Spring in the Hall of Paintings

Rongxuan moved to another residence; the two estates were very close, separated by only one street. The Duke’s residence occupied most of the street according to its noble rank, and it was a mansion bestowed by Emperor Kangxi himself, grand and magnificent. Rongxuan, inheriting the family tradition of honor, maintained a dignified and austere style, lacking in extravagance. Fucha had already discussed with the old lady the matter of seeking the emperor’s decree for marriage, and it wasn’t until today that others fully understood Fucha’s arrangement for Yun Wei. The eldest wife, Lady Jueluo, the third wife, Lady Guo Luoluo, and the aunt were all surprised. They waited with Fucha for the old lady, who was also attending the selection of young ladies from the palace that day. Lady Guo Luoluo had heard from Yun Lan that she would marry the Fourth Prince, and the selection was ever-changing. Lady Guo Luoluo was deeply concerned about Yun Lan, worried that any trouble caused by Yun Lan might bring trouble to the entire Tong family.

The aunt was also very nervous. Jing Yi was her cherished child, and she had always had high expectations for her. Sometimes, in her spare time, Rongxian would wonder if she had participated in the selection, rather than insisting on marrying her late husband. Regardless of her husband’s title, at least she wouldn’t have to depend on her family to live. The old lady had once predicted that Rongxian would regret it. After repeatedly confirming Rongxian’s resolve, the old lady finally had no choice but to enter the palace and seek an exemption from the selection.

“Second sister-in-law, are you really planning to marry the sixth girl to the Fucha family?” Rongxian twisted her handkerchief. “Don’t you want to reconsider? Actually, with second brother’s title and the emperor’s favor, Yun Wei might be a little low for the Fucha family. As her aunt, I advise you not to delay Wei girl because of past affections.”

“You’ve made yourself clear. I never expected Yun Wei to marry high. Safety and peace are blessings. Yun Wei has been pampered by me, and if she marries into the Fucha family, with her mother-in-law and sisters-in-law to take care of her, I can rest assured. A family that values propriety and education, like the Fucha family, is much better than some unfamiliar, high-ranking households. I just want Yun Wei to have a stable and prosperous life.”

“As long as you won’t regret it, second sister-in-law,” Rongxian said. There was no point in saying more, especially since if Yun Wei married low, and Yun Lan had set her sights on the Fourth Prince, Jing Yi might have a chance. So Rongxian didn’t bring up the topic again. The main house had no noble daughters in the selection, and the eldest wife, Lady Jueluo, was at ease, but she kept thinking about Yun Wei and Yun Lan. Understanding, she patted Fucha’s arm and whispered, “Second sister-in-law, rest assured, mother-in-law has connections in the palace. If everything goes well, she will surely fulfill your wishes.”

Fucha smiled gratefully at the eldest wife. “Thank you for your kind words, eldest sister…”

“Madam, madam, great news, great news!”

The steward of the Tong family and the steward of the Duke’s residence rushed in, their faces filled with joy. They knelt down and said, “Congratulations, second madam, congratulations!”

Fucha’s heart sank, realizing something had changed. She calmly asked, “What’s the good news?”

“The emperor has betrothed the sixth young lady to the Eighth Prince. The sixth young lady will be the legitimate wife of a prince, the imperial son of the emperor.”

Fucha closed her eyes for a moment, ignoring the envy and jealousy from Guo Luoluo and Rongxian. Her daughter was matched to a prince? Fucha forced a smile. “It’s good news, truly great news.”

Nothing could compare to the emperor’s decree. Though Fucha had been prepared, the fact that Yun Wei was marrying the emperor’s beloved Eighth Prince made her unable to feel happy. It wasn’t that she thought Yun Wei was unworthy of the Eighth Prince; in her eyes, her daughter was the best. But the royal family was full of complexities. Even though Yun Wei was intelligent, could she handle it? Every three years there was a selection, and every year there were small selections, all for the princes and their descendants. Fucha had pampered Yun Wei, but now she would marry a prince who would have many wives and concubines. Fucha was heartbroken. The status of a prince’s legitimate wife was stable and honorable, but the one thing one couldn’t endure was jealousy. Furthermore, the wife had to go to the palace to seek a decree to select more young ladies for the prince. This was like adding salt to a woman’s wound.

