Spring in the Hall of Paintings

Rongxuan and Rongzhi, the two brothers, knelt before the old lady to bid farewell. The old lady gave them a few words of advice, reminding them to remain loyal to Emperor Kangxi, to uphold the reputation of the Tong family as generations of loyal and virtuous servants, and to bring honor to their household. Finally, the old lady carefully instructed them to be cautious on the battlefield, giving subtle and elegant advice. However, Yun Wei privately summarized it as: avoid danger when possible, take reasonable and advantageous measures to evade risks, and maintain appearances. Even if feeling timid, they must not let others seize upon their weaknesses.

The mastery of this delicate balance depended on the skills of the two brothers. Yun Lan observed the old lady, Madam Jue Luo, admiring the artfulness of her words. In this regard, the ancients far surpassed modern people. Rongzhi immediately understood her meaning and responded with impassioned determination, embodying the image of a loyal servant and righteous man, capable of inspiring and moving others. Rongxuan knelt deeply, his voice low as he said, “Mother, your son will remember everything. Please take care of yourself. I will not disgrace the Tong family or tarnish Father’s reputation.”

The old lady turned away, her eyes moist, and waved her hand at her sons. “Go now, go.”

Rongxuan and Rongzhi mounted their horses and turned to their elder brother, Rongda, saying, “Elder Brother, the household depends on you.”

“Since ancient times, loyalty and filial piety are hard to balance. Second Brother, Third Brother, please be careful. I will take good care of Mother.”

Rongxuan cast one last glance at his wife and children, gave a faint smile, shook the reins, and spurred his horse forward. Lady Fucha pressed her lips tightly together, clutching her handkerchief in silent worry. Yun Wei softly said, “Father will return safely, Mother. We must believe in him.”

“You all may leave. I need some time alone.”

The old lady walked straight to the Buddha Hall. Yun Wei watched her retreating figure, then helped Lady Fucha back to the courtyard. She stayed by her mother’s side, speaking gently or playfully, attempting to distract Lady Fucha from her worries about her husband. By diverting her attention, Yun Wei hoped to ease her thoughts.

Once Lady Fucha had fallen asleep, Yun Wei quietly tucked the blanket around her mother and slipped out of the room. She softly instructed Nanny Qi on a few matters and sent Lu Yi to find Nanny Chen, who served the old lady. Yun Wei reminded her to ensure the old lady, though devout in her worship, did not overexert herself due to her advanced age and to serve her light, simple meals to avoid causing any harm.

Yun Wei returned to the study and began reviewing her private collection of recipes, pondering how to improve them to make them more balanced and flavorful. A young maid entered to announce, “Fourth Miss has arrived.”

Yun Wei set down the recipe book as Yun Lan lifted the curtain and stepped in. Yun Wei greeted her softly, “Fourth Sister.”

Yun Lan surveyed the room. The ebony bookshelves were neatly lined with books of all kinds. Yun Wei sat amidst them, exuding an air of calm studiousness. Despite the many books, the room did not feel as stifling as a library; instead, it had a touch of warmth and comfort. Near the window, a nanmu ‘beauty couch’ was adorned with a thick mattress and embroidered lotus pillows. Beside it stood a palace lantern with eight jade tassels, and a translucent beaded curtain hung in front of the couch. Each glass bead was crystal clear, and when the breeze blew in through the open window, the beads collided gently, producing a soft tinkling sound.

Pearl, who attended Yun Wei’s writing tools, brought a small embroidered stool. Yun Lan sat down and sighed, “Sixth Sister, you certainly know how to enjoy life.”

Yun Wei smiled faintly without speaking and instructed Pearl to serve high-quality tea. Yun Lan stretched her stiff neck, prompting Yun Wei to ask, “Fourth Sister, are you feeling tired?”

“I just finished comforting Mother,” Yun Lan explained, taking a sip of tea. After hesitating for a while, she finally said, “If I don’t come to talk to you, Sixth Sister, I don’t know who else I could speak to. I… I’m worried about Father… and also about him. Sixth Sister, even though I know he’ll be fine, I just can’t put my mind at ease. I’m afraid that my presence might somehow cause a change and bring him danger.”

Yun Lan intended to alter history, but now that changes were truly occurring, she feared the ripple effects of the butterfly effect. She couldn’t confide in anyone else, so Yun Wei was the only one she could speak to, even in limited terms.

“He’s a prince and commands an entire banner. He won’t be in danger,” Yun Wei said gently. “Fourth Sister, you don’t need to worry so much. The Emperor is a sacred ruler. His personal expedition will undoubtedly cause Galdan’s tribes to surrender at the mere news of his arrival.”

Yun Lan coughed twice, pretending it was from being choked on her tea, though in truth, she was shocked by Yun Wei’s words. Were all ancient noblewomen, even Yun Wei, this naive? Surrender at the mere sight of the Emperor? If it were that easy, Emperor Kangxi wouldn’t need to expend so much effort. To them, the Emperor seemed to be a saint or even a deity.

“Fourth Sister, take your time drinking.”

