Spring in the Hall of Paintings

Yun Wei popped her head out from Old Madam Jue Luo’s arms. “Are you saying that my father has come back?” Old Madam Jue Luo was also very happy. She lightly patted Yun Wei’s small bottom and said with a stern face, “Now that your father has returned, does that mean you don’t need me anymore?”

“Of course not, of course not.” Yun Wei gently wiggled in Old Madam Jue Luo’s arms, her soft little hand gripping the old lady’s clothes. She whispered, “Yaya loves Mamu just as much as she loves Father. When Father returns, Mamu will be happy, and your health will improve. Only then can Yaya be at ease.”

Old Madam Jue Luo particularly liked to see Yun Wei’s embarrassed little expressions—her pouty lips were incredibly endearing. Or when Yun Wei had teary eyes, she was so lovable that people couldn’t help but want to pamper her. But when Yun Wei spoke these words, Old Madam Jue Luo felt a warmth in her heart, more soothing than any magical elixir. The wrinkles at the corners of her eyes softened as she smiled, tapping Yun Wei’s small lips. “You little thing, your mouth knows just how to speak. What treasure do you think you are to me?”

“Isn’t Yaya Mamu’s most precious treasure?”

“You clever little girl.” Old Madam Jue Luo’s happiness grew even more. Yun Wei twisted her body like a braid and curled into Old Madam Jue Luo’s embrace. “Mama, don’t laugh at me.”

“Second Master, Third Master, wish you peace.”

Upon hearing this, Yun Wei immediately stopped her playful behavior and quickly stood up. She hadn’t expected Rongxuan and the others to come to pay their respects so soon. She quickly composed herself and stood silently next to Old Madam Jue Luo. She could act spoiled and clingy, but not excessively. The rules of the Tong residence were strict, and it wouldn’t be good for others to see how favored she was by the old lady. Even though she knew in her heart, outwardly she had to maintain decorum. Yun Wei didn’t want to cause any conflict between the branches of the Tong family over trivial matters. The old lady had supported the Tong family for a lifetime; the Tong family was her heart and soul. Yun Wei didn’t want to make Old Madam Jue Luo sad.

“Let my son come in.”

Old Madam Jue Luo knew Yun Wei’s thoughts. It was precisely because Yun Wei was so thoughtful that Old Madam Jue Luo loved her even more. The door curtain was lifted by a magpie landing on the branch, and Rongzhi, covered in dust, helped Rongxuan walk inside. Yun Wei looked at her father, Rongxuan. His complexion was not good; his face, thin and dark, had a slight yellowish tint, and his body appeared weak, likely from blood loss. Yun Wei felt heartbroken, tears glistening in her eyes, hanging on her long lashes. She moved her little lips, silently calling, “Father, Father.”

As though sensing it, Rongxuan, weakened from travel and in poor spirits, still clearly heard Yun Wei’s call. This was the bond of blood. Rongxuan had earned the credit for rescuing the emperor and the crown prince, not only due to his decisive actions and relentless bravery but also thanks to Yun Wei’s maps and water bottles. Rongxuan nodded at his thoughtful daughter, and the maids had already prepared mats for him. Rongzhi and Rongxuan knelt before Madam Jue Luo, bowing their heads and saying, “Mother, we are back.”

“Get up, quickly, get up.” Madam Jue Luo’s voice was choked with emotion. Seeing Rongxuan, her heart ached deeply. His achievements were earned by risking his life. She pulled both of her sons up, continuously expressing her relief. “It’s good you’re back, safe and sound.”

“It’s my fault, Mother, for making you worry,” Rongxuan said with a weak smile. The exertion from earlier had made his shoulder wound very painful. Madam Jue Luo realized and, a little angrily, said, “You and I are mother and son. Why all these formalities? Sit down, Rongxuan. You’ve lost so much weight. How are your injuries?”

Rongxuan sat beside Madam Jue Luo, took a deep breath, and said, “I’m fine. It’s just blood loss, but my body is fine.”

“Mother, don’t worry. The emperor has sent for the imperial doctor from a thousand miles away to treat Second Brother. His injury will heal.”

