As the Double Ninth Festival approached, everyone in the villa was busy preparing gifts for Emperor Kangxi.
The Yuanmingyuan Garden was no exception. The servants were being directed around by Qingyan. All of Consort Tong's gifts had been prepared, but as for Emperor Kangxi's gifts, Yiken'e said they would be prepared separately.
Yin and Yiken'e are still at odds. One wants to know in advance, while the other wants to keep it a secret. Yiken'e said that he can definitely prepare better.
“Father, I’ve grown up, why should I let you see me!” Yiken’e felt that her filial piety should not be exposed prematurely.
"Yiken'e, there are many rules regarding the things that are presented each day. Can you say that you are aware of all these rules?" Yin's eyes flashed with anger. Kangxi doted on Yiken'e, which was why the censors kept a close eye on him. If there was anything they could use against the little guy's gifts, they would definitely find fault with them in the end.
Qingyan sat down beside him, looking at Yin's annoyed expression, and felt anxious. Yiken'e was still unaware of the cruelty of what was to come, so she often caused trouble.
"Mother, don't you support me either?" Yiken'e turned to look in Qingyan's direction. "I've already arranged my gift with Grandfather, and I'll send it to him privately!"
Upon hearing this, Yin breathed a slight sigh of relief. If it were to be discussed openly, Yiken would have to be more careful. However, if Kangxi didn't say anything, the prince would be fine.
“Yiken’e, your mother supports you, but your father is right.” Qingyan expressed her support for Yin.
Yiken sighed, "Mother, what did those damned censors say again?"
Yin and Qingyan fell silent. Kangxi often took Yiken'e to the front court and found that the censors often misinterpreted what he said, which made him very frustrated. However, after being harassed by the censors that day, Yiken'e became even more attentive.
When he's out in public, he always thinks things through carefully before speaking, making sure he's ready before he speaks.
“Father, shall we deliver it together two days before the Double Ninth Festival?” Yiken said, tilting her little head up.
"Alright, go play with your younger siblings." Yin immediately told Yiken to leave.
As Qingyan watched his son's carefree figure disappear into the distance, a heavy weight pressed on his heart. Yiken'e was so young, yet he was already worrying about the family. This was probably the tragedy of the princes.
"Sisi, we haven't done enough. Otherwise, Yiken'e would definitely not be like this now." Qingyan hoped that Yiken'e could have a happy childhood.
“My dear, this is an inevitable process. Father Emperor has paid too much attention to a single favor, which has made everyone apprehensive. The Crown Prince is a cautionary tale,” Yin said directly.
Qingyan's face darkened. The Crown Prince was spoiled rotten by Emperor Kangxi, but Yiken'e was very sensible. This was not something to be said carelessly.
"Fourth Prince, should we prepare another gift?" Qingyan held her teacup, took a sip, and looked at Yin with bright, almond-shaped eyes.
"Alright, let's prepare an extra one. We can't give gifts to the twins separately. On the surface, we should give them an extra one!" Yin thought for a moment and decided that this was the best way to present them.
As the Double Ninth Festival approached, everyone began to get anxious. No news of any prepared gift lists had come from the Crown Prince's courtyard, causing everyone some concern.
Some people are also paying attention to Yiken, as the twins attended a large banquet for the first time since they became sensible, which has attracted a lot of attention.
"Father, Mother, let's go deliver something to Grandfather together." The twins changed into their palace clothes and went into the study, where Yin and Qingyan were busy with their work.
"Okay!" Qingyan got off the soft couch, stepped on the flowerpot soles, and patted her daughter's little head. "Let's go over there, we'll be there in time for lunch."
Yin stood up, squatted down, and looked at Yikene at eye level.
"Yiken'e, are the things ready?" Yin's expression was serious, wanting Yiken'e to understand that sending tribute was a very important matter.
Yiken nodded. The things were all placed outside, so there shouldn't be any problems.
"I'll go and hold Hafeng; he should be awake by now," Qingyan said. Hafeng wouldn't be attending the banquet on the Double Ninth Festival.
Qingyan walked into Hafeng's room and found that Hafeng was already awake, sitting in the stroller. When he saw Qingyan come in, he reached out his chubby hands and called out to Qingyan.
"Hafeng, let's go see Grandpa and Grandma in a bit!" Qingyan looked at her son with a smile on her face.
"Mother..." Hafeng could already say some simple words, but in this respect, he was definitely no match for the twins.
"Master, everything for the young master has been prepared!" Su Zhu quickly reported as Qing Yan approached.
Hafon changed into a light green summer uniform, a faint smile on his face, and wore a gold bracelet symbolizing good fortune on each hand.
“Let’s go…” Ha Feng really liked Consort Tong. Every time he went to Consort Tong’s courtyard, Ha Feng would snuggle in Consort Tong’s arms and refuse to come out.
Qingyan, carrying Hafeng, met up with Yin. Yin quickly took the child from Qingyan's arms. Hafeng had really grown quite a bit, and Qingyan, wearing 3-inch flowerpot shoes, was a little unsteady holding Hafeng.
The family of five sat in the carriage, which slowly drove towards Changchun Garden. Inside Changchun Garden, Emperor Kangxi and Consort Tong had already received the news that Yinzhi had brought the children. Consort Tong could hardly sit still and repeatedly told Shu to prepare things that the three children liked.
"Remember, be sure to add some minced meat to the steamed egg custard, Ha Feng loves it the most!" Consort Tong really liked Ha Feng; this little guy was the closest to her.
"Lanya, sit down first, why are you making a fuss again!" Kangxi was a little jealous. As soon as Hafeng came over, Consort Tong's attention would be focused on the twins and Hafeng, and Kangxi would have nothing to do with it.
"Alright, you're actually jealous of the children? Don't you know that the children rarely get to come over?" Consort Tong rolled her eyes at Emperor Kangxi.
Emperor Kangxi was even more frustrated. They could finally spend a few days together, but on the Double Ninth Festival, Consort Tong would be busy again, receiving female relatives, which was considered an honor bestowed upon them by the royal family.
“You wait and see, Yiken’e will definitely send something over. I’m sure the little guy thinks we’re on his mind!” Consort Tong said to Emperor Kangxi.
Emperor Kangxi was very much looking forward to it. During this period, he sent spies to inquire in the children's courtyards to see if there was anything improper. Kangxi's people would also give subtle reminders that the gifts for the Double Ninth Festival must not be wrong in front of outsiders.
"Master, the Fourth Prince has arrived with his wife, the young prince, and the princesses!" Li Dequan strode in, and when he saw the young prince Yiken'e, his smile widened.
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