amaotonovel Chapter 304 Pension Plan
Chapter 304 Pension Plan
Chapter 304 Retirement Plan
It was once again that rare moment of solitude before bed, the flickering candlelight illuminating the room with a warm and gentle warmth. Yinreng and Buerhe hugged each other tightly, reclining on the large, soft pillow, and whispering about family matters.
Yinreng gazed tenderly at his beloved wife in his arms and asked softly, "My dear, on this long journey of life, is there any place you particularly long to visit in the future?"
Burhe raised her beautiful eyes, glanced at him playfully, and replied with a smile, "Master, do you also want to follow the example of the Emperor and travel to the south of the Yangtze River, or go to Mongolia to experience the unique customs?"
Yinreng shook his head slightly and said with a smile, "That's not my intention. I just want to hear your innermost thoughts."
Seeing this, Buerhe thought it was just a casual chat between husband and wife, so he relaxed and said casually: "I have always been fascinated by the water town in the south of the Yangtze River! I long to see the poetic painting of small bridges, flowing water and people's homes, stroll on the bluestone road, and feel its winding beauty.
The quaint buildings with white walls and black tiles resemble a tranquil and elegant ink painting. I also want to see the gentle girls walking through the long rainy alleys and smell the delicate fragrance of the oil-paper umbrellas they hold.
Then savor a cup of fine West Lake Longjing tea, letting its refreshing aroma linger on your tongue. Finally, leisurely sit on a black-sailed boat, listening to the melodious song of a fishing girl, as beautiful as an oriole singing from a valley. "At this point, her eyes sparkled with longing."
After a brief pause, Burhe continued describing other places he longed for: "I long for another chance to set foot on that vast grassland. Gazing into the distance, I see the distant white clouds intertwined with the snow-white sheep on the lush green grass, as if blending into one. Further out, the rolling hills, bathed in the afterglow of the setting sun, are shrouded in a golden haze, a breathtaking beauty.
There are also the heroic herdsmen waving long lassoes to drive the galloping horses, and the innocent children laughing and chasing each other in the grass, how happy!
Besides, I am also very curious about Weihaiwei. I really want to see the most powerful ocean-going fleet of our Qing Dynasty in person and feel the majestic momentum of those steel giants riding the wind and waves...
In fact, I have always longed for Your Majesty to be free so that you can take me on a journey. After all, life is so fleeting, and I have been trapped in this capital for over thirty years! Now that I am halfway through my life, I have yet to fully appreciate the magnificent mountains and rivers of the Qing Dynasty that Your Majesty governs.
After saying this, Yinreng gently embraced Buerhe in his arms and asked casually, "Then, my dear, have you ever thought about where you would like to spend your retirement when we are both old?"
Burhe was speaking excitedly at the moment, and after hearing this, he blurted out the answer he had already chosen in his heart without hesitation: "Of course it must be our Fengwu Palace! It is as warm as spring in winter and cool and pleasant in summer. Moreover, the place is spacious and not far from the children's residence. When I am old and frail, my children and grandchildren will surround me, sit on my knees, and share the joy of family. Wouldn't it be wonderful!" When he said this, Burhe's eyes flashed with excitement and anticipation.
Yinreng stared at her, his lips slightly raised in a gentle smile, as if he had already seen the warm scene of the two of them sitting together in the rocking chair in Fengwu Palace many years later, basking in the warm sunshine, and reminiscing about the past years together.
"Then let's wait patiently for Hongye to have enough power to fully control the court. When that time comes, we will hand over this vast Qing Dynasty to him. We can then put aside all burdens and responsibilities and pursue and realize the dream in your heart!"
Bullhe was waving her hands happily, imagining the beautiful life in the future with a beaming look on her face, but suddenly her movements stopped, as if she had been cast under a spell.
Then, she slowly turned her head and looked straight at Yinreng with an expression of disbelief in her eyes. She asked softly, "Master, are you serious about what you just said?"
Because she was too excited, she had forgotten that the person in front of her was the current emperor, and what came out of her mouth was the affectionate name she used to call Yinreng in Yuqing Palace in the past.
Yinreng smiled slightly, nodded solemnly, and replied, "Of course it is absolutely true. I always keep my word, and once I say it, I can't take it back. Over the years, I know that you have suffered a lot of injustice. Although there are no other women in the harem who come to provoke you and make you unhappy, the rumors from the outside world have never shown any signs of abating.
Even though you, my dear, have given birth to five sons and one daughter for me, those people are still racking their brains and trying every possible way to cram more women into my harem.
"Devotion and enduring love should be celebrated, but like a spotless sheet of paper, it can easily become a target for deliberate smears. The fact that we've been able to walk through such a long and peaceful life together is not solely due to my efforts. I have always witnessed your dedication and hardship, and I will always remember them!"