It was impossible for Rongzhi not to feel jealousy toward Rongxuan. He had always been the most outstanding in the Tong family with the highest official rank. This time, Rongxuan’s achievements would make anyone envious. In history, the credit for saving the emperor’s life was always highly rewarded. The Emperor Kangxi was not a foolish ruler, and even though Rongxuan’s reward had not been issued yet, the fact that the emperor sent for the imperial doctor and personally visited Rongxuan’s tent, staying there for about the time it takes to burn a stick of incense, indicated that Rongxuan was about to be greatly honored. Emperor Kangxi was known for being loyal to those who had accompanied him during his youth, like the fabric director, Mr. Cao, and Wei Dongting, the governor of Zhili. These men had once helped the emperor remove the powerful minister, Aobai, so it could be inferred that Kangxi would not treat Rongxuan’s reward lightly.

“Third Brother.” Rongxuan gestured toward the direction of the Forbidden City. “This is the emperor’s immense grace. My small contribution doesn’t mean much. ‘Cough, cough…’ The Tong family is full of loyal heroes, as the emperor himself said. Mother, I don’t know how Father passed, but the emperor has not forgotten him.”

Old Madam Jue Luo’s eyes became moist, and she murmured to herself, “I know, I know the emperor has not forgotten your father. He has not forgotten. The family is full of loyal heroes. May your father’s spirit rest in peace.”

Yun Wei had already instructed the maid to bring tea and personally handed it to Rongxuan with a soft and sweet smile, saying, “Father, tea for you. Third Uncle, tea for you. Yun Wei congratulates Father and Third Uncle on returning victorious to the capital.”

After enduring the baptism of war and gunpowder, Yun Wei’s gentle and sweet smile was like a stream of clear water, quietly flowing through Rongxuan and Rongzhi’s hearts. Rongxuan said, “Good girl, Yun Wei is good.”

Rongxuan, feeling thirsty, removed the lid from the tea cup, paused for a moment, and then happily drank the ginseng tea that replenished energy and blood. Yun Wei smiled brightly, and Rongzhi, unsure of the details, stared at Yun Wei for a while before laughing and saying, “Second Brother, your daughter has grown so beautifully, even prettier than Yun Lan.”

“She is not as brilliant and charming as Yun Lan. She’s still young and has been spoiled by her mother, a bit too delicate. She doesn’t resemble a daughter of a prestigious family; she’s too soft.”

Although Rongxuan was being modest, Madam Jue Luo didn’t like it. “Who says Yun Wei is not like the daughter of a noble family? Rongxuan, let me tell you, Yun Wei is gentle on the outside but strong on the inside. She has her own opinions when it comes to things. You’ll understand that in the future.”

Rongxuan looked at the fiercely protective Madam Jue Luo, rarely seeing her defend anyone this way. “Yes, Mother, you’re right.”

Yun Wei wouldn’t misunderstand her father’s words; she knew he loved her. She walked up to Rongxuan and asked, “What did the doctor say? Is there anything to be careful about?”

“It’s fine,” Rongxuan, being a man, would not show weakness in front of his daughter. Yun Wei’s face was full of admiration as she smiled, “Mm, daughter believes in Father.” The father and daughter smiled at each other, and Rongzhi felt a pang in his heart. Yun Lan had never been like Yun Wei. Rongzhi had never treated Yun Lan the same way Rongxuan treated Yun Wei. Yun Lan had helped him strategize, promoted him, and opened financial doors for their branch of the family. When Yun Lan spoke of these things, Rongzhi had believed that she was the best daughter. Now, he envied the warm father-daughter bond between Rongxuan and Yun Wei. Good things could not be monopolized by one person.

“Rongxuan, your body is still injured. Go back and rest. Do not move too much. Taking care of your injuries is the best filial piety to Mother.”

“Yes, I’ll listen to Mother.”

Yun Wei withdrew her hand that was about to support Rongxuan’s arm and kneeled to bid farewell to Madam Jue Luo. She silently followed behind Rongxuan. As they walked back to the second branch’s courtyard, Yun Wei suddenly hugged Rongxuan’s arm, her voice breaking as she softly cried, “Father, I missed you. How could you be injured?”

Rongxuan’s arm stiffened. As a man of rules, he knew he should withdraw his arm, but when it came to his daughter Yun Wei, he couldn’t bear to do so, even though they were in front of Madam Jue Luo and Rongzhi. At this moment, he couldn’t bring himself to harden his heart. Seeing his daughter with teary eyes, Rongxuan comforted her, “Don’t cry, Yun Wei, don’t cry. Father is back now, isn’t he?”

“Father… Father…” Yun Wei carefully avoided Rongxuan’s injury, crying and expressing her concern and worry. Lady Fucha, supported by Qi Mama, stood at the door and exchanged glances with Rongxuan, who was comforting his daughter. Lady Fucha’s eyes reddened, and Rongxuan subtly nodded. He understood his wife’s concerns all too well.

