Chapter 73 (The Seventy-Third Chapter) Waiting until these two brothers returned from the song…

After the two brothers returned from Qufu, they began to think about how to share their steelmaking methods.

Thanks to the Confucius worship ceremony over the past two weeks, many things became much easier for Yinzhen and Yinsi outside the palace. They didn't plan to handle the steelmaking method themselves this time, and after much thought, they entrusted the matter to Ma Qi.

Ma Qi is now on Yinzhen's side. If Yinzhen had no ambition to seize the throne, it would be fine, but now it is clear that Kangxi values ​​Yinzhen highly, so as Yinzhen's father-in-law, Ma Qi has no choice but to join Yinzhen's group.

Not long after the two returned from Qufu, Ma Qi formally submitted a memorial to Emperor Kangxi, presenting the steelmaking method that Yinzhen and Yinsi had devised.

Ever since Yinzhen and Yinsi presented the smallpox vaccination method, Kangxi had secretly sent people to investigate. It was clear that Yinzhen or Yinsi had secretly kept a group of followers. However, the Crown Prince and the First Prince mostly kept scholars and merchants, while Yinzhen kept artisans.

There was nothing to hide, and Kangxi easily found out about the garden in the capital. However, Yinzhi concealed himself, leaving only Yinzhen behind.

So the investigation that Kangxi received revealed that the Fourth Prince had kept dozens of craftsmen in a garden in the capital, who were constantly making noise and doing something unknown.

Incidentally, Kangxi also learned that Dai Zi, the firearms expert who had been expelled from the palace two years prior, was also in Yinzhen's garden.

Kangxi pretended not to know anything about this and went along with Yinzhen's antics.

Unexpectedly, Yinzhen actually pulled off a major move.

When Ma Qi reported the matter, he mixed the truth with lies, saying that the Fourth Prince had discovered a capable person, but it was inconvenient for the prince to be in the palace, so he contacted Ma Qi to help keep an eye on the matter. As soon as there was a result, he immediately reported it.

As Kangxi looked at the steel forged using the new method that Ma Qi brought, which was harder and stronger than the old method, countless scenarios of its potential use in weapons and construction flashed through his mind.

"Alright." Kangxi turned to Liang Jiugong and said, "Go and invite the Fourth Prince here."

Ma Qi stood below, head bowed, his heart pounding with anxiety. The Emperor was certainly fully aware of what was going on, and it was hard to say whether things would develop as they had anticipated.

Yinzhen arrived quickly, and after greeting Kangxi, he was summoned by Kangxi.

"Yinzhen, Ma Qi said that you also came up with this steelmaking method?" Kangxi asked calmly, revealing no emotion.

Ma Qi's eyes darted between Kangxi and the Fourth Prince. Although he had served as an official in the court for many years, he still couldn't figure out the emperor's thoughts. Now he was also worried for the Fourth Prince.

"Your Majesty, I dare not lie. Some time ago, when I went out on an inspection tour, I discovered that there are many talented people among the common people. However, they are mostly regarded as strange skills and tricks and are not well received. I think that some craftsmen are indeed very wise and their products are beneficial to the country and the people. Therefore, I treated them with the courtesy due to my retainers. Now that they have achieved some results, I am presenting them to Your Majesty."

Yinzhen said in a serious and methodical manner.

This was similar to the results of Kangxi's investigation, and Yinzhen was indeed not lying.

"Was the previous smallpox vaccination method also developed from among your retainers?"

Yinzhen: "I dare not take credit for this. It was indeed Dr. Huang's medical practice over the years that led to this discovery. It just so happened that he heard that I had a place in the capital that supported artisans, so he reported it to me."

The smallpox vaccination program involved Wen Shan, and they kept it a complete secret, not daring to reveal a single detail.

Kangxi nodded and didn't ask Yinzhen any further. Instead, he looked at Ma Qi and said, "Ma Qi, have you been to Yinzhen's garden?"

"Your Majesty, ever since the Fourth Prince entrusted this matter to me, I have not dared to neglect it and have personally gone to see it several times."

The information Ma Qi received from Yinzhen was similar to what Yinzhen had just told Kangxi. Yinzhen also told him that he supported these people not for his own benefit but for the longevity of the Qing Dynasty and for the prosperity and strength of the country. Therefore, he would never hide any achievements and would not be afraid of the emperor's suspicions. He instructed Ma Qi to report the truth.

Ma Qi was so moved that he thought to himself, "As expected, the Fourth Prince is truly honest and straightforward, inside and out."

The craftsmen kept their mouths shut, and none of them revealed that Yinzhi was also among them. Therefore, Ma Qi simply assumed that Yinzhen was farsighted and loyal.

"What did you think of it after you went to see it?" Kangxi asked with great interest.

