Spring in the Hall of Paintings

“Eighth Brother, I heard that Father Emperor is going to arrange a marriage between you and Tong Jia Yun Lan. She is exceptional in both appearance and talent. You are really lucky, Eighth Brother.”

“Ninth Brother, don’t speak nonsense. Nothing has been decided yet.” Eighth Prince Yinti smiled gently and teasingly raised an eyebrow. “You’re the lucky one, having the imperial edict in hand, afraid your official wife might run away?”

“Are you two bullying me, Tenth Brother? Why is it that you both get to marry the noble daughters of the Eight Banners, the famous ‘Shuang Zhu’ of the capital, but I have to marry a Mongolian woman?”

Tenth Prince Yine was quite dissatisfied. Emperor Kangxi, to show respect to the various Mongolian tribes, had first issued a marriage edict to marry the daughter of a Mongolian prince to the Tenth Prince as his official wife. The Tenth Prince was the only son of Empress Wenxi, and in terms of status, he ranked just below the Crown Prince, Yinreng. In the Qing dynasty, where maternal status held great weight, the Tenth Prince’s biological mother, Empress Wenxi, had passed away, but the Tenth Prince’s noble birth did not threaten the position of the Crown Prince. The marriage to a declining Mongolian princess was a show of respect by Emperor Kangxi to the Mongolian Khorchin tribes.

Yinti patted the Tenth Prince’s shoulder in comfort. “I’ve heard, your official wife is quite a good match. Tenth Brother, you should treat your official wife well.”

“Alright, alright, Eighth Brother, do you love saying this in my ear? What’s the big deal about having one more or one less woman? I think you’ve been brainwashed by Imperial Concubine Hui.”

The Tenth Prince was always outspoken. Yintang gave his head a hard knock and scolded, “Nonsense. Eighth Brother is telling you to treat your official wife well. Just listen to him. Why bring Imperial Concubine Hui into this? Do you not know how good Imperial Concubine Hui has been to Eighth Brother? Besides, an official wife should be treated with care. Stop bringing those other girls into your bed. That’s slapping Father Emperor’s face. If Father Emperor gets upset, don’t expect us to save you.”

“I’m sorry, is that good enough? I’ll keep your words in mind, and I’ll respect and cherish my official wife.” The Tenth Prince always had a close relationship with Yintang, as they were only half a year apart. After Tenth Prince’s biological mother passed away, he was raised by Imperial Concubine Yi, making him naturally close to Yintang. The Tenth Prince hummed lightly. “You two are talking as if you’re not the ones in the situation. If I were to marry the famous ‘Shuang Zhu’ of the capital, I would spoil and cherish her. As for Jing Shu, we’ve all seen her, but Tong Jia Yun Lan, whom Father Emperor praises non-stop, is definitely not lacking in beauty either. She can certainly be compared to Jing Shu.”

When Yintang heard Tenth Prince praising Jing Shu, he felt happy and sweet inside. To him, Jing Shu was the best woman. Eighth Prince Yinti, however, had a soft look in his eyes. The girl who hid behind the gates of the residence—was she his future wife? He had seen Yun Lan before, albeit only briefly. Her bright and captivating beauty had left a deep impression on him. Those watery eyes—would they ever only look at him? He admired Yun Lan’s knowledge and insight and felt that they would get along very well.

“Eighth Brother, Father Emperor plans to have you open your residence before your wedding. I don’t have much to give you. You can’t expect much from the Internal Affairs Court, can you? I don’t like reading; I prefer enjoying the finer things in life. I made a decent profit the last couple of years, so leave the building of your residence to me.”

“Ninth Brother, I have some savings, and Imperial Concubine Hui and Eldest Brother have given me some help as well. The Internal Affairs Court won’t shortchange me when it comes to opening the residence. You should…” Eighth Prince Yinti noticed Yintang’s unwavering gaze, realizing his stubbornness, and quickly changed his words. “Then I’ll trouble you with it.”

“That’s the way it should be. Eighth Brother, we don’t need to be so polite with each other.”

