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Shui Rong raised his eyebrows when he heard this. He knew that the atmosphere was not good and he should stand out from the crowd. However, he still put his health first. Seeing that everyone was looking at him with doubtful eyes, Shui Rong explained first: "Two days ago, when I returned home, I happened to meet Zijuan with some rock sugar stewed snow pears to relieve cough. After asking, I learned that Sister Lin had a severe cough, so I asked the doctor to come and take a look. He said that she was weak in qi and blood, and she needed to rest for some time."

There was no need for Shui Rong to explain Daiyu's illness in detail. After all, it was Daiyu's privacy and it was up to her to decide whether to tell it or not, so Shui Rong explained it briefly.

Everyone suddenly realized what was going on after hearing this. The Queen Mother Beijing, who didn't know the details, looked at Daiyu's fair face. When she met Daiyu earlier, she had mentioned that she was born with deficiencies, so it was normal for her to feel unwell.

After a pause, Concubine Beijing nodded and said, "Since you are not feeling well, you really shouldn't drink."

As she spoke, Concubine Beijing turned her eyes to Yuanchun and instructed, "Yuanchun, I remember there are some herbs such as ginseng leaf, Polygonum multiflorum, pine root, and Poria cocos in the mansion. Take some out for Lin girl to nourish her."

Yuanchun agreed and said to Daiyu with a smile, "Sister Lin, I will send someone to take you there later. You should take good care of yourself. If you need anything, just let me know."

Daiyu was touched when she heard that, but the herbs were quite valuable, and it would be a bit of an overreaction to give them to her, so she thought about declining them. However, before she could say anything, Shui Rong said, "Mother, you don't know, the doctor said that Sister Lin is weak, and Ginseng, Polygonum multiflorum, Pine Root and Poria are all hot tonics. I'm afraid that she will not be able to absorb the tonics, and eating too much will not only be useless but harmful. Therefore, it is recommended that Sister Lin rest and eat some Qi-boosting food."

As a young lady, Daiyu should have no shortage of precious medicinal herbs in the Rongguo Mansion. But why is Daiyu's health getting worse and worse? The reason is probably because she is too weak to be nourished, which has damaged her foundation, so that her health is getting worse day by day.

Upon hearing this, Concubine Beijing nodded slightly and looked at Shui Rong carefully with her bright eyes. She didn't think there was anything wrong at first, but Shui Rong seemed to be overly concerned about this Sister Lin.

The mother and child are connected, and Concubine Beijing immediately felt that something was unusual. After a pause, she said, "Since the doctor has examined her, then listen to him and ask the kitchen staff to make a bowl of bird's nest porridge for Lin girl every day to nourish her body."

The royal family is wealthy and powerful, and they don't lack these things just for some food supplements.

Faced with the concern of Concubine Beijing, Daiyu felt puzzled. She was sensitive and could sense that Concubine Beijing was not being polite. Otherwise, she would have given her the bird's nest directly instead of asking the kitchen staff to cook it and save a lot of trouble.

Thinking of this, Daiyu did not refuse and thanked Concubine Beijing with a smile.

Concubine Beijing did not care about this. She looked at Daiyu again. She had a charming face and delicate skin. She was indeed an elegant and beautiful girl. The only flaw was that she was a little fragile.

But it doesn't matter. After all, the prince already has a wife, so there is no need to care too much about other things. As long as Shui Rong likes her, it's fine. The same goes for the girl from the Xue family who comes from a royal merchant family.

Just thinking of the Xue family girl, Concubine Beijing realized that one of them was Yuanchun's aunt's cousin and the other was Yuanchun's aunt's cousin. She didn't know how the monkey would explain it, and

Concubine Beijing looked at Yingchun and Xichun again, feeling a strange feeling in her heart. Could it be that this monkey was thinking of catching them all in one fell swoop?

Chapter 191 Daiyu: After all, I am temporarily staying in the palace

After the banquet, everyone dispersed and returned to their own courtyards.

In Daiyu's courtyard, Zijuan fetched some water and looked at the girl sitting on the brocade couch reading a book. With a smile on her face, she greeted her, "Miss, it's getting late. Stop reading. Wash up first and rest early!"

Upon hearing this, Daiyu nodded slightly, put down the book in her hand, covered her cheek with a handkerchief, and coughed.

Seeing this, Zijuan frowned slightly and said in a worried tone, "The girl is still coughing!"

