The gift Changning gave to Hongyan was a belt hook inlaid with gold and jade, which not only symbolized nobility but also carried the meaning of "Why shouldn't a man carry a Wu hook and seize fifty states beyond the passes?"
Although this Wu hook is not a belt hook, Changning knew that Hongyan would understand her intentions. She knew her son harbored lofty ambitions; though he was benevolent, he was by no means a ruler who would merely maintain the status quo. His heart held profound wisdom.
In addition, she also made a cotton gauze robe for Hongyan. The material was comfortable and breathable. Unusually, it was not embroidered with any patterns, but with a crane and a poem on it.
"Let us nurture our wings to soar to the clouds, and play clear melodies as we bow and rise."
Changning's gift was perfectly delivered to the hearts of the two children.
Huturi immediately put on the Simba dress from The Lion King. The bright red color made her look even more dashing. Simba's image wasn't particularly endearing; instead, it exuded an innate aristocratic sharpness. The dress wasn't made of flowing fabric; it was slightly fitted, making her look even more sleek.
Hutuli was overjoyed, tugging at Changning's sleeve and repeatedly saying, "Mother! Mother! I love it so much! I love this dress so much!"
She kept stroking it, not only showing it off to Changning, but also making a special trip to Cining Palace. When Yinzhen arrived, she spun around in front of him many times, praising her mother's skillful hands.
Looking at the cotton robe his mother had made for him, with its elegant and aloof cranes and the poem that perfectly suited his taste, Hongyan said gratefully, "Thank you for your trouble, Mother. I like it very much."
He changed into it immediately and didn't even want to take it off.
Changning was overjoyed to see both children praising her gift so highly. She was glad that the gift she had put so much effort into preparing hadn't disappointed them.
Today is Hongyan and Hutu's birthday, and everyone arrived at Chengqian Palace early.
The children chattered excitedly around the two birthday celebrants.
Hongzhao looked at the new clothes that his older brothers and sisters all had, and his eyes were red with envy.
"Mother! Mother! The clothes you made for my older brother and sister are so beautiful! I want some too!"
Hongzhao tugged at Changning's sleeve, unusually acting coquettishly. Hongchen and Hongyang, following suit, also clung to Changning.
"Mother! I want it!"
"Mother, I want a big tiger!"
I want a wolf!
"Me! Me! Mother, I want a black bear!"
Changning "..."
My sons, you probably don't know how terrible your mother's painting skills are.
Changning recalled the hardships she had endured in making these two garments, and tears welled up in her eyes.
I wanted to draw Simba to look more fierce, but no matter how I drew him, he looked like a chibi-style little man, and the cliffs looked like stone pillars.
It didn't even look like a crane. When I showed it to Yinzhen, he asked me why I thought of painting geese.
After much painful reflection, Changning decided to stop revealing her shortcomings and instead describe the situation in detail to Yinzhen, asking him to write it down.
Yinzhen truly lived up to his reputation as a master painter; with just a few strokes, he vividly captured the image Changning wanted to express in his heart onto the paper.
So when the children were so excited, she felt a little guilty: "Oh dear, you all know that your mother's painting skills are really not that great. Actually, your father helped a lot in this, so why don't you go and ask him for help?"
So, this large group of children hurriedly tugged at Yinzhen's sleeves.
Yinzhen was caught in a bittersweet dilemma.
Fortunately, the three youngest ones are still quite young and are currently in the stage of wandering around. Yartan and Unaxi stay firmly by Changning's side, while Hongxu has long since run off with his older brothers.
Of the children currently living in Chengqian Palace, only the three youngest remain. Hongxu, being a boy, is always a bit lonely, so he gets especially excited whenever his older brothers return and often runs after them with his short legs.
The children all ran off to Yinzhen, and Changning could finally breathe a sigh of relief.
Just then, someone arrived outside to pay their respects to the Empress.
Although today is the birthday of the two children, there are no plans for a grand celebration. So, close relatives will simply come to the palace to pay their respects and celebrate together, and that will be it.
Of course, this "close confidant" is definitely Changning and Yinzhen who have the final say.
Yinzhen mainly selected some ministers, while Changning's purpose today was to examine the two girls.
Just then, Yinzhen took the children to the Hall of Supreme Harmony, leaving only Changning and the two little princesses here, making it convenient to receive guests.
Suochuoluo had also arrived early and entered the hall, smiling as she said, "When the people arrive, you must keep a close eye on them."
"Yes, Mother, don't worry. Yuxia, please invite them in."
Yu Xia nodded, gave a graceful bow, and went outside to greet the guests.
Before long, two noblewomen walked in one after the other, accompanied by two beautiful young girls.
"Greetings to Her Majesty the Empress. May Her Majesty enjoy boundless blessings and peace."
Changning glanced at them and saw that the woman on the left was slightly thin and very proper and elegant; she was the wife of Li Fu, the Governor-General of Zhili.
The girl beside her, about fifteen or sixteen years old, wore a light green dress, with a white magnolia in her hair. She was slender, with delicate features and a refined and pleasant appearance.
Changning nodded inwardly. This girl from the Li family was well-mannered and her bowing was very proper.
On the other side, the taller and fuller-figured woman was Tu Lichen's wife. She was very beautiful, and even though she was getting older, you could still vaguely see her former stunning beauty in her every move.
The little girl beside her had grown up to be even more beautiful than her.
Although she was only thirteen or fourteen years old, she was already very well-developed and had a captivating figure. What was even more striking was her radiant and beautiful face, which was like a peach blossom in full bloom in spring.
If we're talking about looks alone, Changning thinks that Tulichen's daughter, with just that face, would definitely be a fierce competitor in Kangxi's harem.
No wonder Mother was so hesitant and indecisive, unable to make up her mind. You know, Mother has always been known for being decisive and efficient.
Changning himself was also slightly troubled.
"Please rise, ladies. Chuixue, please take a seat."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
After the four of them sat down, they began to chat.
Lady Li first congratulated the Third Prince and the Second Princess on their birthdays and presented them with gifts. Lady Tulichen followed suit.
Both of them knew why the Empress had summoned them and their daughters to the palace today.
Didn't you see that Lady Fucha was sitting right next to them?
Neither of them dared to relax, as their daughter's future was at stake.
In their view, the Fucha Mansion was indeed a good place, as it held a high position of power and had an upright family tradition.
They had also inquired about Duoxi Hui, and it was said that he had been very capable last year when he was on official business with Lord Changhua, and the Emperor had also praised him highly.
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