Chapter Fifty-Seven

  Bamboo pipes connected together were buried underground, and a pipe of running water was introduced from the backyard to the inner courtyard. A half-person-high waterwheel was set up under the artificial hill, and clear water poured down from the grass and trees on top of the artificial hill, causing the waterwheel to rotate slowly, and then sent the clear water into a large fish tank beside it. Next to the fish tank were several small holes, which were also connected to bamboo pipes, sending water out of the yard.

  Fake hills, lotus leaves, clear water, water wheels, red carp, and clusters of flowers, like a concentrated Shangri-La, pleasing to the eye.

  Quan Pei sat on a stone bench, with her hair half tied up in a bun, wearing a Shu brocade cheongsam of smoky purple color, slightly lowering her head to gaze at the chessboard on the stone table, her pale face showing a faint and lazy expression, yet between her careless moves was a decisive killing intent.

  The opposite Di Huang's eyebrows gradually furrowed: "Ah......this time......" as if there was no way to go.

  The woman in front of him had a smile in her eyebrows and eyes again, more dazzling than the prosperity behind her: "You lost."

  "How come you always win?"

  "If grandpa doesn't let me, I won't be able to win either."

  "Where can I let it go!" Yongzheng seemed to be muttering to himself.

  The eldest prince was made the Prince of Zheng, the third prince was made the Prince of Cheng, and Yongzheng was made the Prince of Yong. The seventh and eighth princes were both made Beile. As the army returned in triumph, rewards were given for their achievements, and almost the entire city of Beijing was filled with joy.

  Ying Zheng's mood wasn't bad either, so he stayed at home and played several rounds with Quan Pei.

  The journey outside the pass has yielded a rich harvest, and I have received several people who can serve as dark guards. I have set up an estate in the suburbs of Beijing called Qingjue, where they are being trained. Although it is not yet possible to use them now, it is already possible for people to see what kind of prospects there will be in the near future.

  The expenses just keep getting bigger and bigger.

  "We still have to do a few businesses, otherwise our hands will always be tight." Yongzheng sipped his clear tea and discussed with Quan Pei.

  "The tavern and martial arts hall can be opened, and there are also people available at hand."

  He nodded slightly and thought for a moment: "Let's try opening a wine shop first."

  Just as they were talking, a young girl came in from outside the courtyard: "Second Brother is coughing."

  Yu Pei lowered her eyes to play with the white jade chess pieces in the chess box, and her fingers stained with pink nail polish were particularly beautiful when placed together with the white chess pieces. Yin Zhen hesitated for a moment before ordering: "Go call the imperial physician to take a look."

  The eunuch took out a sign and went out to invite the imperial physician, but the maid was still hesitating and standing in her original position.

  The wind blew, and the petals on the branches fell, covering Ronghua's body. Yongzheng saw her get up and walk inside, and he didn't know how to react. The maid standing in the original place naturally still wanted to invite Yongzheng to take a look, but since his return, he had only seen Er'ge twice or so.

  Yongzheng's face was somewhat cold as he looked at the maid: "Why haven't you left yet?"

  "Servant......" Although Yongzheng had a cold face, the maid still felt intimidated when she saw him and unconsciously took a step back, quickly lowering her head.

  In the backyard, there were several concubines' rooms. However, Yongzheng couldn't remember to go and take a look now. Quan Pei wouldn't get angry, but Yongzheng thought Quan Pei would get angry, so he became more tense when encountering such things. He glanced at the window and seemed to see Quan Pei's shadow moving, then turned his head and impatiently scolded the maid: "Go down!"

  The girl was startled and hastily retreated backward.

  Yongzheng walked into the house, the transparent glass curtain had been replaced with a pale pink one at some point, adding another layer of fantasy. On the couch was a brocade mat, where Quan Pei sat sideways, head bowed and reading a book. Yongzheng cleared his throat softly: "What are you reading?"

  After a slight pause, Quan Pei said: "Shi Ji."

  Yongzheng then sat down beside Guan Pei, his arm resting on the intricately carved rosewood table: "Although you like to read books, you should also take care of your eyes."

  Wei didn't answer, and seemed a bit at a loss. Then she said: "Why do you always make so many good clothes for those few princesses? I heard that this morning you had someone make more clothes again. With that silver, why don't you buy some things for yourself too..."

