A Perfect Moment (Part 1)
Wulana. The day of Niemeng's wedding was set on the second day of August in the lunar calendar, Yunzhu didn't have the heart to cooperate with the Neiwufu and Libu to prepare for her wedding, so she returned the palace affairs to Xi Guifei at the same time and asked her to take care of Qianxi Ershuo.
Xi Guifei regained her imperial power and with the lingering illness that had lasted for over a month finally subsiding, she was in an extremely good mood. She wasn't as concerned about Yunzhu going to Yuanmingyuan to escape the heat, saying: "You can rest assured, I'll take care of the Western Palace for you. You've been working hard lately, so take a good rest."
There's a wife who doesn't love power, that's not bad. She just stuck with Hongli a bit. Women are like that, there's no one who isn't jealous. Xi Guifei understood her behavior of ignoring Ula Nara's wedding after moving to Yuanmingyuan.
"There's Mother-in-law in my heart, I'm at ease with a million things, but Mother-in-law is just right, I still have to trouble Mother-in-law... My heart is really uneasy, this hundred-year-old wild ginseng was given by my wife as a filial piety gift, Mother-in-law can keep it and decide whether to give it away or use it herself."
Xi Guifei's expression paused, didn't Yunzhu hear the imperial physician's diagnosis, doesn't she know that she over-supplemented?! Xi Guifei, who had been privately rebuked by Yong, looked at Yunzhu with a gaze that was momentarily unkind, thinking that she was mocking her. But when Yunzhu opened the sandalwood box from Suo's hands and took a look, she held her breath, oh my god, that wild ginseng is long and round, its skin is old and yellow, its texture is fine and dense, its whip-like tendrils are beautiful... it's as thick as an infant's arm, definitely over 200-300 years old, this is a rare treasure.
"Wow, such a fresh and perfect wild ginseng... bring it over quickly so I can take a look." His face had already turned from anger to joy.
Chun Lan took the sandalwood box from Tan Mu and presented it to Xi Guifei. Yunzhu waited until she had admired it enough, then took another box from Su Wen's hand and also presented it, "This is the two hundred-year-old Ho Shan red fungus that Wang Ye has been searching for on behalf of his mother over this period of time. Although it's a bit late, it's also Wang Ye's filial piety..."
Xigui opened it and found that it was indeed the best Hosan red fungus. She thought of her illness for over a month, Yunzhu came to visit every day, and Hongli also came from time to time. Both of them almost moved all the good medicine from Qianxi's two places. She sighed: "You two are filial to me, I remember that. Just leave some of these good things, so you won't have to search everywhere when you need them later. I'll keep this ginseng, and you take the lingzhi back, it will be fine to make a soup for Hongli in autumn."
"Yes." Yunzhu didn't stand on ceremony either, taking the box and putting it back in Suwen's hands. "The daughter-in-law has taken her leave."
"Go."
After Yunzhu left, Xi Guifei had Birlu, the newly appointed Chun Chang Zai, called in and scolded her for a while. The meaning was that this time she could accompany the emperor to Yuanmingyuan because she had spoken well of her in front of the emperor, so let her be clever, serve the emperor well, and pay attention to the accompanying Gu Concubine and the one who entered the palace with her, don't lose face for Chengqian Palace.
"The slave remembers the great kindness and virtue of Concubine Gui, and will not disappoint her cultivation." Chun Chang knew that she lived in Chengqian Palace, while the main position of Xi Gui Fei was now the highest-ranking concubine in the palace. Her fourth son was the only prince among all the princes, so if she wanted to survive and be favored in this palace, she had to please Xi Gui Fei and follow her orders.
"I can see you're clever and quick-witted, many things don't need me to say them for you to understand... Alright, go prepare now."
Spring Hua asked Qin Mama: "Mama, do you think Spring Hua and that imperial concubine can compare to Consort Yu's favor?" Yu was from the Manchu Irgen Gioro clan, her father Gu Zong was currently serving as the River Governor of Zhili Province and was favored by the Emperor. She had entered the palace as a noble lady and given birth to the eighth princess, then promoted to consort, it was when she was young and beautiful, full of vigor and vitality, if she were to give birth to another imperial son, both Spring Hua and Hong Li would be in danger.