“Ninth Brother, my dear brother, then what about me? Are you also taking care of my residence?” Tenth Prince asked, trying to flatter. Yintang knocked his head again. “What good thing can you not get involved in? I went to the Internal Affairs Court. They were choosing a location, and our residences are close to each other. Your residence and Fourth Brother’s are separated by just a wall. I really don’t understand how their brains work, placing Eighth Brother next to the cold Fourth Brother.”

While the eighth and ninth brothers were casually chatting, they made their way back to the princes’ residence. Under the shade of the willow trees, Yinzhen snapped a twig, his mind wandering. ‘Would Yun Lan marry Yinti?’ He turned around and went to find the Crown Prince. Upon reaching him, he spoke directly, “Second Brother, I want to marry Tong Jia Yun Lan.”

The Crown Prince, Yinreng, spat out his tea in surprise. He looked Yinzhen up and down, not expecting his usually calm fourth brother to show such passion. “Are you sure you want to marry Tong Jia Yun Lan? She wouldn’t be content to be your concubine when she could be Eighth Brother’s official wife.”

“Second Brother, Yun Lan is willing to be my side concubine.” A sense of satisfaction surged within Yinzhen as he said this. Not having her as his primary wife but as a secondary one would definitely satisfy Yinzhen’s strong sense of masculinity. “I will treat her well.”

Yinreng shook his head in disbelief. He knew that Yinzhen was very strict with his rules and principles. While he might make an exception or two for Yun Lan, Yinreng didn’t believe he would constantly break his own rules. Moreover, if a favored side concubine was to overshadow the official wife, both Kangxi and the Empress Dowager would surely intervene. The imperial family cared about its reputation, and as a prince, Yinzhen was supposed to be a model for the people. A prince who favored a concubine over his wife would be unacceptable.

“I told you before that you should have asked Father for a marriage edict first, but you didn’t listen. Now that things are settled, do you really think Father will change his mind?”

The Crown Prince had heard a bit about Yinzhen and Yun Lan’s situation, most of it from Yinzhen himself. In the 36th year of Kangxi’s reign, their brothers had a good relationship. While Yinti might not be as close to the Crown Prince as Yinzhen was, he still held him in high respect. However, since Yun Lan was the niece of Rongxuan, the Crown Prince had to consider the implications. What would happen to Yinti, whose mother held a lower status, if the Tong family helped him? Since Yun Lan and Yinzhen had feelings for each other, the Crown Prince always believed that Yun Lan marrying Yinzhen would be in his best interest.

Yinzhen pressed his lips together. In his mind, Yun Lan’s image was clear—her voice, her smile. He thought of the handkerchief she had risked so much to bring him. Slowly, he said, “Second Brother, I’ll go ask Father for the marriage edict.”

“Ah, I’ll go with you. Fortunately, the edict hasn’t been issued yet. Maybe Father will change his mind.”

The Crown Prince got up and accompanied Yinzhen to the Eastern Warm Pavilion. The Crown Prince walked ahead, knowing far more about the situation than Yinzhen did. Kangxi had already planned to grant titles to the princes and consorts after the palace selection. Yinzhen had previously gone to search for Kangxi when he was in the northwest and had achieved military merits. His biological mother was Imperial Concubine De, and his foster mother was Empress Tong, so it was highly likely that Kangxi would grant him the title of Prince. However, the Crown Prince didn’t want Yinzhen to be titled so early. If Yinzhen’s request regarding Yun Lan upset Kangxi, his chance of being named Prince could be ruined. At that point, Yinzhen would have no choice but to follow the Crown Prince’s lead and would never develop any other ambitions.

Yinzhen kept weighing whether it was worth pursuing. Princes never lacked for women, and his residence already had many women of various charms. Yet none of them truly understood him or could help him the way Yun Lan did. He clenched his teeth, telling himself that this risk was worth it.

“Your Majesty, Crown Prince, Fourth Prince requests an audience.”

Kangxi put down his brush and furrowed his brow. “Let them in.” Kangxi looked at the imperial edict in front of him, setting it aside. ‘This will be a surprise for Fourth Prince.’

“Greetings, Father Emperor.” Both the Crown Prince and Yinzhen paid their respects, and Kangxi smiled warmly. “You two, rise.”