Ma Qi thought for a moment. The craftsmen there were either sitting blankly for half a day or, as if they were drunk, frantically tinkering with things he couldn't understand, ignoring everyone and talking to themselves.

Occasionally, a few people, whether they were doctors or herb gatherers, would be busy working in the herb garden.

"A thousand people, a thousand faces, a lively scene." Ma Qi thought for a long time before squeezing out these eight words.

Kangxi laughed upon hearing this, stood up, and said, "According to you, it would be a loss for me not to go and see it. Yinzhen, Ma Qi, accompany me to that garden."

Kangxi changed into civilian clothes and left the palace with a few guards, along with Yinzhen and Ma Qi.

As the carriage passed through the bustling city, Emperor Kangxi lifted the curtain and glanced outside.

"The capital city is much more bustling than before."

Emperor Kangxi was not an emperor who stayed in the palace for long. In addition to his southern tours and the Mulan Autumn Hunt, he would also travel around the capital, so he had some understanding of the people's livelihood.

“In recent years, many merchants have come from the south. Although merchants are ranked last among scholars, farmers, artisans and merchants, they have indeed made the capital much more lively,” Ma Qi said.

Emperor Kangxi took a sip of tea, rubbed the thumb ring on his thumb, and said, "The taxes have indeed increased considerably in the past two years. They are all subjects of my Great Qing Dynasty. It's just a matter of how to put people in the right positions."

"Yinzhen, do you understand this principle?"

Kangxi then shifted the topic to Yinzhen.

Yinzhen said, "Please enlighten me, Father Emperor."

Kangxi smiled and said, "No rush, I have a lot to teach you."

As Ma Qi sat beside the father and son, the more he pondered, the more uneasy he felt.

Could the Emperor really intend to depose the Crown Prince and install the Fourth Prince in his place?

Although some people in the court and among the public were already discussing this matter, Ma Qi had never really believed it.

As a veteran minister who had served in the imperial court for over twenty years, he knew all too well how much the emperor doted on and loved the crown prince, making it extremely difficult to shake the crown prince's position.

However, seeing the Emperor and the Fourth Prince interacting privately for the first time today made him waver a little.

Looking at the Emperor's current expression, it seems like he might actually be quite something.

This is certainly not something that should be said to an ordinary prince.

After walking through several streets, they arrived at the villa. After getting out of the carriage, Kangxi looked around and said, "This place is quite nice."

It's not far from the bustling city, yet it's not crowded. Behind it is a lush bamboo forest, and the yard is also planted with many flowers and plants. It's truly a unique place.

"This is my mother's dowry. She... entrusted it to me before she passed away." Yinzhen's voice was somewhat hoarse.

Kangxi nodded. He already knew this; it was easy to find out who owned the gardens in the capital.

"Your imperial mother entrusted these to you so that you would make good use of them," Kangxi said. "I imagine your imperial mother would be pleased if she knew this in the afterlife."

Having lost both his parents at a young age, Emperor Kangxi valued the filial piety of his princes. Seeing that Yinzhen did not hold a grudge against Empress Tongjia but was instead very grateful, he felt comforted.

"Longkodo, go knock on the door." Kangxi raised his chin.

Longkodo, as a first-class bodyguard of Emperor Kangxi, naturally came along today as well.

"Yes, sir."

Longkodo knocked on the door twice, and soon Butler Wang came out.

Steward Wang was a shrewd man. Although he had never met Emperor Kangxi, he could guess who it was from the respectful way Yinzhen and Ma Qi treated this person. So he quickly stepped forward and bowed.

"Fourth Master, Lord Ma Qi, may I ask who this distinguished guest is?"

Ma Qi: "Let's go inside first and talk about it later."

Although there are few people in this area, it is still inconvenient to be in public.

After entering the garden, Ma Qi said, "This is His Majesty the Emperor. Why don't you quickly call everyone in the garden over?"

Although Steward Wang had guessed it, he still feigned shock and quickly knelt down, saying, "This servant greets Your Majesty! This servant will go right away, right away!"

Ma Qi had been here a few times and was quite familiar with the place, so he led Kangxi to the main hall.

"Longkodo, this is supposed to be your Tong family's garden. Have you been here before?" Kangxi suddenly asked.

Longkodo, who had been walking beside Kangxi with his head down, thought for a moment after hearing Kangxi's question before replying, "Your Majesty, this is the dowry garden that my father and mother gave to my sister. I have never been here before."

"That's true. Your Tong family has more than just one or two gardens, so you naturally wouldn't have visited them all." Kangxi said casually, which startled Longkodo once again. He didn't know what Kangxi meant.

Is this a veiled criticism that the Tongjia clan has too much wealth?

With the downfall of Suo'etu and Mingzhu in recent years, the Tong family has indeed become somewhat conspicuous.