Bullhe's beautiful eyes were still filled with crystal tears, but the corners of her mouth lifted uncontrollably, like a newly blossoming flower. "Then I will patiently and joyfully await the wonderful moment when you, my Lord, will take me on a journey through the mountains and rivers of the Qing Dynasty."
Yinreng, filled with tenderness and love, extended his slender, warm fingers and gently wiped away the remaining tears from the corners of Burhe's eyes. His movements were so gentle, as if he was afraid to hurt the woman who made his heart flutter. "Don't worry, my dear. It won't take too long. Ten years? Too long! No, five years is enough! Just give me five short years, and then I will definitely take you on a journey, showing you the charming scenery of the Jiangnan water towns and the vast grasslands. As long as it is a place that your heart longs for, we will go there one by one."
Hearing this affectionate promise, Buerhe's eyes became even more gentle like water. She stared at Yinreng, then nodded heavily and replied, "Yes."
On this quiet night, the couple leaned against each other, clinging to each other tightly. They did not do anything too intimate, just quietly staying together. However, it was this simple companionship that brought the two hearts that already cared about each other closer than ever before.
It was as if the two halves of an apple, separated by fate, finally fit together perfectly after experiencing countless hardships and vicissitudes, becoming a complete and sweet whole.
The next morning, as sunlight streamed into the room through the window lattice, Qi'er and He Zhu entered the room to serve their masters. They keenly noticed that the atmosphere between their masters today was different from usual.
It’s not that the relationship between the two was not deep enough in the past. On the contrary, they were very loving and respectful to each other in the past. But at this moment, the warm atmosphere in the air is even more intense and intoxicating. Although it is difficult to describe it accurately in words, this feeling is so real and tangible that people can't help but envy it.
With a common goal in mind, Burhe became more dedicated to the cultivation of the Crown Princess. Putting aside other matters, just talking about this daughter-in-law herself, Burhe was actually quite satisfied deep down.
Especially with the example of her and Yinreng supporting each other, Bu Erhe couldn't help but hope that Hongye would also have the honor to spend his life with the Crown Princess in the future.
As a woman, Burhe was fully aware of the hardships involved; and as someone who had experienced it, she knew even more clearly that the pressure and responsibility of being a Crown Princess was beyond the imagination of most people. After careful consideration, Burhe decided to dig out the plan she had treasured in the bottom of a box years ago.
You have to remember that these plans were originally used to train the servants of Yuqing Palace when she first entered the palace. Although the servants of Kunning Palace no longer needed Buerhe's attention, the Forbidden City was after all more than just Kunning Palace. When she one day gave up her administrative power, it was hard to predict whether those servants would still behave themselves and obey her orders as before.
The Crown Princess, who was busy preparing for the annual banquet in the Eastern Palace, suddenly received a precious "treasure" from the Empress. These were no junky items; in wealthy families, such valuables were typically passed down to daughters, not daughters-in-law. Managing the inner chambers was traditionally a skill a new bride learned only after having outlasted her mother-in-law, hence the saying, "After many years of being a daughter-in-law, she becomes a mother-in-law."
So after receiving this great gift, the Crown Princess's first reaction was to go to Kunning Palace to express her gratitude.
Burhe knew her daughter-in-law's innermost thoughts like the back of her hand. She knew she had been nurtured in a fine tradition from a young age, understanding, observing, and adhering to proper etiquette—impeccable in every way. However, the only flaw was a hint of stubbornness. Where did this stubbornness come from? Upon closer examination, it was likely due to her deep respect and adherence to rules, like a talented young woman meticulously nurtured by a nurse.
However, veterans like Burhe, who had weathered decades of ups and downs at court, knew clearly that within this seemingly resplendent and orderly palace, the royal family was both the most steadfast in its adherence to rules and regulations, and yet, at the same time, the least respectful. After all, as powerful rulers, they were not only the makers of the rules but also the beneficiaries of their benefits. Therefore, in this land of scheming and calculation, those who were solely bound by the rules and regulations would ultimately become conservative and inflexible.
After the Crown Princess left, the clever and well-behaved Qi'er hurried forward and respectfully offered her a cup of steaming hot tea. Qi'er gently soothed, "Master, there's no need to be overly anxious. The Crown Princess is still young and inexperienced, and she needs time to understand and appreciate many things. Besides, this matter can't be rushed. Only by letting her slowly grasp the profound meaning behind it can it be successfully resolved."
Upon hearing this, Burhe couldn't help but sigh softly and said helplessly, "Alas! This palace knows all this. But the general election is about to be held after the New Year. Although this election is mainly to select suitable women for several royal brothers and relatives, the world is unpredictable. Who can guarantee that there will be no unexpected situations?"