allonlinenovel Chapter 314 Preparing to Patrol the Frontier
Chapter 314 Preparing to Patrol the Frontier
Chapter 314 Preparing to Patrol the Frontier
As night fell and the lights came on, it was time for dinner. This dinner could be described as a warm, small family gathering. Since everyone present was close family, they didn't eat at separate tables. Burhe had carefully arranged a large round table, just large enough for the entire family to sit together.
After everyone was seated, Yinreng and Buerhe looked around, their eyes settling on the couples of children around them. They couldn't help but feel relieved, but at the same time, they lamented the fleeting passage of time.
Back in the day, when the vast Yuqing Palace was just the two of them, the space seemed more than ample. However, times have changed, and now that their grandchildren are about to be born, they will soon become Mafa and Mama. If they were to return to the former Yuqing Palace now, they would probably find it difficult to accommodate such a large family.
Thinking of this, Yinreng secretly congratulated himself on his decisive action and grasping the right timing. Otherwise, at this moment, the whole family might have been squeezed into the small and cramped Xian'an Palace.
Not only were his children unable to make their own decisions about marriage, but their future prospects were also bleak. At this moment, Yinreng expressed his sincere gratitude to Heaven for granting him a chance at a new life and for having such a virtuous and kind wife, Buerhe. It was because of her companionship that he could fully enjoy the warmth of family and finally find a home for his heart, which had weathered so many hardships.
To the left, Hongye was caring for the Crown Princess with a gentle and patient expression. He carefully placed the dishes in her bowl, occasionally asking her if they were to her liking. Down below, Hongchang was equally focused and patient, carefully picking out fish bones for Ageqi. His expression was so focused that it seemed as if he were holding a sword instead of chopsticks.
Turning to the right, Hailancha was also meticulously caring for Jingyi, his every move revealing his deep concern for her. Even the three adorable little kids across from him were diligently eating! Their mouths were bulging with food, their faces covered in rice grains, a sight that made one laugh.
Burhe watched this warm and harmonious scene with rapt delight, feeling that his life had finally come full circle. Just then, Yinreng quietly reached out from under the table and gently grasped Burhe's hand. Their eyes met, a fleeting moment that seemed to hold a thousand words. Then, they simultaneously smiled, their tacit understanding and shared understanding evident without words.
At that moment, both of them felt deeply enveloped in an inextricable feeling of happiness. It was also during this beautiful moment that Yinreng's deep desire to retire became even more resolute.
Looking back, why did he work so hard in his life? It was simply because he wanted his family to live a stable and worry-free life without being disturbed by the hardships of life.
Now, he had been on the throne for over a decade, and the Qing dynasty's territory had continued to expand under his rule. Furthermore, Hongye had already mastered the affairs of state with ease. Given this, it was time for him to let go, allowing the young and promising Hongye to fully display his talents and soar into the sky.
Over the years, he had never stopped striving and working tirelessly, constantly busy with state affairs. However, now that he thought about it carefully, the person he felt he owed the most was his wife, Buerhe.
Ever since she married into the Forbidden City and became his wife, he had devoted himself to securing his position as Crown Prince and securing his smooth ascension to the throne. After successfully ascending the throne, he was constantly busy handling state affairs, sometimes even conferring wartime on him, with Burhe still behind the scenes to help him with logistics.
Although they had never been apart over the years, he rarely had the time to accompany her out. He particularly remembered that the only time they went out was when they got married, when they went to Khorchin on behalf of Ukuma Ma. Thinking of this, Yinreng couldn't help but feel a surge of guilt.
Now, time has flown by, and the children have grown up. The three youngest sons, in particular, have made their mark in the Shangshufang and thrived. Even if they ever leave the capital, their two elder brothers, Hongye and Hongchang, will undoubtedly do their utmost to protect them.
Since he had made up his mind, there was no need to hesitate any longer. So, the next morning, Yinreng began to make vigorous and decisive preparations for his tour beyond the Great Wall.
It was early summer, and the vast grasslands were filled with a gentle breeze, lush green grass, and a refreshing and pleasant atmosphere. Imagine galloping across this vast land, feeling the thrill of a galloping horse; perhaps attending a romantic oboo reunion, admiring the bright moon and stars with your loved one; or savoring the mellow and delicious kumis and fragrant lamb skewers... Just these beautiful images made Yinreng itch, and he wanted to immediately throw all the tedious tasks at hand to Hongye, and then take Burhe and rush off to that dreamlike grassland world.
