Chapter 5

As for Hongce, he is the most easygoing among the brothers. The retired emperor has thirteen sons, and he is the second to last. Initially, the retired emperor and the retired empress had a quarrel that lasted four years. During that time, the Kalkan chieftain sent his mother to the palace, where she was conferred the title of noble consort. While it cannot be said that she enjoyed boundless favor, she was certainly a favored person at court. Later, the two reconciled, but the Kalkan noble consort, having risen high, fell hard, and along with several other consorts, was cast aside in the Langrun Garden. After several unsuccessful autumn hunts and tributes that failed to win the emperor's favor, even the twelfth brother gradually lost his influence and was sent far away, only returning to Beijing in recent years. Later, the two reconciled again, but the Kalkan noble consort, having risen high, fell hard, and along with several other consorts, was cast aside in the Langrun Garden. After several unsuccessful autumn hunts and tributes that failed to win the emperor's favor, even the twelfth brother gradually lost his influence and was sent far away, only returning to Beijing in recent years.

Previously indifferent, later there were concerns about news reaching the palace. The case of An Lingba Wu involved many parties, and the Emperor brought it up as an example for the court officials, putting himself in a precarious position. If it weren't for the intervention of the twelfth prince, the death of a single executioner would have allowed those with ulterior motives to take advantage, and merely removing a few eastern pearls from his crown would not suffice.

This is no laughing matter. Which of the privileged royal family members in the capital has ever been to that harsh and desolate place? Those with good fortune might return after successfully completing their tasks and receive rewards; those less fortunate would either freeze to death or be killed by rebels. Even if one manages to escape, if the task is botched, the emperor will not bestow any rewards, and one will still live a miserable life.

Hong Tao heard him coming back, "Sugar Ear, you call him 'Brother', but you clearly distinguish me as 'Seventh Brother'?"

A complete set of items means everything is present; whatever is in the script is here, even the dowry and the bridal sedan are exquisitely crafted. The princess clapped her hands in admiration, "Brother Twelve, you are truly wonderful; this item has struck a chord in my heart. Last time, I had the little monkey framed in glass and put it away in a box, so I can often see it on the table. This one also needs to be raised up; once the princess's residence is built, I will take it over there."

Hong Tao sat in the armchair, laughing heartily: "What could possibly be the matter with him? He is naturally slow in both hands and feet. Last time, when Master Gao celebrated his birthday, he only arrived after the banquet had ended. Master and Mistress were taken aback, not knowing how to respond to him. When he saw that most of the guests had already left, he felt too embarrassed to sit down, so he contributed his share and went alone to Desheng Tower to order a meal. After finishing, he returned home still bragging, 'Oh dear, I went too early today; not everyone has arrived yet. I waited for a long time but couldn't fill a table, so I impatiently left. On the way, I ran into Le Min and had a meal outside.' Just as he was saying this, Le Min came in through the door, exclaiming that he was reborn from a water eel, arriving late and licking the bottom of the plate. Look at that, what an embarrassing scene.

The Military Commission had long discussed this matter, so there was nothing unexpected for him. "The day before yesterday, I received a confidential memorial stating that the deputy governor was acting unlawfully, causing turmoil over there. The armored soldiers and banner troops are on the verge of rebellion; someone must go over to manage the situation."

The princess does not value expensive items, but pays more attention to those small trinkets. The eunuch presented a box, and when she opened it, inside was Zhong Kui, wearing a soft-winged hat, dressed in a bright red robe, with a rhinoceros horn belt around his waist and crooked-toed boots on his feet, striking a pose with his shoulders raised and his backside protruding, truly resembling the real thing

He? The princess scoffed, "He is investigating a case today and got into a fight with the moneylenders on the street. Right now, he is reflecting on his actions, so we cannot count on him." Saying this, she walked away dejectedly in the other direction

It is a pity for this ear, as it is said to have been deafened by the accidental discharge of the red-clad cannon on the parade ground. A fine prince, exiled three thousand miles under the pretext of guarding the borders, and Hong Tao does not know the reason behind it, feeling utterly wronged on his behalf.

The Emperor Emeritus smiled and said, "Everyone, please relax, there are no outsiders here, do not hold back." He looked at each of his sons and asked, "Is the eleventh son not here yet?"

Hong Tao asked in astonishment, "Did you hear? The court has dispatched troops to Ningguta!"

Hong Tao smiled again, "Aren't you ashamed? What are you building a princess's mansion for? Are you in a hurry to get married?"