Although my body has recovered a lot after resting for a few days, it's only been two or three days. There's no way it can get better so quickly. It's already good that I don't cough as badly as before.

Daiyu felt a little warm in her heart when she heard this. She looked at Zijuan with her willow eyes and said kindly, "Sister, my throat is just a little dry. There is nothing wrong with me."

Zijuan felt relieved after hearing this, she put down the basin, and made a cup of tea instead, thanking her: "Thanks to the prince today, otherwise if the young lady drank the wine, she would have coughed for a long time today."

Daiyu paused as she took the teacup, thinking back to Shui Rong's behavior at the banquet. Her eyes flickered slightly. If her brother-in-law had not mentioned this, she would not have been able to save face and drink.

Thinking of this, Daiyu nodded slightly and said in a clear voice: "Brother-in-law is taking good care of us younger sisters because of my elder sister."

During the few days that Daiyu stayed in the palace, she also saw the love between her brother-in-law and sister. As a girl, how could she turn a blind eye to it? After all, which girl doesn't hope to treat her husband with respect?

Zijuan's eyes flickered when she heard this, but she didn't say anything. After all, they, the maids, knew that the prince loved the princess very much. It was just that the prince's kindness to the girl didn't seem to be just because she was a sister-in-law. Otherwise, why didn't the prince treat the second and fourth girls so well? You have to know that these two are the real sisters-in-law.

However, Zijuan didn't say much and started to help Daiyu wash up.

Suddenly, Xueyan's voice came from outside, saying that Miss Qiufang was here.

Daiyu was slightly startled when she heard this. She also knew this Miss Qiufang. She was Fu Qiufang who had come to the palace with them last time. She was currently working for Yuanchun and was not a maid.

Not long after, a tall and beautiful lady in a skirt came in. Seeing the master and servant washing up, she said softly, "Miss Lin is washing up. I hope I am not disturbing you."

Daiyu looked up at Fu Qiufang, whose appearance was elegant and not like that of an ordinary person. Seeing Fu Qiufang greet her warmly, she smiled and asked, "Why are you here, Sister Qiufang?"

Fu Qiufang smiled and replied, "The princess asked me to bring some bird's nest porridge to Miss Lin."

Daiyu's clear eyes were filled with a strange color. She didn't expect that as soon as Concubine Beijing gave the order, the princess sent someone to deliver it. This was very appropriate. No wonder the elder sister was like a fish in water as soon as she married into the palace.

After a pause, Daiyu replied in a clear voice, "Thank you for troubling Sister Qiufang."

Zijuan, who was originally helping Daiyu wash up, was also sensible. She quickly stood up to thank her and took the bird's nest porridge.

Fu Qiufang smiled and said, "This is something the princess ordered. It's my duty. There's no need to bother with it. Okay, I won't disturb you from resting."

Having said that, Fu Qiufang turned around and walked out of the house without saying anything more.

After Fu Qiufang left, Zijuan looked at the bird's nest porridge in her hand, feeling happy, and said with a smile: "Girl, eat the bird's nest porridge while it's hot first, and wash up later!"

Daiyu didn't say anything when she heard this. After all, the bird's nest porridge had been delivered to her. If she didn't eat it, it would be a waste of her elder sister's kindness.

Zijuan watched Daiyu eating bird's nest porridge and consoled her, "Young lady, you have seen it too. You don't need to worry about those trivial things in the future. Just focus on taking care of your health."

There aren't so many complicated things in the palace. No matter the Queen Mother, the Prince, or the Princess, they are all kind-hearted people. Compared with when she was in the Duke's Mansion, there are fewer unnecessary troubles that make the girl sentimental.

Daiyu also understood what Zijuan meant, but she did not say much. After all, they were only staying in the palace temporarily and would leave soon.

In Fengyi Courtyard, in the side room, pearl curtains are hung, smoke curls up, and a subtle fragrance is intoxicating.

On the embroidered couch, Yuanchun leaned on Baoqin, her cheeks flushed red, she opened her slightly closed eyes and looked at the young man in front of her, and said in a somewhat disgusting voice: "Husband, last time at the Duke of Rong's mansion, my mother told me something, and I would like to ask your opinion."

Shui Rong didn't care when he heard that. He reached over Yuanchun and gently pinched Baoqin's chin. He leaned over and pursed his lips, hesitating, "What's the matter? Tell me."

