One hundred and seven varieties of red, purple, fighting for fragrance (below)

  On August 15th, on the night of Mid-Autumn Festival, the moon is like a silver plate. Regardless of whether people are rich or poor, noble or humble, they all gather together with their families to admire the moon and eat mooncakes.

  The Forbidden City has the custom of worshipping the moon. The place for worshipping the moon is in the Imperial Garden, where a screen is set up facing east. On both sides of the screen are placed cockscomb flowers, soybean branches and fresh lotus root. In front of the screen is an eight-immortals table, on which is placed a huge moon cake, surrounded by glutinous rice cakes and fruits as offerings for worshipping the moon.

  The bright moon is rising, and the cool breeze is blowing in the imperial garden. Yu Fei, Qi Fei, and other palace consorts, including Wu Zha Ku Shi, as well as Princesses Hui, Duan Rou, and Zi Xiang, along with Yong Huang and Yong Ying, are watching Yun Zhu pay respects to the moon goddess, making offerings.

  She wore a light yellow satin cheongsam, with a three-inch wide moon-white embroidered silver orchid pattern on the collar, cuffs and hem. Over it, she wore a silver-white plain flower-patterned jacket with white fox fur trim, her shiny hair was combed into two small buns at the back of her head, and the remaining hair was piled up on top of her head to form a bun, held in place by a 7cm long slender square jade pin. The left side of the pin was needle-shaped, while the right side was carved with a phoenix head, holding a thumb-sized bright pearl in its beak, which shone brightly with the pearl pendant on her ears, under the moonlight, making her skin look even more delicate and lustrous, like jade, exuding an elegant and beautiful aura.

  The palace's Mid-Autumn Festival customs were originally presided over by the Empress, but after the death of Empress Xiaojing in the seventh year of Yongzheng, the eighth and ninth years' ceremonies were both led by Yunzhu. This particularly made Xi Guifei feel stifled, causing her to look at Yunzhu with increasing disfavor.

  Without the queen, she is the highest-ranking imperial noblewoman in the palace and should be in charge of all etiquette to demonstrate her noble status. How could she let Yunzhu, a younger generation, take charge instead?

  The emperor is indeed getting old and muddle-headed, no wonder the empress dowager had been displeased with Yunzhu before.

  The Empress Dowager had completely forgotten that during the time of Emperor Yongzheng, Yunzhu followed behind her to learn about rituals and ceremonies, and she was secretly pleased that her daughter-in-law could suppress the threat to the empress.

  She didn't think that all the other banquets and ceremonies were still hosted by her, but considering that the moon belongs to yin and Yunzhu's special destiny, Yongzheng let Yunzhu host the moon sacrifice. Unexpectedly, Xi Guifei was still remembered. This can only be said that human hearts are always insatiable.

  After the worship, according to the number of people in the royal family, Yunzhu only symbolically cut a knife on the big moon cake and handed the knife over to the special palace supervisor. They cut the moon cake into several small pieces and distributed them to everyone. Each person ate a little bit symbolically, which was called "eating reunion cake".

  The emperor and two princes Hongli and Hongzhou were also specially reserved for this.

  He Hua and Duan Rou took a bite of the mooncake and put it down, this thing doesn't taste good at all. On this day when families reunite under the same sky, their mood is not as joyful and peaceful as it seems on the surface. In three months, they will be sent to Mongolia, and who knows if they can spend another Mid-Autumn Festival in the Forbidden City.

  They often stood by with their hands on their bellies, being extremely cautious after the incident with Dong E. They were like startled birds, suspicious of every rustling leaf, and some were even frightened out of their wits. Dong E, who was originally weak and frail, now lay in bed, unable to get up, not only had her body suffered greatly, but her spirit was also weakened to the point where she might disappear at any moment, like a fleeting breeze, no matter how much comfort the emperor's promotion to Guiren brought her.

  Gu Kui Ren wore a crimson satin cheongsam with wide embroidered edges at the collar, cuffs and hem, adorned with light-colored plum blossoms. Her hair was styled in two small buns, topped with a pin featuring a turquoise-inlaid coral agate flower. She wore a pair of jade drop earrings that complemented her plump and gentle complexion, making it even more radiant. Since entering the palace, she had been confident, thinking that with her family background, intelligence, and beauty, it wouldn't be difficult to rise to a high position. But at this moment, her slowly calming heart was still unable to extricate itself from its astonishment.

  She knew that the Fourth Imperial Concubine was highly valued by the Emperor, and she also knew that the Fourth Imperial Concubine was widely praised among the officials and nobles. However, after entering the palace, this Fourth Imperial Concubine with an extremely good reputation lived a reclusive life, rarely going out, and even when she did, she had little to do with these low-ranking consorts, gradually making her feel indifferent.

