That evening, Yinzhen, who had been busy for a long time, came to the backyard.
First, he went to Niohuru Wanru's courtyard for a while. This time, Wanru's 'pregnancy' was different from when she was pregnant with Hongli last time. She was a little weak and often felt tired, which made Yinzhen very worried.
After chatting for a while about the recent situation of the 'two children', seeing that Niohuru Wanru kept yawning, Yinzhen personally carried her back to bed and considerately tucked her in.
"Get some rest. I'll come see you again when I have time."
Wanru forced a smile, nodded, and watched Yinzhen leave before a glistening tear rolled down her cheek.
After leaving Niohuru Wanru's courtyard, Yinzhen went to Nian Yunrong's courtyard.
This was Nian Yunrong's first pregnancy, so she inevitably experienced more discomfort. Therefore, Yinzhen often sent people to ask her during the day if she had any discomfort.
"Your Highness, may you be blessed."
Upon seeing Yinzhen enter the courtyard, Nian Yunrong knelt down at the door to greet him.
Yinzhen quickly stepped forward and reached out his hands to help Nian Yunrong up.
"If you are not feeling well, there is no need to perform the formalities."
Nian Yunrong shyly squeezed Yinzhen's hand and said:
"I am not that delicate. These are the rules. I do not want to be the kind of woman who ignores the rules."
Yinzhen gently tapped the tip of Nian Yunrong's nose with his finger.
"You're just so stubborn."
He led Nian Yunrong into the house, secretly observing the furnishings, his eyes darkening.
He then said:
"The master has been very busy lately, and even when he comes during the day, he can't stay for long. He saw Madam Nian today; is he in a better mood?"
Nian Yunrong rose from the couch, took the teacup from Qianxue's hand, and handed it to Yinzhen.
"I am very grateful that you sent someone to bring my mother here so I can see her. Seeing that she is in good health, I am much relieved."
Yinzhen shook his head and said indulgently:
“You’re just too thoughtful. Now that your brother has taken office as the governor of Gansu and has brought your mother to live with him, why do you need to worry?”
Upon hearing Yinzhen's words, Nian Yunrong simply smiled and remained silent.
She wasn't stupid; she knew the prince was reminding her.
"Alright, it's getting late. You should get some rest. I have other things to do, so I won't stay any longer."
Even if Nian Yunrong was unwilling, she had to put on a virtuous appearance.
After leaving Nian Yunrong's place, Yinzhen did not go to anyone's courtyard, but returned to his study.
Now that the Eighth Prince has lost power, his associates have not suffered much damage.
Especially Yinzhen. Ever since Tsewang Arabtan of the Dzungar Khanate rose to power in southern Xinjiang, the Emperor seemed to intend for Yinzhen to take over this matter, and would summon Yinzhen to the palace from time to time.
Furthermore, the Emperor granted Yinzhen the authority to draw upon official supplies, allowing the Imperial Palace to provide his family with food and other necessities.
All these signs seem to indicate that Yinzhen has now become the new favorite of the court.
Yinzhen paid no attention to the court's discussions. He was in the prime of his life and naturally wanted to make a name for himself.
His father, the Emperor, had personally given him guidance on several occasions, so he naturally couldn't let this opportunity slip by.
Because Emperor Kangxi valued his youngest son so much, Consort De was also very pleased.
She came from humble beginnings and climbed her way up step by step to become one of the four imperial concubines. It would be impossible to say that she didn't have the ambition to become empress dowager.
But she never placed any hope in Yinzhen, because she always believed that this son was nothing more than a stepping stone for her to win back the emperor's favor, and that Yinzhen's heart only belonged to Consort Tong.
In response to this situation, Yinzhen summoned the thirteenth prince, Yinxiang, to his residence the following day.
"Fourth Brother, did you call me here because it's urgent?"
What's your opinion on Yinzhen?
Yinxiang felt that this was a difficult question to answer.
Although the relationship between the fourth brother and the fourteenth brother, Yinzhen, was not good, they were still biological brothers. No matter how good their relationship was, there were some things that could not be said openly.
"Fourth Brother, I think that Fourteenth Brother has been particularly interested in military books and strategies since he was a child. Now that the Dzungar Khanate is eyeing us covetously, it is only reasonable for Father to take this opportunity to cultivate Fourteenth Brother."
Although Emperor Kangxi had many sons, he truly felt that only a few were capable individuals.
Now, the eldest and second brothers are imprisoned, the eighth brother is confined to his residence, the third brother continues to be responsible for compiling books, the ninth brother is only a Beizi (a princely title), and the tenth brother has no title.
The thirteenth prince, Yinxiang, felt there was no need to worry too much.
"My fourteenth brother is proud but not complacent, which is what I admire about him. Although I don't know if he is really interested in the position of crown prince, the one in the palace probably already has his eye on it."
Yinxiang was surprised:
"Fourth Brother, you mean...?"
Yinxiang didn't say what Yinzhen was talking about, but he already knew who Yinzhen was referring to.
Throughout history, although the imperial harem was forbidden from interfering in politics, the harem and the imperial court have never truly been separated.
"Fourth Brother, if you are really worried about Fourteenth Brother, why not send someone into the palace to inquire about him from the side?"
Yinzhen nodded, thinking the matter was feasible, and immediately sent Gao Wuyong to deliver a message to his wife, Ulanara, that she would go there that night.
Gao Wuyong had just stepped out when he ran into Qianxue, who was carrying a food box.
"Hello, Eunuch Gao."
"Greetings, Miss Qianxue. Qianxue, what brings you here?"
Gao Wuyong pointed to the food box and asked.
Qianxue said with a smile:
“Our princess had nothing to do this morning, so she made some snacks and sent me to bring them to the prince to try.”
"Oh, what a coincidence, the Thirteenth Prince is inside too. Why don't you come back later?"
Qianxue thought Gao Wuyong's words made sense, so she decided to turn around and go back.
At this moment, a sound came from inside the house:
"Gao Wuyong, let her in."
Gao Wuyong chuckled, patted his forehead, and realized he was getting old. His master had never refused any of the food that the princess sent him.
With several pregnant mistresses now in the household, I've completely forgotten about this.
Then, Gao Wuyong led Qianxue into the house.
"What new tricks has your master come up with this time?"
Qianxue presented the food box and bowed respectfully in reply:
"Your Highness, the princess said that Your Highness has been very busy lately and your mealtimes must be irregular, so she specially made some easy-to-digest pine nut cakes and large rice cakes for Your Highness to try."
Yinxiang, who was standing next to him, took a sip of tea, then smiled and opened the food box, jokingly saying:
"My little brother is so envious of his fourth brother for having such a good appetite."
Yinzhen pretended not to hear Yinxiang's teasing and said:
"Go back and tell your princess to prepare another one and send it over. The thirteenth prince can take it back later."
"yes."
Qianxue respectfully withdrew and returned to the courtyard. When she told her mistress about the prince's instructions, Geng Youran was speechless, thinking to herself, "How can this person be so rude?"
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