Spring in the Hall of Paintings

Yinti held his newlywed wife, Yun Wei, in his arms as he slept soundly. The lingering fragrance of her soft, cloud-like body captivated him. If not for the thought of Yun Wei having to enter the palace the next day to express gratitude, Yinti would not have let her go. Even so, he held his delicate wife tightly, showering her with kisses and affection, afraid that someone might steal her away.

Feeling weak and exhausted, Yun Wei could not sleep deeply. Her gentle pleas only provoked Yinti’s deeper possessiveness and passion. The usually refined and elegant prince lost control before her, and while Yun Wei felt immense joy, she could not help but feel a sense of pride. She carefully shifted her body, but Yinti’s embrace was firm. Peeking through her half-lowered eyelids, she stole a glance at him. His tenderness and care for her filled her heart with warmth, leaving her both grateful and content.

The red candles… the red candles… Yun Wei suddenly remembered that before dawn, they had to cut them together as a symbol of shared fate—life and death as one. She lightly touched Yinti’s lips with her fingers. Would he be willing to share life and death with her? Yun Wei carefully sat up. Her legs weak, she draped a light robe over herself to cover the kiss marks covering her body. Skillfully tying up her hair, she hesitated. The idea of life and death together was too serious. No man in this world could truly promise such a thing. A prince’s pursuit was never about eternal devotion. What she truly hoped for was harmony between husband and wife, his care and love. As for an unbreakable vow of undying love, she did not dare to expect too much.

Yun Wei walked over to the burning red candles. The two dragon-carved candles, one tall and one short, dripped with wax tears. The candle representing Yinti was slightly shorter than hers. She used the wick of her candle to brighten its flame, making it burn faster—hoping that both would extinguish at the same time. Before she could turn around, she heard footsteps. Suddenly, she was pulled into Yinti’s embrace. He murmured in her ear, “Instead of wasting time on this, why not spend more time with me?”

Yinti’s lips found her earlobe, the damp sensation sending shivers through her. Her voice trembled as she whispered, hoarse and seductive from their earlier passion, “It was what the old nanny instructed…”

Yinti, tender and doting, asked softly, “Would you share life and death with me?”

“In the end, I will cut the candle,” Yun Wei replied, glancing back at him with a shy yet sweet smile. “We are husband and wife in this life—I want to stay with you until the very last moment.”

Yinti froze for a moment, then understood the meaning behind her actions. By brightening the candle’s flame, she hinted at his lifespan. If there was a way, she would not die with him, but she wished to accompany him for as long as possible. The idea of perishing together was too intense. Yun Wei’s quiet devotion softened Yinti’s heart, filling him with tenderness.

“I don’t believe in such things,” Yinti said. “Yun Wei, I allow you to stay with me until the end.”

With that, he lifted her into his arms and pressed her down once more. Since she still had energy left, he would not be deceived by her teary eyes. At this moment, he only wished to claim her completely.

Yinti was astonished by Yun Wei’s beauty. He had thought Yun Lan was already stunning, but Yun Wei surpassed her. Yun Lan’s brilliance could be described in words, but Yun Wei’s beauty was beyond description—so mesmerizing it left one spellbound. Only now did Yinti understand why the tenth prince could only mutter two words upon seeing her: “Beautiful, beautiful.” Beyond that, there were no words sufficient enough.

After another round of passion, Yun Wei fell into a deep sleep, while Yinti remained wide awake. He tucked the blanket around her, resting his head on his hands. Marrying Yun Wei had been an unexpected delight. Although he had prepared himself for a surprise, he never imagined it would be this grand. His mother had only mentioned that Yun Wei was beautiful. He had not doubted her words, but he never expected her beauty to surpass even his mother’s, Concubine Liang.

What surprised him most, however, was Yun Wei’s personality. While Yun Lan’s dazzling pride captured attention instantly, Yun Wei was like a luminous pearl—her glow neither harsh nor blinding, but warm and soothing, like a gentle spring or a soft ray of sunlight. Holding her in his arms, Yinti felt nothing but comfort and ease.

