Lady Nian and Dong Eshi, the elder sister-in-law of Changning, seemed to get along very well, easily bridging the gap by talking about everyday matters.
Changning thought that this must be due to her sister-in-law's social skills as the head of the household.
However, this Mrs. Nian seemed different from what she had imagined; she possessed a calm and composed demeanor, suggesting that she was experienced and knowledgeable.
With such a mother's upbringing, Nian Zhiyi would probably not be too weak either.
Changning beckoned Nian Zhiyi to come over and talk to her.
Seeing that she was about the same age as Yierha, Changning suddenly felt that she might be old enough to be her mother.
Nian Zhiyi was not coy at all; she came over to bow in a generous and respectful manner, showing that she was well-versed in etiquette at home.
"How long have you been in the capital? Are you settling in well?" As soon as Changning spoke, she thought, "Hmm? Has it really been a long time since I've been a mother? Why do I sound like an elder?"
Nian Zhiyi first thanked the Fujin for her concern. Her watery eyes looked exceptionally sincere, making Changning feel a little embarrassed. Oh my god, this is a real white lotus!
"I have been in the capital with my father and mother for three months now. At first, I had some water and soil incompatibility and vomited for a few days, but now I am fine. The other day I even copied two volumes of poems for my mother."
Changning listened to her speak as casually as if she were talking to a younger family member: "What kind of poetry does Zhiyi like?"
As she spoke, her eyes sparkled, but she also seemed a little embarrassed and shy: "I like Nalan Xingde's poems. He just wrote about the cold moon and the mournful flute, the west wind blowing across the vast desert sands."
This surprised Changning for a few seconds. In this day and age, there are many people who like Nalan, especially young women. She was not surprised, but most people love his Drinking Water Lyrics. She did not expect Nian Zhiyi to like this line.
It is evident that this woman possesses a vast inner world.
Changning grew to admire her more and more.
"Your father is the governor of Huguang. Did you have any interesting experiences while you were in office with him?"
At this time, Zhiyi also relaxed. The wife of Prince Yong really had no airs. Chatting with her was like talking to an ordinary family's older sister. She was kind and comfortable.
“My father was very strict with my elder brother, but exceptionally lenient with me. When we were in Wuchang and Hanyang, the water was clear and the fish were plump. I loved to eat fish and shrimp, but unfortunately they were a bit cold in nature. My mother never allowed me to eat too much, but I could eat half a fish more than usual with my father.”
When Nian Zhiyi finished speaking, she deliberately lowered her voice, afraid that her mother would hear her.
Seeing her daughter chatting happily with the wife of Prince Yong, Madam Nian's eyes were full of smiles.
Changning chuckled, "Wuchang fish is indeed delicious, whether braised or with broad bean paste. If you're not feeling well, don't eat raw fish. I remember the lotus root there is the best; drink more lotus root soup."
Nian Zhiyi suddenly felt as if she had found a kindred spirit, and was secretly excited. Her tone was even a little incredulous: "Fujin, you like to eat this too?"
Although her words sounded a bit off at first glance, Changning knew she didn't mean any harm and was just a little girl who was excited, so she didn't argue with her. Instead, she was a little smug and started explaining to her how to cook lotus root deliciously.
"You must choose lotus root with a rough, yellowish-brown, starchy skin. Only starchy lotus root can make a thick, creamy, and flavorful soup. The fish should also be cooked with a slightly spicy and savory flavor. However, sweet and sour fish is also good. You can coat the fish in batter, fry it until golden brown, and then pour sweet and sour sauce over it. It is very appetizing and delicious."
Hearing Changning blurt out his "culinary wisdom," Nian Zhiyi was even more surprised and admired him even more.
“I also like sweet and sour food, and I sometimes try to make some, but I can never quite get the hang of it. Now, after listening to what you said, my wife, I have benefited a lot.”
Changning never expected that this seemingly pure and innocent girl would also have a passion for cooking.
Excellent! Not bad at all. You can speak eloquently, are full of talent, and are well-mannered. You also love life and can find fun in it.
Oh my god, Nianzhiyi is such a little treasure.
The two became increasingly engrossed in their conversation.
Even Changning's sister-in-law, Dong Eshi, was laughing and joking.
"You two have been chatting so enthusiastically for a while now, I'm afraid the tea has gotten cold."
Changning smiled and praised, "This child is a wonderful person. Madam Nian has done a good job in educating him."
Madam Nian was extremely humbled and thanked the Fujin for her daughter's praise.
Before leaving, Changning also told them that they could visit Prince Yong's residence when they had time.
The mother and daughter responded repeatedly.
Changning was completely surprised by this meeting with Nian Zhiyi. She suddenly understood the historical Yinzhen a little better. With such a beautiful young woman, who could gently enlighten her when dealing with the troubles of politics, who was also full of tender feelings, who was interesting, and who had the charm of a young woman, who could resist her?
Therefore, it makes perfect sense that Consort Dunsu enjoyed exclusive favor for so many years.
Changning suddenly felt a little sorry for her.
With such a good family background, she's definitely going to be selected for the imperial examination. It's just a pity that she's from the Han Banner Army, and I wonder where she'll be assigned now.
Judging from her appearance, she is also the darling of the family. Her words reveal the charm of a young girl and the doting love of her parents. She must be the apple of Mrs. Nian Xialing's eye.
With his father holding a high-ranking official position and his two elder brothers currently rising in power, such a force is bound to be sought after by various parties.
Changning felt a pang of sympathy for Nianzhi. She could sense that despite her seemingly delicate appearance, Nianzhi possessed inner strength and the refined elegance of a scholar. If she were to become a concubine, she feared it wouldn't be a pleasant experience.
Yinzhen didn't return until it was time for him to go to bed. He had been having a headache looking at his sons' schoolwork all day. Hongchen's handwriting was not good, and Hongmin preferred literature to martial arts, which caused him a lot of worry.
"How was your trip back to the manor today?" After washing up, Yinzhen saw Changning reclining on the couch reading a book, so he asked her. To his surprise, Changning seemed quite interested and took his hand, as if she had something important to say.
Changning recounted her encounter with Madam Nian and Miss Nian that day, but Yinzhen remained unfazed and asked curiously, "Why aren't you surprised?"
"What's so surprising? Nian Gengyao is under my command. It's normal for them to want to curry favor with you."
Changning exclaimed "Eh?" It seemed to be true, but the main thing was that the imperial concubine selection was approaching, and it seemed that Miss Nian was going to stay in the capital for the selection. She wondered what Emperor Kangxi would do this year.
"Do you think the Emperor might betroth her to you as a concubine?"
Yinzhen chuckled and pulled her into his arms: "Don't think nonsense. Father Emperor's health has been getting worse lately. He even has to have his memorials read to him. He doesn't have the mind to designate any concubines for me. It's only right that the grandsons designate concubines for me."
That's true. The grandsons of the emperor, including Hongxi, are of marriageable age. It's just unknown whether Emperor Kangxi will arrange marriages for them, given the matter of the deposed crown prince.
Perhaps because she had become a mother, or perhaps because her own situation was somewhat similar to that of Nian Zhiyi back then, Changning was a little worried about her and spoke highly of her to Yinzhen.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
