As for the Yong Prince's Mansion, although the masters were not present, the remaining concubines and maids had long been accustomed to it, and it was the same every year.
Not to mention that now that Yinzhen has become a prince, their treatment has improved by more than a little bit.
So, these princesses suddenly and strangely reached a consensus: although they did not compete for the emperor's favor, it was not hopeless for them in this life!
As long as the prince keeps rising in rank, they can rise in rank too!
They don't need to rack their brains, take any risks, or try to win the prince's favor. They just need to be honest and wait for the prince to prove himself and climb the ranks step by step.
Maybe...
Who knows, maybe one day they'll be able to live in the Forbidden City too?
The thought of this possibility ignited their passion, and their ambitions, which had been throbbing for years due to a lack of favor, began to stir.
Honestly, once you become someone's concubine, who wouldn't want to be the concubine of the most powerful man in the world?
Anyway, they're all just princesses and concubines. If they could really enter the palace and become some kind of empress, that would be a great honor for the whole family!
So everyone enjoyed the New Year's Eve dinner this year.
Wu Gege and Geng Gege, who had never gotten along, didn't bicker and even raised their glasses to drink together.
This time, Chun Fujin became the primary Fujin, and the first New Year's banquet was held in a grand and proper manner. Each person had four or five new outfits, as well as two winter cloaks, all made of the finest fur.
Guo Gege is currently the least senior member of the household, and is not favored by the Prince and his wife. She rarely goes out and speaks little at banquets.
Looking at her, Zhang Gege felt a pang of sympathy. She prided herself on her talent, but unfortunately, she could neither display it nor gain favor. Fortunately, she had become more open-minded in the past two years, and she planted some chrysanthemums in her yard, which gave her a reclusive air reminiscent of Tao Yuanming.
She could actually understand Guo Gege quite well, because she herself had fallen for a man she shouldn't have.
It's a pity they never caught the prince's eye.
"Hey, do you have enough charcoal?" Emboldened by the alcohol, Zhang Gege and Guo Gege struck up a conversation. Everyone around them was laughing and joking. Tang Gege, having drunk too much of her white liquor, was already snuggling in Liu Gege's arms, acting coquettishly. No one noticed them.
Guo Gege was timid. When she heard her older sister talking to her, she was stunned for a moment before she forced a smile and said, "Thank you for your concern, sister. It's enough. The Fujin (princess) has provided a lot of charcoal. It's enough for this winter."
Zhang Gege looked at the wine glass in front of her, where the water reflected her slightly mournful face. She smiled and said softly, "Yes, actually the Princess Consort has a good heart, but she is cold-faced and doesn't like to be disturbed. As long as you behave yourself and don't cause trouble, you will benefit."
Guo Gege looked at her gratefully and nodded quickly.
Hearing this from the side, Gao Gege pouted. She was also a little tipsy, her big eyes watery and sparkling. She covered her mouth and whispered, "Sigh! The Princess Consort is too formidable! Her methods and schemes are unmatched. Our hometown is so much better! It's time for dancing! Hey! Come on, let's dance!"
Guo Gege pursed her lips, not daring to speak. She naturally knew what had happened to the other princesses who had disappeared from the manor.
Whew~
She let out a long sigh and looked out the window. Because of the New Year, the Princess Consort had ordered that palace lanterns be hung all over the mansion, making it lively and extraordinary, and illuminating the newly renovated mansion like a fairyland.
Next year should be better.
She will follow the rules.
She didn't care about the Forbidden City or the riches and honors; all she wanted was to survive and live a peaceful life.
In fact, the princesses present were well aware that the Fujin's temperament was obvious. As long as you didn't provoke her, you would live in peace. Compared to those in other households who poisoned, harmed, or ruined people's appearances, she was much better.
They also need to learn to be content.
It's nice to live such a peaceful and stable life.
Song Gege was eating hot pot on the side. The red oil broth inside was boiling, and the beef and mutton were cooked in it, turning a bright red color. It was spicy and refreshing. There were also tripe, beef aorta, duck intestines and the like on the side. It was said that this was also a way of eating that the Fujin came up with.
Song Gege ate with relish while secretly admiring her.
It seems that every day becomes especially interesting in the hands of the Fujin (princess).
If she were a prince, she would probably fall for him too.
I only hope that Yierha can learn a little from the Fujin, then life will be much easier in the future.
After Changning returned, she heard that the household was in harmony. Gao Gege, Geng Gege, and Liu Gege had all drunk a bit too much and had someone send them some hangover soup.
"It's good that you're alright. You've all worked hard. Take a rest. We'll triple your annual allowance."
Changning smiled, and all the maids in the room quickly and happily thanked her for the gift. She then opened her dressing case and had Chuixue choose about twenty strings of tourmaline beads for each maid. The tourmaline had a bright and even color, perfect for wearing during the New Year. The maids were so happy that they jostled each other as they went outside to build a snowman.
"Granny Zhang," Changning said, pulling Granny Zhang's hand and asking her to sit down next to her. Granny Zhang didn't dare to act arrogantly and simply sat on the bench.
Changning then took out a brocade box containing a large gold lock made of pure gold and two pairs of small gold pigs, and handed it to Granny Zhang.
"Granny had a grandson this year, and I congratulated her. I hope that you will have many children and grandchildren and be blessed with great fortune. I have been in the Prince's mansion for so many years. If it weren't for your help, Granny, I'm afraid I would not be in such a bad state."
At this point, Changning was truly moved. Granny Zhang had been her wet nurse for many years, and it could be said that she had dedicated her entire life to her.
This kindness was incredibly profound for her.
Granny Zhang smiled kindly and took a handkerchief to wipe away Changning's tears: "You mustn't cry during the New Year. As long as you can serve your master and he doesn't mind, I'll be happy."
Changning stopped crying and smiled, then took Granny Zhang's hand to look at the lanterns.
At this moment, it was rare that no one bothered her.
Yinzhen was still in the study, while the children went to rest. After looking at the lamp, she lay on the bed and recounted her life over the years.
Things will get better, right?
Changning slowly closed her eyes.
As she drifted off to sleep, in her hazy state, she felt that familiar embrace return. She rolled over and snuggled into Yinzhen's arms, her voice thick with emotion, "Why are you up so late?"
Yinzhen gently kissed her forehead: "I'm so happy. Yaoxian, you are my wife, I'm so happy."
"Silly girl." Changning kept her eyes closed, and even though she wasn't fully awake, it didn't dampen her good mood.
The two snuggled together and fell asleep affectionately.
The year is over, and the two of them can finally have some peace and quiet and rest for a while.
Even though it was still the first month of the lunar calendar, the lanterns in the mansion hadn't been taken down yet, and every night when you looked at them, it was a vibrant and festive sight.
Since the Lantern Festival was approaching, Changning simply made a grand gesture and ordered people to make lantern riddles, which were then hung on wooden frames, making them quite interesting.
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