He Zhuo glanced at her: "Yes, but it's not about dividing the family property, it's about preparing to divide it. The children are all grown up, and it's not good for us, as their parents, to keep them all around us."
Looking utterly bewildered, she said, "Sister-in-law, what are you thinking? Having the children around is so lively and fun. I'm so envious of you!"
The Third Princess spoke with a look of longing on her face.
“They’re still my sons even if they separate, it’s all the same. I’ve raised them with great difficulty, and I just want some peace and quiet.”
"It's easy for you to say that, sister-in-law. I'd love to have such a lively day." The Third Princess Consort was a little sad. She had given birth to two sons and two daughters, but only half of them survived. She had one prince and one princess.
He Zhuo noticed the Third Princess's sadness and changed the subject: "What's wrong? Now that Hong Sheng's wife has entered the family, you're going to have a lot of fun on your grandson's day."
"That's true." The Third Princess Consort smiled broadly as she thought of her son and daughter-in-law.
He Zhuo and the Third Prince's wife chatted casually until they encountered the Fourth Prince's wife.
"Eldest sister-in-law, third sister-in-law."
He Zhuo: "Fourth sister-in-law, have you come to see Consort De? I heard that Consort De's headache has flared up again. Is she feeling any better?"
Both Hezhuo and the Third Prince's wife knew the truth behind it all; it was just an excuse for Consort De to torment her daughter-in-law. Although Kangxi hadn't neglected her in recent years because of her daughter's death, she had lost the power of her maternal clan, and Kangxi's attitude towards her had changed drastically, making her arguably the most down-on-her-luck of the four consorts.
Usually, all he can do is torment his daughter-in-law and find fault with her.
Fourth Princess Consort: "Thank you for your concern, elder sister-in-law. Mother is much better now."
One good thing about the Fourth Prince's wife is that she never talks about family matters to outsiders, even though everyone knows about them.
"Where is your young master?" The Third Princess Consort was also quite interested in this nephew who looked like the Fourth Prince, but unfortunately, she rarely saw him.
“Yes, it’s been a long time since I’ve seen my nephew Hongchen. I miss him terribly,” He Zhuo chimed in.
When her son was mentioned, the Fourth Princess's smile became much more genuine: "He's still in the study at this hour, he hasn't finished his lessons yet. We'll have him pay his respects to both of you aunts another day."
He Zhuo: "Okay, Hongchen has also gone to the study. Sister-in-law, go back and tell Honghua, that little rascal, to keep a close eye on his younger brother."
Fourth Princess Consort: "Thank you, sister-in-law. Hongchen said that Brother Hua is taking good care of him."
"Hey, no need to thank me, it's nothing. I remember that your Hongchen and Little Princess both like to drink the honey produced on my estate. When we get back, I'll have the servants send some to your manor."
He Zhuo was very generous.
"My sister-in-law is being biased. Why didn't she mention giving it to me?" the Third Princess Consort chimed in.
He Zhuo: "Of course I won't forget you. I'll send it over in a bit."
The Fourth Prince's wife asked the Third Prince's wife the same question: why did they separate the family?
He Zhuo's answers were all the same. In fact, if the two wives thought about it more, they would know He Zhuo's intentions for his sons. Staying in the Prince's Mansion was naturally good, as they were sons of a prince.
Unfortunately, Emperor Kangxi had many sons, and even more grandsons, making them less valuable. It remains to be seen what the titles of the sons other than the heir apparent will be like under the next emperor.
Within a month, He Zhuo had divided the family property, and all his married sons were given away.
Emperor Kangxi was also very generous. Because of his disaster relief, plague relief, and accumulated military achievements, Hongfang (Xiao Er) was granted the title of Duke of Feng'en Zhenguo, a title second only to Beizi.
Annual salary of 700 taels of silver and 700 bushels of rice;
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