The current Crown Prince, Yinreng, is not yet the capricious and irritable prince who later whipped his ministers. He is only 16 years old now, and under the tutelage of Emperor Kangxi, he is not only well-versed in the classics of various schools of thought and poetry from all dynasties, but also skilled in Manchu archery and horsemanship. He can be said to be proficient in both literature and martial arts.
Moreover, he was concerned about the country and its people, and paid great attention to their livelihood.
Therefore, he still ordered the provinces south of the Yangtze River to urgently send grain and supplies to the capital in preparation for war. Of course, for any major decisions, he would first consult with Emperor Kangxi.
In ancient times, transportation was inconvenient, and it would take at least a month for grain supplies to reach the capital. This was considered an expedited and urgent delivery.
Although Crown Prince Yinreng's performance during his regency was still somewhat immature, he was able to treat scholars with respect, consult with court officials, and discuss matters with them. He also expedited important decisions for Emperor Kangxi, which was not a fault of his.
"Madam, you're awake. Aunt Qiao from Consort Hui's palace just brought over some round fans." Donghui helped Hezhuo get up.
Since she didn't plan to go out, He Zhuo simply combed her hair, secured it with pearl flowers, and left it loose without putting it up in a bun.
"Didn't the palace embroiderers already send over the round fans this summer?" He Zhuo wondered.
The round fans from the palace are sent over every year at the beginning of summer, and now it is already the height of summer.
"Yes, this was sent by Consort Hui. There are 10 of them in total. Please take a look."
"Yes, 10. Our prince has 3 princesses, 2 concubines, and 4 daughters of the masters, including Xiao Zhenbao. That makes 10 people in total. Everyone gets a share. I understand Mother's meaning. When Yinzhi goes to the front to fight, I will make sure his home is safe and sound."
He Zhuo carefully examined the fans. Two of them were double-sided embroidery, and the rest were Suzhou embroidery. He had heard that Lady Nalan had entered the palace yesterday, so these fans must have been brought by her.
Because this summer falls during the mourning period for the late Empress, everything in the palace is simple and plain, including the round fans. The round fans sent in May are of elegant color.
This time was no exception, since the mourning period wouldn't end until late July. The two double-sided embroidered pieces featured two swallows playing among willows and a landscape painting. The rest were lotus leaf and bamboo designs, without a single trace of red.
Moreover, they are all decorative styles, with the patterns occupying very little of the entire fan surface, giving it a fresh and elegant feel. The two double-sided embroideries were clearly intended for the Grand Princess and Princess Zhenbao. He Zhuo gave the landscape painting to Little Zhenbao and kept the one with swallows playing in the willows for himself.
He Zhuo kept the round fans for the three princesses of Zhilan Courtyard, and instructed the nanny to distribute the rest to the people in the backyard.
"Donghui, put my hair up in a bun. It's been a long time since I've seen the Second Princess and the others. This princess will personally deliver my mother's heartfelt wishes to Zhilan Courtyard."
Donghui quickly combed her hair into a double bun and put on a light green cheongsam.
"I'm wearing the exquisite kingfisher-feather inlaid silver hairpin with a grass-head insect and pearls that my mother gave me as a birthday gift this year," He Zhuo pointed to the hairpin. "When elders give you jewelry, it's for you to wear. They're happy to see you wearing the jewelry they gave you."
The white jade bracelets that Hezhuo wore were a gift from Consort Hui when she gave birth to her son. They were said to have been bestowed upon her by Emperor Kangxi when she gave birth to Yinzhi, and they held great significance. She had worn them for over ten years. After her confinement period, Hezhuo continued to wear them as a sign of her fondness for them.
The Second Princess, nicknamed "Empress," was born on April 21, 29th year of the Kangxi Emperor's reign. She is now one year and three months old and can already call out "Father" and "Empress." She is a well-behaved girl and is at the most adorable age. When she comes to the main courtyard, He Zhuo will occasionally tease her a few times.
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