Rebirth: The Fourth Lady Wants to Lie Down

The morning sun gently sprinkled every corner of the main courtyard, covering this quaint courtyard with a layer of golden gauze. Yi Ya sat at the dining table, facing the table full of exquisite dishes, but seemed absent-minded.

She gently picked up a few pieces of delicate dessert with her chopsticks, took two bites, and then slowly put down her bowl and chopsticks.

Bai Zhu, who was standing by, saw this and a trace of worry flashed in her eyes. She gently advised, "Fujin, please eat more. These are what you usually like to eat."

Yi Ya shook her head slightly, with a faint smile on her lips, and replied: "No, Bai Zhu, I'm full. If you get hungry later, I'll ask you to prepare some snacks."

After saying this, she ignored Bai Zhu's advice, stood up from the table, and walked to the yard alone. Her steps were light and slightly anxious, as if she was being pulled by some invisible force.

Arriving at the courtyard, Yi Ya was instantly attracted by the scene before her. The familiar flowers and plants were gone, replaced by several tall and straight crabapple trees and several sweet-scented osmanthus trees that exuded bursts of fragrance.

Under the tree, she carefully planted all her favorite flowers and plants. They bloomed in competition with each other, vying for beauty, making the entire yard look like a fairyland.

Yi Ya couldn't help but reveal a surprised smile on her face. She gently stroked the leaves of the flowers and plants, feeling their vitality.

At this time, Nanny Wang also came to her side quietly. Seeing Yi Ya's happy face, Nanny Wang's heart was also filled with relief.

"Fujin, look at this yard. Isn't it more beautiful than before?" Nanny Wang said with a smile.

Yi Ya nodded, with a gleam of gratitude in her eyes: "Yes, Mammy. These changes really surprise and delight me. Did Master have them changed?"

Nanny Wang nodded and explained, "One day, the Fourth Master came to the main courtyard and saw the flowers and plants in the courtyard. He ordered them to be replaced. He said that they should be replaced with the ones you like best. Look, these crabapples and osmanthus flowers, aren't they the ones you often mention?"

Hearing this, Yi Ya felt a warm current in her heart. She looked up at the golden osmanthus tree and saw that the branches were already full of golden flowers, emitting a faint fragrance.

She whispered to Nanny Wang, "Nanny, when the osmanthus flowers bloom more, please pick some for me. I want to make some osmanthus cakes myself and send them to my master. This is a small token of my gratitude for everything he has done for me."

After hearing this, Nanny Wang's eyes sparkled with approval: "Fujin is really thoughtful. If the Fourth Master tastes the sweet-scented osmanthus cake you made, he will be very happy. Don't worry, I will prepare everything for you when the time comes."

The two smiled at each other, without saying much, their deep friendship was already deeply imprinted in their hearts. The fragrance and beauty in the courtyard seemed to add a bit of poetry and romance to this warm conversation.

……

Deep in the Forbidden City, the majestic outline of the Qianqing Palace gradually became clear in the morning light. Yinzhen, dressed in court robes, stepped steadily into this hall where power and wisdom were intertwined.

He had important matters on his mind, but his face remained calm and composed.

At this time, Emperor Kangxi had finished his breakfast and was sitting in his study, reviewing a mountain of memorials. The occasional bird song outside the window could not break his tranquility and concentration.

Since he had just returned to Beijing, in order to put the court in order, Emperor Kangxi decided to temporarily cancel the morning court session and handle various government affairs personally.

Before Yinzhen entered the study room of the Qianqing Palace, he first asked Li Dequan, who was guarding the door, in a low voice: "Eunuch Li, is my father free at the moment?"

Upon hearing this, Li Dequan looked up at Yinzhen, a hint of understanding flashed in his eyes, and he replied respectfully: "My Lord, the Emperor is in his study handling government affairs, but he should be free to see you. Please wait a moment, I will go in and inform you."

Yinzhen nodded slightly to express his gratitude.

Li Dequan turned and walked into the study. After a while, he came out and said to Yinzhen, "Fourth Master, the Emperor invites you in."

Yinzhen straightened his clothes, stepped in, and walked to the front of Emperor Kangxi. He first knelt three times and kowtowed nine times, then stood up and said in a respectful but steady tone: "Your son Yinzhen pays homage to the emperor. Long live the emperor."

Emperor Kangxi raised his head, his eyes gentle and deep. He waved his hand gently, indicating that Yinzhen should excuse himself from the formalities, and said, "Yinzhen, you have come at the right time. I have something to ask you. How have you investigated the matter of Soetu?"

Upon hearing this, Yinzhen immediately reported to Emperor Kangxi what he had found out and the detailed process of capturing Soetu. His words were clear and powerful, and every detail was handled just right, showing his rigor and competence as a prince.

After hearing this, Emperor Kangxi's expression darkened slightly. He had long expected that Yinzhen came here for this matter.

He pondered for a moment, then asked, "After Suo Etu was arrested, I heard that the prince personally went to the Dali Temple to visit him. Do you know if they had any special conversations?"

Yinzhen shook his head slightly and replied, "Father, I did not hear their conversation directly, but I heard from others that there was nothing special. It seems that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince just visited as a routine matter."

After hearing this, Emperor Kangxi nodded slightly to indicate that he understood. He knew Yinzhen's loyalty and ability very well and had no doubts about his answer.

So he turned and said, "Yinzhen, you have done a good job this time. You don't have to worry about what happens next. I will announce this matter in person in the court."

Yinzhen felt relieved after hearing this. He bowed and said, "Yes, I will obey your order. If there is nothing else, I will take my leave first."

Emperor Kangxi nodded slightly and watched Yinzhen leave the study. Looking at Yinzhen's departing back, Emperor Kangxi's eyes flashed with a complex light, showing both his satisfaction and admiration for his son, as well as his deep thoughts and worries about the changing situation in the court.