Yuanchun glared at the young man, biting her lips with her pearly teeth, and whispered, "It's not Baoyu's marriage yet. My mother mentioned this to me before, saying that she has her eyes on Sister Bao, but my grandmother seems to like Sister Lin more. Who do you think is more suitable for Baoyu among these two sisters?"

Shui Rong paused when he heard the words. Why did Yuanchun talk about this matter? Was it a casual comment, or did Yuanchun discover something?

"Boom"

Yuanchun felt the emptiness in her heart and rolled her beautiful eyes at the young man, saying that he was just making trouble for her.

Shui Rong did not answer Yuanchun. He wandered around, looked at Baoqin, whose pretty face was rosy, and asked, "Which one do you think is suitable?"

Baoqin clutched the brocade quilt in her white hands and couldn't help feeling angry in her heart. She had to endure the oppression of both the princess and the prince, so how could she have the mind to reply?

But since the prince had asked, Baoqin pursed her lips and said in a trembling voice: "I am just a maid, how can I know which girl is suitable, please don't embarrass me, prince."

Shui Rong was very dissatisfied when he heard Bao Qin practicing Tai Chi. He severely reprimanded Bao Qin and said in a deep voice: "Parents' orders and matchmaker's words, Baoyu's marriage should still be decided by his father-in-law and mother-in-law."

Yuanchun secretly spat in her heart when she heard this. It was no different from saying nothing. Her husband also loved practicing Tai Chi.

After a moment of hesitation, Yuanchun stared at the young man with her bright eyes, and said in a clear voice: "My husband thinks Sister Bao is suitable. Sister Bao looks steady and peaceful, which is indeed good. I will talk to mother next time."

Since her husband said that it was the parents who made the decision, her mother must have taken a fancy to Baochai. She wanted to see how her husband would answer. She was not jealous, but just wanted to find out what he was thinking. As a woman, she always had a vague feeling. She originally guessed it was Baochai, but her husband's concern for Lin made Yuanchun suspicious of Lin again.

Thinking that her husband rarely interacted with Bao-mei, it must be her illusion.

If this is the case, it would not be bad. Yuanchun still likes Baochai very much. It’s not that she thinks Daiyu is not good, but she thinks Baochai, as a good wife and virtuous mother, is more suitable for Baoyu.

Moreover, Lin Daiyu's body is indeed very fragile, and it is probably difficult for her to have children, so she is not suitable for Baoyu.

However, she admired Daiyu's personality very much. She also noticed that Baoyu cared about Daiyu and that her grandmother approved of her. She couldn't make a decision for a while. If her husband liked one of her two sisters, she would just fulfill her husband's wish, and the other one could marry Baoyu, which would be the best of both worlds. It was impossible for her husband to like both of them!

Shui Rong frowned when he heard this. What a joke! Half of Baochai's body belonged to him, how could he let others touch her?

But this matter is not easy to say out loud. I can't say that I have an affair with your aunt's cousin. How can Yuanchun deal with it? Sometimes you don't need to say some things out loud. It's better for everyone. It's enough for both of us to know it.

Thinking of this, Shui Rong remained silent. When he had time, he talked to Baochai and asked her to reassure Aunt Xue. After all, this matter required Aunt Xue's consent. If she disagreed, it would not be accomplished.

Chapter 192 Daiyu: I said no more.

Imperial City, Qianqing Palace.

In the solemn palace, eunuchs and palace maids stood respectfully, while Emperor Yongkang, wearing an apricot-yellow robe, sat at the imperial desk, holding a red-lettered tablet in his hand, carefully reading the memorials and making comments from time to time.

The eunuch tiptoed in with small steps, trying not to make any noise, and bowed, saying, "Your Majesty, His Royal Highness Prince Yong is outside the palace asking for an audience."

Emperor Yongkang had ten sons in total. Five of them died young or due to illness. There are five princes left. The second son, Prince Yong, was named Shui Li, and his biological mother was the late Empress Zhang.

The third son, Prince Le Shuiqi, and the sixth son, Prince An Shuiqi, are brothers. Their biological mother is the current Queen Zhou, so they are also legitimate sons of the royal family.

The eighth son, Prince Kang, Shui Ying, had a biological mother who was Consort Guifei Shufei, and the other one was the still young tenth prince, Shui Zi.

