Dreams of Qing Surrounding the Jade Pool ( Shared with Empress Xiaoxian )

  When Gaoluo returned to Jinfengyuan, Jinli was already waiting for her there. Her small face looked anxious and uneasy, which didn't match with her icy and elegant appearance at all. She let out a snort of laughter and lazily sat down on the couch, asking: "Why did you come here, Sister Jin?"

  It's no wonder she asked this, from the beginning of spring, those three inexplicably attracted mosquitoes, for more than three months, no matter how they washed their bodies, clothes, and bedding, these mosquitoes couldn't be driven away. Moreover, Jinli's father and uncle were dismissed from their positions in the upper courtyard due to some incident, and many relatives also got into trouble, which scared her small courage away. Even if she was ordered to take action against Su Shi and Fu Cha, she didn't dare.

  Dongmei walked in with a tray of tea, her plain and simple face causing Jinli to raise an eyebrow. She looked like someone who wasn't very clever or good-looking, yet this High Consort Fu was actually letting her into the house. Judging from her attire, she was still just a first-class palace maid - could it be that she was an extraordinary person who shouldn't be judged by appearances?

  In her mind, she was thinking about how to find someone to investigate this palace maid. Jinli took over the teacup and held it in her hand, skimming off the tea foam, but didn't drink: "Sister, I'm feeling very uneasy, what's going on with Ula Nara's side?"

  Since she had allied with Gao Lüwei, Jin Ying had been putting on a cautious and somewhat timid front before her. From the beginning when Gao Lüwei was trying to win her over and guard against her, to now when she seemed to be taking her for granted and not paying attention to her, Jin Ying didn't take it to heart. She clearly saw her own position, whether in terms of family background or their respective ranks at Qīan Xī Second Branch, she was always the lower one. So why shouldn't she put on an even more humble attitude?!

  "Just wait and see, after all, we've done what we should do, the rest depends on her skills." She naturally didn't believe that Fugui would be so easily overthrown, but she was more willing to watch Fugui and Wulana fight each other.

  "Sister, do you think Fu Jun will find out?" That Alhatu was like a dog that had smelled the scent of bones, always looking for opportunities to appear in front of Fu Jun, anyone would be suspicious, let alone Fu Jun who was so clever and wise.

  Gao Lü Wei impatiently glanced at her sideways, "How, are you still suspecting that the things happening in your household are the doing of Fu Jin?"

  "Sister also knows that our Jin family has been serving in the Imperial Household Department for over a hundred years, and we are not capable of being compared to your family. It's just that we can't afford to make mistakes all year round, how come our family keeps having trouble one after another? Who would believe that there is no one behind the scenes manipulating things?! In fact, she also suspected Gao Shi and Wu La Na La, after all, they were only allies, not really like one family. Later on, whenever it involves each other's interests, wouldn't it be a real-life bloody battle? Taking advantage of the situation to eliminate the opponent's power is also normal."

  "I'm willing to rely on my sister and Ulanara, but they must also treat the Jin family with sincerity. When something happens, they come to us for help, use us and then discard us, even making us scapegoats - it's really chilling. I, Jin Ling, may not be extremely intelligent, but I'm not stupid either."

  "What you said is indeed the truth." Gao Lu smiled lightly, "I'll also tell you the truth, I became friends with your sister for two reasons: one is that we both came from the Imperial Household Department, and the other is that the influence of the Gao family in the Imperial Household Department has been decreasing over the years. As for what happened to your sister's family, I've had someone investigate it, and roughly speaking, it's related to that incident, but since people are dead and there's no evidence, those above can't confirm that you're involved, so they're just making a fuss about it. You don't need to keep it in mind all the time; after a while, this position of leader will still return to your Jin family. As for whether the Ula Nara family has helped push things along here, I'm not clear about that either. How much power did the Empress Dowager leave behind for her, and how much influence does the Cheng'en Duke's estate still have? I still can't figure it out."