Yinzhen was not in a position to speak at this time, since the Empress Tongjia's dowry was currently in his hands.

Compared to Tong Guowei and Mingzhu, Ma Qi may not be considered particularly shrewd, but he is still a seasoned veteran who has been through many trials and tribulations, and he knows that it is not wise to say more at this time.

Fortunately, Kangxi didn't say anything more, as if it were just a casual chat. Soon, Steward Wang summoned all the craftsmen in the garden.

Afterwards, Yinzhen and Yinsi screened these people again, sending some of them to other gardens, leaving only about twenty people.

Standing at the very front was Dai Zi.

Emperor Kangxi only glanced at him because he came here for the steelmaking method.

Who is Wang Chongyu?

A middle-aged man in his forties, wearing a light blue long gown and looking somewhat thin, stepped forward.

"Your Majesty, it is indeed this humble subject."

Kangxi squinted at him and asked, "I heard from Yinzhen that you've figured out some new method for steelmaking?"

"It was something that I and Yang Xu worked on together," Wang Chongyu replied respectfully.

Yang Xu was a young man in his early twenties who was very interested in the crafts of blacksmithing and steel forging. He became Wang Chongyu's apprentice when Wang Chongyu was still working in a blacksmith shop. Later, when Wang Chongyu was recruited by Yinzhen and Yinsi, he did not forget to take his talented apprentice with him.

Emperor Kangxi rested his left arm on the table, smiling with great interest, and said, "I have already seen the steel you have forged. Tell me how you made it?"

Emperor Kangxi actually had some knowledge of these so-called "strange skills and ingenious crafts." He had also heard missionaries mention some scientific knowledge from the West, but those were just things like mathematics and astronomy. They were fine to listen to occasionally as a way to pass the time, but they had no practical use, so Kangxi didn't pay much attention to them.

However, the steelmaking methods developed by Wang Chongyu and Yang Xu were quite different.

When it came to things he was familiar with, Wang Chongyu spoke fluently and vividly, describing almost every step of the process. Kangxi listened and nodded repeatedly. He had previously inspected the Ironworks and had some general understanding of how iron was forged and steel was smelted, so he could understand what Wang Chongyu was saying.

And they can understand where they made the improvements that resulted in such good steel.

"Excellent!" Kangxi exclaimed repeatedly. "Indeed, there are capable people here. By slightly modifying these few steps of the process, the steel produced is so much better. Not bad, not bad at all."

What pleased Emperor Kangxi most was that the improved craftsmanship of the two men was not limited to delicate work that could only be done in small workshops, but could also be mass-produced without any problems. This represented a great leap forward in both military and agricultural tools and other daily necessities.

Emperor Kangxi immediately approved the appointment of Wang Chongyu and Yang Xu to positions in the Ministry of Works. In particular, Emperor Kangxi directly appointed Wang Chongyu as a Vice Minister of Works, elevating him from an ordinary person to a second-rank official.

Wang Chongyu was both surprised and delighted, and immediately knelt down, saying he didn't deserve such praise.

"If I say you're qualified, then you are," Kangxi said, personally helping him up. "After you go to the Ministry of Works, you don't need to worry about anything else. Just focus on promoting this steelmaking method for me."

It was clearly inappropriate to have Wang Chongyu handle some of the Ministry of Works' administrative affairs, so his position as Vice Minister of Works was more of a figurehead, with his main responsibility being the steel forging process.

However, even though he was a nominal official, he was still a second-rank official. Even though the craftsmen below him were devoted to their craft and not very interested in becoming officials, they were still somewhat tempted when they saw Wang Chongyu suddenly become a second-rank official.

Kangxi was also quite interested in the remaining few, and asked them to explain what they were researching. When it was Dai Zi's turn, Kangxi said, "Master Dai is an acquaintance. I didn't expect to see you here."

To his surprise, Yinzhen thought that Kangxi must have known all along.

"This sinful subject is truly ashamed to face Your Majesty." Dai Zi performed a deep bow and kowtowed to the ground.

“Now that he’s been punished, he’s no longer a criminal.” Kangxi raised his hand and asked, “What have you been busy with lately? Still messing around with those firearms?”

"All I have learned in my life is these meager skills. Fortunately, the Fourth Prince did not abandon me and gave me a chance to redeem myself." Dai Zi reported to Kangxi about the repeating musket he had designed.

Emperor Kangxi was also very interested in hearing this.

"Is that so? Take me to see it."

There was a ready-made target practice area in the courtyard where Dai Zi lived, so he simply brought Kangxi there.

Compared to the musket that was bestowed upon Yinzhi for testing, Dai Zi has made improvements in recent days, greatly reducing the problem of excessive recoil that Yinzhi had mentioned last time. After Kangxi tried it once, he only felt a slight numbness in his wrist.