  He said, turning his head to look at Quan Pei's expression, but saw that Quan Pei was intently reading a book. He suddenly remembered that Quan Pei disliked being disturbed while reading and was also hard to be distracted by the outside world. He let out a defeated sigh and quietly sat down, waiting for Quan Pei to speak up willingly before he said a few more words, taking a look at whether Quan Pei was angry or not...

  The Second Prince had a bit of a cough, but it was nothing serious. The maid who had gone out came back, but didn't see any sign of Yongzheng. Wu Ruoxi lowered her eyes and tucked the quilt around the Second Prince: "Isn't he willing to come?"

  "The slave had not even spoken when he was driven away by his master."

  Looking at the cold face and heart of King Wang, he seemed to be afraid of Fu Jun in some way. Fu Jun didn't say a word, but could make King Wang change his expression. It's said that outsiders are all afraid of King Wang, but when she sees him raise an eyebrow, her heart skips a beat. How come she was so obediently controlled by Fu Jun? She sighed and fed Er Ge a few more sips of water, thinking that the child wasn't seriously ill and would recover quickly after taking some medicine...

  Having gone through the most difficult part at the beginning, everything has now slowly fallen into place and can operate normally without too much effort. Mr. Qingwu is in charge of literature and martial arts, and as a rigid and strict imperial prince, Yinzhen is respected by most people. He only cares about the front yard and never asks about the back house, but his harem is more peaceful and harmonious than others. In the 37th year, Li gave birth to the third brother, in the 38th year, Song gave birth to the third sister, and Nalan Mingyue gave birth to the fourth brother. Every child is healthy and strong, not worrying about Yinzhen's descendants at all. Much later, Yinzhen thought that this was probably the most comfortable and carefree period of his life...

  "Eldest sister-in-law is gone, eldest brother seems like a different person now, drinking every day..."

  Yin Zhen and Quan Pei sat facing each other, with five-year-old Hong Qian standing beside them using a small clip to pick walnuts for the two.

  "Big sister has also worked hard for that child, and in the end, she still achieved her wish, which is better than the crown princess..."

  The Crown Princess had been quiet since giving birth to a small princess thirty-six years ago, and some people secretly said that the Crown Princess could no longer give birth. Among the imperial consorts, there was also someone who was not very pleasing to the eye, namely the Eighth Imperial Consort, who still had no children to this day. The situation in their household was even more special, as the Eighth Prince had no concubines, so they had no children to this day. Qian Wan thought of that cup of turbid wine again. The Eighth Imperial Consort was also a woman who could hold her own, having no children herself, but not allowing the Eighth Prince to take a concubine, and thus earning a reputation as a jealous wife.

  It's not easy to talk about, Wu Fu Jin also didn't have children.

  Hong Kui finished cracking the walnut, wiped his hands with a handkerchief, and sat down in the chair below Quan Pei. He was born taller than other children, and because he had been riding horses and shooting arrows since childhood, he looked strong and healthy. Looking at him, he seemed to be six or seven years old, with a face similar to Yongzheng's, still with a childish air, and when adults spoke, he would listen quietly with his bright black eyes open.

  "Wait until we return from the southern tour with His Majesty, then let Hong Kui live in a separate courtyard..."

  As soon as he heard his own name mentioned, Hong Kui looked at Yongzheng.

  Yongzheng nodded: "This matter is up to you." And then he said to Hongkun: "This time on the southern tour, both you and your mother will follow Empress Dowager together."

  Hong Qian asked seriously: "Isn't there anyone else? Won't big sister and the younger brothers and sisters go?"

  "Your younger brothers are too small, and girls from good families are too delicate to go out, so I only brought you."

  Hong Qian's face revealed a faint smile: "Thank you, Ama!" He couldn't help but show his excitement, it was clear that he was still very much looking forward to going out.

  Lian Quan's face also showed a smile, and the mother and son looked at each other, surprisingly similar. The clock struck ten, and Hong Qian stood up: "It's time for my son to go study."

  He said goodbye and walked out with a steady pace.

  "Hong Qian is not old, but he does things with self-discipline, looking like a young man! " Hong Qian left, and then Yongzheng sighed to Quan Pei. Quan Pei stuffed the walnut that Hong Qian had secretly prepared into Yongzheng's mouth: "After all, it was this walnut that worked."

