On the frontier battlefield, Hongli and Hongzhou led the Qing army in valiant fighting. After months of arduous battles, they finally saw the dawn of victory. Seeing that the situation was hopeless, the enemy had no choice but to surrender and promised to pay tribute to the court every year to show their submission.

When the good news reached the capital, the entire palace and the Prime Minister's residence were filled with joy. Little Swallow excitedly ran around the residence, constantly exclaiming, "The Fourth Prince and the Fifth Prince are finally coming back! They're so amazing!" Little Peach smiled and said, "Yes, Miss, the two princes' triumphant return is truly a joyous occasion!"

Imperial Noble Consort Zhen Huan sat in the palace, a relieved smile on her face. She said to the maid beside her, "These two children have not disappointed me. Quickly prepare some good wine and food. When they return, we will definitely reward them handsomely."

Meanwhile, on the frontier, Hongli and Hongzhou were leading their army back to the capital. Hongzhou looked at Hongli and said with a smile, "Fourth brother, this expedition was truly difficult! However, it is thanks to your decisive command that we were able to achieve such a smooth victory." Hongli shook his head slightly and said humbly, "Fifth brother, this is not my achievement alone. If it weren't for your bravery and fearlessness on the battlefield, fighting alongside me, this victory probably wouldn't have come so easily."

The army marched on and finally returned to the capital. The people flocked to the streets, lining the roads to welcome the heroes home. Little Swallow had been waiting at the city gate for a long time, and when she saw Hongli and Hongzhou, her eyes welled up with tears.

Hongzhou spotted Xiaoyanzi in the crowd at a glance. He rode up to her, dismounted, and tightly grasped her hand, excitedly saying, "Xiaoyanzi, I'm back!" Xiaoyanzi rushed to greet him, her eyes filled with joy: "Fifth Prince, you're finally back! You must have had a long and tiring journey!"

Hongli observed their interaction and politely greeted them.

Upon returning to the palace, the Yongzheng Emperor personally greeted them in the main hall. Looking at Hongli and Hongzhou, he nodded with satisfaction: "My two princes have indeed lived up to expectations. This expedition not only enhanced the prestige of our Great Qing Dynasty but also brought peace to the people. They are truly meritorious officials!"

Hongli stepped forward and said respectfully, "Father, we have only done our duty. All of this is inseparable from the soldiers' bloody battles. Please reward them handsomely, Father." Emperor Yongzheng laughed and said, "Very well, I will reward them according to their merits. Today, let's first celebrate this victory."

At the victory banquet, everyone was laughing and chatting, and the atmosphere was lively. Imperial Noble Consort Zhen Huan looked at Hongzhou and Xiaoyanzi, secretly making plans in her heart. She said to Emperor Yongzheng, "Your Majesty, Hongzhou is now of marriageable age, and he and Miss Lin are deeply in love. I think it would be good to start preparing for their wedding."

Emperor Yongzheng pondered for a moment, looked at Hongzhou and Xiaoyanzi, and said, "I know that Hongzhou and Miss Lin have a deep affection for each other, but now that the border has just been pacified, I intend to form a marriage alliance with the border region to ensure long-term peace. I plan to betroth Princess Dili Leyao of Xinjiang to Hongzhou."

Upon hearing this, everyone was shocked. Hongzhou hurriedly stood up and said, "Father, I already have someone I love. I want to marry Xiaoyanzi!" Emperor Yongzheng's face darkened: "Marriage is a major matter. How can it be based solely on personal feelings? I am doing this for the sake of the Qing Dynasty. Hongzhou, do not be willful."

Xiao Yanzi panicked. She looked at Emperor Yongzheng and pleaded, "Your Majesty, the Fifth Prince and I are truly in love. Please grant us your blessing." Emperor Yongzheng shook his head: "Miss Lin, you should also understand that royal marriages are a matter of national importance."

Consort Zhen Huan said from the side, "Your Majesty, this sudden bestowal of marriage may break the hearts of Hongzhou and Miss Lin." Emperor Yongzheng said, "My mind is made up. After Dili Leyao arrives in the capital, I will begin preparations for the wedding."

Hongzhou sat down dejectedly, and Xiaoyanzi's eyes were also filled with tears. Hongli watched all this silently from the side. Although he had no romantic feelings for Xiaoyanzi, he felt a little sorry for them.

After the victory banquet, Hongzhou took Xiaoyanzi to a corner of the garden. Looking at her with heartache, he said, "Xiaoyanzi, I won't give up easily. I will definitely make Father Emperor change his mind." Xiaoyanzi cried, "Fifth Prince, why is this happening? What should we do?"

At this moment, Imperial Noble Consort Zhen Huan also arrived in the garden. Seeing their state, she sighed and said, "Don't panic. I will try to plead with the Emperor again. Perhaps there is still a chance."

Meanwhile, Niohuru Zhixi, upon learning of this, was secretly delighted, seeing it as a perfect opportunity to strike at Xiao Yanzi. She went to the place where Empress Yixiu was imprisoned and said smugly, "Your Majesty, do you know that the Emperor is going to betroth the frontier princess to the Fifth Prince? Xiao Yanzi is going to be heartbroken!" Empress Yixiu coldly replied, "Hmph, there are too many variables in this harem; who will have the last laugh is still uncertain."

Days passed, and Dilireyao was about to arrive in the capital. Hongzhou tirelessly searched for a way to persuade Emperor Yongzheng to rescind his decree. Xiaoyanzi, meanwhile, remained constantly worried in the Prime Minister's residence, fearing the loss of Hongzhou and unsure how to cope with this sudden turn of events. Meanwhile, within and outside the palace, the uncertainty surrounding this marriage stirred up undercurrents, with various factions scheming their own agendas. A storm surrounding Hongzhou's marriage had only just begun.

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