The reason Fucha chose the Fucha family was that they were familiar and trustworthy. They liked Yun Wei, and Yun Wei could handle the situation. Additionally, considering the background of the Duke’s residence, they wouldn’t mistreat Yun Wei. They wouldn’t openly take concubines or keep mistresses. But now that Yun Wei was marrying the Eighth Prince, the most prestigious family in the world was the royal family. No matter how distinguished the Tong family was, they were still just servants. “What about Yun Lan? Has she been betrothed yet?” Guo Luoluo asked anxiously. Rongxian was equally anxious and, though Guo Luoluo spoke first, her voice was louder: “What about Jing Yi? Let’s hear about Jing Yi first.”

“Congratulations, third madam. The emperor has betrothed the fourth young lady to the Fourth Prince as a side concubine. As for the cousin, I have not heard any news yet, and the emperor has not issued a decree for her betrothal.”

Rongxian’s body went limp, almost unable to hold herself up, muttering to herself, “How could this be? How could this happen?”

At this moment, Guo Luoluo finally calmed down. Yun Lan had married the Fourth Prince as she had wished, and surely there would be no more mistakes. The household would be stable again. Although Guo Luoluo didn’t fully understand why Yun Lan wasn’t made the principal consort, she felt that the emperor personally arranging the side concubine was still an honor. Being on the imperial family’s ancestral tablet was a great privilege. Thinking about Yun Lan’s future, Guo Luoluo became much more confident and assured.

Both of the Tong family’s selected young ladies were betrothed to princes, which was a great favor from Emperor Kangxi. The eldest wife instructed the servants to handle the arrangements, ensuring everything was done with great ceremony to celebrate the occasion. Fucha forced herself to stay composed, instructing the steward of the Duke’s residence to make arrangements. At this time, there could not be even the slightest hint of displeasure. If anyone were to report any disrespect toward the emperor’s grace, it would harm Yun Wei’s future and Rongxuan’s career.

No matter how unwilling she felt inside, Fucha smiled warmly. She had the servants prepare lanterns and rewarded the household servants and maids. After the betrothal was announced, there would surely be visitors to offer congratulations, and Fucha ordered the servants to receive and arrange everything, carefully instructing them not to lose the proper etiquette.

“Grandmother, the sixth young lady and the fourth young lady have returned to the residence.” The servant happily shouted, and the three madams and Rongxian went out to greet them. The older women stepped forward to assist the old lady down, followed by Yun Lan and Yun Wei stepping out of the carriage.

The young servants and maids gathered in the yard, kneeling and bowing respectfully, saying, “Congratulations to the sixth young lady, congratulations to the sixth young lady!”

The sound of congratulations filled the air. Yun Wei smiled faintly, first glancing at her concerned mother, Fucha, with a wider smile. She subtly shook her head, signaling that she was fine and not to worry. Then, Yun Wei took the initiative to support the old lady, softly saying, “Grandmother, it’s good news.”

“Good child,” the old lady patted Yun Wei’s hand and began walking toward the house. Yun Lan stepped back, and as the congratulatory voices and joyous atmosphere filled the air, she couldn’t help but feel a pang of envy. But then, thinking about her own future, Yun Lan smiled knowingly. If being a prince’s legitimate wife was like this, what would it be like if she were an imperial concubine, a noble concubine, or even the Empress? Having spent two months in the palace during the selection process, Yun Lan had been invited to tea with the Imperial Concubines and enjoyed their elegant surroundings and luxurious lifestyle. Everything seemed to dazzle her, and like every woman, Yun Lan had her princess dreams. Especially when facing Emperor Yongzheng, the ruler who made her heart ache. She now realized that her current path wasn’t wrong—suffering first and then enjoying the supreme glory.

Having transmigrated to the Qing Dynasty, Yun Lan had only two goals in mind: one, to become the most beloved woman of Emperor Yongzheng and accompany him for life; and two, only by standing in the most esteemed position would Yun Lan no longer bow her head to anyone. Life in the Qing Dynasty was very oppressive, with strict social hierarchies. As a modern woman who had traveled back in time, Yun Lan found it difficult to adapt. Status determined everything, and she understood this better than anyone else. Yun Lan smiled faintly and supported the old lady’s other arm, gently saying, “Grandmother, be careful.”

The old lady glanced at her two granddaughters and smiled, “You two are both good children.”