"Currently, only these two are available, and they have just entered the palace, it's the freshest time... Master, please put your mind at ease."
"It would be good if they could really make it happen, but I'm afraid they will end up helping each other." Xi Guifei slightly lowered her eyelashes and stroked the exquisite nail guards on her hands, with a worried expression on her face. "I am not at ease outside the palace, nor am I at peace inside the palace." If Yu Fei hadn't stayed in the palace to take care of Wu Fu Jun who was about to give birth, she would have left the palace too, unfortunately.
Yu Fei is now tightly controlled by the five noble consorts, how can she care about Rong Gui Ren? Qin Mama said softly. Although Dong E's wife hid in Jingyang Palace and didn't come out, she was also closely guarded, but after all, she was young and had no power in the palace, how could she resist the powerful High Mama who was waiting for an opportunity to strike?
"You're right, one by one, slowly. " Xigui smiled, although Yufei couldn't leave the palace, she had to take care of her daughter-in-law, and with no other way, the emperor was not in the palace, the huge imperial palace was in her own hands, if she couldn't handle that cheap person, then she would have lived all these years for nothing.
On this side, the Chengqian Palace was busy with plans, while on the other side, in the Yangxin Hall, Yongzheng listened to the news brought by Zhang Bao and knew that Xi Guifei had often spoken to Chun in the past. He waved his hand expressionlessly, letting the guards retreat.
As an emperor, he has his own considerations.
The Eight Banners' power must be grasped in his own hands, and he cannot but make some gestures. Consort Ke's favor was half due to her family background and her knowledge of the situation, but for the sake of Hongli, he also could not let her grow stronger. This time, the trip to Yuanmingyuan was an opportunity given to Xi Guifei and Consort Ke, to see how they would react.
There are also Hongli and Yunzhu, unlike the clear distinction in the palace, what will they do when they arrive at Yuanmingyuan?
Yunzhu didn't have the emperor and Xi Guifei's various considerations, she went to Yuanmingyuan indeed for a vacation. It wasn't until the Qing dynasty that I realized how stifling the summer palace was, the weather was already hot, and what met the eye was still piece after piece of glazed tiles reflecting the sunlight, it was too dazzling, just looking at it made me feel like my body was about to catch fire, and in front of and behind me were palace walls one after another, even if there was a gentle breeze blowing by, it didn't bring any coolness.
Now she can set up a small spiritual gathering array in the house to prevent herself from getting too hot, but there are still three children. She was born with a natural fragrance of orchids and has some innate talent for planting flowers and plants. Adding a cool and sweat-free physique that is not affected by the heat is nothing, but adding three children makes it a bit eye-catching. The children can't be like her, full of spiritual energy, setting up a gathering array in their house, they would be cool in the house, but once out of the house, they would soon feel hot again, not only would the contrast be big and easy to get sick, but also easily arouse suspicion. It's better to add some spiritual pool water when they take a bath to nourish their skin, slowly improving their physique from the outside in.
The triplets are now starting to crawl and are curious about everything, it's not good to keep them cooped up in their own room all day. The Renshouyuan Park combines gardens, scenic areas, mountains, water, and forests, making it a great summer resort. With the lake's shimmering light, green shade, and gentle breeze, it's also good for them to play and explore more.
"Si Jie, go to Fucha Gege's place and see how the preparation for Da A Ge is going?" He had sent someone to tell Fucha Fulinga earlier that he would bring Yong Rong along to stay for a few days. After all, with his Ama and Huang Ma Fa there, someone would be keeping an eye on their studies. She had brought three triplets, so she couldn't leave Yong Rong behind alone, at least take him to stay for a few days, just to show her intention.