Yun Lan spent half an hour at Yun Wei’s place, talking a lot. For the most part, Yun Wei listened, only occasionally chiming in. She heard about the Fourth Prince’s kindness to Yun Lan and Yun Lan’s concerns for Yinzhen. A fleeting sense of envy arose in Yun Wei’s heart, but it quickly disappeared. Instead, she offered Yun Lan some advice, repeating the words Lady Fucha and the old lady had said earlier.

Yun Lan smiled and said, “Sixth Sister, you don’t understand him. The Fourth Prince is a good man—cold on the outside but warm on the inside. He’ll treat me well. I’ll never regret the choice I made today.”

The maid beside her softly reminded, “Miss, it’s time to return. Madam will be looking for you soon.”

Yun Lan rose to leave but invited Yun Wei to go to the temple with her to burn incense and pray for blessings. Yun Wei declined, unwilling to leave Lady Fucha’s side. Yun Lan didn’t insist and said a few words of concern for Lady Fucha before leaving.

Yun Wei leaned back in her chair and picked up the unfinished book to continue reading. On the yellowed pages, the fragmented strategies of warfare were clearly written.

More than a month later, news of setbacks in the war arrived from the front, casting a shadow over the Tong household. At this time, Lady Fucha accidentally caught a cold. Yun Wei personally attended to her at her bedside, managing the second household’s daily affairs in an orderly manner.

Madam Jueluo, the senior lady of the family, visited Lady Fucha in person. Initially intending to ask if help was needed, she changed her mind after observing Yun Wei’s composure. After inquiring into the details, she realized that although Yun Wei’s methods were not yet mature, they were impressive for someone of her age. Madam Jue Luo comforted Lady Fucha and praised Yun Wei’s capabilities.

Lady Fucha gave a weak smile and humbly said a few words of thanks. Yun Wei fed her the freshly prepared medicinal soup, speaking softly, “Aunt, you flatter me. This is simply what I should do.”

Lady Fucha, being a strong-willed person, recovered significantly after taking the medicine for a few days. She then began guiding Yun Wei on how to handle the household and manage internal affairs more effectively. With Lady Fucha’s guidance, Yun Wei became increasingly adept, handling matters with much greater skill and maturity.

In a bustling temple filled with incense smoke, Yun Wei knelt devoutly before the Buddha, praying earnestly for her father’s safety. After bowing sincerely, she rose from the prayer mat and let down the light veil from the brim of her hat, shielding her jade-like face. Lu Yi handed a small monk some silver for the lamps and assisted Yun Wei as they headed toward the meditation room to find Lady Fucha, who had come to offer incense as well.

“Tongjia Yun Wei.” Hearing her name called, Yun Wei frowned and turned to see Ce Ling standing under a tree, dressed in a dark blue Mongolian robe. Yun Wei had no desire to engage with Ce Ling and intended to pretend the name had been addressed to someone else. However, Ce Ling quickly approached her. Instinctively, Yun Wei stepped back. He halted and spoke in a low voice: “Don’t be afraid. I won’t hurt you, nor do I wish to tarnish your reputation.”

“Then why approach me? And how can you so brazenly call a young lady by her full name?”

Through the veil, Yun Wei’s disapproving gaze was evident. Though Ce Ling couldn’t clearly see her face, he could imagine it. Speaking clearly, he said, “I am a Mongolian man, not bound by the many rules of your Eight Banners. Tongjia Yun Wei, I’ve set my heart on you, and I’ll kneel before the Emperor to request a marriage decree.”

Yun Wei blushed, unsure whether it was from anger or embarrassment. She replied, “I am but an ordinary woman. With your noble status, you should be matched with a proper princess or a titled noblewoman. Prince Ce Ling, you’ve chosen the wrong person to favor.”

To pacify the Mongolian tribes and lay the groundwork for his campaign, Emperor Kangxi had bestowed the title of ‘Beile’ (Prince) upon Ce Ling at the beginning of the 35th year of his reign.

“I only care about what I think of you. It doesn’t matter what others say,” Ce Ling said resolutely. Yun Wei smiled faintly and replied, “Prince Ce Ling, you must understand that your future consort will either be a princess or a noblewoman. The marriage alliances between the Manchus and Mongols were established by the ancestors of the Qing dynasty. I may be unworthy, but I refuse to become a concubine. If you truly care for me, please let me go.”

Having said this, Yun Wei walked past him, her light steps leaving behind one last remark: “I may not understand Mongolian men, but I know this: Prince Ce Ling’s destiny lies on the grasslands. After the Emperor’s victorious campaign, you will soar like an eagle, achieving all you’ve ever desired. Why entangle yourself in affairs of love and sentiment? Riding freely on the plains and protecting your tribe is your true calling. All of this depends on the Emperor’s trust in you.”

Ce Ling clenched his fists tightly. Yun Wei had struck at his deepest concern—if the Emperor didn’t trust him, how could he return to the grasslands to seek vengeance? In a low voice, he repeated her name: “Yun Wei… Tongjia Yun Wei.”