"This year, the concubine is beautiful, from a good family, and exceptionally talented. The only problem is that she's too arrogant. She's been married into the Prince's mansion for several years, but she still hasn't seen the affection between the Prince and Consort Geng. I reckon she'll suffer more in the future."
"But my lady, this Lady Geng is indeed quite special. You see, she doesn't seem special at all, she just knows how to cook a little, so why does the prince care about her so much?"
The princess smiled:
“Even Master Yuanyi, who passed away back then, said that Princess Geng was a blessed person, so the prince naturally valued her.”
Sure enough, for a while after that, no one dared to mess with Geng Youran and the people in her courtyard.
In August of the sixtieth year of the Kangxi Emperor's reign, a minor incident occurred in the court.
Xu Chang was appointed as the deputy military governor of Bodune, while the original deputy military governor, Toroko, was dismissed.
The reason the former deputy commander was dismissed was because he delayed military intelligence and accepted bribes.
"Fourth Brother, do you think this Torok is stupid? Father has been secretly sending people to investigate this matter all along, and yet he still dares to accept money and sell official positions at this critical juncture. He really doesn't know what he's getting himself into."
"Hmph. It's better to get rid of this kind of person sooner rather than later."
"By the way, Fourth Brother, after court, didn't you say you were going to pay your respects to Consort De? Why are you inviting your younger brother for drinks now?"
"It was just a greeting."
Yinxiang felt something was wrong; there must be a problem.
"Fourth Brother, has Consort De been asking you about Fourteenth Brother again?"
Upon hearing this, Yinzhen put down his wine cup:
"The Fourteenth Prince has done a good job in Tibet these years. Father Emperor often mentions and praises him to Mother. Today, she called Father over to inquire about when the Fourteenth Prince will return."
Yinxiang sighed secretly. This Consort De was really stubborn. It was true that his fourteenth brother was fighting hard outside, but his fourth brother had also had a tough time in the court all these years.
Even so, she still only missed her son who was far away in Tibet.
"Fourth Brother, you don't need to be sad about this. By the way, I heard that Hongli has become more composed since he was brought to Father's side. And Father often praises him. You are blessed."
Upon hearing this, Yinzhen did not show any joy on his face, as if it were just an ordinary thing.
"With his father's guidance, Hongli is naturally growing up faster. As for Hongzhou, his temperament hasn't improved at all over the years. Yesterday, he was competing with some of his peers and, in a moment of bravado, he pulled his arm. He's probably getting scolded by his mother right now."
Yinxiang smiled upon hearing this:
"It is said that you, Fourth Brother, are usually serious and rarely smile. Hongshi and Hongli have been influenced by you and are at least five parts similar to you, if not eight parts. But this Hongzhou is always jumping around. Even if he gets scolded, he can only behave for a few days and then forgets the lesson."
Speaking of his son, Yinzhen's eyes softened with warmth:
"Although Hongzhou is not as mature as Hongshi and Hongli, he is pure and kind. He may be mischievous, but he will not cross the line or harm anyone."
"Fourth brother, sometimes I really can't figure out which of these kids you like."
Yinzhen smiled:
"They are all my children, there is no difference between them."
When Yinxiang heard this, he just had a "I don't believe it" expression.
Following the prescriptions from the imperial physician and Geng Youran, and with the care of Granny Zhou, Nian Yunrong's health improved significantly.
It was September, and the princess suggested going to the back garden to admire the chrysanthemums, which Nian Yunrong naturally accepted.
"Why does Your Highness seem to be in such a good mood today?"
"It's always boring to stay cooped up in the house. Now that the chrysanthemums that the prince had planted are blooming one after another, it's good to come out and see them. Besides, now that you're pregnant, you should go out more often."
Consort Li, who was standing to the side, spoke up:
“What you say is true, my sister’s complexion is much better now, she should go out for a walk.”
Three people who held power in the Prince's mansion were chatting upstairs, while Niohuru Wanru stared at Geng Youran, who was constantly looking around, with a puzzled expression.
"Sister, what are you looking at?"
"Oh, I'm looking at those chrysanthemums that have already bloomed. They seem like they would be great for making wine."
Wanru covered her mouth and chuckled:
"Sister, everyone else is quoting classical texts and discussing poetry while looking at the flowers, why are you only thinking about eating?"
Geng Youran rolled her eyes at her:
"I'm just an ordinary person. Besides, didn't you enjoy the chrysanthemum wine last year?"
"Don't be upset, sister. I'll go pick flowers with you later."
"That's more like it."
The two were chatting enthusiastically when a voice came from above:
"What are Sister Geng and Sister Niu Hulu talking about? They're laughing so happily."
"Your Highness, I see that the chrysanthemums in the courtyard are in full bloom. The gardener must have put a lot of effort into them."
The princess nodded:
"Yes. His Highness has always loved chrysanthemums and has been searching for flower seeds everywhere. These flowers are the result of a lot of effort."
Perhaps finding it boring to sit there idly, the princess chatted with everyone for a few minutes before telling them to make themselves at home.
"Qianxue, has Xiao Anzi delivered the things?"
"Reporting to Your Highness, it has been delivered."
Geng Youran looked down and saw that Qianxue was holding the bamboo basket and scissors that Xiao Anzi had just brought.
"Let's go then. Let's walk a bit further away so we don't stand out here."
"yes."
She and Wanru arrived at a place some distance from the pavilion, where a patch of chrysanthemums was planted.
"Hey, sister, what kind of breed is this? I don't think I saw it last year."
"Oh, this is Huai chrysanthemum, which is more common in Henan. It comes in two varieties: white chrysanthemum and yellow chrysanthemum. It has the effect of clearing the liver and improving eyesight."
"Does my sister plan to use these chrysanthemums to make wine?"
Geng Youran nodded:
"Yes, brewing it now is just right for drinking during the Chinese New Year."
The group then began picking chrysanthemums.
Feeling that they had picked enough, the group told the Fujin (principal wife) and returned to Geng Youran's small kitchen to brew wine.
After so many years of continuous renovations, the small kitchen in Geng Youran's courtyard is now almost like a workshop.
The glutinous rice used for brewing wine was soaked in advance by Geng Youran at Qianxue's instruction the day before, and it had been soaking for at least four hours.
After scooping them out and draining the water, place them in a wooden basin.
Then Xiao Anzi started a fire, and Qianxue and Huangli carried the soaked glutinous rice into the steamer to steam for half an hour until it was cooked.
Then Qianxue brought over a bamboo winnowing basket for drying and spread the steamed glutinous rice out to cool.
Dry the washed fresh chrysanthemums. Then, put the cooled glutinous rice, chrysanthemums, and yeast into a porcelain jar and mix well.
Then add an appropriate amount of cooled boiled water, seal the container, and place it in a cool, ventilated place for fermentation.
"Sister, I picked some chrysanthemums for you today. Don't forget to give me a jar later."
"Don't worry, you'll get your share."
In the golden autumn season, while the estates of high-ranking officials and nobles are busy with the harvest, some places are suffering from drought and have no food to eat.
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