Returned to the two palaces of Ganxi, Yunzhu thought for a while and decided to leave Ye Guigu, Feng Yi, Ling Shu, Shi Mo, and Ming Xin behind. She took Gu Guigu, Shang Guigu, Su Wen, Si Xue, and Wang Jinbao with her. From among the second-grade palace maids, she chose Cailu, Caivan, Hanlin, and Hanxi; from each of the three imperial consorts' palaces, apart from their respective nursemaids, she selected one personal maid and two second-grade palace maids to accompany them on the trip.
The people she brought with her were not too many, although there were also attendants in the Yuanmingyuan, but after all, they were not familiar with the details, and if something went wrong, it would be difficult to return. The people left behind were enough to guard the house, handle affairs, and pay attention to the news from the palace.
The emperor set out early in the morning, while Yunzhu and his entourage started their journey only in the afternoon, arriving at Yuanmingyuan just as the sun was setting. The present-day Yuanmingyuan is still far from its legendary grandeur of later times, with fewer scenic buildings. At least the Qi Chun Garden bestowed by Emperor Yongzheng to Prince Yi was not yet incorporated into Yuanmingyuan, and structures like the Western-style building, Changchun Temple, and Bitong Academy had not been built yet.
However, the good geographical advantages and beautiful scenery of Yuanmingyuan have not decreased, but rather increased a few degrees of natural coolness. Yunzhu chose to stay in Xinghua Spring Pavilion.
The Apricot Flower Spring Pavilion is located on the west side of Shangxia Tian Guang, with mountains and rocks surrounding the Taihu stone piles to form a slope in the northeast. The slope stretches across the intersection of the Apricot Flower Spring Pavilion and the Tan Tan Tang Tang, with caves and mountain pavilions scattered throughout, and cypress trees planted on the slope. The east and west sides of the building face the lake, with apricot flowers forming a forest in the western courtyard. In front of the pavilion, there is a vegetable garden. At this time, the apricot flowers are in full bloom, with thousands of red dots, beautiful and charming, reflecting the lake's light, set off by the weeping willows, shining brightly and infinitely interesting. Moreover, the cool breeze brings water, which is perfect for relieving the summer heat. The vegetable garden in front of the pavilion can also help pass the time, which suits her taste perfectly.
The layout of the Apricot Flower Village is much more casual than other parts of the Yuanmingyuan, with a strong rural flavor. Of course, even as a rural landscape, it still has a royal touch - low houses, vegetable fences, paper windows and wooden beds, which are quite different from ordinary civilian residences, and have a very spacious and pastoral flavor.
The main building of Apricot Flower Spring Villa is a five-room house with blue tiles and white walls, with a back hall, as well as a study, pavilion, fishing platform and other buildings that bring the atmosphere of a mountain villa. Yunzhu naturally lived in the main room, the bright room was left for the hall, the next room on the left was the bedroom, the corner room was used to store luggage and items, the right-hand side room was the bedroom of the triplets, the corner room was also used to store the triplets' luggage and utensils, and other attendants lived in the back hall.
The emperor lived in the "Tian Di Yi Jia Chun" of Jiuzhou Qingyuan Hall, Hongli lived in "Wanfang Anhe", Yongrui lived in Qinghui Pavilion. Other concubines moved to Peony Terrace.
The Peony Pavilion has fragrant wood pillars and is covered with glazed tiles of two colors, shining like gold and jade. In front of the pavilion are planted peonies of various colors, beautiful as brocade; behind it stand ancient pines in a row, forming a lush forest, surrounded by flowers called "dōu huā". The scenery here is elegant in late spring and clear and pleasant at the beginning of summer. In those years, Kangxi, Yongzheng and Qianlong, three generations of emperors, once admired peonies together here, which was regarded as a symbol of "peace and prosperity". It's not without reason that Empress Dowager Cixi chose to live here.
After finishing his official duties, Hongli would often go to Xinghua Spring Building. Yongzheng sometimes accompanied him for dinner, playing with the triplets, and sometimes reading alone. As the triplets were still young, he also showed up. Yongzheng occasionally asked about his homework, seeing that he was indeed mediocre in talent, only excelling in being honest and down-to-earth, so he let it go. This made Yongzheng feel more at ease. Due to his unfavorable birth time, neither he nor his mother had any ambitions for power struggles, wishing only for a peaceful life. Moreover, as the legitimate mother, Yunzhu was indeed kind to him, and the three younger siblings were lovely and clever, winning his affection.