  The two of them exchanged a glance, and both understood in their hearts that if Ula Nara could make Fu Jin fall this time, they would have to join forces to guard against her even more.

  However, the power that comes easily also depends on whether she can digest it. The Cheng'en Gongfu will not do a losing business, and even if the concubine who cannot give birth is of the Ula Nara clan, so what? Gao Lüwei's lip corners curved high, with a cold light flashing in her eyes.

  Jin Zhen's heart skipped a beat, and she became even more cautious towards Gao Lu. Had this Wu La Na La actually been in cahoots with Gao all along?! "Sister——"

  "Don't be afraid, I won't lay a hand on you." Gao Lu slightly raised an eyebrow, her eyes dazed, "You also know that the opportunity for me to have a child is slim. Even if I wanted to adopt one to alleviate my lonely life, Fu Cha and Su would not agree... They look down on us as servants, thinking we are of low birth. But I will make them bow their heads to me for the rest of their lives."

  Jin Ying was well aware of Gao Luming's physical condition, and she had long suspected this. Now that Gao Luming had finally revealed her intention to adopt a child, Jin Ying smiled lightly and said, "My child is also your child." This showed her attitude.

  Gao Lüwei was very satisfied: "From now on, our Gao and Jin families will rise and fall together."

  They were born lowly, but the Imperial Household Department understood the influence of this harem on the imperial family better than anyone else. When it comes to calculating people, the help is not just talk. As long as they achieved their goal, had a status and had an imperial son or daughter, even if they couldn't let their family raise the flag in the future, they could still honor themselves and benefit their clan.

  Would they rather have their own children ascend to the throne? They wouldn't mind, after all, the Qing dynasty had a benevolent and virtuous Empress Dowager Cixi. But that also depends on the situation. Currently, in the imperial household of Emperor Yongzheng, there are already a crown prince and princess, and in the middle, there is Imperial Noble Consort Ulanara watching with envy, and below them, there are Concubine Fucha and Concubine Keliyete. Unless they were all unable to give birth or their children didn't survive, it would be impossible for them to have a turn.

  The most important thing is that now the Fourth Prince is young and vigorous, who knows how many women will come to compete for his favor and give birth to children for him in the future?

  They have the means and the manpower, but they don't dare to bring out this kind of guts that can plot against all the princes.

  Hongli and his entourage hastened their journey, finally arriving in the capital before the Double Ninth Festival.

  "Spring and this road, thanks to you, also De Lu, you go back to rest first, Chongyang Festival will be together at Qian Xi two places to eat a meal." Several people returned with a swift arrow, all the way did not have a good rest and a good meal, plus before more than half of the days were spent on the water, now look, they are much thinner.

  "Hmm." Fu Heng didn't say much to Delu either, and they both turned their horses around and galloped towards their own homes.

  "You guys go back too." Hong Yu also waved his hand at his two guards. "Yes." The responding voice was very powerful, Hong Yu smiled slightly, he was also eager to hurry back to the palace to see his son, this feeling could be understood.

  "I'll take a step ahead." Hongying also clenched his fist and rode his horse towards Chunqin Wangfu.

  Hongli and Hongxiao exchanged a smile as they rode their horses towards the imperial palace, one in front of the other. "Fourth brother, Spring Fragrance's martial skills have improved significantly compared to last year."

  "Hmm, you've noticed it too? He hasn't been slacking off in his training with Hong Chen and the others these past two years, so it's normal that his skills have improved... The martial arts of the Fucha family are among the best in the military, and even when they're not at their peak, there are still a dozen or so people who can't get close to them. I suppose Chun He has made another breakthrough, that kid's innate talent is exceptional, and his martial arts aptitude is also the best in their family."

