Dreams of Jianghu

Chapter 109 – Qing Transmigration Tale (18)

When Si Ye returned, he was full of worry. First, he was in conflict because of the matter of the children.

The emperor calling the imperial grandsons into the palace was a grace. Of course, the teachers in the palace were the best. Just looking at them brothers, one could see the benefits of studying in the palace.

But Hong Hui and Hong Yun were both of age.

Hong Hui had to go. He was the di-son and the eldest son. But what about Hong Yun? Should he be sent?

The other brothers did not have such a conflict.

Commandery Prince Zhi’s Hong Yu was a year older than Hong Hui. He was the di and eldest son. The other two shu-sons were a year old and a few months old. Other than Hong Yu, he had no one else to send.

Nothing more had to be said of the crown prince. Hong Xi and Hong Jin were in the imperial study already. They were not di, but the crown prince’s shu-sons were more valuable than their di-sons.

Third’s eldest di-son Hong Qing had died, and now his second di-son Hong Sheng had become the eldest. He was just a year younger than Hong Hui. There were two other shu sons who were just infants. Only Hong Sheng could be sent.

Five did not have a dison. His eldest shu Hong Sheng ¹ was a year older than Hong Hui. His second son Hong Zhu was not yet six. He would only send his eldest into the palace.

Seven did not have a di-son. His eldest shu-son was Hong Shu, born in the same year as Hong Hui. His second son was born in the thirty ninth year and not yet six. Only his eldest son fit the conditions.

Eight did not have any children.

Nine had four daughters, and no sons at all.

Ten had two sons, but they were just babies.

There was no need to talk about the rest, they were even younger.

Only his two sons were of similar age and old enough. If he sent Hong Hui and left behind Hong Yun, the good brotherly relationship that only just managed to get better may become distant because of the different experiences. But if Hong Yun was sent, he feared that the other’s ambitions would be fed. It would not be good.

Lin Yu Tong got the baby to sleep and saw Si Ye look at her haltingly.

She smiled and said, “Ye has something to say? What are you doing?

Si Ye spoke of the emperor’s intentions. Lin Yu Tong stilled and then said, “While I do not bear to, if everyone is going, then we have to send. But our two children will have to trouble Niangniang and disturb her peace.”

Si Ye had prepared a stomachful of words, but he was stunned at Lin Yu Tong’s matter of fact tone.

“What is it?” Lin Yu Tong saw Si Ye daze out staring at her and asked, “Did I say something wrong?”

Si Ye laughed and said, “Ye has not decided whether to send Hong Yun to go.”

Lin Yu Tong instantly understood and thought, if you only have the position of a prince of first rank, Hong Yun should not be sent. But in the future, they will be imperial sons, the difference in whether he was sent or not was not great. Going into the imperial study to learn was not the key. Why not be generous?

Regardless of what Hong Yun would choose in the future, it was enough if she could act to her conscience.

More selfishly, Hong Hui was already the eldest di-son. He could not become other people’s target, another crown prince Yin Reng.

Also, for Si Ye, he valued his eldest di-son more, but his heart was the same for the other children. Having him sacrifice another son for Hong Hui was very hard for him.

So she smiled and said, “Did you not know how to tell me? Fearing that Hong Hui and I will think more? Or fearing that there will be trouble in the future?”

Si Ye pulled Lin Yu Tong to sit next to him. “Ye has to be careful. Ye always wants to find a good place for them.”

“I know Ye‘s thoughts,” Lin Yu Tong sighed and said, “But it is too early to speak of the future situation. In any case, I see he is a good child. With us looking on, no big trouble will occur.”

Si Ye closed his eyes. When one did not have children, they would feel troubled. When there were too many sons, one would also be troubled.

But when they were eating dinner and told the two children about this, Hong Yun was the first to be unwilling.

“Di–Eniang, this son does not want to go,” Hong Yun pulled Lin Yu Tong’s sleeve and whispered.

Lin Yu Tong was stunned and said, “Why?” Had someone secretly said something to the child?

“A-ma says that we have to get up early everyday, and recite the books a hundred twenty times, and eat whatever the grannies give,” Hong Yun whispered. Then he secretly peeked at Si Ye.

Ever since the child got better from his dislike of food, he started to like food very much. Each day, he would order his own food. He could not endure eating the food from the imperial kitchens.

Reciting something a hundred and twenty times was a bit scary.

But one had to say that these imperial sons were taught to be very learned. Some knew Russian, others were skilled in math. All of them knew the four gentlemanly arts to some degree. All of them were accomplished at riding and shooting.

It was abnormal, but looking at the imperial sons, you could not refute their teaching method.

“Do not be afraid,” Lin Yu Tong said, “With Niangniang in the palace, you can go to her and ask for what you want to eat. Di–Eniang will visit you every few days.”

