“Your father did mention that you should come back home for the New Year, but I didn’t expect it to be so soon.”
At this point, Hongzhou's expression visibly darkened:
“Grandpa has not been in good health lately, and we haven’t seen him for a long time. Father said that Grandpa will go to Changchun Garden after the New Year, so Grandpa asked for permission to come back soon.”
Seeing Hongzhou's heartbroken expression, Geng Youran gently patted her son's head:
"I suppose Hongzhou really likes Grandfather, doesn't he?"
"Um!"
Hongzhou nodded vigorously.
In his memory, although his grandfather liked Hongli the most, he never favored any of his grandsons when testing them, and sometimes he would even personally teach them archery.
To them, their grandfather was the best elder besides their father and mother.
Geng Youran believed that Hong Zhou was speaking from the heart.
Although the situation in recent years is unclear, she had served Emperor Kangxi for a period of time before marrying into the Yong Prince's Mansion, so she had some understanding of the emperor's temperament.
Emperor Kangxi loved children very much, otherwise he wouldn't have had so many sons. Although his sons developed their own ideas as they grew up, it must be admitted that almost all of Kangxi's sons were outstanding and each had their own unique characteristics.
This is something that Geng Youran greatly admires.
It should be noted that the royal children were almost all cared for by the princes from a young age, and each of them grew up to be so outstanding. Emperor Kangxi was dedicated to nurturing these children.
Having grandsons, Emperor Kangxi also took great care in nurturing and raising them.
"Since you are so filial, then visit your grandfather more often in the future. He will be very happy."
"Um."
After a pleasant lunch, Hongzhou suggested that he invite Hongli to go to the back garden to admire the plum blossoms.
Why didn't you call Hongshi along?
"Now that Third Brother has started learning how to do things from Father, he shouldn't be at home at this time."
Geng Youran sighed inwardly. The common people envied the royal life, envying that the royal children could have whatever they wanted, but in reality, the time these children could enjoy happiness was also limited.
"Perfect timing! I made some candied plum blossoms yesterday, and I only need one last step. Let's take some with us when we're done."
She had Xiao Anzi carry the jar containing the pickled plum blossoms into the small kitchen, and then she and Qianxue poured some honey into it.
After a while, Qianxue divided them into several portions.
"Xiao Anzi, take these portions to the First Lady and the two Second Lady's wives respectively. They can be used as side dishes or snacks with drinks."
"Yes, sir."
Qianxue picked up a portion and followed Geng Youran and Hongzhou to Niohuru Wanru's place.
As soon as the group entered the courtyard, they heard faint sounds of reading coming from inside the house.
"Fourth Brother is really hardworking; he's still studying even after returning home."
Geng Youran rolled her eyes at her son.
"You think your fourth brother is like you, only knowing how to play all day long?"
"Mother~"
Hongzhou was somewhat displeased that his mother didn't give him any face at all.
"Hey, who made our Fifth Prince angry?"
Wanru came out to greet them with a smile, just in time to see Hongzhou and Geng Youran sulking.
"Never mind him. He's gotten quite temperamental since I last saw him."
Hongzhou didn't really care; he was just teasing his mother.
After paying his respects to Princess Wanru, he went inside to find his fourth brother.
"Fourth Brother, why don't you stop studying for now and go to the backyard to admire the plum blossoms?"
Hongli looked at his younger brother with a doting expression:
"You can't slack off on your studies even after you're back home. Have you forgotten what your father said? I told you to practice your calligraphy a while ago, have you done it?"
Hongzhou felt a little embarrassed when this was brought up.
"Fourth Brother, I was just thinking that when I get back, I'd like to ask Father for some guidance when he's free."
Hongli didn't believe it.
"Okay, wait a moment. I only need to do a few more strokes before I finish this calligraphy practice book."
"Alright."
Since his fourth brother had said so, Hongzhou had no choice but to wait a while. He randomly picked a book from the bookshelf behind Hongli and sat down to read it.
Geng Youran and Wanru also had a lot to talk about.
"How are you? Hongli is much happier now that he's back, isn't he?"
Wanru glanced at her son, who was practicing calligraphy not far away, and smiled.
"My sister always teases me. You were so happy when Hongzhou came back, weren't you?"
"As a mother, I naturally worry about my son. By the way, I made some candied plum blossoms for you. I know you have a habit of drinking warm wine in winter, so this will be a perfect match."
Huang Li took the jar from Qian Xue and handed it to Wan Ru. When the lid was opened, a fragrant aroma wafted out.
"Sister's cooking skills are getting better and better. By the way, have you seen Princess Yun these past few days?"
"No, what's wrong?"
Wanru shook her head:
"It's nothing, I just find it a little strange."
Geng Youran had never liked this Yun Gege and rarely inquired about her affairs. However, Wanru's intuition was always very accurate, and she became interested in gossip.
"This Princess Yun was spending all her time wandering around the backyard a while ago, as if she was afraid others wouldn't know she was favored. I don't know why, but she's been quiet these past few days. I just feel like something's not right."
"She's just a princess, even if she's favored, she's only been favored for a few days. What trouble could she possibly cause? Aren't you being too cautious?"
Despite saying that, Geng Youran still asked Qianxue to find someone to keep an eye on this Yun Gege, since some things don't come from nowhere.
"Mother, Fourth Brother has finished writing his calligraphy. Let's go."
Geng Youran glared at her son, then looked at Hongli:
"Hongli, you read the book very well just now. You should teach Hongzhou more in the future."
"Gege is joking. Brother Hongzhou has always been very smart."
That's true.
They were all the prince's children, and their education started at the same time, so Hongzhou was naturally not much worse. It's just that Hongzhou had a lively and unruly personality, and if it weren't for Hongshi and Hongli keeping an eye on him in the palace, he would probably have caused a lot of trouble.
The group arrived at the back garden, where the plum blossoms were indeed in full bloom. Standing in the snow to admire the plum blossoms offered a unique experience.
At that moment, a scream was suddenly heard from not far away, followed by more sounds.
Everyone rushed toward the sound and found Yun Gege lying on the ground, with a panicked Hongshi standing opposite her.
Upon seeing that someone had arrived, Yunhui and her maidservant raised their voices even louder.
"Qianxue, quickly go and fetch the imperial physician. Huangli, first send the Third Prince back to Consort Li's place."
"yes."
Immediately, Geng Youran summoned several eunuchs to carry Yunhui back to the courtyard.
"Reporting to Princess Geng, it seems that Princess Yun has miscarried."
"Seems? Imperial Physician, stop trying to fool me. Explain yourself clearly."
Geng Youran had seen this scene countless times before. It wasn't that she thought badly of Yun Hui, but rather that she had seen this kind of drama far too often.
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