On this day, Hongli finished his morning court session and thought that there was no urgent official business, so he returned to Xinghua Spring Villa. He wanted to steal a leisurely day and take Yunzhu for a stroll in the Yuanmingyuan Garden.
Apricot blossoms are like pieces of cloud, gently blown by the breeze, like snowflakes drifting away. Especially the old trees planted on the lakeside for over a decade, their posture is robust and vigorous, with large canopies and drooping branches. The flowers on the shore, the fragrance in the water, each showing off their beauty. It makes one think of Wang Anshi's poem "Apricot Blossoms on North Slope", isn't it: "Even if blown by spring breeze to become snow, they are still more beautiful than those trampled into dust on South Slope"?
Upon further reflection, it seems like there's something else that doesn't feel right. Ah, in previous years, the apricot blossoms would usually bloom until the end of May, and by June 1st to mid-June, they would have already wilted and begun to bear fruit. But since Yunzhu moved into this Apricot Blossom Spring Pavilion, these apricot blossoms seem to have gained a vitality that makes them bloom incessantly without wilting. And now it's already mid-June, yet the flowers are still blooming so luxuriantly.
In the apricot blossom forest, triplets are crawling on a blanket, playing with a leather ball made by Yung Zhuo. Occasionally, petals fall on their tender faces, and they exclaim "ah ah" twice, tilting their little heads as if wondering how the flower landed on their face again. Or one hand supports themselves while the other reaches out to grab the flower... When caught, they excitedly stuff it into their mouths... The other two see this and quickly crawl over, piling up like a tower of dolls, three chubby snowmen wearing little shorts and pants, rolling around in a tangled heap, kissing and snuggling each other.
He couldn't help but laugh, yet didn't walk over to join them as he usually did. Yunzhu wasn't there, so he headed towards the pavilion, where only Suwen and a second-grade palace maid were inside. "Where's Furen?"
"In the study." Su Wen replied.
He turned around and was about to leave, but suddenly stopped, "The sun is getting bigger, let the nannies pay attention not to let the young masters get sunburned."
"Yes." Su Wen bowed again.
Yunzhu came to Yuanmingyuan every two days and painted a picture for the triplets. Sometimes she just lightly sketched, sometimes she used light ink to shade, and sometimes she used heavy colors to paint in detail. The paintings were all of their lovely postures while playing. These two days, she was painting the scene of them rolling balls under the apricot tree, with different poses and expressions, like three adorable kittens. After finishing, there was still plenty of time, so she practiced writing for a while.
He stood outside the study, looking through the window to see her wearing a pale-colored soft satin cheongsam with golden embroidery, her hair styled in simple two buns adorned with a white jade carved flower pin, her demeanor as calm as moonlight, as subtle as distant mountains, her slender wrist suspended, moving like a snowflake unfolding, the green jade pen holder in her delicate fingers fluttering like a butterfly dancing around.
For a moment, he was stunned.
She suddenly came to her senses, stopped writing and looked up at him with a smile. That shallow smile made him involuntarily think of the apricot forest with petals flying everywhere, the peach forest that was burning and blooming, the elegant and serene white orchid... None of these could describe her beauty, but didn't it fit the phrase "only when it's subtle do you know the flower is even more beautiful"? Or should I say "thick makeup or light makeup, both are suitable"?
"Why did you come so early today?"
"Stolen idleness for half a day." He came back to his senses and found himself in the study. He picked up the painting she had placed aside, with a look of delight in his eyes, and wrote: "Apricot forest spring swallows flutter around flowers deep, refined charm has childish competition, blooming snow falling flowers chasing each other, not disturbing the branches' gradual spring."
After finishing writing, she also took out her own seal and stamped it on, placing it together with hers.