  Until tonight.

  The Fucha Yunzhu under the moonlight is so elegant and noble, gentle as a fairy descending from the moon. The impression of her being merely delicate and refined when I saw her in Chongqing Palace has suddenly changed to one of pure beauty... It seems that I underestimated the people in this palace too much. If the Fourth Mistress had always looked like this, what was it that blinded my eyes?!

  Dong E's lesson must be remembered in one's heart.

  "Is there anything else you would like to instruct me, Your Majesty?" Yunzhu asked, curtsying to Empress Xi.

  This year, due to the incident of Director O's miscarriage, although nothing seemed out of the ordinary on the surface, the power within the palace had been greatly reduced, and Xi Guifei felt a sense of emptiness. She claimed to be ill and her reaction to Yunzhu's management of the festival was not as strong as it had been in previous years. Yunzhu's respectful and filial behavior towards her also made her feel less stifled. Upon hearing this, she glanced at everyone with a hint of disdain, "There is still an inner court banquet later, everyone should go back and prepare, don't delay the timing. Those who are not feeling well should speak up early to avoid any mishaps." The last sentence was directed at Changchang and Rongrong, who were both pregnant, and they felt Xi Guifei's gaze on their bellies, causing them to shrink back slightly.

  "This world, the thief shouting to catch the thief is too much." Qi Fei flicked her handkerchief and left. Xi Guifei's face turned blue and red, these days Qi Fei Li had also been taking a strong heart medicine, seizing the opportunity to stab her with a few sentences in front of her... This cheap woman, she must know that her own son is not dead?!

  "I also bid farewell, Yongying's body is weak and cannot withstand hunger." Yu Fei Ge Shi bowed to Xi Gui Fei and turned around to leave with Wu Zaku Shi.

  Yu Fei was also annoyed by the miscarriage of Ronggui Ren, and Xi Gui Fei's actions were no different from slapping her in the face. She didn't fight for that position to protect herself, but she needed power and a representative of imperial favor. However, Yongzheng's warning made her understand that her power in the palace could not be greater, and she couldn't get too close to Xi Gui Fei Nian Xialu, at least not condone or follow her actions.

  Wu Fu Jin glanced at Yun Zhu without leaving any trace and followed her.

  Xi Guifei only felt her forehead "throbbing" with shock, knowing that she had offended Yu Fei, with whom she had always gotten along well, but couldn't say anything about it.

  The other concubines felt they were no match for these few people and scattered like birds and beasts.

  Yunzhu returned to Ganxi's second residence, and with the help of Suwen and Ling Shu, she changed into a smoke-green embroidered shallow pink pear flower flag dress. The collar and sleeve openings were trimmed with wide haitang red borders, on which were embroidered green branch leaves and blooming snow-white pear flowers. Her hair was combed up and piled on top of her head, and then covered with a tiara made of green jade, coral, pearls, and agate. On her ears, she wore a pair of full-green water-drop-shaped jade earrings. The whole person exuded an indescribable lightness, elegance, and nobility.

  Hongli was stunned when he returned, such a dress, set against her tender and flawless skin, delicate eyebrows, long eyes, slender nose, and lips as light as peach blossoms... In the midst of clarity and nobility, she seemed like a fairy maiden from the ninth heaven. He muttered and didn't know what to say, only tightly holding her hand, afraid that if he relaxed even slightly, the person in front of him would disappear.

  What a fool! Can't he move his feet just because he saw a slightly prettier woman?! Yunzhu pursed her lips, helplessly gesturing to Suwen to bring over a set of apricot-yellow auspicious clothes and personally helped him change.

  During this time, Hongli couldn't help but steal a few sweet kisses, and in return, Yunzhu gave him several white eyes. "Fortunately, I didn't wear any makeup, or else you would have had enough to chew on."

  He burst out laughing, "What woman would be like her, 'not understanding romance'?" He shook his head.

  "A woman with a romantic heart would do that." She hummed softly, guessing that the woman in the backyard was also planning to have a moonlit tryst with him while dressing up.

  "Yunzhu." He pulled her along, wanting to speak but hesitating.

  Has she ever thought about having three thousand pamperings in one body? Yunzhu's heart was calm and peaceful, but her eyes revealed a hint of longing. She immediately hid it and said to him with a tinge of pain: "For the past two years, I know how you've treated me. If we continue like this, it won't be proper anymore."

  It's not unwillingness, but inappropriateness.

