On the twenty-second day of the second month, Yunzhu held a flower banquet in the western part of Qianyi, inviting Hehui, Duanyu, and two princes Hongzhou and Fuheng. Hongli also pulled over Fu Heng, which was considered a birthday celebration.

  Fu Heng was a companion reader for Hong Li when he was in the upper study room. Now that he doesn't read books in the upper study room, Yongzheng has tacitly approved him to be used as an arm and confidant for Hong Li in the future, so he took on the identity of a third-class blue feather guard and continued to follow Hong Li to do chores. After Yunzhu's big wedding, she would often take advantage of her identity to sneak into Qianxi with Hong Li to eat and drink, visit her sister, and this time she also brought over the birthday gifts prepared by her family.

  Every time he comes to Yunzhu, he is warm and considerate, making Hongli envious and jealous, but unable to refuse... With so many wives' brothers, offending one is the same as offending a group, he doesn't have the guts to indulge in temporary pleasure, and would end up suffering from his wife and in-laws.

  Yunzhu didn't prepare any rare delicacies, but instead brought out various honeyed fruits, pastries, tea and wine made from flowers, fruits and herbs. The food was elegant, and the atmosphere was delightful.

  Yongzheng heard and rewarded her with a lot of jade beads, soft smoke gauze, cicada wing gauze... lake satin, Japanese satin and other commonly used brocade in spring and summer, as well as a pair of gold-inlaid jade scepters, a set of top-grade tea sets made of hawthorn frozen stone banana leaves, and a set of high-quality pen, ink, paper and inkstone.

  The Empress Ulanara, who had just recovered from a serious illness, thought that the palace affairs were still in the hands of Xi Fei, and secretly resented it. However, she had to take this opportunity to bow her head to the Emperor, and also followed suit by rewarding Yunzhu with two sets of gold and precious stone jewelry.

  Xi Fei and Yu Pin heard the news and also rewarded them with gifts separately.

  Yunzhu thanked and rewarded the gift, instructing someone to put the items away in storage. "Keep this set of Haitang Frozen Stone Banana Leaf Tea Set, I'll use it to make tea with the two princesses this afternoon."

  "Yes." Su Wen directed the people to carefully deliver the items to the warehouse and put them away.

  "Fourth sister, the flowers in this garden look particularly spirited, and they're all blooming in February." Yunchu had been to Qianxi Second House with Hui many times since entering the palace, and she had seen this small garden countless times, but she always felt that the flowers, grasses, and trees of Qianxi Second House were becoming more and more vibrant.

  Hongdai looked around and saw that there were Hongmei, Junzilan, Shuixian, Lamei, Shancha, Chunjuan, Chunlan... and also the four-season Begonia. Some were uniquely shaped potted plants, while others were planted in the courtyard, but now they were all placed together, making a beautiful display of flowers. The weather even seemed especially clear and pleasant. He couldn't help but nod his head in agreement, and even the Yulan potted plant had bloomed early, "It seems that Fourth Aunt is skilled at growing flowers."

  Yun Zhuoer said, "It's not worth praising, these flowers are supposed to bloom at this time. Wait until I grow jasmine in August and make it bloom in February, then you can come and praise me."

  Everyone burst out laughing, but Fu Hui said seriously: "The old man Feng of Lingzhi Garden has this skill."

  "Feng Gonggong is indeed good at raising flowers, but without a greenhouse, it's not possible." Hongli said, stroking his head. After Fuhui recovered from her illness, she liked to run around Qianxi's two places, Huijing was clever and obedient, and quite dependent on Yunzhu. Hongli gradually developed a sense of brotherly responsibility, unlike before when it was just superficial affection.

  Fu Hui nodded, "Having skills is one thing, but you also need the right conditions for them to be useful."

  "That's well said." Hong Duan praised him.

  Fuhui's pale face turned slightly red, and she stopped talking.

  "Fourth sister, I heard that the Empress of Prince Zhuang said you wrote two wonderful chrysanthemum poems at the Spring Festival gathering in the fourth year of Yongzheng. Why don't you write two more today?" Duan Rou suddenly said, she was only 14 years old this year, and had been brought to the palace for nurturing since she was aware of things, out of filial piety towards her mother, whatever made the Empress of Prince Zhuang happy, she also wanted to experience it.

  Hongli's heart moved slightly, and he smiled at Yunzhu, who was better than him in terms of poetic talent.