The author has something to say: The following is the main body of the text:
Wulana. The day of Niemeng's wedding was set on the second day of August in the lunar calendar, Yunzhu didn't have the heart to cooperate with the Neiwufu and Libu to prepare for her wedding, so she returned the palace affairs to Xi Guifei at the same time and asked her to take care of Qianxi Ershuo.
The Empress Dowager regained her imperial power, and after more than a month of illness, she finally recovered. Her mood was extremely good, and she didn't mind so much about Yunzhu going to the Summer Palace for the summer. She said: "You can rest assured, I will take care of everything in the palace. You have been working hard lately, so take a good rest."
There's a wife who doesn't fight for power, and that's not bad. She just stuck with Hongli a bit. But women are like that, there's no one who isn't jealous. Xi Guifei understood her behavior of ignoring the wedding ceremony of Ula Nara at the Yuanmingyuan.
"There's Mother, I'm at ease with a million things, but Mother is just right, and I've come to trouble Mother again... My heart is really uneasy. This hundred-year-old wild ginseng was given by my daughter-in-law as a tribute, Mother can keep it, whether to reward someone or use it herself is fine."
Xi Guifei's expression was stuck, didn't Yunzhu hear the imperial physician's diagnosis, doesn't she know that she overdid it?! Xi Guifei, who had been privately scolded by Yong, looked at Yunzhu with a slightly malicious gaze for a moment, thinking that she was mocking her. But when Yunzhu opened the sandalwood box from Suo's hand and took a look, she held her breath, oh my god, that wild ginseng is long and round, with old yellow skin, fine texture, whip-like tendrils, and pearl-like joints, its shape is beautiful... it's as thick as an infant's arm, definitely over 200-300 years old, this far away you can still smell the clear fragrance of ginseng, it's a rare treasure.
"Wow, such a fresh and perfect wild ginseng... Quick, bring it over for me to take a look." His face had already turned from anger to joy.
Chun Lan took the sandalwood box from Tan Mu and presented it to Xi Guifei. Yunzhu waited until she had admired it enough, then took another box from Su Wen's hand and also presented it, "This is the two hundred-year-old Ho Shan red fungus that Wang Ye has been searching for on behalf of his mother over this period of time. Although it's a bit late, it's also Wang Ye's filial piety..."
Xī Guì Fēi opened it and took a look, and indeed it was the best Huò Shān Chì Zhī. She thought of her illness over the past month, and how Yún Zhu came to visit her every day, and Hóng Lì also came from time to time to see her. Both of them had almost moved all the good medicinal materials from Qián Xī's place. She sighed: "You two are so filial, I'll remember it. But leave some of these good things for future use, don't move everything away." She said, putting the box lid back on and handing it to Yún Zhu.
"Yes." Yunzhu didn't stand on ceremony either, taking the box and handing it back to Suwen. "The wife will take her leave now."
"Go."
After Yunzhu left, Xi Guifei had Birlu, the newly appointed Chun Chang Zai, called in and scolded her for a while. The meaning was that this time she could accompany the emperor to Yuanmingyuan because she had spoken well of her in front of the emperor, so let her be clever, serve the emperor well, and pay attention to the accompanying Gu Concubine and the one who entered the palace with her, don't lose face for Chengqian Palace.
"The slave remembers the great kindness and virtue of Concubine Gui, and will not disappoint her cultivation." Chun Chang knew that she lived in Chengqian Palace, while the main position of Xi Gui Fei was now the highest-ranking concubine in the palace. Her fourth son was the only prince among all the princes, so if she wanted to survive and be favored in this palace, she had to please Xi Gui Fei and follow her orders.
"I can see you're clever and quick-witted, many things don't need me to say them for you to understand... Alright, go prepare now."
Spring Hua asked Qin Mama after retreating: "Mama, do you think Spring Hua and that imperial concubine can compare to Consort Yu's favor?" Yu was from the Manchu Irgen Gioro clan, her father Gu Zhen currently held the position of River Governor in Zhili Province and was favored by the Emperor. She entered the palace as a noble lady and gave birth to the eighth princess, then promoted to consort, it was when she was young and beautiful, full of vigor, if she were to give birth to another imperial son, both Spring Hua and Hong Li would be in danger.
