Chapter 78 Side Story: The Crown Prince Selection Plan...

Adhering to the principle of not leaving any future troubles for the country, Kangxi put a lot of effort into choosing his second crown prince.

First and foremost, being proficient in both literary and martial arts is a fundamental requirement.

Kangxi patiently guided Baoqing and Yinreng: "Our ancestors conquered the world on horseback, and I have also personally led military campaigns. Is it not a problem to require my successor to be outstanding in martial arts?"

Bao Qing nodded subconsciously.

Although the Crown Prince couldn't beat him, the Crown Prince was skilled in horseback riding and archery, and never embarrassed his father during the annual hunts.

The Crown Prince, however, glanced at his father, the Emperor, with a half-smile.

Kangxi coughed and continued, "As emperor, I have a lot of paperwork to do. I have to review memorials every day until I go to bed. These are important matters of the court that cannot be delayed. Is it not a problem for me to require my successor to have outstanding literary talent?"

Recalling the tedious, archaic memorials he had read, Baoqing felt a pang of sympathy and nodded in agreement.

This request is absolutely reasonable.

However, Baoqing still had a question: "Since ancient times, there has never been a first in literature, but there has always been a second in martial arts. How does Father Emperor know which of his younger brothers is the most outstanding in literature and the most suitable?"

Emperor Kangxi said mysteriously, "I have my own methods."

-

Inside the drill ground, dragon flags fluttered in the wind.

Emperor Kangxi, dressed in a bright yellow robe with a slit in the front and a dark blue victory jacket over it, sat at the head of the table. Yinreng and Baoqing, dressed in close-fitting clothes, stood on either side of Kangxi. On the training ground, thirty to forty princes stood in neat rows.

Emperor Kangxi delivered a speech that sounded like a non-leadership statement: "I won't say much more. You will see the results through your actions."

The rules of this competition are simple: whoever stands until the end wins.

On the 9th, 10th, and 14th, they immediately started making small moves.

The Ninth Prince slightly turned his head and gave the Tenth Prince a wink, while the Fourteenth Prince raised an eyebrow and nodded. The three of them didn't need to say anything; their tacit understanding of causing trouble in the Imperial Study allowed them to reach a consensus instantly.

Two fists can't beat four hands. Although the myna bird is good at martial arts, it can't handle so many brothers. It's time for them to show their skills.

Bao Qing paid extra attention to his two younger brothers, Thirteen and Fourteen, since they were the ones he had taught. It would be a loss of face for him if they were eliminated too quickly.

Noticing the unusual interaction between the Fourteenth Prince and his two younger brothers, Baoqing found himself standing with Yinreng, whispering, "When did the three of them become so close?"

Look at how well they cooperate!

Sigh, speaking of teamwork, when will he be able to step onto the battlefield again?

After the new crown prince ascends the throne, he secretly practices a few moves with his younger brother, hoping to get him to make an exception.

Yinreng noticed his three younger brothers after being reminded by Baoqing, and just then he saw the fourteenth brother attacking the seventh brother's intact leg. He couldn't bear to look and asked, "Fourteenth brother, did you teach this leg technique?"

It reminded him of the unexpected kick his older brother had given him.

Emperor Kangxi noticed this and turned his head to give Baoqing a thorough dressing-down.

"I knew it! He was so well-behaved at fourteen, how could he resort to such a despicable method? It turns out you taught him!"

Is it possible for a normal person to kick the good leg of a cripple so hard?

In Kangxi's eyes, Baocheng was special, Baoqing was a little special, and all the other sons were treated equally.

Therefore, even the Seventh Prince, who was born with a foot ailment, was included in the list of candidates.

As for his foot ailment, if the Seventh Prince were to ascend the throne, it wouldn't be a problem at all. We could even boast that the Seventh Prince was born extraordinary and different from ordinary people.

Although, due to the Fourteenth Prince's machinations, the Seventh Prince probably wouldn't be able to stand until the end.

Baoqing was used to being scolded, so these words didn't bother him. He didn't even bother to apologize and continued to analyze the situation with Yinreng.

"Fourth Brother probably won't be able to stand for much longer either."

In his opinion, his fourth brother was quite learned, but unfortunately, his martial arts skills were lacking.

Bao Qing shook his head.

The fourth brother can only draw a bow with four and a half strength; he can't even beat his own brother.

Having a rare opportunity to harm his own brother, the Fourteenth Prince took down the Seventh Prince and then set his sights on the Fourth Prince. Even with the assistance of the Thirteenth Prince, the Fourth Prince was still beaten several times by his own brother.

Baoqing watched with glee, nudging his second brother with his elbow: "Hey, do you think Fourth Brother offended Fourteenth Brother? Why was he beaten so badly?"

Father Emperor said from the beginning that there were no limits to the methods used, and now Fourteenth Brother has no qualms about hitting his own brother, and has hit him in the face several times.

They are brothers from the same mother.

Baoqing glanced furtively at Kangxi's expression.

Yes, as expected, Father Emperor's face darkened.