The Crown Prince adjusted his sleeve as he stood, while Yinzhen knelt directly before Kangxi. Kangxi froze for a moment. “Fourth, what is this…?”

“Father Emperor, I have something I wish to ask you to decide on.”

Kangxi could see the struggle on Yinzhen’s face. What could be troubling the usually composed Fourth Prince? This was certainly no trivial matter. Kangxi said, “Speak.”

At that moment, a eunuch entered and announced, “Your Majesty, the old lady from the Tong family requests an audience.”

What day is it today? Old Madam Tong from the Tong family is also coming to the palace to seek an audience? Kangxi was a little puzzled. Then he remembered it must be about the selection of his two granddaughters. Kangxi shook his head and smiled, “How could I treat the loyal Tong family unfairly?”

The expression Kangxi displayed startled the Crown Prince. It seemed that the Tong family was indeed not simple. The old Madam Tong was acquainted with Kangxi. The Crown Prince gave Yinzhen a glance, signaling him to speak. Once Madam Tong entered, it would be too late to speak. Rumors were one thing, but as long as Kangxi had not explicitly stated that Yun Lan was betrothed to Eighth Brother Yinti, nothing was certain.

“Father Emperor, Fourth Brother… Fourth Brother has taken a liking to Tong Jia girl…” The Crown Prince took the initiative to speak.

Kangxi, who was about to ask Madam Tong to come in, was interrupted by the Crown Prince’s words. He furrowed his brows and asked, “Tong Jia? Which Tong Jia girl?”

At this moment, Yinzhen had no choice but to speak directly, “It’s Tong Jia Yun Lan. I like her.”

Kangxi’s smile froze, and he looked at Yinzhen with sharp, deep eyes. “Tong Jia Yun Lan? Yinzhen, you care for her?”

“Yes, Father Emperor, I like her.”

“Do you even know what you’re saying? Like? Is that what I taught you?”

Kangxi’s tone wasn’t exactly furious, but it was definitely harsh. He pointed at Yinzhen and said, “You dare say ‘like’?”

“Father Emperor, you were young once. You also liked the Empress. I ask you to fulfill my wish.” Yinzhen raised his eyes to look at Kangxi and kowtowed. “I only ask for this one thing from you.”

Yinzhen was very smart. He didn’t know whether Kangxi had liked Empress Yuan or Empress Tong in the past, but calling her “Empress” was always safe. Kangxi, leaning back against the dragon throne, thought of his own youth. He, too, had experienced those first stirrings of affection. However, why Yun Lan? Kangxi found himself in a difficult situation. If someone else had made Yun Lan a concubine, it wouldn’t have been a problem, just another side concubine. But Yun Lan was the woman Kangxi had originally planned to marry off to the Eighth Brother. Now, that was no longer possible. Kangxi could never allow Yun Lan to marry the Eighth Brother as the primary consort. He couldn’t let his two sons fight over a woman, and the idea of his younger brother’s wife being coveted by the older brother was nauseating to him.

“Yinzhen, you’re not someone who lacks judgment. Is Tong Jia Yun Lan enchanting you?” Kangxi first shifted the blame to Yun Lan, a tactic he often used. Yinzhen replied softly, “Father Emperor, Yun Lan and I are in love with each other. Please, I beg you to let us be.”

Yinzhen didn’t say whether Kangxi’s thoughts were correct or wrong. He used the art of language well. While he did like Yun Lan, his affection wasn’t enough to cloud his judgment and provoke Kangxi’s anger. Yinzhen had always been very good at striking the right balance.

Kangxi’s favorable feelings toward Yun Lan vanished. ‘In love with each other?’ Yun Lan was a talented young lady, yet she had been involved with a prince before the selection? This was one of Kangxi’s biggest grievances. But Yinzhen… Kangxi didn’t want to let Yinzhen resent him. Yinzhen was the son Kangxi had groomed to be the virtuous king. Just as Kangxi was wavering, the Crown Prince spoke again.

