for the matter of planting spies in Jingren Palace, it's nothing serious. Hongli was just making a fuss over nothing and using it as an excuse."
Now he's completely obsessed with Su Yushan. I've tried to persuade him many times, but he won't listen. Further persuasion will only make him more resentful. So be it, no rush, let's wait for the right opportunity.
Although Yu Ying knew very well that she had little chance, the Empress Dowager's words of comfort made her feel somewhat better, and she forced a smile and replied:
"Your Majesty understands. I dare not force it any further. But it is up to fate. No matter who Your Majesty favors, as long as they can bear many children for Your Majesty, I will not be jealous."
The Empress Dowager smiled with satisfaction and praised, "You are the most sensible. If Lady Su could be as magnanimous as you, the harem would not be so short of offspring."
Hongli casually told a lie, which fooled the Empress Dowager. The Empress Dowager even advised the Empress to be more open-minded and not to take it to heart. Thus, the matter of taking Yonghuang to Rehe was settled.
Three days later, the group set off together for the Rehe Imperial Palace.
Accompanying him from the inner palace were the Empress Dowager, the Empress, Consort Gao, and Consort Chun. The Empress Dowager originally intended to bring two of the new concubines along, but Hongli refused, citing their low rank.
Lan Rong was still under house arrest and naturally not qualified to accompany him. With far fewer women around him, Hongli secretly rejoiced; he could finally have a few months of peace and quiet.
The Rehe Imperial Palace was about 400 li away from the Imperial Palace. If one were to travel at a fast pace, one could depart at dawn and arrive in the evening. However, the emperor's travels were for sightseeing and enjoyment, so it was impossible for him to travel too fast. The group traveled slowly, departing on the first day of the lunar month and arriving at the imperial palace on the evening of the second day.
Entering through Lizheng Gate, you arrive at the Summer Palace.
Although it was evening, Su Yushan could still enjoy the scenery of the mountain villa in the afterglow of the setting sun.
They had to get to their lodgings right now and didn't have time to stroll around, but along the way, Su Yushan had already gotten a general feel for the scenery of the villa.
Looking around, the scenery is lush and vibrant. The layout of the villa is quite different from that of the royal palace and the imperial palace. The imperial palace is too solemn and oppressive, while this place is blessed with natural beauty and the air is filled with the fragrance of trees. Surrounded by mountains and water, it is very cool and refreshing. You can get through the summer without ice. It is a true summer resort!
Being there, Su Yushan felt completely relaxed, and a smile unconsciously appeared on her beautiful face.
The orange glow of the sunset bathed the beautiful woman, filling her eyes with a soft, warm light. Hongli smiled at her, and a feeling of warmth instantly welled up in his heart.
Before arriving, Hongli had obtained a map of the Summer Palace and asked Yushan to choose a place to stay.
The topographical map didn't show the actual scenery, and Su Yushan had never been to the Summer Palace, so she asked Hongli to help her choose.
The accommodations were arranged in advance. The Empress lived in Yanxun Mountain Villa, Su Yushan lived on Huanbi Island, Gao Xiuwen lived on Yuese Jiangsheng, which was also a small island, and the Empress Dowager lived in Songhezhai.
The resort had prepared a meal early in the morning. However, since it was already late and everyone was tired from their journey, there would be no banquet tonight. Everyone could simply return to their lodgings to settle in.
Hongli's sleeping quarters were called Yanbo Zhishuang Hall, but he did not go there. Instead, he accompanied Su Yushan to her residence.
The two of them stepped onto the Wanhesongfeng Bridge together and headed north across the Zhijingyun Causeway.
As the sun set, only a touch of bright orange remained on the horizon. The lanterns in the hands of the palace servants were already lit. Hongli and Su Yushan walked side by side, stepping on the sparse starlight on the horizon, toward the small island to the west. This place was a peninsula, named Huanbi because it was surrounded by blue water.
To the north of the courtyard stands a three-room hall, with the inscription above it reading "Huanbi" and the couplet: "Beautiful flowers line both banks, shrouded in morning mist; fragrant grasses across the waves, carried by the clear sunshine."
Su Yushan was looking at the couplets when she heard Hongli say, "This inscription was written by Emperor Kangxi himself. When the Summer Palace was first built, Emperor Kangxi liked this place very much and once stayed here."
The place Emperor Kangxi liked must have had beautiful scenery, but unfortunately it's already late today, so Su Yushan doesn't have a chance to properly appreciate the scenery and can only wait until tomorrow.
After the imperial meal, the nannies took the children to be settled, and the palace servants prepared hot water for Su Yushan and Hongli to bathe and change clothes, washing away their fatigue.
When it was time to go to bed, Su Yushan tossed and turned and couldn't fall asleep. Hongli asked her if she was feeling unwell, and Yushan shook her head. "I guess it's because we just changed beds and I'm not used to them yet!"
"Since you can't sleep, why don't I help you?" Hongli smiled meaningfully, as if hinting at something.
Staring at him suspiciously, Su Yushan felt he had ulterior motives. "How do you plan to help?"
Hongli said in a serious tone, "You used to fall asleep quickly and soundly whenever we were intimate. In order to let you get a good night's sleep, I am willing to test the law with my own body."
Su Yushan gritted her teeth, thinking to herself that it was because she was too exhausted from being tormented by you that she could fall asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow. What kind of good method is this? It's clearly a bad idea!
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