As a prince raised in the imperial palace, especially one like Yinti, whose birth mother had a low status, he understood that the Forbidden City was the most ruthless place in the world, where people flattered the powerful and trampled on the weak. His foster mother, Imperial Concubine Hui, treated him well, but she also had the eldest prince to consider. Yinti had long been accustomed to being overlooked and staying silent. He hid everything behind a gentle smile while keenly observing the warmth and coldness of human nature. In the palace, if one did not want to be forever suppressed, the only option was to climb upward. Through intelligence and perseverance, Yinti caught the attention of Emperor Kangxi. However, for the prestige he enjoyed in public, he had paid a heavy price in private.

Marrying Yun Wei was like finding a priceless treasure. Yinti chuckled smugly. Who is the real winner here? Fourth Brother, thank you. Yun Wei’s sweetness and tenderness filled his heart, completely erasing any regrets. If not for Yinzhen, Yun Wei would never have married him. Just the thought of Yun Wei lying beside another man made him uncomfortable. He shifted slightly, grasping her wrist before finally feeling at ease.

As the warm morning sunlight streamed in, Yun Wei woke up and began dressing. Today, she was to enter the palace to express gratitude and also meet Yinti’s birth mother, Concubine Liang, and his foster mother, Imperial Concubine Hui. These two esteemed concubines held significant positions in the harem. Ever since she learned of her arranged marriage to the Eighth Prince, Yun Wei had secretly inquired about their temperaments from Mama Yang. Although imperial consorts rarely left the palace, and her future visits would be infrequent, Yun Wei still hoped to maintain a good relationship with them. Gaining their favor would mean receiving more affection and support.

The palace maids from the Imperial Household Department examined the silk handkerchief, satisfied to see the red stain. Carefully, they folded and sealed it in a box before kneeling to take their leave and report back to the palace.

Yun Wei sat in front of the mirror, applying makeup. The faint dark circles under her eyes could only be concealed with powder. She glanced shyly and playfully at Yinti, unable to tell whether she was pleased or annoyed. Yinti, rolling up his sleeves, found her expression particularly captivating.

“Yun Wei, just keep it simple. No need to frighten them.”

Yun Wei paused while brushing her eyebrows, looking puzzled. Yinti chuckled, “You’ll understand soon enough. Your most beautiful side is for me alone to see.”

“Then… should I still wear my ceremonial attire?”

Yun Wei had always believed that she looked her best in full formal dress. When she saw herself in the mirror on her wedding day, even she was momentarily entranced.

Yinti countered with a question, “What do you think?”

“According to etiquette, I should wear it… but I also want to save it just for you.”

That single sentence pleased Yinti more than any declaration of love. He adjusted his court robes and stepped behind Yun Wei, resting his hands on her shoulders. Looking at their reflection in the mirror, he said proudly, “Let them all know that the one I wanted to marry all along was Tong Jia Yun Wei.”

Yun Wei smiled shyly. So, he is still unwilling to accept that my fourth sister married another. She did not fully grasp how deeply she had affected Yinti. While beauty left a first impression, personality mattered just as much. Yun Wei did not feel discouraged, nor did she resent Yun Lan. Marrying Yinti was enough for her. He was gentle and caring, and she was confident that, in time, she could make him forget Yun Lan.

A group of imperial princes gathered around Emperor Kangxi. Some came at the emperor’s summons, while others were drawn by Tenth Prince’s remarks the day before. As a result, not only were the princes present, but many noble relatives, including dukes and lords, had also seized the opportunity to enter the palace. Everyone was eager to see what the new Eighth Princess looked like. Tenth Prince, known for his loose tongue, had merely sighed that Yinti had won an extraordinary prize—but refused to elaborate further. Even the Ninth Prince could not get a straight answer out of him, no matter how much he pressured him.

The previous night, Emperor Kangxi had summoned Concubine Liang to serve him. Lately, he had been especially fond of her. Concubine Liang understood the emperor’s thoughts well—she clung to him with tenderness, never once voicing grievances. Instead, she spoke gently of how the emperor had favored Yinti by granting him Yun Wei in marriage.

“Tenth Prince,” Emperor Kangxi said, “tell me—did you meet Yinti’s wife yesterday?”

