The Qing Palace Never Meets Spring

On the sixth day of the tenth month, Yi'an's coffin left the capital. Qingwan, Yinxiang, and Yihuan accompanied the coffin all the way to the city gate.

Yinzhen, who was in the lead, said to Yinxiang, "Thirteenth Prince, it's been many years since we've spoken alone like this."

"It's been almost seven or eight years, hasn't it? Ninth Brother is always by Eighth Brother's side, and I..." Yinxiang smiled bitterly and didn't continue.

Yinxiang knew that Yinxiang's next words meant that Yinxiang also often accompanied the Crown Prince.

Yin Tang smiled, his sarcasm undisguised, and continued, "I know you probably look down on us."

"But it's a coincidence, I also look down on you, and I despise you being the second son's dog."

Yinxiang had heard even the harshest words, but these came from his most respected Emperor Kangxi.

So at this moment, he was standing with his hands behind his back behind Yin Tang, and he did not respond when he heard Yin Tang say this. His gaze lingered on the carriage where Yi An's coffin was placed.

Yinzhen waited a while, but still didn't receive a response. He smiled indifferently and continued,

"You, me, and the tenth prince, the three of us grew up together in Consort Hui's Yanxi Palace since childhood, and we were the ones who spent the most time together in our childhood."

Later, your half-sister became my adopted daughter. Logically, you and I should be on the same path.

However, the reality is that you and I are the most unfamiliar with each other.

"I never expected that after Second Brother was deposed, you would choose Eighth Brother along with the other officials."

I thought Ninth Brother, you yourself would prefer that position.

"Thirteenth Brother, what kind of question is that? What? You don't like that position?"

Yinxiang chuckled: "Since Ninth Brother and I are the most unfamiliar with each other, why is Ninth Brother talking to me about this?"

"You and I are simply serving different masters."

“You’re wrong, Thirteenth Brother. You are the master, yet your master has abandoned you, while I am the brother.”

When Yinxiang heard him say that, he just scoffed: "What Ninth Brother is right, but my master has always been only the Emperor, and no one else."

Yinxiang's passive response made Yintang lose interest in continuing the conversation. He straightened his sleeves and saw Yihuan on the other side, who was heartbroken and unable to control herself.

He simply walked over and said, "Tenth Sister."

Upon seeing him, Yi Huan, without bothering to wipe away her tears, said, "Ninth Brother."

Yin Tang said, "My tenth sister is already pregnant, so you really shouldn't be too sad."

Your sister is also my sister, so I will naturally do my best to take care of her. You don't need to worry, just take good care of yourself.

Yi Huan was exhausted from being heartbroken these past few days and was currently leaning against Qing Wan's chest. Upon hearing this, she propped herself up and said, "Thank you, Ninth Brother."

Yinzhen waved his hand and walked towards the carriage at the front, saying, "Let's go."

Cang Jin had been standing not far away. He came over after the group finished speaking and said only one sentence to them: "I will take good care of the two children. Please rest assured, Prince and Princess."

It was thought that the two children would be kept in the palace by Emperor Kangxi for education, but unexpectedly, Cangjin requested permission to bring the children back, and Emperor Kangxi did not refuse.

After Kangxi returned to the capital, Yi Huan brought her into the palace and entrusted her to Consort Rong's care. With Yi An gone, her health was poor, and she rarely went out. Only Qing Wan would occasionally go to keep her company and talk to her.

As December approached, the Empress Dowager's birthday was not in January, but because it was a full birthday celebration, Emperor Kangxi wanted to hold the celebration in January.

It was also during the New Year festival, and the vassal kings, consorts, and princes from other provinces were heading to the capital, making the city incredibly lively.

The palace arranged a separate courtyard for Yi Huan to recuperate in, so Yinxiang and Qingwan often went there to keep Yi Huan company and talk when they had nothing to do.

When Yinxiang returned that day, Qingwan was finishing sewing on a small garment.