  He used to be able to draw with Fu Heng, but now he is no match for him. Hongli smiled and looked at his younger brother-in-law and capable subordinate who had made rapid progress, feeling a sense of accomplishment. Fu Heng had been by his side since the age of eight, studying and practicing archery and horsemanship, with many lessons and pointers from him. He didn't feel jealous, as he spent most of his time learning about governance, and practiced martial arts only for physical fitness and health. After all, "a rich man's son doesn't sit under a precarious wall" and "a gentleman doesn't stand under a dangerous wall". As an imperial prince, he could say that he was establishing merit and prestige, but once he ascended to the throne, his opportunities for military campaigns would be non-existent. This was different from Fu Heng spending a lot of time training his body and learning archery and martial arts, as he was preparing for battle on the battlefield, loyal to the emperor and serving the country, and only with stronger skills could there be more chances of victory.

  "If Fourth Aunt were also practicing martial arts, then it wouldn't be certain." Hong Yu teased.

  "You've been practicing your Four Sisters and Five Animals Play, as well as Tai Chi. He had also seen Yunzhu practicing yoga, but there was no need to mention it to Old Fifth."

  "It's great exercise, my mother's good health is also due to her daily morning exercises, I'll get Haikuo Zhen to practice too." Hong Yu smiled and dismounted his horse, saying: "Shall we see the Emperor first?"

  "Of course." Business comes first.

  ……

  Li Yu said that Hong Li and others entered the Yangxin Hall, Yunzhu turned her head to Gao Luwei and others: "Everyone wants to come over for a reunion dinner tonight?"

  "Thank you, Fu Jin, for your concern, but this is my intention towards Master, so I'll just wait here." Gao Luowei said. Everyone was silent, apparently sharing the same thought. Wu Lanala Ni Mengyi's delicate face showed a hint of hesitation as she added: "Are we disturbing Fu Jin?"

  This remark was just a little short of saying that Mingyun had ulterior motives and wanted to monopolize Hongli for herself.

  Yunzhu smiled faintly: "This place is so big, you can stay as long as you like. Guo Nainai, tell the kitchen to bring more snacks and don't be stingy with good tea in the teahouse, don't let Ce Fu Jun and the princesses get hungry or thirsty."

  "Yes."

  "It's too hot, and I still need to give He and Jing their baths, so I won't be keeping you company anymore." She might even have dinner in the Nurturing Heart Palace, what a fool she'd be if she sat with them in the front hall waiting.

  Gaolü We and Wulana Niyimai exchanged a glance without leaving any trace, leading the crowd to bow and say: "Thank you, Furen."

  Fu Cha. Fu Ling Ah actually didn't want to wait here either, she had been serving Hong Li for many years and naturally understood that he wouldn't be able to return from the Nourishing Heart Palace anytime soon. Waiting with these women was not as good as returning to the Xiangyuan Courtyard to accompany her son and daughter. It's just that she wasn't a Fu Jin, so she didn't have the qualifications to put on airs.

  As for this group of people who want to show their deep affection and loyalty in front of him, she secretly sneers at them. She wants to see who can win the top spot.

  From morning till sunset, from finishing breakfast till dinner time has passed, still no one is in sight.

  Accompanied the triplets to stroll around the imperial garden and returned, personally fed them half a bowl of grapes, played with building blocks for a while, and saw that the short hand of the floor clock in the main hall pointed to seven. Only then did Yunzhu let the wet nurses take them down to sleep.

  "Not sleeping, waiting for Ama." He Jing twisted his body and didn't let Nai Ya Zi hug him.

  "Who told you about Ama?"

  "Many, many people heard it," she muttered. Yong Xiang and Hui also nodded their small heads in unison, indicating that they too had heard it.

  Alright, these three little ones have been nourished by spiritual energy in her belly since they were young, and after birth, they spent a long time in space, making their senses extremely sensitive, with eyesight and hearing surpassing that of ordinary people. When Hongli was about to return, she didn't stop others from passing on the news to them, so they would hear it as if it were normal.

  " Ama will be back very late from Huang Ma Fa's place, he is tired, let him have a good rest and we'll see Ama tomorrow instead?"

  It's very late, they are already a bit sleepy now, Ama must be wanting to sleep too...... The triplets thought for a moment, "Okay." They agreed to let the nannies carry them downstairs to sleep.