The emperor was well aware of everything that had happened during Yinti’s wedding. He was just as curious as the others. As he chatted with his sons, he took on the demeanor of a benevolent father.

The Tenth Prince grinned, “Royal Father, it’s not that I don’t want to describe her—it’s that I simply can’t find the words.”

“You never listen when I tell you to read more books,” Kangxi scolded with a laugh.

Despite his rebuke, his tone was indulgent. He had always been particularly fond of his straightforward and boisterous tenth son. Apart from Crown Prince Yinreng, the Tenth Prince had the highest-ranking birth mother. Since a child’s status was tied to their mother’s rank, Kangxi valued the crown prince and did not want anyone threatening his position. The Tenth Prince’s reckless and carefree nature was precisely what Kangxi wanted to see.

The Tenth Prince spoke loudly, “Royal Father, this is not my fault—my Eighth Sister-in-law is simply that beautiful! I dare say even our Third Brother, who is well-versed in poetry and skilled in painting, would struggle to describe her.”

“You’re exaggerating, Tenth Brother,” Crown Prince Yinreng interjected. “Third Brother’s literary talent is profound; he would never waste it on describing a mere woman.”

“Just wait, Crown Prince Brother. You’ll see soon enough that I’m telling the truth.”

It was rare for the Tenth Prince to speak so seriously, which only piqued the other princes’s curiosity even more. Fourth Prince Yinzhen stood quietly among them, just as intrigued. He couldn’t help but reflect on how he and Yun Wei had narrowly missed each other multiple times.

Last night, Yun Lan had made no effort to conceal her envy over Yun Wei’s grand wedding. She had even mentioned that the sixth young lady of the Tong family was exceptionally beautiful. Playfully, Yun Lan had clung to Yinzhen, smiling as she asked if he would feel jealous upon seeing Yun Wei, knowing that Eighth Brother had married such a stunning wife.

Yun Lan’s jealousy and admiration only made Yinzhen feel more tender toward her. If she weren’t truly devoted to him, everything Yun Wei had, Yun Lan would have as well. In their moments of passion, Yun Lan was the perfect woman—her enthusiasm in bed left Yinzhen utterly satisfied. Even her occasional bouts of jealousy were endearing rather than inappropriate. Most importantly, Yun Lan possessed keen analytical skills and a broad perspective; she spoke of court affairs with remarkable insight, often compensating for Yinzhen’s own oversights. She was rare and valuable—Yinzhen had always believed so. Until…

“Your Majesty, the Eighth Prince and his wife have arrived to express their gratitude for your imperial grace.”

“The main event has finally arrived. Let them enter.”

From Emperor Kangxi down to the princes, all eyes turned toward the entrance.

Stepping slightly behind Yinti, Yun Wei entered the Eastern Warm Pavilion once more. It was here that Emperor Kangxi had decreed her marriage to the Eighth Prince. Now, returning to this place, she gracefully knelt and greeted the emperor.

“Your daughter-in-law greets Royal Father.”

Yun Wei’s tone was filled with sincere gratitude—she had never regretted marrying the Eighth Prince. Yinti saluted and said, “Your son greets Royal Father.” The two of them performed the traditional three kneels and nine kowtows to express their gratitude for the imperial favor. However, even after they had finished, Emperor Kangxi did not immediately bid them to rise. Yinti understood—his father must have been stunned by Yun Wei.

Kangxi rested his hands on the imperial desk, narrowing his eyes as he observed Yun Wei. Her movements were flawless, her etiquette impeccable, every gesture flowing like water. She was not the first daughter-in-law to enter the palace to express gratitude, but Kangxi believed she was the most elegant—no one else could compare. Even the Crown Princess, though dignified, lacked Yun Wei’s natural grace. Kangxi had never considered himself a superficial man; he had seen countless beauties in his lifetime. Yet now, looking at Yun Wei, he realized even he could be astonished. He had to admit—he, too, felt a tinge of envy. At the same time, he was deeply satisfied.