  He tightly grasped her hand, he wanted the world and a beauty too. "Don't worry, they are not my wives, I am clear in my heart." One day, when he shed his ambition and responsibility, he returned to her as an intact husband.

  Yunzhu lowered her head, hiding the flash of sarcasm in her eyes. She only needed a worldly husband after all. He was either bound by his status or indulged in his own desires, and he couldn't give her perfect love, nor could she give it to him. Her heart had long been wrapped in a thick cocoon, making it difficult for her to fall deeply in love. Protecting herself from getting hurt had become the choice etched into her soul. She cherished and enjoyed this mundane life, but wouldn't be tied down by it! At most, she would live for 70 or 80 years, watch her children and grandchildren grow up, and then leave contentedly.

  When we arrived at the royal garden, everything was ready, including tables and chairs, food, flowers, etc. Next to the venue, there was an osmanthus tree, and further away, a green lake with a small island, a corridor bridge, and a pavilion. Colorful glass lanterns hung above, reflected in the lake, like a fairyland. The gentle breeze brought the fragrance of osmanthus, and under the silvery moonlight, it added a touch of mystery.

  Such a beautiful view, it makes one's mood involuntarily calm down and feel the tranquility and beauty of this place. After walking a few steps, I saw Hongyao and Wu Zaku who had also arrived together. Hai Kezhen smiled slightly without saying anything, seeing that people were arriving one after another, so let's take our seats.

  The Mid-Autumn Festival dinner has always been just a formality, because it starts after the moon worship, and with a set of rules, you can only eat until the hour of You is over, so the participants dress up as brightly as modern people attending business dinners, but the things are not used much.

  There are only two indispensable things for this festival, one is mooncake and the other is Osmanthus wine.

  Yongzheng and Hongli, Hongxu had drunk wine when entertaining princes and ministers in the Qianqing Palace earlier, although it was two hours since the reunion banquet, the wine was just coming up, their faces were slightly relaxed and lazy, with a faint smile.

  Yongzheng was very generous after receiving the pen foreign income, and all the concubines in the palace were rewarded, especially Qi Fei, who was particularly rich.

  The old and faded Empress Qi, how did she get favored by the Emperor again? While muttering to herself, she glanced at Consort Xi and Consort Yu, only to find that they both had a faint smile on their faces, looking harmonious and joyful. This palace situation is really getting more and more incomprehensible!

  Hongli and Yunzhu exchanged a smile, knowing that Yongzheng had also included the share of "Hongsui" for filial piety to Empress Qi in the reward, and besides, Hongsui was indeed meritorious in the matter of going out to sea.

  "The Laosi family has worked hard today, and I have something to reward you." Yongzheng would not forget the merits of the Fuca family. Two days ago, an imperial edict was issued, rewarding Fu Xin with a seventh-grade honorary knight title and a temporary position as a fifth-grade extra attendant in the Li Fan Yuan. Fu Yu was granted a fifth-grade Yunqiwei title, but no position was assigned for the time being. Another grandson of Ma Si Ke also received an honorary knight title. Others who had already received wealth, unfortunately encountered difficulties, and the cargo belonging to them on the fleet was returned to their families. Yongzheng also allowed his name to be entered into the Lieshi Ling. The information brought back by the fleet this time is all precious, and none of the ministers opposed this decision.

  "Thank you, Your Majesty." Yunzhu stepped forward and bowed to thank her.

  "Do you know what I will reward you with?" Yinzhen also knew that she only accepted the tree saplings and seeds collected by her brothers, and all the Western goods exchanged for the 200,000 taels of dowry silver were lost to Hongli's handling. Although he knew his son would return the earned money to her, her courage and generosity still delighted him, proving that she considered herself a member of the Aixinjueluo family, united with Hongli and his wife, and didn't care about these external things.

  If Yunzhu knew what he was thinking, she would think that misunderstanding is a wonderful thing. She just felt that Hongli had undergone qualitative changes under the guidance of Yongzheng in these years, and she was willing to do things that could use money to gain trust and shape a good image. Money, she didn't lack it, and in another decade or so, she believed she could earn even more.

  "Is it like a snowball, an adorable animal?" Yunzhu's eyes lit up, what rare treasure under the heavens could be easier for the emperor to obtain?

  "Haha, indeed clever. Su Peisheng?" Yongzheng was very delighted.