Hong Tao took a calming pill, raised his hand to smooth his temples, and regained his spirit. "That's settled then. I was just saying I wanted to find someone to sing at the hall meeting. When the time comes, I'll have Jin invite you, and we can have a good chat again"

The young eunuch, with a smile that filled his face with wrinkles, led the way with a lamp, saying, "Third Master mentioned that the Empress Dowager loves to listen to operas, so I sought out people from the Chaohui Opera House. All the performers, whether they are sheng, dan, jing, mo, or chou, are beautiful young ladies in their teens, radiating freshness. These individuals excel in delicate tunes; once the drumbeat starts, the performance of 'Peach Blossom Fan' makes one feel a delightful shiver in their bones. Since Seventh Master has given the word, I will report to Manager Hua shortly, and you and Twelfth Master can find a secluded spot to have these performers come and sing for the two of you alone." These individuals excel in delicate tunes; once the drumbeat starts, the performance of 'Peach Blossom Fan' makes one feel a delightful shiver in their bones. Since Seventh Master has given the word, I will report to Manager Hua shortly, and you and Twelfth Master can find a secluded spot to have these performers come and sing for the two of you alone.

"Shut your mouth, can you die from not speaking?" In the dim light, without any restraint, she lifted her robe and kicked like a princess, "You better take it easy. The court is planning to send someone to the north for garrison duty. Father asked who they intend to send, and the second brother said, 'It can only be the sixth or the seventh.' Among so many princes, you two are the only ones free; if not you, then who? The weather in the north is cold now, with heavy ice and snow, it’s not a world to be trifled with. Once you go, you can't even rub your nose, or it will fall off!"

Attending the singing gathering and watching the opera is akin to allowing a blind person to see flowers. Hong Tao walked ahead with his hands behind his back, a self-deprecating smile on his face, as he strolled slowly behind. Looking out into the distance, dusk enveloped the surroundings, and lanterns were hung in the pavilions and towers both near and far. Changchun Garden is an excellent place for summer retreat, built by the water, where the humidity is high in summer, with more lake surface than land. It is quite suitable for nurturing oneself here. Speaking of this reminds him of his mother, who is different from the other imperial concubines of her generation; she cannot return to the residence with her son and can only live separately in the garden. Changchun Garden is an excellent place for summer retreat, built by the water, where the humidity is high in summer, with more lake surface than land. It is quite suitable for nurturing oneself here. Speaking of this reminds him of his mother, who is different from the other imperial concubines of her generation; she cannot return to the residence with her son and can only live separately in the garden. The military affairs office is busy, and he has not been able to find time to visit her. Once he has finished his tasks, he will go to Langrun Garden to pay his respects, so as to avoid her constantly worrying.

They hurried towards Yan Shuang Tower, and the princess pouted her lips high, "Is Hong Tao really that foolish? I still have matters to consult with the Twelfth Brother!"

The outside world is tumultuous, far from the prosperous and comfortable life in the capital. However, Hong Ce has no complaints, speaking in a calm manner with a gentle smile, lacking sharp edges, yet still unable to conceal his brilliance. It is as if there is a fire burning fiercely in some unseen corner, embodying the spirit of the Yu Wen family, which has been passed down most authentically to him.

The princess is quite dismissive of him, ignoring him completely, and is solely focused on pestering Hong Ce for birthday gifts

Just as he was planning, unexpectedly someone jumped up from behind. Under normal circumstances, he would have thrown the person to the ground with a shoulder throw, but this was Changchun Garden, and such boldness could only belong to the local tyrant.

The sky has turned completely dark, and the palace lanterns hang high above the water pavilion. As one walks along the corridor into the Yan Shuang Building, eunuchs and palace maids come and go outside, and through the gauze curtains on the windows, one can see the situation inside the building. Many people have gathered, filling the room with yellow ribbons. The retired emperor sits in the main seat, holding a baby in his arms, presumably the second son of the empress. The retired emperor, once a remarkable figure, now shows signs of aging, with his hair turning gray at the temples.

Kou Hai glanced at her and said, "Master, the Twelfth Master has not arranged a marriage, nor have I heard of any romantic interests. As for your matter with the guard Lou, they cannot make a decision on it. Why not seek out the Thirteenth Master instead? You can confide in him and ask him to facilitate it as well"

This little sister is highly regarded by everyone, knowing that her temperament is different from others, they had all prepared in advance. Hongce said: "I commissioned a set of 'Zhong Kui Marries His Sister', two skilled craftsmen spent more than a month on it, and I don't know if you will like it or not"

Hong Tao turned his face and frowned, "If you speak carelessly, it could spread three or four miles. What would the old man say if he found out? We can't just leave it in the garden, talking to the peonies. We need to find a way to take it out and hold a gathering at my residence, so we can all get together." As he spoke, he turned around and patted the arm of the twelfth brother, "Hong Ce, the Emperor is coming today. If he asks about the matter of An Ling Ba Wu, I won't be able to answer, so you'll have to take care of it all."