With Yun Wei’s stunning appearance, who could possibly claim that he had wronged his eighth son? If Yun Wei and Yun Lan stood side by side, anyone with eyes would know that Yun Wei was the one truly suited to be a prince’s primary consort. Her beauty was beyond words, but it was more than that—her poise was refined, her demeanor gentle yet noble. Under the stunned gazes of those around her, Yun Wei remained composed, her dimples subtly deepening with a soft smile as she stood quietly beside Yinti. Her clear, water-like eyes seemed to glance over the crowd, but Kangxi saw through it—she only had eyes for Yinti.

Kangxi was pleased—immensely pleased. “Who dares to say Yinti and Yun Wei are not a match made in heaven? My Eighth Daughter-in-law is excellent.”

Sweeping his gaze over the assembled princes, he saw that, despite their initial shock, they quickly composed themselves. They had seen many beauties before, after all. The princes all agreed with Kangxi, echoing in unison, “Royal Father is wise. Eighth Brother and Eighth Sister-in-law are truly a perfect pair.”

The Tenth Prince, who had always been informal with Kangxi, couldn’t help but grumble in jealousy. He still resented how smug Yinzhen had been when he married Yun Lan. Now, he felt even more envious and muttered, “Royal Father, you don’t love us enough.”

Kangxi raised an eyebrow. “And why do you say that?”

“You gave Eighth Brother such a beautiful wife. You always save the best things for him. Doesn’t that mean you don’t love us enough?”

Tenth Prince’s playful complaint only further confirmed what many had begun to suspect—that Yun Wei had always been Kangxi’s original choice for a prince’s marriage. Yun Wei’s breathtaking beauty and extraordinary temperament left no doubt in anyone’s mind. They had all overthought the situation. They had all misunderstood.

Crown Prince Yinreng, unable to hide his admiration, sighed, “Royal Father, Tenth Brother was right. Eighth Sister-in-law is truly… stunning.”

Ninth Prince Yintang clapped a hand on Yinti’s shoulder and laughed loudly. “Eighth Brother, I admit defeat. I envy your good fortune!”

Yinzhen, meanwhile, withdrew his gaze from Yun Wei, his expression unreadable. It was as if he had already known how beautiful she was. But just because he appeared indifferent did not mean he was not surprised. Yun Wei surpassed Yun Lan in beauty, but her temperament—was it truly inferior? Yinzhen pondered this, a hint of doubt creeping into his mind before he finally shook his head. Plums, orchids, bamboo, and chrysanthemums each have their own unique elegance—why compare them at all?

His eyes unconsciously drifted toward Yinti. With the Tong family’s powerful connections, Yinti was no longer just the Eighth Prince whose birth mother had held a lowly status.

The perceptive princes were not only astonished by Yun Wei’s beauty but also noticed the hidden power behind her. Previously, even though the Eighth Prince, Yinti, had been favored by Emperor Kangxi, his lack of strong backing had been a significant weakness. However, this imperial marriage had completely changed that. If Yinti were to align himself with the First Prince, it would pose a serious threat to Crown Prince Yinreng’s position, which would no longer be as secure as it seemed now. Yet, Kangxi appeared completely unaware of this potential shift in power.

Kangxi kindly asked Yun Wei a few questions, to which she responded with composure and precision. She maintained the perfect balance—displaying the shy modesty of a newlywed princess while subtly exuding the dignity befitting a prince’s consort. Pleased with her demeanor, Kangxi generously bestowed lavish rewards upon her. The more satisfied Kangxi was with Yun Wei, the less room there was for outsiders to question the imperial marriage.

“Thank you, Royal Father.” Yun Wei gracefully knelt to accept the imperial gifts, stealing a shy glance at the handsome Yinti before softly adding, “Thank you, Royal Father, for granting this marriage.”

Kangxi burst into hearty laughter, delighted to see Yun Wei’s clear affection for Yinti. “You two should now proceed to Ning Shou Palace to pay your respects to the Empress Dowager.”

After Yinti and Yun Wei bid farewell, Kangxi sighed contentedly. “I was not wrong.”

As the other princes dispersed, Yinzhen walked beside the Crown Prince. Yinreng suddenly asked, “Fourth Brother, was I wrong?”

Yinzhen replied calmly, “Second Brother, Yun Lan is quite good.”