“Visit what? They will come back every ten days, nothing to miss. You are not allowed to go.” Si Ye glared at Hong Yun. “Other people can endure, why can’t you?”

“Your a-ma has arranged it for you, the palace will not make it difficult for you. Good! Go to your eniang, and tell her, remember?” Lin Yu Tong rubbed Hong Yun’s head and told him.

After seeing after Hong Yun, Si Ye said, “You are not allowed to give them food to take along. The palace is not like home, do not let others have a chance to do something.”

Lin Yu Tong’s heart stopped, and she hurriedly nodded.

When Si Ye went to the eastern room to practice calligraphy, Lin Yu Tong pulled Hong Hui to talk.

“…… It is Eniang‘s decision to have Hong Yun go. Your a-ma fears that you will think more, and could not decide.” Lin Yu Tong touched Hong Hui’s head. “Son, a man should have a more open mind. It is not wise to compete with your own brothers. There are many things that may change in the future. Eniang hopes that you will learn your a-ma‘s resilience and endurance.”

Changes? What changes?

A light flashed through Hong Hui’s eyes. He nodded and said, “Eniang, do not worry. This son knows what to do.”

“Do you have a plan with Hong Xi and Hong Yu?” Lin Yu Tong asked.

“Understood, Eniang.” Hong Hui nodded.

Lin Yu Tong sighed in relief. “Do not bear to not spend money to bribe. Matters that can be solved with silver are not important.”

Hong Hui knew that Eniang did not bear to part with him, and let her talk.

Lin Yu Tong only let go when Si Ye came to hurry him away.

“Children will have to grow up,” Si Ye comforted. “Now, you have Little Four, you will not be lonely.”

Lin Yu Tong looked at Four’s face and said, “One day, he will grow up. When the children fly away on their wings, it will just be the two of us keeping each other company.”

The world was so cold and the ground frozen. But they had to send their children into the palace before year’s end. Si Ye personally sent the two children to Yonghe Palace.

Consort De saw the two children were sent and nodded. “Do not worry. You and Fourteen were able to grow up peacefully. I will watch them.”

In reality, they could not live with Consort De. They had to live in the A-ge residences. However, it was possible to come and eat when there was time.

Si Ye nodded. “The two children may be too loud.”

“After raising Fourteen, even the most noisy child is not noisy.” Consort De called the two children to her and gave each of them one granny, and two palace attendants. These people were familiar with the palace, and everyone in the palace knew they were of Yonghe Palace. It would be easier for them to do things.

Si Ye personally led the two to the A-ge residences. The brothers were living in the same large courtyard that was split into two courtyards. They could care for each other, but they were also independent. It was very good. It seemed the person in charge had given some thought.

The rooms were pretty warm, and cleaned well. When everything was put away, Si Ye said to Hong Hui, “Take care of your younger brother.” He said to Hong Yun, “Listen to your older brother.”

Si Ye left the children here and then walked away, like he had left his heart here. He turned back and saw the two children standing next to each other in the doorway. His voice softened. “After ten days, A-ma will come bring you back home.”

Then he did not dare to stay any longer. He truly feared that he would not bear it and would bring the children home.

Leaving, he saw Third Prince and Fifth Prince.

He heard Third Prince mutter, “He will not be used to it. How will he be punished by the teachers?”

Fifth Prince twisted his lips and thought, whose sons are not treasures?

Seeing Si Ye come out, he said, “Fourth Brother is better. The two brothers can keep each other company.”

Third Prince rolled his eyes. Was it amazing to have two older sons? When they grew up, there was enough to worry about.

Lin Yu Tong was not used to it the first few days after the two children entered the palace. But the new years was about the start, and she started to get busy again, and take care of Little Four. She truly did not have the time to think more.

This year’s end, to Lin Yu Tong, the most important matter was that Little Four got a name from Kangxi. He was Hong Zhao.

Zhao, meaning light, bright, shining, and also meaning wise and remarkable.

It was a good name.

Such a great grace at such a time, the new years. Si Ye thought about it for several days in his study.

However, when Lin Yu Tong looked at the the notes and gift list in her hand, she was not in a good mood.

This was a note from the women of Nian Geng Yao.

Nian Geng Yao’s wife was the daughter of Naran Singde,² and he had relations to Eldest A-ge. The woman’s note had reached her, meaning that Nian Geng Yao’s note must have reached Si Ye.

Lin Yu Tong did not have a opinion of Nian Geng Yao. What she cared about was whether that Nian-shi would enter the establishment and become a princely lady again.

History recorded, ever since Nian-shi entered the establishment, no more women in the establishment had children. Only after her death was Hong Yan’s birth.