Although the old lady hoped the Tong family would remain grounded and not cling to power, she was still an ordinary person. With her two granddaughters married to princes, the immense wealth and honor would naturally make her happy. However, she couldn’t help but feel some concern for Yun Wei. The old lady was somewhat comforted by the belief that Fucha had raised Yun Wei well. With Fucha’s guidance and the old lady’s past advice, even if Yun Wei married the Eighth Prince, she would still be happy. The old lady was sure of this; she could never bear to see her precious granddaughter suffer.

Surrounded by her granddaughters and daughter-in-law, the Tong family looked radiant, full of wealth and prosperity. Yun Wei’s cheeks turned slightly red. In front of her family, she didn’t appear as calm as before. A shy blush crept onto her face, and she lowered her head a little, looking like a modest, waiting bride, sitting obediently beside the old lady. If the daughters-in-law weren’t around, the old lady would certainly have hugged Yun Wei tightly, cherishing her. Seeing her granddaughter so shy and demure made the old lady’s heart melt with love.

Sitting beside her, the eldest wife, Lady Jueluo, teasingly made a couple of light-hearted remarks to Yun Wei. Yun Wei’s little face turned even redder, her eyes slightly misted, and she shyly called out, “Aunt.”

“Alright, alright, no more teasing our Yun Wei.” The old lady couldn’t help but hug Yun Wei, feeling that every hug would be one less in the future. After all, Yun Wei would soon be the Eighth Prince’s legitimate wife, and even the old lady would have to bow to her in respect. The Eighth Prince was in charge of the Plain Blue Banner, and the Tong family had always been of the Plain Blue Banner, so Yun Wei would be their mistress.

“Who would dare to tease the Eighth Consort? We would be eager to please her instead.”

Jing Yi, standing beside Rongxian, could barely contain her feelings. Seeing Yun Wei surrounded by everyone, imagining Yun Wei marrying the Eighth Prince, Jing Yi’s heart ached as if it were being torn apart. Why could she have such an opportunity? Why not her? Was it just because she wasn’t the daughter of Tong Rongxuan?

Yun Lan was about to speak up to defuse the situation when Yun Wei smiled faintly and, handing the teacup from the kang table to the old lady, said softly, “Grandmother, please have some tea.”

Yun Wei cast a brief glance at Jing Yi and said lightly, “Now, I am Tong Jia Yun Wei, and not yet the Eighth Consort. The elders’s care for Yun Wei is something I will always cherish. When I marry, I will still be a married daughter of the Tong family, and blood relations and affection between close family members are not bound by rank or respect. Even if I must observe propriety in front of others, there are no outsiders here, and no such thing as flattery among family. Besides, as Grandmother taught, the Tong family stands firm because of military merit. No matter how noble I become, Aunt and Third Aunt will not flatter the powerful. Jing Yi, you should choose your words more carefully.”

“Jing Yi, do not speak recklessly.”

Rongxian was the first to react. Yun Wei’s few words not only asserted her identity but also expressed the deep familial affection that ran through her veins. She was neither arrogant nor dismissive of others because she was marrying a prince. Most importantly, she had subtly acknowledged the old lady’s teachings, as well as the integrity of the first and third branches of the family. They were honorable people who would never flatter the powerful. It was Jing Yi, however, who had spoken words of flattery, damaging the old lady’s dignity. Rongxian stared at Yun Wei, who was peeling fruit. She had always been quiet and calm, but now—when had she become so sharp with her words?

It wasn’t just Rongxian who was surprised; Guo Luoluo was equally taken aback. Only Lady Jueluo seemed to understand, smiling, “Sixth young lady, you really know how to speak. Now I don’t know whether to love you or to scold you.”

Yun Wei placed the pine nuts on a clean handkerchief and pushed it toward the old lady, saying, “Grandmother, please have some.” She then smiled sweetly at Lady Jueluo, saying, “Aunt, you’re too kind. You’ve always cherished Yun Wei.”

The old lady picked up a white pine nut and put it in her mouth, secretly lamenting that it wouldn’t be the same to have Yun Wei peel them for her in the future. Yun Wei seemed to sense this and gently reached her soft hand across the kang table, placing it on the old lady’s hand. She stroked it twice, as if comforting her, and whispered, “Yaya, even though I will be the Eighth Consort, I am still your granddaughter. You mustn’t stop loving me.”

Yun Lan appeared deep in thought. She had been so focused on how to capture the heart of Emperor Yongzheng that she had overlooked many other things.