As evening approached, the princes entered Changchun Garden, for today marked the birthday of Princess Gulong, and they all came to partake in her longevity noodles. Princess Gulong and Prince Rui, Hongxun, are full siblings, and in terms of sibling order, she is the younger sister. Their parents dote on them, having raised them close by since childhood, making her much more cherished than an ordinary princess. In Qi culture, there is no concept of a coming-of-age ceremony; turning seventeen is considered adulthood, thus the seventeenth birthday holds particular significance. The Taishang Emperor and the Taishang Empress, who were far away in Yunnan, have returned, and naturally, the brothers must come to offer their congratulations. The royal family is known for its emotional distance, yet at this moment, they must feign closeness. The family gathered around the table to share a meal, engaging in casual conversation, and on this day, even the Emperor could not be an exception.

He carefully observed his lip movements and nodded, saying: "Seventh Brother, rest assured, I have it under control"

He is uncertain in his heart, completely relying on this younger brother. The Twelfth Master is a reliable person, able to speak in front of the Emperor. Unlike him, when his father had not yet abdicated, he was entangled with the Sixth Master, Hongzuan, over Prince Dongli. Later, Prince Dongli was stripped of his royal status due to treason and was quietly sent to the Outer Eight Temples to become a monk. The Second Prince, who is the current Emperor, once scolded him as a sycophant in the study. Although many years have passed and the brothers have all grown up, he still cannot let go when facing the Emperor, remaining vigilant, a lingering issue from his childhood. To say he is truly afraid would not be entirely accurate; he just feels uncomfortable. He is naturally rebellious and cannot tolerate criticism. They are all from the same vine; who is nobler than whom?

Hong Tao was taken aback, "Did you call my name? Is it confirmed?"

They entered the room, respectfully sweeping their sleeves and bowing, "My son pays his respects to the Emperor." Then, slightly turning their bodies, they saluted the Emperor seated opposite, "Your humble servant pays his respects to Your Majesty."

The streets are filled with murky air, yet we are all in the same city of Beijing. A change of location makes a significant difference

In this case, it seems that the matter is quite serious. I steadied myself and approached him, saying, "Let us go meet the Emperor right away; it is crucial that we find a way to defer this matter."

The princess rolled her eyes and said, "I still call my thirteenth brother Hongxun, so you should be satisfied!" While speaking, she came closer, affectionately linking her arm with Hongce's. Afraid that the light from the lamp would not illuminate her face, she asked the eunuch Kou Hai to hold the lamp higher. Turning to Hongce, she asked, "Did you bring me something fun today? The last flute I had developed a crack in one of the holes and is no longer playable. When you have time, please get me another one, an ivory one will do."

She pressed her knee and squatted down for him, saying, "I have paid my respects to the elder brother."

A melody wafts through the wind, upon closer listening, it is Kunqu opera, the tune is melodious with a sense of longing. Hong Tao pauses to ask the eunuch beside him, "Is this the small play performed by the Third Master upon entering the garden? The singing is quite good, bring it back to show me later."

The so-called "mane people" are a folk art form, using clay to create heads and bases. A circle of one-inch-long mane hair is glued to the bottom of the base, and a body frame is made from millet straw. The face is painted with traditional patterns, and the figures are dressed in costumes, all placed on a gong. When the gong is struck, the little figures bounce and spin, engaging in mock battles, which is even more entertaining than a performance on stage

Everyone shook their heads in disbelief; the sons of the retired emperor each had their own temper, and there was no shortage of peculiarities among them

Amidst the lively chatter and laughter of the crowd, one person remained detached from the world. The emperor turned his face to look, and there was Hong Ce seated at his right, savoring tea, his eyes cast down, his fingers gently caressing the lotus leaf of the teacup. The porcelain of the official kiln was thin, covered with a layer of pale green glaze, reflecting a glass-like luster under the light. Hong Ce's fingers were exquisite, slender and pure, complementing the teacup, and at first glance, they possessed a captivating power.

The Gulong Princess is seventeen, yet still possesses the heart of a child. Having traveled from north to south earlier, she has learned little of the palace's rules, making her much more lively than those princesses raised within strict confines. Additionally, due to the age difference with her other siblings, she is younger than them. Before he went to Kalka, he spent a lot of time with her, and their bond is quite deep.

The emperor should be here; it seems that something has delayed him

In the garden, the pine wind gently blows, surrounded by green waters. As I walk past the lilac embankment, I feel a slight tremor beneath my feet. Raising my eyes, I see not far away a large waterwheel turning steadily, sending splashes of water scattering in all directions, creating a thin layer of mist over the lake's surface. In the hazy light, the glow of the sunset ripples, evoking a sense of poetry.

He took the person off his back, "Today, you are free from all restrictions? Be careful, if your father sees, he will have something to say." He smiled and cupped his hands towards her, "Birthday star, I am here to congratulate you."

Princess Gulu turned away, and Man replied: "It definitely hasn't been settled, but it's pretty much the same now."

Before Hong Ce could respond, Hong Tao began to sneer, "An ivory-carved flute, how could you even think of that? This is just setting a difficult problem for your good brother; carving a suona would be more appropriate."