  Su Peisheng personally brought over a copper basin, and Yunzhu curiously walked forward to take a look. To her surprise, there were two small turtles inside. One turtle had a light yellow shell with green stripes, but its shell was shining gold - even the "Golden Turtle" breed wasn't like this, it must be a variant. Looking at the other turtle, its shell was patchy and milky white, and its body was also white with a hint of light yellow. When it withdrew into its shell, it looked like a jade carving. The two turtles were smaller than Yunzhu's palm, and when she stretched out her fingers to touch them, their listless spirits perked up. They opened their paws and scratched at her fingertips, then opened their small mouths and nipped at her... but without much strength. This made Yunzhu laugh with joy, "They're so adorable, thank you, Imperial Mother! I'll take good care of them!"

  Yongzheng nodded, "When those things you planted bear fruit, just give half of it to me as filial piety."

  The lion opened its mouth, but Yunzhu didn't mind, "It was originally going to be given to the emperor's mother." The tangerine tree in the space had grown very tall, and two of them had been successfully grafted; it would also work to move one out and plant it in the courtyard. In addition, eight saplings of Shan Zhuo fruit had been cultivated, each divided into two and sent to the villa on Xiaotang Mountain to be planted, which should be fine.

  Only after the earthquake in the seventh year of Yongzheng, he rewarded those three golden cores, Yunzhu felt that they were not ordinary, and immediately planted them in the orchard. Unfortunately, only seedlings as high as a foot came out in two years, with a growth rate that was rarely seen in space.

  After fully comprehending the life imprint left by the Jade Orchid Tree, she paused for a while to solidify her boundary. During this period, she studied the jade tripod that was engraved with array patterns and seals. Combining her own insights and experiences, her understanding of arrays, seals, and talismans deepened significantly. After some time, she confidently believed she could unlock the seal on the jade tripod, and creating a secret manual for martial arts was no longer far off.

  Yunzhu handed over the copper basin and said to Suwen, "Hold it carefully... hmm, you'd better take them to my room first."

  "Yes." With the addition of Little Snowball, there are now two more rare little turtles, and Master's house is getting more lively by the day.

  Hongli saw her like this and was delighted in his heart, "So fond of it?"

  "Of course, they're so cute!"

  "What else do you like? I'll give it to you."

  Yunzhu rolled her eyes inwardly, but a sweet smile spread across her face. "I'll like whatever you give me."

  Hongli shuddered and finally realized he had asked a stupid question, so he lifted the cup and drank the osmanthus wine in one gulp.

  "The bright moon rises in the empty sky, and the sound of the xun is quiet and silent. The autumn color is evenly distributed, a full circle, and the clouds are accompanied by a thousand miles of brightness. The cunning rabbit falls from the outside of the bow, and the evil toad does not appear before my eyes. The divine boat is about to set sail, and I wait for the Milky Way to be completely clear. Your Majesty, on this festive occasion, I recommend playing a piece of music to satisfy your interest."

  Everyone turned to look, and it was the imperial concubine wearing a peach-red cheongsam dress sitting in the corner, with a delicate face and a slender figure... Isn't this Liu Xiang from Chengqian Palace? She quickly reacted and shifted her gaze to Xi Guifei, who sat on the left side of Yongzheng.

  Xi Guifei was furious, this Liu seemed like an unscrupulous person from the start, after entering the Chengqian Palace she had been suppressing her and not letting her have the opportunity to see the Emperor, unexpectedly now she had slipped out, it was also her own fault, recently being distracted and neglecting her.

  "Then play it." This kind of flattering trick was still pleasant for Yongzheng to fulfill. This family reunion dinner was just a gathering of the palace concubines and children's wives, not even the imperial relatives attended, playing a zither and singing a song wouldn't lose face.

  Liu's piano skills are still quite good, and the "Spring River Flower Moon Night" is very much in line with the scenery before our eyes. The melody is also elegant and pleasant to listen to, and the sorrow and joy between them are a matter of personal opinion. As the saying goes: I see the green mountain as charming, and I suppose the green mountain sees me as such too.

  Looking at Yongzheng's expression, he was still satisfied.

  Liu agreed to be the vanguard, and Gao and Li, two newcomers, also performed their programs. Only Gu remained, who was pregnant and proud of her status, and did not appear on stage.

  After the reunion dinner was over, Yongzheng summoned Empress Qi to Qianqing Palace, and Xi Guifei's face stiffened, her heart filled with unknown emotions. However, Hongli knew that "Hongshi" was there, and his imperial father wanted them to meet for a moment as mother and son.

  In the following days, Liu was very favored, and Gao, Li, and Guo each showed their unusual skills.

  Author's note: Note: The time of the navel orange variety in the text was advanced due to writing needs, and related historical events were also. Don't take it seriously when reading, folks. The events are real, the things are real, but the timing may not be accurate.