Upon hearing this, Emperor Yongkang nodded slightly, his bright eyes still looking at the memorial, and said casually, "Announce."

Not long after, a young man with a stern face, hooked nose, thin lips, and a look of about twenty years old, dressed in a dragon robe, walked in and kowtowed, saying, "Your Majesty, I pay my respects to you, Father."

Emperor Yongkang put down the imperial edict in his hand, lowered his eyes to look at Prince Yong in the hall, and said in a slightly friendly tone: "Li'er, why did you come to my place instead of recuperating in your house?"

A few years ago, Prince Yong fell seriously ill, so he has been recuperating in the palace.

Prince Yong, who was kneeling on the ground, felt warm in his heart when he saw the gentle expression of Emperor Yongkang. It should be noted that Emperor Yongkang always looked majestic and rarely showed such warmth.

Pursing his lips, Prince Yong said respectfully, "Father, I have recovered from my illness, so I came to pay my respects to you."

Emperor Yongkang frowned upon hearing this, and after looking at Prince Yong thoughtfully, he continued to deal with the memorials and said in a clear voice: "You are indeed filial. I still have state affairs to deal with. Please return home after greeting you!"

Prince Yong did not leave immediately. He hesitated for a moment and said respectfully, "Father, you are always busy with state affairs, working day and night. I can't bear to see you. Now that I am feeling better, I would like to ask you to assign me some tasks so that I can fulfill my filial duty."

The main purpose of Prince Yong this time is to take on an assignment. As a prince, if he has no power in the court, how can he have ambition? He is the second son, and his eldest brother died young, so he is the eldest among many princes. As he is both the eldest and the legitimate son, he is the first choice for the Eastern Palace.

Originally, King Yong was an errand in the Ministry of Civil Affairs, but because of his physical illness, he went to rest in the palace to rest. Now that his health is improving, he will not sit still and wait for death.

Upon hearing this, Emperor Yongkang paused his hand holding the pen in the air, his sharp eyes flickered, and he looked down at the kneeling Prince Yong. It was obvious what he meant by pointing out the job just after his illness got better.

After a pause, Emperor Yongkang said, "Okay, it's up to you. You can go wherever you want to do your job."

Emperor Yongkang understood that the attraction of power was difficult to contain. When the retired emperor tried to stop the fight for the throne, it only made the fight more brutal.

The mistakes of the past are lessons for the future. As the saying goes, it is better to loosen up than to block. We can fight, but it must be within a controllable range. This is also the reason why Emperor Yongkang delayed in appointing a crown prince, so that several people would not take risks.

Prince Yong was delighted when he heard this, and hurriedly said, "Father, I want to go to the Ministry of War."

The Ministry of Personnel had been vacant for several years and had already undergone a complete transformation. It was not appropriate for him to go to the Ministry of Personnel now. Going to the Ministry of War was something he had considered carefully. Although he was the second son, his brothers had not stopped in the past few years, especially Prince Le, whose power in the court had already been formed and should not be underestimated. If one wanted to suppress him, he had to find another way.

"Ministry of War."

Emperor Yongkang narrowed his eyes slightly, was silent for a moment, and replied: "Allowed, you will go to the Ministry of War to take up your post in two days, and you may leave first!"

Upon hearing this, Prince Yong bowed and then retreated.

After leaving the palace, Prince Yong strolled along the winding corridors of the palace. Looking at the pavilions and waterside terraces along the way, he felt relaxed. Suddenly, a sharp look flashed in his eyes. He looked through the thick palace walls at the towering palace behind the Qianqing Palace, feeling extremely indignant.

Daiyu courtyard.

The copper stove on the table was emitting curling smoke with a delicate fragrance. On the beauty couch by the window, Daiyu, wearing a light purple lady's skirt embroidered with broken plum blossoms, had her beautiful eyes closed and a faint smile on her lips. She looked calm and composed, like a sleeping beauty who had been asleep for a long time. She was so beautiful that nothing could describe her.

A gentle breeze blew by, and the snow-white veil was slightly blown up, dotted on the fair jade cheeks, which made Daiyu let out a gentle cry and slowly opened her eyes.

Pursing her pink lips, Daiyu called softly, "Zijuan."

Zijuan, who was sewing nearby, heard the noise, stepped forward and whispered, "Miss, don't you want to sleep for a while?"