  Yunzhu shook her head and smiled: "It's just me writing, it's not showing off. These poems, books, zithers, and paintings are still suitable for gathering interest at the literary meeting."

  "Fourth sister, why don't you write a poem instead? My sister and I still don't know if we'll have the chance to attend such an event. Today, with flowers and tea, it's as elegant as can be. The literary gathering isn't just for like-minded friends, after all. What's more intimate than this?" A hint of melancholy flashed in Hui's eyes. As a princess of the Qing dynasty, she was destined to marry into Mongolia. They lived deep within the palace, bound by strict rules and regulations, yet their freedom and upbringing were still inferior to those of the Eight Banners noblewomen.

  "Why don't we all leave some ink behind as a memento, it doesn't have to be written by ourselves, what should the title be?" said He Hui. At this point, Yunzhu couldn't refuse anymore.

  "Look, the peach blossoms in Xifeng are blooming so beautifully."

  "Spring orchids, orchid temperament is noble and pure."

  "Great plum blossoms!"

  ……?

  "It doesn't matter what it is, just write whatever you like, or draw if you want to." Yunzhu said with a smile, seeing that the servant had already set up the painting materials and easel.

  "Well then, I'll draw a picture, and put our gathering today into it." Hei said with a self-motivated spirit, which would have been more impressive if her face wasn't so red.

  More than half of the time had passed, and everyone had finished their own work. Yunzhu didn't bother to think about it, and when the time was almost up, she simply copied Lin Daiyu's poem "Ode to White Peony" from Dream of the Red Chamber with a flourish. For the rest of the time, she either tasted tea or watched He Hua paint, feeling carefree and elegant.

  "Half-closed the Xiang curtain, half-shut the door. The ice is ground into earth, jade is carved into a basin. Stolen comes the pear blossom's three parts white, borrowed is the plum flower's one wisp of soul. In the moonlit cave, the fairy sews her sleeve, in the autumnal boudoir, the resentful woman wipes away tears. Shy and silent, who to tell? Weary leaning on the west wind, night has already darkened."

  What a "steal", what a "borrow"! Using derogatory terms in praise, imagining something new and refreshing, lively and elegant... Using flowers to describe people, seeing their appearance, attitude, color and charm, it's indeed possible to see the poet's ethereal and elegant temperament. However, Yunzhu may not be as lofty and pure as Haitang in the poem... Perhaps she is spiritually elevated, but that also means she doesn't flow with common people, which is her proud and noble aspect.

  Hongli held the poem written by Yunzhu and read it again, after finishing, he smiled and put it away, ignoring the sideways glances of others, not to mention taking possession of it for himself, but also stuffed his own poem into Yunzhu's hands.

  He glanced at him, looked at the poem in his hand: "Ode to Spring: I found that spring has come and spring is welcoming, flowers are also particularly affectionate in spring, telling him not to rush for time, will see red rain on the railing." Indeed, it can be seen that the emperor's nature is elegant, even a poem about flowers can be written like this, Yunzhu was a little embarrassed, how should he comment?

  Hongli's poetry talent is not high, he loves to write poems, if you treat his poems as a diary to record his emotions, it might be more acceptable. If there's anything that makes Yunzhu uncomfortable after her marriage with Hongli, then his poetry would be one of them. Of course, his habit of stamping his seal on ancient paintings is also an eyesore. However, antiques are not worth Yunzhu's attention, especially in the late period, these things are not even as valuable as a pack of facial tissues.

  Yunzhu felt that Hongli and Hongshi's entanglement with their father's love was different. For over a decade, he had been cautious and careful in front of his grandparents and parents, with excellent performance aimed at the ultimate goal of getting the highest chair. His mischievous side was diverted elsewhere. This kind of love, which was like stamping a seal in an ancient painting, was one example. Once, Yunzhu encountered this behavior and directly asked him: "Are you hoping that future generations will collect famous calligraphy and paintings, and remember you as a refined scholar who is always remembered with gritted teeth?" He was greatly embarrassed at the time, and afterwards, he hesitated to stamp his seal again, although Yunzhu never mentioned it again, treating his behavior as a child's prank.

  "Fourth sister's poem is indeed elegant and refined, but fourth brother's...?"

  "How?" Hongli raised an eyebrow, he also knew that his poetry was not good, but it was okay to make others feel sick, haha, seeing others say insincere words of praise made him happy.

