Spring in the Hall of Paintings

Yun Wei noticed that the old lady Jue Luo seemed a little tired, so she decided to take her leave. The old lady was reluctant to part with Yun Wei, knowing that once she was betrothed and married, everything would be different. However, she understood that Fucha needed to talk to Yun Wei about many things. Moreover, being of an older age, the events of the day had been both exciting and overwhelming, leaving her feeling mentally drained. She had originally planned to rest early, but seeing all three daughters-in-law present, she straightened her posture and said solemnly, “I’ve mentioned before that whenever a granddaughter gets married, I will give them a sum of silver. Yun Wei’s betrothal to the Eighth Prince is a great joy for the Tong family, a blessing from the emperor. But marrying a prince or a prince’s son means Yun Wei’s dowry cannot be too little. We must not let others look down on the Tong family. We too have generations of merit, a rich family history. I’m already half in the grave, what use is it for me to keep antique paintings and calligraphy, silk, and other furnishings? It’s better to give them to Yun Wei to ensure the Tong family maintains its dignity. I want Yun Wei to stand firm as a royal consort among the other princes’ wives. Our Manchu families take great care in the marriages of our daughters, from head to toe, nothing can be lacking. During the wedding, we will open the dowry boxes and display the bridal jewels. I can’t let Yun Wei lose face.”

Lady Jue Luo had never expected the old lady’s personal savings to be used, nor did she care much for jewelry or gems. The girls from the main branch had already married off, and Yun Wei’s high marriage to a prince was a source of immense pride for the entire Tong family. Lady Jue Luo understood this very clearly. Moreover, she knew that while the old lady doted on Yun Wei, she would not show too much favoritism. The old lady would also leave a fair share for the eldest son’s family. Rongxuan from the second branch had not only the highest rank and position but also deep imperial favor, and in the future, Old Master Rongda would still rely on Rongxuan’s support. Lady Jue Luo had already decided to give Yun Wei a substantial dowry, and the old lady’s decision aligned perfectly with her thoughts. She smiled and said, “Mother is right. Among the daughters of the third branch, Yun Wei is the one marrying the highest. If Mother dotes on her a little more, it is only natural. This concerns the entire Tong family. We all love Yun Wei, so why would we care if you give her your treasured possessions? Third sister-in-law, you feel the same, don’t you?”

Guo Luoluo’s face stiffened. She knew a thing or two about the old lady’s wealth. The Duke’s estate, which had gained immense wealth after entering the capital, was one of the richest. The old lady was the most favored princess of the Duke’s family, and when she married, her dowry was a ten-mile-long procession of bridal gifts, including countless jewels, antiques, and paintings. Just looking at the estates the old lady casually gifted to Yun Xin and others when they married showed how rich the old lady’s private savings still were. The old lady didn’t care much for adornments, but every piece of jewelry she wore was of the finest quality.

Even though Guo Luoluo was unwilling, she could only smile and say, “Eldest sister-in-law is right. Yun Wei and Yun Lan are both marrying princes, which is the greatest honor for the Tong family. We cannot treat them poorly.”

The old lady’s mind was sharp as ever. She glanced at Guo Luoluo, and just as she was about to speak, Yun Lan interjected, holding onto Guo Luoluo and saying, “Grandmother, perhaps we should give more to Sixth Sister. She will be the Eighth Prince’s legitimate wife, and her position requires dignity. Royal weddings are often heavily scrutinized, and it would be unbecoming for her not to have an impressive dowry. This would also reflect your love for Sixth Sister. As for me…”

Yun Lan let out a faint bitter smile for the first time, softly continuing, “I’m only a side concubine.”

Yun Wei opened her mouth, unsure how to comfort Yun Lan. Fucha smiled slightly, replying respectfully, “Mother, I know you love Yun Wei. She is the Tong family’s granddaughter, so it is only right that she receives the same treatment as the others. Since the moment she was born, I have been preparing her dowry. As the daughter of the Eight Banners, she is highly esteemed. All her dowry has been collected piece by piece. Yun Wei is my only daughter, and I will not treat her poorly.”