"Currently, only these two are available, and they have just entered the palace, it's the freshest time... Master, please put your mind at ease."
"It would be good if they could really make it happen, but I'm afraid they will end up helping each other." Xi Guifei slightly lowered her eyelashes and stroked the exquisite nail guards on her hands, with a worried expression on her face. "I am not at ease outside the palace, nor am I at peace inside the palace." If Yu Fei hadn't stayed in the palace to take care of Wu Fu Jun who was about to give birth, she would have left the palace too, unfortunately.
Yu Fei is now tightly controlled by the five noble consorts, how can she care about Rong Gui Ren? Qin Mama said softly. Although Dong E's wife hid in the Jingyang Palace and didn't come out, she was also closely guarded, but after all, she was young and had no power in the palace, how could she resist the powerful High Mama who was waiting for an opportunity to strike?
"You're right, one by one, slowly. " Xigui smiled, Yufei couldn't leave the palace, but had to take care of her daughter-in-law, and couldn't spare any energy, the emperor wasn't in the palace, the huge imperial palace was under her control, if she couldn't handle that cheap woman, then all these years would have been lived in vain.
On this side, the Chengqian Palace was busy with plans, while on the other side, in the Yangxin Hall, Yongzheng listened to the news brought by Zhang Bao and knew that Xi Guifei had often spoken to Chun in the past. He waved his hand expressionlessly, letting the guards retreat.
As an emperor, he has his own considerations.
The Eight Banners' power must be grasped in his own hands, and he cannot but make some gestures. Half of Consort Yu's favor was due to her family background and her knowledge of the situation, but for the sake of Hongli, he also could not let her grow stronger. This time, the trip to Yuanmingyuan was an opportunity given to Xi Guifei and Consort Yu, to see how they would react.
There are also Hongli and Yunzhu, unlike the clear distinction in the palace, what will they do when they arrive at Yuanmingyuan?
Yunzhu didn't have the emperor and Xi Guifei's various considerations, she went to Yuanmingyuan indeed for a vacation. It wasn't until the Qing dynasty that one could understand how stifling the summer palace was, the weather was originally hot, and what met the eye was still piece after piece of glazed tiles reflecting the sunlight, it was too dazzling, just looking at it made one feel like their body was about to catch fire, and in front, behind, left, and right were palace walls and city walls, even if there was a gentle breeze, it didn't bring any coolness.
Now she can set up a small spiritual array in the house to make herself not too stuffy, but there are three children, and she is born with a natural fragrance of orchids, and has some innate talent for planting flowers and plants. Adding a cool and sweat-free physique that is not affected by the heat is nothing, it's just that adding three children makes it a bit eye-catching. The children can't be like her, full of spiritual energy, setting up a spiritual array in their house, they would be cool in the house, but once they leave the house, they would quickly feel hot again, not only would the contrast be big and easy to get sick, but also easily arouse suspicion. It's better to add some spiritual pool water when they take a bath to nourish their skin, and gradually improve their physique from the outside in.
The triplets are now starting to crawl and are curious about everything, it's not good to keep them cooped up in their own room all day. The Renshouyuan Park combines gardens, scenic areas, mountains, water, and forests, making it an ideal summer resort. With the lake's shimmering light, green shade, and gentle breeze, it's also great for them to play and explore more.
"Si Jie, go to Fucha Gege's place and see how the eldest prince is preparing?" He had sent someone to tell Fucha Fulinga earlier that he would bring Yong Rong along to stay for a few days. After all, with his Ama and Huang Ma Fa there, someone would be keeping an eye on their studies. She had brought three triplets and couldn't leave Yong Rong behind alone, so she might as well take him along to stay for a few days, just to show her intention.