However, Yinreng did not hastily issue an edict of abdication. Although Hongye had accumulated considerable experience in handling government affairs, he was still young and not yet old enough to grow a beard.
The veteran officials at court were known to be conservative, firmly believing in the saying, "A man without a hair on his lips cannot hold his ground." To allow Hongye to more effectively manage the court, Yinreng, after careful consideration, decided to personally lead Burhe on his tour of the frontier, while entrusting Hongye with the important task of superintendent. This approach would allow Hongye to hone his skills and grow through practical experience while ensuring the proper handling of state affairs.
When everything was arranged almost perfectly, Yinreng carefully revealed the good news to Buerhe. When Buerhe heard the news, he was overwhelmed by great joy, as if he were in a dream.
Because this trip not only means leaving the constraints of the palace, but also allows you to travel freely and unrestrainedly between heaven and earth. How can such an opportunity not make people excited?
At this moment, the Crown Princess was walking in the garden and admiring the flowers with her wife-in-law.
Buerhe had an idea and asked someone to call his wife over.
Upon meeting his wife, Buerhe didn't exchange pleasantries. He went straight to the point and stated his request: "Madam, this time the Emperor and I will be touring the borderlands for an unknown period of time before returning to the capital. I'm worried about the Crown Princess's pregnancy, so I'd like to ask you to stay in the garden for a while and take good care of her for me."
The lady-in-law naturally understood Burhe's concern for the Crown Princess. She nodded without hesitation and agreed, saying that she would do her best to take care of the Crown Princess.
In fact, even if Burhe didn't ask for help, Madam Zhang, who knew that the emperor and the empress were going to tour the frontier, also wanted to come and ask for help. Now that Burhe had explained it in advance, it just hit Madam Zhang's heart.
For Madam Zhang, the Crown Princess was now pregnant with the Crown Prince's eldest son. Even if the child ended up being a daughter, she would still be an extremely important person. Regardless, this unborn child would become a solid support for the Zhang family and the Crown Princess's lifelong support.
They didn't dare to think that the Crown Prince would have only the Crown Princess in the future. The most crucial thing at this time was that if the Crown Princess could give birth to the eldest son smoothly and safely, it would be a great joyous event that would make the Zhang family's ancestors' graves smoke in their eyes. Even if the Crown Prince really took a concubine in the future, with the Crown Princess having the eldest son by her side, they would not worry about the Crown Princess's future position in the Eastern Palace.
After properly instructing the Crown Princess on all matters, Burhe finally breathed a sigh of relief. Then, she eagerly set to work packing her belongings. Each exquisite garment was neatly stacked, and each precious piece of jewelry was carefully placed into a brocade box. Burhe meticulously counted each item, fearing she might have missed something important. She knew this trip was of great significance, and she needed to be fully prepared to fully enjoy this rare free time.
Because according to Yinreng's plan, this time they went directly north, passing through Khorchin and Shengjing, then went deeper into the northwest, and finally arrived in Khalkha.
Time flew by, and she and Kejing hadn't seen each other for years. Thinking back, it seemed their last encounter was around the time Yinreng ascended the throne. Now, that memory had become hazy, and she was almost forgetting even Kejing's favorite things.
However, to avoid disappointing Ke Jing after their long absence, Buerhe decided to make thorough preparations. Like a busy bee, she frantically began packing various items. Silks, satins, jewelry... every imaginable exquisite item, whether imported from distant seas or unique local specialties of the Jiangnan region, Buerhe generously packed them all into the carriage.
She thought to herself: When I meet Ke Jing at the destination, if she is interested in any of the items, I will leave this car full of treasures to her!
Just before setting off, Yinzhen actually came to visit Bu Erhe in person and solemnly asked her to do something.
It turned out that Yinzhen hoped that after arriving in Khorchin, Burhe would take some time to visit his sister, Princess Wenxian. Over the years, although Princess Wenxian had only sent a small gift and a brief letter on important festivals every year, for Yinzhen, the blood-thicker-than-water ties were always inseparable.
Especially when he thought of his sister, who was born to the same mother as him and married alone to Khorchin, his heart was filled with worry and longing.
Ever since becoming a mother, Buerhe has truly empathized with Yinzhen's current state of mind. Regardless of personalities or personalities, the deep bond born of blood will never change. Even though Wen Xian has practically unilaterally severed contact with his family over the years, family is family after all! Only when you know for sure that someone is living a safe and comfortable life can you truly rest assured.