  The following is the main body of the text:

  On the fifteenth of August, on a Mid-Autumn Night, the moon is like a silver plate. Regardless of whether people are rich or poor, noble or humble, they all gather together with their families to appreciate the moon and eat mooncakes.

  The Forbidden City has the custom of worshipping the moon. The place for worshipping the moon is in the Imperial Garden, where a screen is set up facing east, with cockscomb flowers, soybean branches and fresh lotus root arranged on both sides; in front of the screen, an eight-immortal table is set up, with a huge moon cake placed on it, surrounded by glutinous rice cakes and fruits as offerings for worshipping the moon.

  The bright moon is rising, and the cool breeze is blowing in the imperial garden. Yu Fei, Qi Fei, and other palace consorts, including Wu Zha Ku Shi of the Five Blessings, as well as Princesses He, Duan Ruo, and Zi Xiang, along with Yong Huang and Yong Ying, are watching Qiu Zhu pay respects to the moon goddess, making offerings.

  She wore a light yellow satin cheongsam, with three-inch wide moon-white embroidered silver orchid patterns on the collar, cuffs and hem. Over it, she wore a silver-white plain flower-patterned jacket with white fox fur trim, her shiny hair was combed into two small buns at the back of her head, and the remaining hair was piled up to form a bun on top of her head, secured by a 7cm long narrow square jade pin. The left side of the pin was needle-shaped, while the right side was carved with a phoenix head, holding a thumb-sized bright pearl in its beak, which shone together with the bright pearls hanging from her ears, under the moonlight, making her skin look even more delicate and lustrous like jade, as if she were born with a noble aura, extremely beautiful.

  The palace's Mid-Autumn Festival customs were originally presided over by the Empress, but after the death of Empress Xiaojing in the seventh year of Yongzheng, the eighth and ninth years' ceremonies were both hosted by Yunzhu. This particularly made Xi Guifei feel stifled, causing her to look at Yunzhu with increasing disfavor.

  Without the queen, she is the highest-ranking imperial noblewoman in the palace and should be in charge of all etiquette to demonstrate her noble status. How could she let Yunzhu, a younger generation, take charge instead?

  The emperor is indeed getting old and muddle-headed, no wonder the empress dowager had been displeased with Yunzhu before.

  Xiang Gui Fei completely forgot that when Empress Dowager was alive, Yongzheng ordered Yunzhu to follow behind the empress and learn all the rituals and ceremonies. At that time, she had secretly rejoiced at being able to suppress her daughter-in-law who posed a threat to the empress.

  She didn't think that all the other banquets and ceremonies were still hosted by her, but considering that the moon belongs to yin and Yunzhu's special destiny, Yongzheng let Yunzhu host the moon sacrifice. Unexpectedly, Xi Guifei was still remembered. This can only be said that human hearts are always insatiable.

  After the worship, according to the number of people in the royal family, Yunzhu only symbolically cut a knife on the big moon cake and handed the knife over to the special palace supervisor. They cut the moon cake into several small pieces and distributed them to everyone. Each person ate a little bit symbolically, which is called "eating reunion cake".

  The emperor and two princes Hongli and Yongzheng had also been specially reserved for them.

  He Hua and Duan Rou took a bite of the mooncake and put it down, this thing doesn't taste good at all. On this day when families reunite under the same sky, their mood is not as joyful and peaceful as it seems on the surface. In three months, they will be sent to Mongolia, and who knows if they can spend another Mid-Autumn Festival in the Forbidden City.

  They often stood by with their hands on their bellies, being extremely cautious after the incident with Empress Dong. They were like startled birds, suspecting danger everywhere, and some were even frightened out of their wits. Empress Dong, who was originally weak and frail, now lay in bed unable to get up, not only had her body suffered greatly but also her spirit was so weak that it seemed as if a gentle breeze could blow it away. Even though she had been promoted to the position of Guiren by the Emperor's comforting words, what use was that?

  Gu Kui Ren wore a plum-red satin cheongsam with wide embroidered edges at the collar, sleeves and hem, adorned with light-colored plum blossoms. She had her hair styled in two small buns, topped with a pin featuring a turquoise-inlaid coral agate flower. Her ears were decorated with a pair of jade drop earrings, which complemented her plump and gentle complexion, making it even more radiant. Since entering the palace, she was full of confidence, thinking that with her family background, intelligence, and beauty, it wouldn't be difficult to rise to a high position. However, at this moment, her slowly calming heart still couldn't escape from its astonishment.