Yinxiang took it and looked at it, then asked doubtfully, "It's so small, isn't it for Moyaqi?"

Qingwan wanted to roll her eyes at him: "I've been doing this for so many days, and you're only just realizing it now."

The princess is returning to the palace to prepare for childbirth, and these things will surely be given as a reward.

But since Moyaqi was taken away by my fourth sister-in-law, I had nothing to do, so I made a garment for my sister's unborn child to pass the time.

"I saw Fourth Brother today, and when we talked about Moyaqi, that heartless little thing, he's almost forgotten about us."

"Fourth Brother's mansion is quite large, and he allows her to run around and make a fuss as she pleases. There are also people to play with her. No wonder she likes it."

Have you seen Wan Tang these days? She's been in the palace for quite some time now.

"I ran into you in the courtyard a few days ago and we exchanged a few words."

"She's a very interesting person, and it's fun to talk to her."

"This palace is so dull; having such an interesting person here can certainly lighten the mood."

"Interesting?" Yinxiang smiled indifferently. "Then call him over to meet me sometime, so I can see just how interesting he is that you keep talking about him."

"This palace is too dull. It's interesting to have someone like this around."

Yinxiang stood up, reached out to her, and broke the silence: "Since it's so dull, let's go for a walk."

The two walked slowly toward where Yi Huan lived, as they had nowhere else to go.

Unexpectedly, the two arrived at an inopportune time.

Xunmei and Wei Zhu, who was by Kangxi's side, were both guarding outside the door.

"We, your servants, pay our respects to the Thirteenth Prince and to the Princess Consort."

"Is Father Khan inside?" Yinxiang asked after gesturing for the others to stand up.

"Replying to the Thirteenth Prince, it is the Prince Consort inside. This servant is here to accompany the Prince Consort to see the Princess on His Majesty's orders."

"Dorji? I almost forgot, I saw him at the Qianqing Palace today."

"Fine, since he's here, my wife and I won't go in and bother him."

Wei Zhu, accompanied by the eunuchs behind her, respectfully saw the person off.

The young eunuch stared at their retreating figures without moving. Wei Zhu flicked him with her whisk and said, "What are you looking at?"

"Anda, why does this thirteenth prince seem so unfamiliar with his consort?"

Not only this one, but also the one from Mo Nan. Logically speaking, both of them married the Thirteenth Prince's own sisters, so why didn't they say a few good words to His Majesty?

Now that the Crown Prince is alright, only this young master is still being ignored.

"The Thirteenth Prince's offense was nothing other than the struggle for the throne. The Mongols never get involved in the princes' affairs."

Otherwise, if any of these princes didn't have some Mongol influence behind them, they would only cause more trouble.

The eldest prince, who was also the father-in-law of the Khorchin Taiji, was also captured without warning.

Don't presume to think about these things; they're not your concern. Just keep your head down and serve them well.

"Thank you for teaching me, Anda. I am fortunate to be able to learn and serve you by your side."

Wei Zhu continued, "You are from my hometown, and we are related by blood several generations back. Let me teach you something else."

Whether it's the deposed eldest prince or the neglected eighth prince, they should all be treated well upon meeting them.

These princes may seem to have fallen out of favor, but that's only in comparison to the other princes. No matter what, they are still His Majesty's own sons.

"Look at the eldest prince, even though he's been confined, he still came out to dine with His Majesty the other day."

"Little one understands."

"Study hard," Wei Zhu sighed meaningfully, "The Thirteenth Prince, indeed."

The little eunuch was listening intently, waiting for Wei Zhu to say something next, when Wei Zhu suddenly sneezed, "Tsk, freezing cold."

The young eunuch immediately said, "Find a warm room for you, I'll keep an eye on things."

"Yes, these days, His Majesty has been keeping a close eye on news from Princess Dunke. After Princess Wenke passed away, His Majesty has been keeping a close watch on this place."

"do not worry."