  Watching the triplets go back to their room to sleep, Yunzhu smiled and let Lingzhui go prepare water for her bath. Meanwhile, she asked Su: "Are they still waiting?"

  "Yes." Su Xian said, "In the middle, except for Ping's aunt who took Fu Cha Ge out for about half a time to cry and make a fuss, Su Ge also went back to see San A Ge once. The rest of the people were waiting in the front hall all the time."

  These people, when the mistress was in a good mood and knew that the prince would return, they came to pay their respects early in the morning, all dressed up. If it weren't for the mistress bringing them to the front hall, none of the three young masters would have been able to rest easy.

  Sitting in the front hall all day, except for snacks and tea, not to mention formal meals, in order to maintain a bright and perfect posture, the early spirit has probably become dull and pale by now. Especially in front of the outer courtyard servants, no one dared to retreat halfway, fearing that their sincerity towards Wang Ye would become pretentious and unconvincing, unable to withstand scrutiny.

  "Fu Cha is a clever person."

  "Master, Ulanara and the others have confirmed that they will be launching that plan. Should we secretly give them a push? When Guo and the others found out about Ulanara and Gao's scheme to trap Master, they were all filled with anger and resentment. But once they understood Master's intention to turn the tables, they each rubbed their fists together, thinking of how to counterattack."

  Yunzhu glanced at her, "Of course we should make it convenient for them, but don't be too obvious, or it will seem like I, the Furen, am incompetent. The Chongyang Festival flower banquet must be done well, do you understand?"

  The news of the Macau campaign has only reported a quick victory and rough casualty numbers, other aspects have not been officially announced yet. The consolation and reward are expected to be announced during the Wan Shou Festival, so there will likely be no grand banquet in the Forbidden City to entertain the Mongolian leaders who come to pay homage to the Emperor. In this case, it is necessary for Qianlong to hold a celebration on his first holiday after returning from his triumphant campaign.

  "Don't worry, Master, it's a rare occasion for a formal banquet, and Guo and the others are waiting to show off their skills."

  Then she's in for a good show.

  The author has something to say: The following is the main body of the text:

  When Gaoluo Wei returned to Jinfengyuan, Jinli was already waiting for her there, with a nervous look on her small face. The petty and domestic air about her really didn't match her icy, elegant appearance. Gaoluo Wei let out a snort of laughter and lazily sat down on the couch, asking: "Why did you come here, Jinmei?"

  It's no wonder she asked this, from the beginning of spring, the three of them inexplicably attracted mosquitoes, for more than three months, no matter how they washed their bodies, clothes, and bedding, these mosquitoes couldn't be driven away. Moreover, Jinli's father and uncle were dismissed from their positions in the Upper Palace due to some incident, and many relatives also got into trouble, which scared her so much that she didn't dare to take action against Su Shi and Fuca Shi even if ordered to do so.

  Dongmei walked in with a tray of tea, her plain and ordinary face causing Jinli to raise an eyebrow. She looked like someone who wasn't very clever or good-looking, yet this High Consort Fu was actually letting her into the house. And judging from her attire, she was still just a first-class palace maid - could it be that she was an extraordinary person who shouldn't be judged by appearances?

  In her mind, she was thinking about how to find someone to investigate this palace maid. Jinli took over the teacup and held it in her hand, skimming off the tea foam, but didn't drink: "Sister, I'm feeling very uneasy, what's going on with Ula Nara's side?"

  Since she had allied with Gao Lüwei, Jin Ying had been putting on a cautious and somewhat timid front before her. From the beginning when Gao Lüwei was trying to win her over and guard against her, to now when she seemed to be taking her for granted and not paying attention to her, Jin Ying didn't take it to heart. She clearly saw her own position, whether in terms of family background or their respective ranks at Qian Xi Second Branch, she was always the lower one. So why shouldn't she put on an even more humble attitude?!

  "Just wait and see, after all, we've done what we should do, the rest is up to her ability." She naturally didn't believe that Fugui would be so easily overthrown, but she was more happy to see Fugui and Wulana fighting each other.