It was not Si Ye’s conduct to favor Nian-shi just because of Nian Geng Yao, unless he truly loved this woman, and only stayed with her.

Thinking like this, Lin Yu Tong did not feel at ease.

Si Ye entered and saw Lin Yu Tong in a daze with the Nian Family’s note. He took the note.

“What are you thinking about?” Si Ye looked at the note. “This Nian Geng Yao is very meticulous. I did not expect that you were delivered this.”

Lin Yu Tong gave a small smile. “Ye, what do you think of this person?”

“Passed the imperial examinations at twenty-one. The emperor values him much. Also, this person is good in the civil and literary, and is very worldly as a person.” Si Ye put the note on the table and said, “What is it? Is something wrong with this person?”

Lin Yu Tong shook her head. “How do I know of the outside matters? I only looked more because it is an aunt of the Nara Family.”

“This is not truth.” Si Ye pulled Lin Yu Tong’s hands and said, “We are husband and wife, what can you not say? If you keep it a secret, we will grow distant. At any time, Ye hopes that you will tell me honestly.”

Lin Yu Tong’s heart shook. She said, “Not because I do not want to say. I just feel that I have groundless fears right now.”

“Speak of it,” Si Ye pulled Lin Yu Tong to sit on his leg and said.

“The emperor uses Nian Geng Yao. Ye, do you want to win over this person? If you do, what will you use?” Lin Yu Tong said, “The best way is a marriage……”

“You want to engage Hong Hui to their daughter? No, the Nian Family is not high enough,” Si Ye decisively said.

Lin Yu Tong opened her mouth. She could not say the words now.

Si Ye saw Lin Yu Tong like this, and a light flashed through his mind. He said, “You fear Ye taking a miss of the Nian Family?”

Lin Yu Tong firmly closed her mouth. Today, she had been stupid.

Si Ye laughed and rocked back and forth.

“When pregnant, one will be dumb for three years. Ye, pretend I have said nothing.” Lin Yu Tong was a bit embarrassed.

Si Ye caressed Lin Yu Tong’s waist and said, “In two years, Hong Hui will be married. You are so jealous even now? We live our days out well. Your ye has not reached the point of having to sell himself.”

“Am I not old and faded now? I am not as fresh as the younger girls.” Lin Yu Tong rolled her eyes at him and smiled.

Si Ye looked seriously at Lin Yu Tong. “How are you old and faded? Let me look.”

Her face was white and her skin smooth and glowing. She was like a young wife of her twenties, at her most enchanting.

As he looked and looked, they moved from the couch outside to the bed inside. The hangings were let down. Su Pei Sheng sent away the servant girls and eunuchs.

The high and low moans continued from the later afternoon to night. They even missed the time for dinner.

Lin Yu Tong was covered in sweat and did not want to move, hanging onto Si Ye like an octopus.

Ever since she was pregnant with Hong Zhao, they had not had such a good time for a year.

“Was it good just now?” Si Ye asked.

Lin Yu Tong nodded. “Good!”

Si Ye laughed again. “Do not think nonsense in the future. Ye thinks you have too much free time.”

Maybe.

Who knows?

Lin Yu Tong completely forgot about the matter of the Nian Family after such a diversion.

After the first month, the emperor was going to tour around the capital. This time, Si Ye was selected.

“It has so cold outside, going out now is to suffer,” Lin Yu Tong murmured as she packed for Si Ye.

Si Ye held Hong Zhao and rocked him. “Commandery Prince Zhi, the crown prince, Nine and Thirteen are all going. Ye is not the only one to suffer. It is fine.”

So if your brothers were not more sorry than you, you were not at ease.

Lin Yu Tong complained inside and asked, “Who is left in charge of the capital? Eighth Prince?”

“Third Brother, Five, Eight. However, Third Brother only knows to talk, and will not be a match for Eight. Five just does not take charge and will follow Eight.” Si Ye gave a strange laugh.

Lin Yu Tong felt that he was plotting something again.

After seeing Si Ye away, Lin Yu Tong closed the gates to the establishment, and refused all guests. She did not see anyone, and just focused on raising the baby.

Only at the end of the third month did Si Ye come back.

But Kangxi was not a person to stay still. After coming back less than two months, he decreed to tour beyond the passes. When Hong Zhao was able to stand up, the emperor took Commandery Prince Zhi, the crown prince, Thirteen, Fourteen, Fifteen, and Sixteen to depart again.

If one calculated, he spent less than half a year in the capital each year.

After the emperor left the capital, Si Ye’s movements seemed to grow in frequency.

Table of Contents

• Grafting Life Chapter 108 – Qing Transmigration Tale (17)
• Grafting Life Chapter 110 – Qing Transmigration Tale (19)
• Grafting Life Chapter 111 – Qing Transmigration Tale (20)