  She knew that the Fourth Imperial Concubine was highly valued by the Emperor, and she also knew that the Fourth Imperial Concubine was widely praised among officials and nobles. However, after entering the palace, this highly reputable Fourth Imperial Concubine lived a reclusive life, rarely going out, and even when she did, she had little to do with these low-ranking consorts, gradually making her feel distant.

  Until tonight.

  The Fucha Yunzhu under the moonlight is so elegant and noble, gentle as a fairy descending from the moon. The impression of her being merely delicate and refined when I saw her in Chongqing Palace has suddenly changed to one of pure beauty... It seems that I underestimated the people in this palace too much. If the Fourth Mistress had always looked like this, what was it that blinded my eyes?!

  Dong E's lesson must be remembered in one's heart.

  "Is there anything else you'd like to instruct me, Your Majesty?" Yunzhu asked, curtsying to Empress Xi.

  This year, due to the incident of Director O's miscarriage, although nothing seemed out of the ordinary on the surface, the power within the palace had been cut in half, and Xi Guifei felt a bit uneasy. She claimed to be ill and her reaction to Yunzhu's management of the festival was not as strong as it was in the past two years. Yunzhu's respectful and filial behavior towards her in front of everyone in the palace made her feel less stifled. Upon hearing this, she glanced at everyone with a hint of disdain, "There is still an inner court banquet later, everyone should go back and prepare, don't delay. Those who are not feeling well should speak up early, so as not to make excuses halfway through." The last sentence was directed at Changchang and Rongchang, who were both pregnant, and they felt Xi Guifei's gaze on their bellies, causing them to shrink back slightly.

  "This world, the thief shouting to catch the thief is too much." Qi Fei flicked her handkerchief and left. Xi Guifei's face turned blue and red, these days Qi Fei Li had also been taking a strong heart medicine, seizing every opportunity to stab her with a few words in front of her... This cheap woman, she must know that her own son is not dead?!

  "I also bid farewell, Yongying's body is weak and cannot withstand hunger." Yu Fei Ge Shi bowed to Xi Gui Fei and turned around, taking Wu Zaku Shi with her.

  Yu Fei was also annoyed by the miscarriage of Ronggui Ren, and Xi Gui Fei's actions were no different from slapping her in the face. She didn't fight for that position to protect herself, but she needed power and a representative of imperial favor. However, Yongzheng's warning made her understand that her power in the palace could not be greater, and she also couldn't get too close to Xi Gui Fei Nian Xialu, at least not condone or follow her actions.

  Wu Fu Jin glanced at Yun Zhu without leaving any trace and followed him.

  Xi Guifei only felt her forehead "tutu" trembling, knowing that she had offended Yu Fei, who had always been on good terms with her, but couldn't say anything.

  The other concubines felt they were no match for these few people and scattered like birds and beasts.

  Yunzhu returned to Ganxi's second residence, and with the help of Suwen and Ling Shu, she changed into a smoke-green embroidered shallow pink pear flower flag dress. The collar and sleeve openings were lined with wide haitang red railings, on which were embroidered green branch leaves and blooming snow-colored pear flowers. Her hair was combed up and piled on top of her head, and then covered with a tiara made of green jade, coral, pearls, and agate. On her ears, she wore a pair of full-green water-drop-shaped jade earrings. The whole person exuded an indescribable lightness, elegance, and nobility.

  Hongli was stunned when he returned, such a dress set off her tender and flawless skin, delicate eyebrows, long eyes, slender nose, and lips as light as peach blossoms... With an air of elegance and nobility, she seemed like the goddess of the nine heavens. He muttered and didn't know what to say, only tightly holding her hand, afraid that if he relaxed a little, the person in front of him would disappear.

  What a fool! Can't he move his feet just because he saw a slightly prettier woman?! Yunzhu pursed her lips and reluctantly signaled to Suwen to bring over a set of apricot-yellow auspicious clothes, and personally helped him change.

  During this time, Hongli couldn't help but steal a few sweet kisses, and in return, Yunzhu gave him several white eyes. "Fortunately, I didn't wear any makeup, or else you would have had enough to chew on."

  He burst out laughing, "What woman would be like her, 'not understanding romance'?" He shook his head.

  "A woman with a romantic heart would do that." She hummed softly, guessing that the woman in the backyard was also planning to have a moonlit tryst with him while dressing up.

  "Yunzhu." He pulled her along, wanting to speak but hesitating.

  Has she ever thought about having three thousand pampered in one body? Yunzhu's heart was calm and peaceful, but her eyes revealed a hint of longing. She immediately hid it and said to him with a tinge of pain: "For the past two years, I know how you treated me. If we continue like this, it won't be proper anymore."