  "Sister, do you think Fu Jun will find out?" That Alhatu was like a dog that had smelled the scent of bones, always looking for opportunities to appear in front of Fu Jun, anyone would be suspicious, let alone Fu Jun who was so clever and wise.

  Gao Lü Wei impatiently glanced at her sideways, "How can you still suspect that the things happening in your household are the doing of Fu Jin?"

  "Sister also knows, our Jin family has been serving in the Imperial Household Department for over a hundred years, and we're not even capable of being compared to your family. It's just that we've had one thing after another happen to us this year, who would believe it if someone said there was no one behind the scenes?!" In fact, she also suspected Gao Shi and Wu La Na La, after all, they were only allies, not really like one family. Later on, whenever their interests clashed, wouldn't they be ruthless in eliminating each other's power?

  "I'm willing to rely on my sister and Ulanara, but they must also treat the Jin family with sincerity. When something happens, they come to us for help, use us and then discard us, even making us scapegoats - it's really chilling. I, Jinling, may not be extremely intelligent, but I'm not stupid either."

  "What you said is indeed the truth." Gao Lu smiled lightly, "I'll also tell you the truth, I became friends with your sister for two reasons: one is that we both came from the Imperial Household Department, and the other is that the influence of the Gao family in the Imperial Household Department has been decreasing over the years. As for what happened to your sister's family, I've had people investigate, and it seems to be related to that incident, but since the person is dead, there's no evidence, and the higher-ups can't confirm that you're involved. It was just a warning, you don't need to keep it in mind all the time. After a while, this position of leader will return to your Jin family. As for whether the Ula Nara family has helped push things along, I'm not clear about that. How much power did the Empress Dowager leave behind for her, and how much influence does the Cheng'en Gong Fu still have? I still don't understand these things."

  The two of them exchanged a glance, and both understood in their hearts that if Ula Nara could make Fuheng fall this time, they would have to join forces to guard against her even more.

  However, the power that comes easily also depends on whether she can digest it. The Cheng'en Gongfu will not do a losing business, and even if the concubine who cannot give birth is of the Ula Nara clan, so what? Gao Lüwei's lip corners curved high, with a cold, mocking glint in her eyes.

  Jin Zhen's heart skipped a beat, and she became even more cautious towards Gao Lu. Had this Wu La Na La actually been in cahoots with the Gao family all along?! "Sister——"

  "Don't be afraid, I won't lay a hand on you." Gao Lu slightly raised an eyebrow, her eyes dazed, "You also know that the opportunity for me to have a child is slim. Even if I wanted to adopt one to alleviate my lonely life, Fu Cha and Su would not agree... They look down on us as servants, thinking we are of low birth. But I want to spend my whole life stepping on their heads, making them bow down to me."

  Jin Ying was well aware of Gao Lu's physical condition, and she had long suspected this. Now that Gao Lu had finally revealed her intention to adopt a child, Jin Ying smiled lightly and said, "My child is also your child." This showed her attitude.

  Gao Lüwei was very satisfied: "From now on, our Gao and Jin families will rise and fall together."

  They were born lowly, but the Imperial Household Department understood the influence of this harem on the imperial family more clearly than anyone else. When it comes to calculating people, the help is not just talk. As long as they achieved their goals, had a status and had an emperor or empress, even if they couldn't let their families raise the flag in the future, they could still honor themselves and benefit their clan.

  Would they rather have their own children ascend to the throne? They wouldn't mind, after all, the Qing dynasty had a benevolent and virtuous Empress Dowager Cixi. However, one must consider the circumstances. Currently, in the imperial household of Emperor Yongzheng, there is already an empress with a son and daughter, and beneath her, Concubine Ulanara is watching with envy. Furthermore, there are also Imperial Noble Consorts from the Fuca and Keliyete clans, unless they are all infertile or their children do not survive, it would be impossible for them to take turns.