Returned to the two palaces of Ganxi, Yunzhu thought for a while and decided to leave Ye Guigu, Feng Yi, Ling Shu, Shi Mo, and Ming Xin behind. She took Gu Guigu, Shang Guigu, Su Wen, Si Xue, and Wang Jinbao with her. From among the second-grade palace maids, she chose Cailu, Caivan, Hanlin, and Hanxi; from each of the three imperial consorts' palaces, apart from their respective nursemaids, she selected one personal maid and two second-grade palace maids to accompany them on the trip.
The people who went with her were not too many, although there were also attendants in the Yuanmingyuan, but after all, they were not familiar with the details. If something happened, it would be difficult to return. The people left behind were enough to guard the house, handle affairs and pay attention to the news from the palace.
The emperor set out early in the morning, while Yunzhu and his entourage started their journey only in the afternoon, arriving at Yuanmingyuan just as the sun was setting. The present-day Yuanmingyuan is still far from its legendary grandeur of later times, with fewer scenic buildings. At least the Qi Chun Garden bestowed by Emperor Yongzheng to Prince Yi had not yet been incorporated into Yuanmingyuan, and structures like the Western-style building, Changchun Immortal Hall, Bitong Academy, etc., had not yet been built.
However, the good geographical advantages and beautiful scenery of Yuanmingyuan have not decreased, but rather increased a few degrees of natural coolness. Yunzhu chose to stay in Xinghua Spring Pavilion.
The Apricot Flower Spring Pavilion is located on the west side of Shangxia Tian Guang, with mountains and rocks surrounding the Taihu stone piles to form a slope in the northeast. The slope stretches across the boundary between the Apricot Flower Spring Pavilion and the Tan Tan Tang Tang, with caves and mountain pavilions scattered about, and cypress trees planted on the slope. The buildings face the lake on both sides, with apricot flowers forming a forest in the west courtyard. In front of the pavilion, there is a vegetable garden. At this time, the apricot flowers are in full bloom, with thousands of red dots, beautiful and charming, reflecting the lake's light, set off by the weeping willows, shining brightly and infinitely interesting. Moreover, the cool breeze brings water, which is perfect for relieving the summer heat. The vegetable garden in front of the pavilion can also help to while away the time, which suits her taste perfectly.
The layout of the Apricot Flower Village is much more casual than other parts of the Yuanmingyuan, with a strong rural flavor. Of course, even as a rural landscape, it still has a royal touch - low houses, vegetable fences, paper windows and wooden beds, which are quite different from ordinary civilian residences, and have a very spacious and pastoral charm.
The main building of Apricot Flower Spring Villa is a five-room house with blue tiles and white walls, with a back hall, as well as a study, pavilion, fishing platform and other buildings that bring the atmosphere of a mountain villa. Yunzhu naturally lived in the main room, the bright room was left for the hall, the next room on the left was the bedroom, the corner room was used to store luggage and items, the right-hand side room was the bedroom of the triplets, the corner room was also used to store the triplets' luggage and utensils, and other attendants lived in the back hall.
The emperor lived in the "Tian Di Yi Jia Chun" of Jiuzhou Qingyuan Hall, Hongli lived in "Wanfang Anhe", Yongrui lived in Qinghui Pavilion. Other concubines moved to Peony Terrace.
The Peony Pavilion has fragrant wood pillars and is covered with glazed tiles of two colors, shining like gold and jade. In front of the pavilion are planted peonies of various colors, beautiful as brocade, while behind it stand ancient pines in a row, forming a lush forest, surrounded by flowers called "dōu huā". The scenery here is elegant in late spring and clear and pleasant at the beginning of summer. In those years, Kangxi, Yongzheng and Qianlong, three generations of emperors, once admired peonies together here, which was seen as a symbol of "peace and prosperity". It's not without reason that Empress Dowager Cixi chose to live here.
After finishing his official duties, Hongli would often go to Xinghua Spring Building. Yongzheng sometimes accompanied him for dinner, playing with the triplets, and sometimes reading alone. As the triplets were still young, he also showed up. Yongzheng occasionally asked about his homework, seeing that he was indeed mediocre in talent, only excelling in being honest and down-to-earth, so he let it go. This made Yongzheng feel more at ease. Due to his unfavorable birth time, neither he nor his mother had any ambitions for power struggles, wishing only for a peaceful life. Moreover, as the legitimate mother, Yunzhu was indeed kind to him, and the three younger siblings were lovely and clever, winning his affection.