  It's not unwillingness, but inappropriateness.

  He tightly grasped her hand, he wanted the world and a beauty too. "Don't worry, they are not my wives, I am clear in my heart." One day, he shed his ambition and responsibility, and returned to her as an intact husband.

  Yunzhu lowered her head, hiding the flash of mockery in her eyes. She only needed a worldly husband after all. He was either bound by his status or indulged in his own desires, and he couldn't give her perfect love, nor could she give it to him. Her heart had long been wrapped in a thick cocoon, making it hard for her to fall deeply in love. Protecting herself from getting hurt had become the choice etched into her soul. She cherished and enjoyed this mundane life, but wouldn't be tied down by it! At most, she would live for 70 or 80 years, watch her children and grandchildren grow up happily, and then leave.

  When we arrived at the royal garden, everything was ready, including tables and chairs, food, flowers, etc. Next to the venue, there was an osmanthus tree, and further away, a green lake with a small island, a corridor bridge, and a pavilion. Colorful glass lanterns hung above, reflected in the lake, like a fairyland. The gentle breeze brought the fragrance of osmanthus, and under the silvery moonlight, it added a touch of mystery.

  Such a beautiful view, it makes one's mood involuntarily calm down and feel the serenity. After walking a few steps, I saw Hong Zhao and Wu Zaku who had also arrived together. Hai Kezhen smiled slightly without saying anything, seeing that people were arriving one after another, so let's take our seats.

  The Mid-Autumn Festival dinner has always been just a formality, because it starts after the moon worship, and with a set of rules, you can only eat until the hour of You is over, so the participants dress up as brightly as modern people attending business banquets, but the things are not used much.

  There are only two indispensable things for this festival, one is mooncake and the other is Osmanthus wine.

  Yongzheng and Hongli, Hongxu had drunk wine when entertaining princes and ministers in the Qianqing Palace earlier, although it was two hours since the reunion dinner, the wine was just coming up, their faces were slightly relaxed and lazy, with a faint smile.

  Yongzheng was very generous after receiving the pen foreign income, and all the concubines in the palace were rewarded, especially Qi Fei, who was particularly rich.

  The old and faded Empress Qi, how did she get favored by the Emperor again? While muttering to herself, she glanced at Consort Xi and Consort Yu, only to find that they both had a gentle smile on their faces, looking harmonious and joyful. This palace situation is really getting more and more incomprehensible!

  Hongli and Yunzhu exchanged a smile, knowing that Yongzheng had also included the share of "Hongsui" for filial piety to Empress Qi in the reward, and besides, Hongsui was indeed meritorious in the matter of going out to sea.

  "The Laosi family has worked hard today, and I have something to reward you." Yongzheng would not forget the merits of the Fuca family. Two days ago, an imperial edict was issued, rewarding Fu Xin with a seventh-grade honorary knight title and a temporary position as a fifth-grade extra attendant in the Li Fan Yuan. Fu Yu was granted a fifth-grade cloud knight title, but no position was assigned for the time being. Another grandson of Ma Si Ke also received an honorary knight title. Others who had already received wealth were unfortunate to encounter difficulties, and the cargo belonging to them on the fleet was returned to their families. Yongzheng also allowed his name to be entered into the Martyrs' Mausoleum. The information brought back by the fleet this time is all precious, and none of the Grand Ministers of Politics opposed this decision.

  "Thank you, Your Majesty." Yunzhu stepped forward and bowed to thank her.

  "Do you know what I will reward you with?" Yinzhen also knew that she only accepted the tree saplings collected by her brothers, and the twenty million taels of dowry silver that were invested in Western goods were all lost to Hongli's handling. Although he knew that his son would take back the earned money for her, her courage and generosity still delighted him, proving that she considered herself a member of the Aixinjueluo family, united with Hongli and his wife, and did not care about these external things.

  If Yunzhu knew what he was thinking, she would think that misunderstanding is a wonderful thing. She just felt that Hongli had undergone qualitative changes under the guidance of Yongzheng in these years, and she was willing to do things that could use money to gain trust and shape a good image. Money, she didn't lack it, and in another decade or so, she believed she could earn even more.

  "Is it like a snowball, an adorable animal?" Yunzhu's eyes lit up. What rare treasure under the heavens could be easier for the emperor to obtain?

  "Haha, indeed clever. Su Peisheng?" Yongzheng was very delighted.