  The most important thing is that now the Fourth Prince is young and vigorous, who knows how many women will come to compete for his favor and give birth to children for him in the future?

  They have the means and the manpower, but they don't dare to bring out this kind of guts that can plot against all the princes for now.

  Hongli and his entourage hastened their journey, whipping up their horses, and finally arrived in the capital before the Double Ninth Festival.

  "Spring and this road, thanks to you, also De Lu, you go back to rest first, Chongyang Festival will be together at Qian Xi two places to eat a meal." Several people returned with a sense of urgency, all the way without a good rest or eating well, plus before that more than half of the days were spent on the water, now looking, they have become much thinner.

  "Hmm." Fu Heng didn't say much to Delu either, and they both turned their horses around and galloped towards their own homes.

  "You guys go back too." Hong Yu also waved his hand at his two guards. "Yes." The response was very powerful, and Hong Yu smiled slightly. He was also eager to hurry back to the palace to see his son, this feeling could be understood.

  "I'll take a step ahead." Hongying also clenched his fist and rode his horse towards Chunqin Wangfu.

  Hongli and Hongxiao exchanged a smile as they rode their horses towards the imperial palace, one in front of the other. "Fourth brother, Spring Fragrance's martial skills have improved significantly compared to last year."

  "Hmm, you've noticed too? He hasn't been slacking off in his training with Hongzhen and the others these past two years, so it's normal that his skills have improved... The martial arts of the Fucha family are among the best in the military, and even when they're not at their peak, there are still a dozen or so people who can't get close to them. I suppose Chunhe has made another breakthrough, that kid's innate talent is exceptional, and his martial arts aptitude is also the best in their family."

  He used to be able to hold his own against Fu Heng, but now he's no match for him. Hongli smiled, looking at his younger brother-in-law and capable subordinate making rapid progress, which also gave him a sense of accomplishment. Fu Heng had been by his side since the age of eight, studying and practicing archery and horsemanship, with many lessons and pointers from him. He didn't feel jealous, as he spent most of his time learning about governance, and practiced martial arts only for physical fitness and health. After all, "a rich man's son doesn't sit under a precarious wall", and as a prince, he could say it was to establish merit and prestige. But once he ascended the throne, his opportunities for military campaigns would be non-existent. This was different from Fu Heng spending a lot of time training his body and learning martial arts, which was for battle on the battlefield, to serve the emperor and the country with loyalty, and only by becoming stronger could he increase his chances of victory.

  "If Fourth Sister were also practicing martial arts, then it wouldn't be certain." Hong Yu teased.

  "You've been practicing your Four Sisters and Five Animals Play, as well as Tai Chi. He had also seen Yunzhu practicing yoga, but there was no need to mention it to Old Fifth."

  "It's great exercise, my mother's good health is also due to her daily morning exercises, I'll get Haikuo Zhen to practice too." Hong Yu smiled and dismounted his horse, saying: "Shall we see the Emperor first?"

  "Of course." Business comes first.

  ……

  Li Yu said that Hong Li and others entered the Yangxin Hall, Yunzhu turned her head to Gao Luwei and others: "Everyone wants to come over for a reunion dinner tonight?"

  "Thank you, Fu Jin, for your concern, but this is my intention towards Master, so I'll just wait here." Gao Luowei said. Everyone was silent, apparently sharing the same thought. Wu Lanala Ni Mengyi's delicate face showed a hint of hesitation as she added: "Are we disturbing Fu Jin?"

  This remark was just a little short of saying that Mingyun had ulterior motives and wanted to monopolize Hongli for herself.

  Yunzhu smiled faintly: "This place is so big, you can stay as long as you like. Guo Nainai, tell the kitchen to bring more snacks and don't be stingy with good tea in the teahouse, don't let Ce Fu Jun and the princesses get hungry or thirsty."

  "Yes."

  "It's too hot, and I still need to give He and Jing their baths, so I won't be keeping you sisters company anymore." She might as well have dinner in the Nurturing Heart Palace, it would be silly of her to sit with them in the front hall doing nothing.