On this day, Hongli finished his morning court session and thought that there was no urgent official business, so he returned to the Xinghua Spring Pavilion. He wanted to steal a leisurely day and take Yunzhu for a stroll in the Yuanmingyuan Garden.
Apricot blossoms are like pieces of cloud, gently blown by the breeze, like snowflakes drifting away. Especially the old trees planted on the lakeside for over a decade, their posture is robust and vigorous, with large canopies and drooping branches. The flowers on the shore, the fragrance in the water, each showing off their beauty. It makes one think of Wang Anshi's poem "Apricot Blossoms on North Slope", isn't it: "Even if blown by spring breeze to become snow, they are still more beautiful than those trampled into dust on South Slope"?
Upon further reflection, it seems like there's something else that doesn't feel right. Ah, in previous years, the apricot blossoms would usually bloom until the end of May, and by June 1st to mid-June, they would have already wilted and begun to bear fruit. But since Yunzhu moved into this Apricot Blossom Spring Pavilion, these apricot blossoms seem to have gained a kind of unyielding vitality - it's already mid-June, yet the flowers are still blooming so luxuriantly.
In the apricot blossom forest, triplets are crawling on a blanket, playing with a leather ball made by Yung Zhuo. Occasionally, petals fall on their tender faces, and they exclaim "ah ah" twice, tilting their little heads as if wondering how the flower landed on their face again. Or one hand supports themselves while the other reaches out to grab the flower... When caught, they excitedly stuff it into their mouths... The other two see this and quickly crawl over, piling up like a tower of dolls, three chubby snowmen wearing little shorts and pants, rolling around in a tangled heap, kissing and tumbling.
He couldn't help but laugh, yet didn't walk over to join them as he usually did. Yunzhu wasn't there, so he headed towards the pavilion, where only Suwen and a second-grade palace maid were present. "Where's Furen?"
"In the study." Su Wen replied.
He turned around and was about to leave, but suddenly stopped, "The sun is getting bigger, let the nannies pay attention not to let the young masters get sunburned."
"Yes." Su Wen bowed again.
Yunzhu came to Yuanmingyuan every two days and painted a picture for the triplets. Sometimes she just lightly sketched, sometimes she used light ink to shade, and sometimes she used heavy colors to paint in detail. The paintings were all of their lovely postures while playing. These two days, she was painting the scene of them rolling balls under the apricot tree, with different poses and expressions, like three adorable kittens. After finishing, there was still plenty of time, so she practiced writing for a while.
He stood outside the study, looking through the window to see her wearing a pale-colored soft satin cheongsam with golden embroidery, her hair styled in simple two buns adorned with a white jade carved flower pin, her demeanor as calm as moonlight, as subtle as distant mountains, her slender wrist suspended, waving gently like a snowflake unfolding, while the green jade pen holder in her delicate fingers fluttered about like a butterfly dancing around.
For a moment, he was stunned.
She suddenly came to her senses, stopped writing and looked at him with a smile. That shallow smile made him involuntarily think of the apricot forest with petals flying everywhere, the peach forest that was burning and blooming, the elegant and serene white orchid... None of these could describe her beauty, but didn't it fit the phrase "only when it's subtle do you know the flower is even more beautiful"? Or should I say "thick makeup or light makeup, both are suitable"?
"Why did you come so early today?"
"Stolen idleness for half a day." He came back to his senses and found himself in the study. He picked up the painting she had placed aside, with a look of delight in his eyes, and wrote: "Apricot forest spring swallows flutter around flowers deep, the fragrance is naturally disputed by children, blooming snow falling flowers chasing each other in play, not disturbing the branches' order of spring."
After finishing writing, she also took out her own seal and stamped it on, placing it together with hers.
