No matter how chaotic things were outside, Yinzhen was focused on researching and introducing the technology of winter vegetable cultivation using heated brick beds, and it had already yielded significant results.
Looking at the large patch of lush green vegetables in front of him, he was very happy. This technique is simple, time-saving, labor-saving, and has low material costs, making it very suitable for promotion.
He planned to write down the detailed operating procedures and provisions in the next few days and then hand them over to his father, the Emperor.
He could also send another batch of these vegetables to the palace to show his filial piety.
The weather was bitterly cold in winter, and the roads were difficult to travel. The palace was also in a state of high alert. The Imperial Study was simply shut down. The Emperor issued an edict that all the young princes should return to their residences to study and would no longer need to come to the palace.
Upon receiving this news, everyone in the various residences breathed a sigh of relief. Even if the Emperor were utterly ruthless, he wouldn't take his anger out on his own grandson; but what family member wouldn't love their son? What if he were frightened?
Besides, since the child started studying in the palace, he has rarely spent time with his family in recent years.
Those who could enter the palace to study were all the eldest sons or legitimate sons of their families, and were highly valued.
Studying in the palace was an honor, and returning home also provided access to the best education.
The person most delighted by this news was Hongzhao.
He jumped for joy. Both of his older brothers had entered the palace, and he was the only one who could study. Although he had four children, he was lonely without his brothers.
The three younger brothers below are still quite young!
Even Hongmin and Hongchen won't be able to start their studies until next autumn.
So, he grinned and specifically sought out Yinzhen, wanting to go to the palace with him to fetch his brother.
Meanwhile, Honghui and Hongyan were also saying goodbye to their cousins in the Imperial Study.
The eldest, Hongxi, acted like a big brother, patting each of his younger brothers on the shoulder.
"Don't worry, it's not like we'll never see each other again. It's not easy for me to leave the palace. If you miss me, come to the East Palace to find me, and we can play wrestling games and cricket fighting together."
No one asked him why he couldn't leave the palace, not even Hongqing.
Having studied in the palace for two years, they were already considered palace children. They knew the palace rules and learned how to behave like the people in the palace. This was a forced development of their mannerisms.
The boys, being at the center of power, naturally knew the current situation in the palace and were somewhat aware of the Crown Prince's predicament. They felt some sympathy for him, but dared not say much.
Hongyu was depressed after losing his mother and had been unhappy for some time. His older sister got married and there was no possibility of seeing her again. His mother had also passed away.
Now that he can return to the mansion and stay with his remaining three sisters and father, he couldn't be happier.
Although he and Hongxi had a lot of unpleasant experiences in the Imperial Study, they were both in bad situations now, so they felt a sense of sympathy for each other.
"Hongxi, don't worry, I haven't picked up the copy of 'Fan Chuan's Anthology' that I borrowed from you yet. I'll come and get it after I've finished reading it."
Hongxi laughed and nudged Hongyu: "You little rascal, didn't you promise to give it to me?"
Hongyu feigned exaggeration: "What?! I never said that! This is my beloved book! My beloved book!"
Seeing his antics, everyone laughed, and the previously somber atmosphere was finally somewhat masked.
After all, we've been classmates for several years and have a good relationship.
Even Hongqing awkwardly told Hongyan, "When we get back and run into that kid Hongzhao, tell him that I've improved a lot recently and I definitely won't lose to him in the next match!"
Hong Yan nodded sincerely: "Don't worry, I will definitely tell him. Maybe Hong Zhao will come to your Third Uncle's residence to find you tomorrow."
Everyone burst into laughter, and Hongchun was the most impolite: "Forget it! Hongqing, with your pathetic skills, you can't even beat me. Don't let Hongzhao slap you again, or you'll lose face."
Hong Qing grinned and waved his fist: "You brat, you're not convinced? If you're so tough, let's have a match!"
"Tch, let's compete then! Who's afraid of who?!"
Seeing that the two were about to start fighting on the spot, Hongxi quickly stopped them: "Alright, alright, it's almost the end of the year, and everyone will definitely meet again at the palace banquet. You can compete then. It's not good to start a fight now, or it will be all over if Grandfather comes."
Upon hearing the Emperor's name, everyone quieted down, bid farewell hastily, and left.
Honghui and Hongyan went to Yonghe Palace, where Consort De had already sent people to pack their luggage and wait for them.
When the two of them arrived, they found that their father and Hongzhao had also come. Hongzhao was nestled next to Consort De, happily eating snacks, and the two of them were chatting happily.
"elder brother!"
Hongzhao was the first to see Hongyan, and immediately jumped up and called out in a clear voice.
Seeing his brother's behavior, Hongyan was afraid he would break the rules, so he quickly pulled him back. But Consort De just smiled and said, "It's alright, it's alright, you brothers have a good relationship."
Honghui, who was standing to the side, also stepped forward: "Fourth brother."
"Big brother!" Hongzhao called out to him crisply, "Big brother, you seem to have lost weight. Are you not used to the food here?"
"Hongzhao! Don't talk nonsense." Hongyan hurriedly pulled Hongzhao back. Even if he didn't like the food, he shouldn't say it. Wasn't that implying that Consort De hadn't taken good care of him? It would make things difficult for his elder brother.
Honghui didn't blame him, and touched his little face: "No, it's just that it's almost the end of the year, and there's too much homework."
Hongzhao immediately made a face, his little face scrunched up like a bun: "Me too! Father gave me so much homework."
But he immediately beamed again: "It's alright now, my brothers have all come back to study with me."
Consort De, who was always composed, burst into laughter: "Hongzhao, you little rascal!"
Yinzhen also put on a stern face. Hongzhao, afraid of angering his father, stuck out his tongue and dared not speak.
Yinzhen had no choice but to apologize to Consort De: "Mother, Hongzhao is young and has been spoiled by his son in the mansion. Please don't take offense."
"What's wrong with that?" Consort De glared at him playfully. "This is my own grandson. How could I possibly be angry with him?"
Then, she added pointedly, "I think you two are being a bit too cautious."
Her two sons were so different – one was too cautious and the other too reckless – she didn't know what to say. Couldn't they have found a balance?
However, these were indeed turbulent times, so Consort De did not keep them any longer. She waved her hand and sent them back to their residence.
On the way, Hongzhao kept chattering away.
“The mung beans have gone into hibernation again. Mother brought over two little rabbits the other day and kept them in the yard. Tuantuan and Yuanyuan always bite the rabbit cage to scare them. My sisters and I were discussing building a small house out of wooden planks and covering it with flowers and grass. But now the weather is getting colder and colder, so we can't keep them outside anymore. We can only wait until next spring to build it.”
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com