“You certainly won’t treat Yun Wei poorly. I won’t treat my granddaughter poorly either. This is settled. Can I take my treasures with me when I’m gone?” The old lady said this with rare determination. She glanced over her three daughters-in-law, taking note of their expressions. She then continued, “Third daughter-in-law, don’t be upset with me for favoring Yun Wei. As Yun Lan said, she is a side concubine, and everything must follow protocol. It would not be appropriate to outshine the Fourth Prince’s first wife. Giving her more would not show love for Yun Lan, but would rather harm her. What Yun Lan needs now is not a large dowry but proper manners. Rongzhi’s wife, since you have ties with the imperial concubine Yi, perhaps you could ask the palace for a nanny to guide Yun Lan. With Yun Lan’s intelligence, she won’t be easily overshadowed by the first consort. The Fourth Consort is known for her virtue and kindness, and if Yun Lan is respectful, it will only benefit her. Once the matter of the betrothal is settled, the Fourth Prince will always have affection for Yun Lan.”

The old lady’s words were all reasonable, and Yun Lan kept them in her heart. It was only today that Yun Lan realized how not simple women in ancient times were. Perhaps she was a little behind in understanding Yunzhen and matters of romance, but the accumulated experience from many years of battles was far beyond what she could compare to. Yun Lan knelt and said, “Thank you for your teachings, Grandmother.”

The old lady showed a trace of surprise in her eyes and sighed, “Lan girl, you’re becoming more sensible. One gains wisdom from experience. I don’t have much to teach you. In the future, when you’re at the Fourth Prince’s residence, it will still depend on you. Lan, let me say one more thing: You must grasp the Fourth Prince well. A prince raised in the palace will dote on you, but when it comes to the rules set by our ancestors, the princes won’t easily break them.”

Yun Lan nodded thoughtfully. The old lady then gave a few instructions to Guo Luoluo, telling her not to give Yun Lan an overly extravagant dowry to maintain her dignity, as this could harm Yun Lan. She also emphasized that the materials for Yun Lan’s dowry must be carefully chosen, ensuring everything was proper and well-matched, without any careless or thoughtless decisions. The old lady gave thorough instructions on everything she could think of. As for Fucha, the old lady was relatively at ease with her, and since Yun Wei was the legitimate consort, she would never suffer. Fucha would make sure Yun Wei’s arrangements were even more meticulous than the old lady might expect, as Fucha truly cherished Yun Wei.

After giving her instructions, the old lady took a breath and had the treasury opened to send Yun Wei her jewelry and furnishings. She also made sure not to neglect Yun Lan, ensuring that some items would also be given to her. After thinking for a while, the old lady finally said to Yun Wei, “Let Nanny Yang accompany you when you go to the Eighth Prince’s residence. She will guide you, and I can rest easy knowing that she is there.”

Yun Wei paused for a moment before understanding, and with a sweet smile, she replied, “Grandmother, are you willing to part with her?”

“I can’t help it, I just love this mischievous girl of mine,” the old lady said, tapping Yun Wei’s forehead lightly, as if half-jokingly, “Don’t be too formal. Nanny Yang knows what to do. It’s better to be sincere. There’s nothing for you to hide, just be open about it.”

“Mm, Yun Wei understands,” Yun Wei responded.

The old lady pinched Yun Wei’s soft cheek, her skin like smooth jade. “Wei girl, I look forward to seeing your beautiful wedding. I’ve given you everything I can. Remember to live well with the Eighth Prince. Learn from your mother. Life is something you build, not just dream of.”

Yun Wei nodded obediently and helped Fucha back to the Marquis’s residence. Only then did the others disperse. Yun Lan, reflecting on the old lady’s words, pondered deeply. Guo Luoluo looked at the boxes of treasures being carried out, feeling a sense of envy as she fiddled with her handkerchief. Only today did she truly understand how much the old lady adored Yun Wei. The old lady had given away her precious hidden treasures so generously in front of them, making it impossible for them to find any fault. All they could do was marvel at how much wiser the old lady was.

“Why can’t you be the legitimate consort?” Guo Luoluo muttered bitterly. She wasn’t being petty, but she couldn’t help but feel envious of the treasures. Yun Lan also showed a hint of envy and, supporting Guo Luoluo, smiled and said, “Wealth is an external thing. What I want is not this. You don’t understand now, but one day you will. My choice wasn’t wrong.”

The old lady’s room fell into silence, and she sighed softly, “I hope she can truly understand it.”

“Mother, what about Jing Yi? You can’t be so biased,” Rongxian said, her voice filled with grievance as she sobbed, “Jing Yi’s marriage still hasn’t been settled. I… I… what should Jing Yi do?”

