The reply letter from Emperor Jianlong to King Yan arrived at the end of February. Its timing was particularly auspicious, given that the fifth day of March marked the wedding day between Wei Shan and Yang Pengju. Had King Yan remained in the earlier somber mood, it could have cast a shadow over the joyous occasion.
Fortunately, having read the letter, King Yan regained his former spirit. He took the initiative to call Princess Xu and Concubine Li, inquiring about the progress of the wedding preparations.
The positive news, along with Emperor Jianlong’s touching poem, was shared by Princess Xu and Concubine Li with the entire palace, including the court. Yin Hui joyfully hugged Xiao Heng, showering her son’s little cheek with kisses.
She was well aware that during the banquet, her father-in-law had intended to exact revenge on Xiao Heng. It was Xiao Heng’s fortunate recitation of a slightly twisted poem about missing his hometown that allowed her father-in-law to reveal his true feelings. This clever move aimed to convey his yearning to the old emperor in the capital, thereby easing any suspicions he might have held regarding resentment toward his father.
The old emperor responded once more, and her father-in-law no longer felt as wronged. Despite the ongoing covert preparations made by her father-in-law and the city government, the lack of suspicion from the capital would undoubtedly make the proceedings smoother.
In the matter of seizing the throne, Yin Hui wholeheartedly supported her father-in-law. It was crucial for him to retain the power of the family. If he were to face arrest like the other two, even if the court convicted him of a crime, stripped him of his noble status, and exiled them to a remote location, their family would undoubtedly suffer.
“Mother, I want to go out to play,” Xiao Heng, seeing his mother’s joyful expression, made a small request.
He hadn’t played in the garden for a long time. Every time he requested it, his mother would mention the cold weather, but Xiao Heng wasn’t bothered by the chill.
“Then let’s go; Mother will accompany you,” Yin Hui replied with a smile.
Hearing that, Xiao Heng jumped up and down with joy.
Behind the east and west harem lay a garden, connecting to the Palace Master’s garden near Qinzheng Hall. While there were only two big gates, Yin Hui and the other daughters-in-law rarely crossed the east side due to the unsuitability of the gate, as it might lead to an encounter with their father-in-law. On the contrary, the wives and concubines of the west side enjoyed more freedom. Even Concubine Li frequently visited the main garden to meet with King Yan.
The weather was splendid, with warm sunshine and a gentle breeze carrying a hint of plum fragrance.
Xu Qingwan, occupied with assisting Princess Xu in organizing the wedding, allowed Ji Xianxian, along with Si Lang and Sister Zhuang, to enjoy the garden. Er Lang, on the other hand, went to study.
Observing Yin Hui, Ji Xianxian immediately approached. The children went off to play while the sister-in-laws sat and chatted beneath the sun.
Ji Xianxian patted her chest with a handkerchief and whispered to Yin Hui, “This month has been suffocating for me, and I dare not go anywhere. Especially after Si Lang was scolded by Father.”
Knowing that hiding wouldn’t be effective when the father-in-law was in a bad mood – he would call both the men and the children, scolding the former and discouraging the latter – Ji Xianxian shared her concerns.
“Has the Third Master ever been scolded?” She asked curiously.
Yin Hui smiled and replied, “I haven’t heard him mention it, but he spends three out of five days in the guard.”
Her eyes conveyed the unspoken message.
Ji Xianxian patted her arm enviously. “It’s better for him; he can hide. Not like the Second Master, who was scolded so much he could hardly straighten his back.”
Yin Hui sighed, offering consolation. “Well, it’s over, and it will get better with time.”
Ji Xianxian curled her lips. There wasn’t much she could do; she felt aggrieved for her father-in-law, seeing his position snatched away by his nephew.
But that was a taboo in the entire Yan Palace and even Pingcheng. Ji Xianxian didn’t dare to mention it. While discussing other matters, she and Yin Hui watched the children together.
Sister Zhuang celebrated her first birthday in September of the previous year, making her one and a half years old. The little girl displayed high speed, capable of running and jumping. She had a small mouth that inherited Ji Xianxian’s eloquence, articulating everything and even directing Si Lang and Xiao Heng.
Si Lang obediently followed Sister Zhuang, but Xiao Heng was different. He preferred running around with his brothers and didn’t share Sister Zhuang’s enthusiasm for admiring plum blossoms.
Thus, Sister Zhuang seized Si Lang’s hand, and Xiao Heng also took his hand, resulting in a playful squabble between the two siblings across Si Lang.
Sister Zhuang declared, “Si Lang is my brother!”
Xiao Heng retorted, “He is also my brother.”
Sister Zhuang asserted, “We are a family; you are not.”
Xiao Heng pursed his mouth. He understood that Si Lang, Er Lang, and Sister Zhuang lived in the same courtyard, while Da Lang, San Lang, Sister Mei, and Liu Lang lived in another. He was the only one in the family.
Releasing Si Lang’s hand, Xiao Heng went to find his mother in distress.
Yin Hui felt compassion for the little guy, while Ji Xianxian gloated beside her. “See, I’ve advised you to have another child quickly. Even if it’s a child of lower status, they will still be companions for each other.”
Yin Hui gently patted Xiao Heng’s head but did not agree with Ji Xianxian’s words.
Regardless of whether they were born to a wife or a concubine, young children were the same—lively and adorable. However, adults used their attitudes to quickly make the children understand the distinction between those born to a wife and those born to a concubine. Taking Ji Xianxian’s family as an example, Er Lang treated Si Lang quite harshly. Sister Zhuang was alright for now, but as she grew older, she might follow in Er Lang’s footsteps, using Si Lang as a pawn in her own games.
If Wei Luo were to have a child with a concubine, Yin Hui wouldn’t treat the child harshly. However, the servants would likely treat the child differently, and the concubine might teach the child to be patient or to stand up for themselves.
Fortunately, Yin Hui knew that Wei Luo wouldn’t have a concubine-born child in the next few years. By the time Wen Ruyue entered the picture, Xiao Heng would have already grown up, and he wouldn’t need companions as much as he did back then.
“Stay here and enjoy the flowers. I’ll take Wu Lang to see the fish,” Yin Hui said, then left.
She led Xiao Heng to the lotus pond. The pool’s water was connected to the moat outside, and with the arrival of warm weather, the ice that had persisted through winter had melted away. The water was now clear, and a few red carps swam gracefully.
“Mother, I also want an older brother who lives in our house,” Xiao Heng expressed his wish as he gazed at the fish.