  "...is also very unique." Hong Yu struggled to finish his words, and his sympathetic gaze turned to Yun Zhu. As princes and princesses, who hasn't read a bellyful of poetry books? Even if they can't compose, they can recite, and appreciating poetry is even more effortless. The quality of Hong Li's poem was obvious at a glance, and he exchanged glances with Hui and the others, and indeed it was his usual standard. He forced himself to say a few words like "on topic" and "profound poetic meaning".

  "Haha!" Hongli burst out laughing, and indeed, only Yunzhu remained silent.

  Everyone secretly curled their lips, how did it become like this?! Fu Heng stood silently on one side with a dark expression, after being together for a long time, he could probably guess some of Hong Li's bad taste.

  "Fourth Brother took away Eldest Sister-in-law's poem, I haven't even read it yet." Duan Rou said, "Fourth Sister-in-law, write another one."

  "It's just that Fourth Aunt's handwriting is also nice."

  Yunzhu, under the urging of several people, had to add another stroke, and after everyone had finished admiring it, she put it together with Hongli's. She caught a glimpse of the satisfaction and excitement that he couldn't hide in his eyes, and couldn't help but feel a little helpless, feeling like she was coaxing a child.

  "Fourth sister, I'll have you keep mine too." Fu Hui ran over with her own painting and handed it to Yun Zhu. Yun Zhu took a look and saw that the painting was of a begonia, which matched Yun Zhu's poem perfectly. "Although the technique is a bit immature, but Fu Hui's painting has a lot of spirit!" Yun Zhu said as she examined the painting, explaining the principles of light and shadow. She then picked up her brush and wrote on the bottom of the painting: "February 22nd, Year 6 of Yongzheng, painted at the flower banquet."

  Hong Ye also praised a few words and went to see He Hui's painting. The skills can't be compared with the masters of the painting world, but the scenery and characters are all depicted.

  "It's already well-drawn, in the future when you get married and have free time, draw some more and send them over with your letters for us to see, and also to broaden our horizons by seeing the scenery outside." He Hui nodded her head, knowing that Yunzhu was hinting at sending it to Yi Qinwang Fu Jin.

  Hongli listened and glanced at Yunzhu, deciding in his heart that he would take Yunzhu to tour the famous scenic spots of the world when he had the chance, so she wouldn't be confined to this capital city.

  "Where is lunch being served?" asked Guo. Cloud Pearl usually had a meal at noon.

  "Let's have it here." Yunzhu had Servant Mo find a wooden box to put everyone's works together and put them away. She said to the crowd, "I've only prepared a few dishes, let's just have a little something together."

  "The dishes here at Fourth Aunt's are delicious, I wish I could eat here every day." Hong Duan smiled mischievously and glanced at Fu Hui with envy, thinking that with the emperor's favor, he could come to freeload every day.

  "Who said Wu Ge isn't a lady?" He Duan covered her mouth and laughed, they also came over to mooch lunch from him, anyway Si Ge was helping the Emperor with government affairs in the Palace of Mental Cultivation, so he didn't need lunch either.

  Hongli may not have eaten lunch, but when he went out, Yunzhu would always ask the small kitchen to prepare some snacks and hot soup for Wu Shu to bring along in case they got hungry. Occasionally, she would also personally cook and send it to the Qianqing Palace for Yongzheng and him to eat.

  ……?

  Depressed, apart from Hongyu and Fu Heng, his sister entered the palace, and he also had fewer opportunities to eat delicious food.

  After her birthday, Yunzhu left the palace and returned home several times.

  The clan's preparations for going out to sea were almost complete. Knowing that Sixth Brother Fu Xin and Seventh Brother Fu Yu both planned to go out to sea to broaden their horizons, she brought back a lot of medicinal herbs and secretly gave two embroidered pouches to Fu Xin and Fu Yu, each containing over ten Yulan fruits, telling them to eat when they fell ill or got injured.

  After several times, I saw that the two brothers were well-prepared, not only had their swimming skills improved, but they had also learned a lot of knowledge about surviving at sea. Only then did she slightly put her mind at ease - after all, it was she who had flapped this butterfly's wings.

  This time the fleet going out to sea was quite spectacular, in addition to the Fu Cha family, there were also people secretly sent by the Emperor and Chen Hongyi (Hongshi), a merchant from Haining. Originally, some well-informed princes and nobles wanted to squeeze their idle sons into it, but they were pushed back to the Emperor by Ma Zhi and Li Rongbao, and it's unknown what the Emperor said, anyway, in the end, it didn't work out.