Normally, as a character with a god-like perspective (obtained through the system), Xiu Ning would not choose to directly participate in palace intrigues.

However, in exceptional circumstances, Xiuning also personally intervenes to resolve some disputes.

Consort Ping's situation is beset by both internal and external troubles. In particular, the Hesheli clan is not a monolithic entity, and its members have too many ideas. Until the very last moment, no one knows what fate awaits Consort Ping.

After discussing it with Chunyu, Xiuning ultimately decided not to interfere. However, Xiuning also instructed Chunyu to keep a close eye on Consort Ping, and if the opportunity arose, she wouldn't mind stirring up trouble in the harem.

The Dzungar issue of the previous dynasty had captured most of Kangxi's attention. With such favorable timing and circumstances, it would be a disservice to his political sensitivity if Xiuning didn't seize the opportunity to make a fortune in the inner palace.

"The Emperor definitely wants to take this opportunity to test the Crown Prince. If the Crown Prince's performance is unsatisfactory, then the other princes will have a much better chance. This is a signal."

After Chunyu left, Xiuning simply chatted with the system in her mind.

The system asked in a puzzled tone, "If the Crown Prince's position is unstable and other princes have a chance, doesn't that prove that there are more people competing with the host?"

Is this a good thing? I'm afraid that some people will resort to any means to target the host's lineage, much earlier than expected.

“You can only discover problems by doing more,” Xiu Ning said, tapping the table with her fingers. “People tend to make more mistakes the more they do, fewer mistakes the less they do, and no mistakes the best.”

With the crown prince's position secure, others have fewer opportunities, but it's also difficult to find fault with him.

It's not a good thing for us if they all become fully capable later on.

"If the Crown Prince were to reveal a weakness now, coupled with the fact that several Qing emperors have died young, do you think other forces wouldn't be eager to seize this opportunity and desperately try to prove themselves?"

At this moment, Emperor Kangxi had no idea that he would be able to hold the throne for sixty-one years.

With his father dying young and his grandfather also passing away prematurely, Emperor Kangxi was pessimistic about how long he would live.

Anyway, it's pretty much the same, since no one in the royal family lives to be a hundred years old.

While his health is still good, it is Kangxi's biggest concern to train a crown prince in advance in case the Qing dynasty faces problems.

As for how to cultivate the crown prince, this involves some issues such as whether Emperor Kangxi would entrust the responsibility of overseeing the country to the crown prince when he personally led a military campaign.

As the saying goes, seeing is believing, and doing is worse than just talking.

Because the Crown Prince was not married, he could not attend court. However, he still had to follow Emperor Kangxi around to learn things. Compared with the other princes, the Crown Prince had a clear advantage, which was why Songgotu always asked the Crown Prince to pay attention to the court affairs.

Unfortunately, the Crown Prince himself failed to grasp the situation, and he was afraid that his rash intervention would not only be illegitimate but would also arouse Kangxi's displeasure and create a bad impression of him.

Fearing this and that, the Crown Prince found himself in a slightly troublesome situation. Fortunately, he still had Suo'etu to help him, and Kangxi had no intention of replacing the Crown Prince. Otherwise, the Crown Prince might have gone even crazier than in the original timeline.

Xiu Ning's words caught the system's attention. The system thought for a moment and said, "The host intends for everyone to compete and scramble for it." It cannot be denied that some people will be unable to restrain themselves from showing off. This situation has both advantages and disadvantages. Success can lead to instant success, while failure can result in utter defeat.

"Yes, how can one hold onto that position without experiencing storms and hardships?"

It's not enough to just rely on others to push you to the top, because someone without ability can never be in the core position.

“There has always been very little I can do,” he said, lowering his head and tightening his fingers. “Ultimately, it is always up to me to decide how far I can go.”

Relying on external forces to achieve the desired result in one step? It's not impossible; Emperor Shunzhi, Kangxi's own father, did just that.

The clueless young boy was pushed into power by Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang and Dorgon, and what happened? He fought with his own mother every day, eventually contracted smallpox and died, truly an extremely unlucky person.

If Shunzhi hadn't given birth to Kangxi, who was a capable emperor, this person's presence might have been even less noticeable. After all, the most famous person at that time was Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang. Shunzhi? In other people's eyes, this person had no ability at all; he only rose to power because he had a good mother.

...

"Your Majesty, Consort Ling requests an audience."

In the main hall of Chuxiu Palace, Consort Hui was considering what valuable treasures she had in her private treasury, planning to organize them and send a portion to Prince Yinti and his wife.

The reason, of course, is that Consort Hui is about to become a grandmother, and Yinti's wife is about to give birth.

However, contrary to Consort Hui's expectations, the princess was not carrying a prince. Consort Hui could only comfort herself with the thought that things would work out eventually, since her son would marry earlier than the crown prince and the title of eldest son would surely belong to her family.

"What brings Consort Ling here?"

Consort Hui did not have a good impression of her cousin, Consort Ling, even though the latter had stopped struggling and was actively trying to get closer to her.

However, Consort Ping, who entered the palace at the same time as Consort Ling, is pregnant. If Consort Ling also becomes pregnant, wouldn't she have to live in fear? After all, Yehenara has abandoned them before, but in the end, for various reasons, she reinvested in them.

Chengxin shook her head. "This servant does not know, but judging from Consort Ling's expression, it doesn't seem like anything serious has happened."

Because Consort Ling appeared very calm, based on Chengxin's many years of experience, Consort Ling was probably just visiting casually. After all, life in the harem is often boring, and the concubines always find something to do to pass the time.

After thinking it over, Consort Hui felt relieved. "Then let them in."

Consort Hui also needed praise, and Consort Ling was a good fit in terms of both status and position. In addition, Yinti and Yehenara were in their honeymoon period, and the two of them got along quite well.

Chengxin responded with a "yes," and shortly after, Consort Ling entered the room.

"This humble concubine greets Consort Hui."

"No need for formalities, please have a seat."

Consort Hui called out to Consort Ling, then closed the bill in her hand.

Upon seeing this, Consort Ling smiled and congratulated Consort Hui on the upcoming birth of her grandson.

Everyone in the harem knew that the First Consort was about to give birth, but not many people inquired about the sex of the baby.

Previously, Consort Hui had boasted that the First Princess was quite capable, becoming pregnant not long after entering the palace. In fact, Consort Hui did not accompany her on this southern tour, but stayed behind to take care of her.

However, after the First Consort was pregnant with only a daughter, Consort Hui became less high-profile and began to restrain herself intentionally or unintentionally.

Nowadays, everyone can guess about 70-80% of the time, and with Consort Ping drawing attention away from Consort Hui, not many people are specifically coming to cause trouble for her.

Therefore, Consort Ling's words were not very wise.

Consort Hui's expression immediately turned cold, and her words were no longer as warm as when she had first met Consort Ling.

Consort Ling didn't care. She mentioned the Grand Consort casually; her main purpose in coming was still for Consort Ping's pregnancy.

Consort Hui frowned, not understanding Consort Ling's concern for Consort Ping. In her opinion, Consort Ping's actions would not affect her and her son.

“Your Majesty’s reluctance to cause trouble doesn’t mean the matter is over,” Consort Ling continued, “Consort Ping’s pregnancy will have the biggest impact on Your Majesty and the First Prince.”

Consort Hui: Hmm? Is that a saying?