The old lady snapped, “Now you’re in a hurry? I already told you to advise Jing Yi to gracefully accept her fate. She can then marry into a good family. But you wouldn’t listen, so what use is it to talk about it now? Yun Wei and Yun Lan have been betrothed to the prince, so don’t worry about Jing Yi. Perhaps she’ll get exactly what you and your daughter wish for.”

“Mother, could Jing Yi also be betrothed to a prince? Could it be that she’s waiting for Yun Wei to marry the Eighth Prince…?”

The old lady suddenly sat up straight, spitting out in anger, “I thought you were foolish, but now I see I’ve truly underestimated you. Rongxian, how did I end up with such a foolish daughter like you? Jing Yi’s status can’t even qualify as a side concubine. She is Ma Jia Jing Yi. Even though she’s raised in the Tong family, she’s still an outsider. Do you think the Eighth Prince, having Yun Wei, would still think about Jing Yi? Forget about their wedding night—let’s just talk about how the Eighth Prince was saved by Rongxuan. In the next three years, Yun Wei will be the one to enjoy the most favor. The royal family sets the standard for the world. The Eighth Prince’s reputation for knowing how to repay kindness will be even better. Do you understand now?”

“I was just worried about Jing Yi, that’s why I spoke without thinking. Mother, I know I was wrong,” Rongxian said.

“Wrong, wrong, you always know in words but never reflect,” the old lady replied, her disappointment evident. She closed her eyes and said, “Leave.”

“Mother, please help me. Go to the palace and ask for Jing Yi to be chosen for a match. I’ll listen to you and find her a good family.” Rongxian had her eye on her second brother’s legitimate son, Cheng Wu. The old lady sighed bitterly. Her daughter was so naive. Even if Jing Yi was chosen for a match, Fucha wouldn’t allow Cheng Wu to marry her. Fucha’s first action would be to go to the Fucha family to arrange a marriage for Cheng Wu. There were no walls that didn’t have cracks, and people with sharp eyes would notice the connections between Fucha and the Fucha family. It would soon become clear that the young woman had an arrangement before her marriage. What would the Eighth Prince think of this? Fucha, being intelligent, would never put her daughter in such a difficult position. Furthermore, the Fucha family had no reason to oppose the marriage between the legitimate son of the Marquis’s family and their daughter. With Rongxuan’s growing influence, Cheng Wu’s rise in status, and the admiration of many noble women, the Fucha family would gladly send their daughter to him. They would never dare to bring up Yun Wei’s situation.

The old lady silently sighed. Fucha should have been her daughter. Rongxian’s incessant whining and complaints were wearing her down. She huffed, “Do you think entering the palace is so easy? I don’t have that much power. Rongxian, let me remind you, Jing Yi has caught the eye of a certain lady in the palace. She will have a good future. You just need to wait.”

“Who is it, Mother? Who is it?” Rongxian asked, wiping her tears.

The old lady waved her hand. “Ask Jing Yi. Imperial Concubine Rong is from the Ma Jia family and is a distant relative of the late son-in-law.”

“Is it the Third Prince? His legitimate consort is the daughter of the first-rank noble, Peng Chun. How can Jing Yi compare?”

The old lady slapped the cup on the table, sending it flying, and shouted angrily, “When the prince selected, did you think you could choose freely? Yun Lan was smart to go see the Fourth Prince at the right time, which led to good results. But it still affected Yun Wei. Do you want Jing Yi to drag the entire Tong family into this?”

The old lady pointed at Rongxian, saying, “Jing Hui has grown up and inherited the title. You can’t always stay in the Tong family. I have a house in the northern part of the city. I’m giving it to you. Tomorrow—no, wait until the Eighth Prince comes to the house for the small betrothal ceremony—you will move out.”

“Mother…”

“Leave.”

Rongxian was forcibly taken out by the servants. Only then did the old lady feel at peace. As expected, two days later, a eunuch arrived from the palace with a message from Imperial Concubine Rong. It was ordered that Ma Jia Jing Yi be sent to the Third Prince’s residence, as Jing Yi, skilled in poetry and song, was a good match for the Third Prince, who shared a love for books.

Another two days passed, and the auspicious day for the wedding was chosen. The Eighth Prince, Yinti, accompanied by over ten officials from the Ministry of Rites and protected by soldiers from the Guard Army, brought royal gifts to the Marquis’s residence to meet his future in-laws.