“Father Emperor, even if Tong Jia Yun Lan is a beauty, she’s still just a woman. Fourth Brother is experiencing his first love. Yun Lan has won his attention for now, but in time, he’ll lose interest. Father Emperor, if you treat Yun Lan like a pet for Fourth Brother, that would be enough.”

Kangxi fixed his gaze on Yinzhen and asked, “Yinzhen, is it really Yun Lan that you want?”

“Yes,” Yinzhen answered with a hint of hesitation. Kangxi’s pressure was immense. Yinzhen spoke softly, “I beg you, Father Emperor, to grant my wish. I will serve the throne with utmost loyalty and will not disappoint you or the Crown Prince.”

“Do you know that I was planning to grant you the title of Prince?” Kangxi threw an imperial edict, still unsigned, onto the desk in front of Yinzhen. “For the sake of Tong Jia Yun Lan, you’re willing to give up the title of Prince? This is complete foolishness.”

Yinzhen’s arm trembled as he looked at the still-damp ink on the imperial edict. His heart sank with helplessness. A princely title, and for Tong Jia Yun Lan? Yinzhen kowtowed and said, “Father Emperor, please don’t be angry. I am unworthy of the title of Prince. I am ashamed to have received your great favor.”

Kangxi closed his eyes and thought for a moment. He hated the idea of granting Yun Lan a life of luxury, but the Tong family was known for its loyalty and valor, and there were many rumors circulating that the Tong family produced royal consorts. These rumors had been spread by him. Yun Lan had shown no appreciation, but Kangxi could not afford to lose face. He would not believe that a single woman like Yun Lan could have the power to influence Yinzhen’s entire life. Princes never lacked for women.

“Fine,” Kangxi finally said, “I will grant your wish. Yinzhen, I will give Yun Lan to you as… as a side concubine.” Kangxi gritted his teeth. Yun Lan’s background only allowed her to be a secondary consort, not a full consort. Yinzhen kowtowed again and said, “Thank you, Father Emperor.”

“You’re receiving this as a trade for the princely title. There’s no need to thank me,” Kangxi replied coldly, glancing at the list of selection candidates. “It’s a pleasant thing to have a beautiful woman by your side. I will perhaps grant you Wu Jia as a concubine as well, along with Yun Lan.”

Wu Jia was from the Han military banner and was one of the most beautiful women among the current batch of candidates. Though her family wasn’t prestigious, Wu Jia possessed the graceful and demure qualities of a Southern woman, and was very understanding. Kangxi had originally intended to keep her for himself but decided to bestow her on Yinzhen. This would ensure that Yun Lan would not have exclusive favor. Though Kangxi didn’t believe that Yinzhen would solely favor Yun Lan, he certainly wanted to cause some trouble for her. If he wasn’t pleased, no one else would be either.

Kangxi’s intentions were clear, and both Yinzhen and the Crown Prince understood. The Crown Prince smiled and tried to ease the tension, “Congratulations, Fourth Brother, for receiving double blessings.”

“Thank you, Second Brother.” Yinzhen did not dare to rise. Kangxi glanced at him coldly and snorted, “I’ve agreed to it, and yet you still kneel? Yun Lan will be your side concubine. Remember, she is a side concubine, Yinzhen. If you break the rules, don’t blame me for forgetting our father-son bond.”

“I dare not,” Yinzhen replied, getting up and quickly assuring Kangxi. The Crown Prince then softly asked, “Father Emperor, what about Eighth Brother…?”

Kangxi’s expression changed. Was this not setting himself up for trouble? If the Tong family didn’t produce a royal consort, then Rongxuan would be ridiculed. People would think that the Tong family was out of their minds, trying to secure power and status. Kangxi sneered with helpless sarcasm, “My good son, you’ve put me in a difficult situation, I…”

Suddenly, Kangxi remembered something. He took out a poem written by Yun Lan that had been sent with the selection candidates. Kangxi pressed his lips together and said in a low voice, “Someone, call Rongxuan to me. I need to ask him who wrote the map.”

Yinzhen understood. Wasn’t it Yun Lan? But the Crown Prince was confused. At this moment, Kangxi was trying hard to recall—what did Tong Jia Yun Wei look like?