  Su Peisheng personally brought over a copper basin, and Yunzhu curiously walked forward to take a look. To her surprise, there were two small turtles inside. One turtle had a light yellow shell with green stripes, but its shell was shining gold - even the "Golden Turtle" breed wasn't like this, it must be a variant. Looking at the other turtle, its shell was patchy and milky white, and its body was also white with a hint of light yellow. When it withdrew into its shell, it looked like a jade carving. The two turtles were smaller than Yunzhu's palm, and when she stretched out her fingers to touch them, their sluggish spirits perked up. They opened their paws and scratched at her fingertips, then opened their small mouths and nipped at her... but without much strength. This made Yunzhu laugh with joy, "They're so adorable, thank you, Imperial Mother! I'll take good care of them!"

  Yongzheng nodded, "When those things you planted bear fruit, just give half of it to me as filial piety."

  The lion opened its mouth, but Yunzhu didn't mind, "It was originally going to be given to the emperor's mother." The tangerine tree in the space had grown very tall, and two of them had been successfully grafted; it would also work to move one out and plant it in the courtyard. In addition, eight saplings of Shan Zhuo fruit had been cultivated, with two sent to the villa on Xiaotang Mountain for planting, which should be fine.

  Only after the earthquake in the seventh year of Yongzheng, he rewarded those three golden fruit cores. Yunzhu felt that they were not ordinary kinds and planted them in the orchard immediately. Unfortunately, only seedlings about a foot high grew out over the past two years, with a growth rate as slow as rare in space.

  After fully comprehending the life imprint left by the Jade Orchid Tree, she paused for a while to solidify her boundary. During this period, she studied the jade tripod that was engraved with array patterns and incantations. Combining her own insights and experiences, her understanding of arrays, incantations, and talismans deepened significantly. After some time, she confidently believed she could unlock the seal on the jade tripod, and creating a secret manual for martial arts was no longer far off.

  Yunzhu handed over the copper basin and said to Suwen, "Hold it carefully... hmm, you'd better take them to my room first."

  "Yes." With the addition of Little Snowball, there are now two more rare little turtles. The master's house is getting more and more lively.

  Hongli saw her like this and was delighted in his heart, "You like it so much?"

  "Of course, they're so cute!"

  "What else do you like? I'll give it to you."

  Yunzhu rolled her eyes inwardly, but a sweet smile spread across her face. "I'll like whatever you give me."

  Hongli shuddered and finally realized he had asked a stupid question, so he lifted the cup and drank the osmanthus wine in one gulp.

  "The bright moon rises in the sky, a precious mirror among the clouds. The sound of the xian flute is quiet and silent. Autumn colors are evenly distributed, a full wheel, long accompanying the cloud's vastness for thousands of miles. The cunning rabbit falls from the outside of the bow, the wicked toad does not appear before my eyes. The divine boat awaits, let us hold hands together, waiting for the Silver River to be completely clear. Your Majesty, on this festive occasion, I, a humble servant, recommend playing a tune to satisfy your interest."

  Everyone turned to look, and it was the imperial concubine wearing a peach-red cheongsam dress sitting in the corner, with a delicate face and a slender figure... Isn't this Liu Shiying from Chengqian Palace? She quickly reacted and shifted her gaze to Xigui Fei, who sat on the left side of Yongzheng.

  Xi Guifei was furious, this Liu seemed to be an unscrupulous person from the start. After entering the Chengqian Palace, she had been suppressing her and not letting her have the opportunity to meet the emperor. Unexpectedly, she slipped out at this time, it's also her own fault for being absent-minded lately and neglecting her.

  "Then play it." This kind of flattering trick was still pleasant for Yongzheng to fulfill. This reunion dinner was just a gathering of the palace concubines and children's wives, not even the imperial relatives attended, playing a zither and singing a song wouldn't lose face.

  Liu's piano skills are still quite good, and the "Spring River Flower Moon Night" is very much in line with the scenery in front of us. The melody is also elegant and pleasant to listen to, and the emotions expressed are nuanced and open to interpretation. As the poem says: I see the green mountain as charming, and I suppose the green mountain sees me as charming too.

  Looking at Yongzheng's expression, he was still satisfied.

  Liu agreed to be the vanguard, and Gao and Li, two newcomers, also performed their programs. Only Gu remained absent, proud of her noble status and not having given birth yet.

  After the reunion dinner was over, Yongzheng summoned Empress Qi to Qianqing Palace, and Xi Guifei's face stiffened, her heart filled with unknown emotions. However, Hongli knew that "Hongshi" was there, and his imperial father wanted them to meet for a moment as mother and son.

  In the following days, Liu was favored a lot, and Gao Gui Ren, Li Gui Ren, and Guo Gui Ren each came up with unusual tricks to compete for favor.