  Yu Yan opened his mouth and almost swallowed Quan Pei's fingers, making Quan Pei curve up the corners of her eyes, revealing a hint of white teeth, looking exceptionally fresh and beautiful.

  Good morning, in Guan's house, there are seven children of all sizes, but they are all well-behaved and not a bit messy. Occasionally, there are a few childish words, but it only makes the atmosphere lively and cheerful. Er Gege smiled, showing her dimples, pointing at San A'ge and talking to Guan: "......Yesterday, he wanted to eat my pastry, but didn't dare tell me, secretly took a bite, got caught by me, but still wouldn't admit it, with cake crumbs on his mouth, thinking I couldn't see?"

  Third Brother looked wronged, but didn't dare to cry and make a fuss like he would in his own room. He secretly glanced at the first wife, who seemed not to notice anything amiss, then sniffled: "You only ate one bite......"

  Even Da Ge, who had been quietly sitting on the side, couldn't help but curl up his lips and smile.

  Ruan Yu smiled and instructed: "Pack some of our pastries in a box for Third Brother, don't let the child go without."

  Everyone burst out laughing, and Mrs. Li pulled the third brother into her arms, stroking her daughter's back with affection that was evident on her face.

  Since there was a surplus of money on this month's account, Quan Pei ordered it to be brought over and made into clothes for the children: "Soon, have someone send over new fabric for you all, and have several sets of new clothes made for the children. Also, have some decent jewelry made for Da Gege and Er Gege."

  No matter whether Emperor Yongzheng often visited their house, everyone had children of their own. The imperial noble consorts managed the backyard, and daily attire was extremely luxurious. No one was mistreated, nor did they dare to use their power arbitrarily. Life was so comfortable that it made people lazy, even the relationships between several children were exceptionally harmonious.

  After dinner, Da Gege and Er Gege were taken by Li to learn needlework, Hongqian and Er A'ge went to the study room for school, Songshi and Nalan Mingyue as well as two young children needed care, everyone had their own things to do, everywhere was harmonious.

  There was also a large basket of tribute oranges sent by the Empress Dowager Cixi, which were sour and sweet and very tasty. There were also toys for Western children, which were distributed to Jinxiu Garden and Ruiyuan, making several children happy again.

  It's just like the calm before a storm, everyone thought that such days might have to be spent until old age, occasionally feeling annoyed, but looking back and thinking, such days are so precious, this kind of day without pain or hatred is hard to come by...

  "Is Fuheng bullying Fu Jin again?"

  Ying heard the faint question and clearly replied, "Yes, Fuheng went to Tianxiang Pavilion and met with Fuerdun. Fuheng ordered someone to beat Fuerdun, and then told the people from the City Garrison Command that there was an ignorant scoundrel, so they closed their eyes and arrested him, waiting for Fuheng to leave before releasing him..."

  Wei Yingxue was indeed beaten by Fu Heng every time they met, but Yin Zhen's eyes were cold: "This Fu Heng really doesn't know the height of heaven and earth, and he still wants to marry Fuheng's cousin? He should be crippled before speaking!"

  The Dark Guard has started working and has done a few things, either official or private matters.

  "Understood!" replied Qing Jue loudly.

  Pure King's son, Fu Jin Dong E Shi, seeing that her son's injury had not yet healed, couldn't help but get angry again: "This Fourth Fu Jin is too heavy-handed, I don't believe she doesn't recognize you, it's all just an excuse!"

  The four consorts naturally recognized him, but Fuheng found it hard to speak out. Otherwise, he would have dragged out the past again. He was annoyed and wanted to wave his hand for Dong E to leave, but this movement pulled on the wound on his hand, causing him to take a deep breath in pain. As a result, he shouted even louder at Dong E: "What can be done now! This is going to be the death of me!"

  Fuheng's eyes closed in annoyance, but the shallow and lazy face still floated before his eyes, making him even more annoyed. "Enough!" he shouted loudly.

  Dong E jumped in fright, and her tears also choked back.

  The author has something to say: This chapter is a bit excessive, it took a long time to write, and after much deliberation, I still decided to write it this way, hoping everyone can still accept it.