  Gaolü We and Wulana Niyimai exchanged a glance, then led the crowd in bowing to say: "Thank you, Furen."

  Fu Cha. Fu Ling Ah actually didn't want to wait here either, she had been serving Hong Li for many years and naturally understood that he wouldn't be able to return from the Nourishing Heart Palace anytime soon. Waiting with these women was no better than returning to the Xiangyuan Courtyard to accompany her son and daughter. It's just that she wasn't a Fu Jin, so she didn't have the qualifications to put on airs.

  As for this group of people who want to show their deep affection and loyalty in front of him, she secretly sneers at them. She wants to see who can win the top prize.

  From morning till sunset, from finishing the morning greetings to the sun setting in the west, dinner has also passed and still no one is seen.

  Accompanied the triplets to stroll around the imperial garden and returned, personally fed them half a bowl of grapes, played with building blocks for a while, and saw that the short hand of the floor clock in the main hall pointed to seven. Only then did Yunzhu let the wet nurses take them down to sleep.

  "Not sleeping, waiting for Ama." He Jing twisted her body and didn't let Nai Nai hug her.

  "Who told you about Ama?"

  "Many, many people heard it," she muttered with a pout. Yong Xiang and Hui also nodded their small heads in unison, indicating that they too had heard it.

  Alright, these three little ones have been nourished by spiritual energy in her belly since they were young, and after birth, they spent a long time in space, making their senses extremely sensitive, with eyesight and hearing surpassing that of ordinary people. When Hongli was about to return, she didn't stop others from passing on the news to them, so they would hear it as if it were normal.

  " Ama will be back very late from Huang Ma Fa's place, he is tired, let him have a good rest and we'll see Ama tomorrow, okay?"

  It's very late, they are already a bit sleepy now, Ama must be wanting to sleep too...... The triplets thought for a moment, "Okay." They agreed to let the nannies carry them off to bed.

  Watching the triplets go back to their room to sleep, Yunzhu smiled and let Lingzhui go prepare water for her bath. Meanwhile, she asked Su: "Are they still waiting?"

  "Yes." Su Xian said with a hint of excitement, "In the meantime, except for Ping'er who took Fu Cha Ge out for about half an hour on the pretext of comforting her after she cried and made a scene, Su Ge also went back to see San A Ge once. The rest of the people waited in the front hall all along."

  These people, when the mistress was in a good mood and knew that the prince would return, they came to pay their respects early in the morning, all dressed up. If it weren't for the mistress bringing them to the front hall, none of the three young masters would have been able to rest easy.

  Sitting in the front hall all day, apart from snacks and tea, not to mention formal meals, in order to maintain a bright and perfect posture, the early spirit has probably become dull and pale by now. Especially in front of the outer courtyard's servants, no one dares to retreat halfway, fearing that their sincerity towards the prince would be seen as pretentious and unable to withstand scrutiny.

  "Fu Cha is a clever person."

  "Master, Ulanara and the others have confirmed that they will be launching that plan. Should we secretly give them a push? When Guo Mama and the others found out about Ulanara and Gao Shi Jin's scheme to trap Master, they were all filled with anger and resentment. But once they understood Master's intention to turn the tables, they each rubbed their fists together, thinking of how to counterattack."

  Yunzhu glanced at her, "Of course we should make it convenient for them, but don't be too obvious, or it will seem like I, the Furen, am incompetent. The Chongyang Festival flower banquet must be done well, do you understand?"

  The news of the Macau campaign has only reported a quick victory and rough casualty numbers, other aspects have not been officially announced yet. The consolation and reward are expected to be announced during the Wan Shou Festival, so there will likely be no grand banquet in the Forbidden City to entertain the Mongolian leaders who come to pay homage to the Emperor. In this case, Qianlong's first holiday after his triumphant return should be well-prepared for.

  "Don't worry, Master, it's a rare occasion for a formal banquet, and Guo and the others are waiting to show off their skills."

  Then she's in for a good show.