Yintang had no idea that his dear tenth brother was silently teasing him in his heart. After finally "recognizing" each other, waves of joy surged within him. Even when Yunxiu threatened to spank the child, he only felt a brief moment of guilt and fear before quickly grinning, his innocent big eyes sparkling, revealing a few tiny white baby teeth.
In his past life, aside from his family—his wife, children, and elderly relatives—as well as his mother and fifth brother in the palace, the one he couldn’t let go of was that silly younger brother, Yin'e. Their bond, forged since childhood when they shared everything, remained unchanged for decades.
If Yintang were to compare, his eighth brother and Yin'e were different. Lending money to the eighth brother was a matter of sentiment—if he refused, it would only create distance. But Yin'e? Ha! That rascal never knew the meaning of "politeness." Borrowing money was practically his birthright, and repayment was never in the cards.
Of course, Yintang lent it willingly. After the fourth brother ascended the throne, he often worried—without him as a backer, where would Yin'e get his silver? Would his life become difficult? Would his fate turn bleak?
But then he’d reassure himself: Yin'e’s mother was a noble consort, and his wife’s family was from the Borjigit clan. No matter what, the fourth brother wouldn’t treat him too harshly. At most, he’d receive a minor reprimand, but he’d still live out his days peacefully.
Being granted a second chance at life, Yintang was ecstatic, with little to regret. Occasionally, though, he’d feel a pang of loneliness—remembering everything from his past life but unable to share it with anyone, forced to mutter to himself. How stifling!
But now, his tenth brother’s soul was unchanged—still the same Yin'e he grew up with, sharing everything!
Inside the cradle, Yin'e was equally thrilled. Who would’ve thought he’d get to see his beloved ninth brother again? Surely this was the reward for his virtuous deeds in his later years.
Once he grew a bit older, he’d donate tens of thousands of taels to the temples for incense offerings, thanking the heavens and all the gods. Ahem, though the silver would naturally come from Ninth Brother’s pockets, wouldn’t it?
...
As soon as Yunxiu’s playful threat left her lips, the little princes’ expressions became incredibly animated. Watching their reactions, the nursemaid marveled inwardly—not only was the Ninth Prince clever, but the Tenth Prince was also remarkably lively. If one didn’t know better, they might think they were brothers born of the same mother.
Though amazed, she didn’t suspect anything unusual. After all, reincarnation was too fantastical—who would even consider it?
Noble Consort Wen shot Yunxiu a glare. As a mother, she was becoming less and less proper.
How could she scare the children like that? There wasn’t a trace of maternal gentleness in her! Even at their young age, children understood human nature.
Just as she was about to speak, Yunxiu sensed the shift in mood and deftly changed the subject.
"Noble Consort Yi lightly steered the conversation elsewhere: 'The Southern Tour will follow shortly after the Emperor’s birthday celebrations. Will you be joining?'
'Even if His Majesty adds my name to the roster, I won’t have the time to go,' Noble Consort Wen shook her head, her attention diverted. 'With the Forbidden City emptied of its masters, someone must manage affairs. If the Grand Empress Dowager and the Empress Dowager both leave, and I’m not here to oversee things, the servants below would surely run wild.'
What she didn’t say was that Consort Hui had fallen out of favor and likely wouldn’t accompany the Southern Tour, remaining instead in Yanxi Palace. With no one to keep her in check, she might seize the opportunity to regain influence. Noble Consort Wen had to stay behind to prevent that.
And then there was Yin'e—not even half a year old—still inseparable from his mother.
Thinking of this, Noble Consort Wen cast a pitying glance at the Ninth Prince in the cradle. 'Yinqi will surely accompany His Majesty… Poor little Yintang! How can you bear to leave him behind at such a tender age?'
The journey would be rough, and the Ninth Prince’s delicate frame couldn’t endure it. He’d have to stay in the palace.
Hearing his name, Yintang’s little ears perked up, his eyes darting around.
The Southern Tour…
His heart raced with longing, but then he wilted. Ah well, he’d have plenty of chances to go in the future.
'Why wouldn’t I bear it?' Yunxiu covered her mouth with a laugh. 'He can move to Yongshou Palace to keep Yin'e company. With you looking after him, I’d be completely at ease!'
'Fine then,' Noble Consort Wen chuckled, warmth filling her heart, though she pretended to scowl. 'Using me as a convenient nursemaid—such audacity from Noble Consort Yi!'
Everyone burst into laughter.
Yunxiu smiled without a word, then handed Noble Consort Wen a steaming cup of tea. 'Exactly. With my orders, you must take good care of the Ninth Prince. When I return from the Southern Tour, I’ll be inspecting your work…'
Noble Consort Wen played along, sighing dramatically. 'As you command, my lady.'
Having eavesdropped on this grand performance, the Tenth Prince’s narrow eyes widened in shock, taking a long moment to recover. Eventually, he cautiously shot his ninth brother a questioning look, his little head brimming with confusion.
Ninth Brother, tell me—why does my mother seem off too?
The Ninth Prince blinked rapidly, feigning ignorance, then rolled over, presenting his round backside. Overcome with excitement, Yintang soon fell asleep, drooling and emitting tiny, rhythmic snores: 'Huu… huuu…'
Yin'e: '…'
Jiangnan, the Cao Family’s Weaving Manufactory.