“Yun Wei, help your father inside.”

“Mm, mm.” Yun Wei wiped her tears and carefully helped Rongxuan, saying, “I’m not that weak yet…” Before Rongxuan could finish his sentence, Yun Wei lifted her head, showing her eyes filled with tears. If Rongxuan didn’t comply, Yun Wei would definitely cry in front of him. Rongxuan couldn’t bear to see Yun Wei in tears, so he resignedly let her help him into the room and sit on the kang. Yun Wei bent down to help Rongxuan remove his shoes and socks. Rongxuan curled his legs a little. After returning from the battlefield and lying down to rest, the smell on his feet wasn’t pleasant. Lady Fucha softly said, “Lord, let Yun Wei serve you. It’s her filial duty.”

“Alright.”

Yun Wei silently served Rongxuan, washing his feet. The warm water covered his ankles, and Rongxuan let out a comfortable groan. Lady Fucha had intended to personally take care of Rongxuan, but she let Yun Wei take the lead. Yun Wei gently massaged Rongxuan’s soles and softly asked, “Father, does this feel good? It’s what Mother taught me. Once I go through the selection and marry, I won’t have many chances to serve Father anymore.”

“Feels good, feels good.” Rongxuan’s eyes were a little misty. When he returned from the war in Fuzhou, it was Fucha who had done this for him. Now it was his daughter doing it. Rongxuan knew very well the care and effort his wife and daughter put into him. He reached out and took Fucha’s hand, their fingers entwined. Rongxuan moved his lips and whispered, “Zhuo Hua.”

“Father, Father…”

Cheng Wu hurriedly entered. He had been selected as a companion for the Crown Prince and had been accompanying him in the study. Upon hearing that Rongxuan had returned to the capital, he had been so busy that he hadn’t even gone back to his room. Following his instinct, he entered without thinking, and it was the first time he had done so. Lady Fucha, seeing her son, quickly withdrew her hand. Rongxuan felt a sense of regret but maintained his strict fatherly demeanor in front of his son. “Impulsive and reckless, losing your composure.”

“Son remembers Father’s teachings.” Cheng Wu lowered his head and admitted his mistake, then began asking about the battle. When it came to military matters, Cheng Wu was a better strategist than his father. Although he lacked practical experience, his natural talent in the military gave Rongxuan great satisfaction. Rongxuan was confident that his son would achieve even greater success than him, and the future of the Tong family was secure.

After the family of four had dinner and chatted intimately, Rongxuan, while sipping tea, suddenly asked, “Where is Yun Yi?”

Rongxuan hadn’t mentioned his concubine, but Lady Fucha sighed and said, “The Concubine is ill, and Yun Yi is a filial child, so she is attending to Liu Concubine.”

“Oh.” Rongxuan responded indifferently. Lady Fucha turned her bracelet subtly, thinking to herself that it was their family of four who were truly one, and she didn’t want Yun Yi and the concubine to get involved.

A few days later, Emperor Kangxi’s imperial edict arrived at the Tong family. Rongxuan was promoted to the rank of First-Class Loyal and Brave Marquis for his military achievements. He was appointed General of Xining and promoted to the Commander of the Fengtai Camp. Emperor Kangxi also granted a handwritten letter to Madam Jue Luo, saying “A family of loyal and brave men,” which could be displayed in the main hall. Even though Rongda did not have any military achievements, he was also granted the title of First-Class Baron in recognition of Rongxuan’s filial piety. This was Emperor Kangxi’s way of honoring Rongda, as he was the head of the Tong family. Emperor Kangxi, who valued Rongxuan, didn’t want any conflict between the brothers that could disrupt the peace in the Tong family. He didn’t want to make loyal ministers feel disheartened. Besides, Rongda was wise, filial, and generous, and so both emotionally and logically, he deserved the reward.

The title of Marquis was a superior title. Not only was Rongxuan made a First-Class Marquis, but he also controlled nearly half of the military power in the capital. The Fengtai Camp and the Green Arrow Camp in the outskirts of the capital were Emperor Kangxi’s trump cards. Although the title of General of Xining was an honorary one, Rongxuan’s position, just below the Deputy Governor of the Nine Gates, made him a First-Class Military Officer. The Tong family’s power and influence grew immensely. Rongxuan’s beloved daughter, Yun Wei, attracted attention for the first time. Those with ulterior motives naturally began to plan something through Yun Wei’s selection for the imperial harem. In May of the 36th year of Kangxi’s reign, the imperial selection, which had been delayed due to the war, finally began.