The Cao family had served the imperial household for generations, rooted deeply in the Imperial Household Department as one of the foremost bondservant clans. In this era, they enjoyed Kangxi’s utmost trust—Lady Sun, the family matriarch, had once been the Emperor’s wet nurse, and her son, Cao Yin, was a favored childhood companion who now attended him closely.
The current head of the Jiangnan Weaving Manufactory was Cao Xi, who had held the post for over a decade. While most officials served three-year terms, the Cao family was an exception, inheriting the position generation after generation as the Emperor’s eyes and ears in Jiangnan.
Cao Yin now served as an imperial guard at Kangxi’s side. In a few years, he would either be sent out for experience or succeed his father, Cao Xi, as the next head of the Weaving Manufactory.
The breath of early spring swept across Jiangnan. Unlike the harsh, dry cold of the capital, here willow branches sprouted tender shoots, and lakes shed their icy covers, painting a scene of warm waters and rippling waves.
The Cao residence embodied the refined elegance of the Jiangnan region—exquisite carvings, arched bridges over murmuring streams, and maidservants whose grace and liveliness were unmatched elsewhere.
The main hall of the inner courtyard was Lady Sun’s domain.
Unlike the rest of the estate’s delicate charm, this space exuded opulence. Golden clocks adorned the walls, and jade-green porcelain vases graced the tables—each bearing the imperial seal, marking them as gifts from the palace.
When Lady Li came to pay her respects, Lady Sun had just risen, soaking her hands in petal-strewn water as attendants carefully dried them. She reclined by the dining table, eyes closed in repose.
'Let her in,' Lady Sun murmured after her maidservant whispered in her ear.
Streaks of silver threaded her hair, and deep wrinkles framed her eyes. Yet her expression was anything but stern—warm and kindly, radiating gentleness.
Lady Li entered the main hall, offering her greetings with meticulous propriety before standing beside the dining table, a warm smile of concern on her lips. "The night winds were strong—did Mother sleep well yesterday?"
"Well, very well," the old matriarch nodded gently. "Dawn hasn’t even broken yet. Why trouble yourself to greet this old woman? You should rest longer. There’s no need for you to attend to me here."
"Mother, how could you say such a thing? Serving you during meals is this daughter-in-law’s duty," Lady Li chided lightly.
The matriarch chuckled and let her have her way, picking up her bowl and chopsticks to eat in silence.
"My husband is soon to accompany the Emperor on his southern tour, and I’m so overjoyed I scarcely know what to do. I’ve replaced all the furnishings in our chamber with new ones, just waiting for our reunion so we may share our longing after this separation. Yong misses his father dearly!" Lady Li spoke with a maidenly shyness in her voice. "As for those furnishings, I’d like Mother’s opinion on them. After all, it’s rare for my husband to return home..."
Lady Li, the principal wife, had been chosen by Lady Sun as a bride for her son, Cao Yin, selected to fit the mold of a proper household mistress. Though her looks were merely average, her temperament was dignified, and she assisted Lady Sun in managing the household affairs with impeccable order, earning her the respect of everyone in the Cao residence as its virtuous helpmeet.
Yet, the couple had been separated for a long time.
Two or three years prior, Lady Li had intended to follow Cao Yin to the capital to care for him but had unexpectedly become pregnant. The climate of Jiangnan was far more nurturing than the capital’s, making it better for carrying a child to term. After much deliberation, the matriarch had decided to keep her daughter-in-law behind.
During that time, Cao Yin’s eldest son, Yong, was born and had now reached the babbling age of toddlerhood.
At the mention of Cao Yin and Cao Yong, Lady Sun’s face brightened with joy. She patted Lady Li’s hand and said, "Why would I doubt your judgment? Even if you placed some shabby trinket there, Yin would adore it all the same."
Lady Li paused, a faint blush rising to her cheeks.
After sharing a lighthearted moment, Lady Li seemed to recall something and adopted a more reverent tone, lowering her voice to ask, "Mother, when the Emperor tours the south, will he be staying at the temporary palace?"
If there was one thing the matriarch took the greatest pride in, it was having raised the current Emperor. Even far away in Jiangnan, she remained ever in Kangxi’s thoughts, enjoying countless blessings as a result.
Glancing at the imperial porcelain vase on the dining table, Lady Sun did not scold her daughter-in-law for the abrupt inquiry. Instead, her expression softened further. "No, you’ve guessed wrong. Yin sent word that the imperial entourage will be lodging in our residence... But this place is no temporary palace—its accommodations are far too humble. The master is preparing funds for renovations to ensure His Majesty’s comfort."
Staying at the Jiangnan Textile Commissioner’s residence?
Lady Li’s lips curved slightly as she suppressed the delight in her heart. The Cao family’s imperial favor ran deep, unmatched by any other in the Jiangnan region.
"Mother, this shows the Emperor remembers you fondly!" she murmured.
Hearing this, the matriarch was equally overjoyed. Though she privately agreed, she shook her head cheerfully and shot Lady Li a glance. "Such words must not be spoken carelessly. This old woman knows her place... But why do you ask?"
"Forgive me for speaking out of turn," Lady Li hesitated before continuing softly, "but my elder brother sent word that he has found an extraordinary beauty—the daughter of a mere county magistrate, yet her looks are of the highest caliber. He wishes to present her to serve the Emperor..."