"Excellent! This is truly a powerful tool." Emperor Kangxi was overjoyed. He had long been preparing for a second campaign against Galdan to completely annihilate this treacherous minister, and now, with this weapon, he was truly empowered.

Dai Zi was overjoyed to hear the Emperor's approval. He had been engrossed in gunpowder all day long, partly because he genuinely enjoyed it, and partly because he wanted someone to appreciate his hard work and contribute to the battlefield, reducing the number of soldiers killed or wounded. If that could be achieved, he would consider his efforts complete.

Kangxi was playing with the flintlock pistol when he realized that Yinzhen's courtyard was indeed full of hidden talents. He had come to see the steelmaking technique but had unexpectedly gained something.

"I sent people to investigate your matter some time ago." Kangxi handed the musket to Liang Jiugong, took the damp cloth handed to him by Steward Wang, wiped his hands, and said, "The wicked and corrupt officials are lawless and dare to commit acts of deceiving the emperor even within the palace. I have already sent people to deal with those few. You can go back to your post in a few days."

Seeing Dai Zi's abilities, Kangxi naturally wouldn't let him stay in this garden and wanted to take him away without a second thought.

After all these years of ups and downs, Dai Zi had lost interest in becoming an official. At this point, all he wanted was to have this little corner of the world to continue working on his gunpowder so that one day it could be used as a weapon on the battlefield and bring him fame. He also hoped that his daughter would get married soon and give him a grandson.

So Dai Zi declined without hesitation, citing his advanced age.

Emperor Kangxi was not angry when he heard this. After thinking for a moment, he suddenly said, "I heard that you are about to marry off your daughter soon. I imagine you must have a lot to do."

Yinzhen and Ma Qi exchanged a glance. Sure enough, there was nothing in the capital that Kangxi didn't know; it just depended on whether he wanted to know or not.

Yinzhen was once again surprised by his father's control over the court, and thought that he and Yinsi and Yinxiang must be extremely careful in the future.

Dai Zi was surprised that the Emperor knew so much about his family. Although Tian Wenjing was a prefect, he was only a fourth-rank official and not even from the capital. There were dozens, if not hundreds, of such fourth-rank officials in the whole country. They rarely saw Emperor Kangxi except when they came to the capital to report on their duties. It was no surprise that Tian Wenjing would take a second wife. Since his family was now just ordinary people, Dai Zi was quite astonished.

Coming to his senses, Dai Zi hurriedly replied, "Your Majesty, the wedding date has been set for the eighteenth of next month."

"Indeed, Tian Wenjing is a good person." Kangxi nodded and said, "Yinzhen has arranged a good match for you."

Tian Wenjing was almost the only official besides Ma Qi who had contact with Yinzhen. Kangxi observed the relationship between Yinzhen and Tian Wenjing over the past few years and found it to be a gentlemanly friendship that was as light as water. Yinzhen did not deliberately promote Tian Wenjing, and Tian Wenjing did not show any particular closeness. They only exchanged letters occasionally, and the content of these letters was always greetings and words of encouragement for their official careers.

Kangxi liked Yinzhen most about his dislike of forming cliques and factions with ministers, and naturally did not want him to lose this trait.

Dai Zi was even more frightened upon hearing this. How could the Emperor know everything? Could it be that the Fourth Prince told the Emperor?

Since Yinzhen had already been brought up, he continued, "I was chatting with Master Dai the other day and learned that he has a daughter who is still unmarried. It just so happens that Tian Wenjing came to the capital to report on his duties and mentioned that his first wife had passed away early and he wanted to find another wife. So I played matchmaker for him. I think it's a happy event."

Upon hearing this, Kangxi nodded and said, "Since you have no intention of returning to the court, I will not force you, but I should reward you with something."

"In that case, the Imperial Household Department shall prepare a dowry for your daughter according to the precedent set for Princess Dorog. This is a small token of my appreciation."

After thinking for a moment, Kangxi said to Yinzhen, "Recently, Consort Niohuru has been acting somewhat rashly. Let your mother handle this matter. If you want to reward Tian Wenjing and Dai Zi, you can also add some more."

Emperor Kangxi was incredibly generous this time, giving him whatever he wanted—official positions, prestige, gold, and silver—he was practically a money-giving angel.

The generosity was so great that even Yinzhen (Emperor Yongzheng) found it hard to believe. Although these things were powerful weapons that would benefit the country and its people, they had not yet been mass-produced or tested on the battlefield. It seemed out of character for Kangxi to reward them so easily.

Even Ma Qi felt that the Emperor seemed a bit too hasty today.

But no one dared to say anything.

Dai Zi could only kowtow and thank the Emperor for his grace. Kangxi tried the musket a few more times before taking one back to the palace. Soon after, he summoned the Minister of Works and the artisans of the Firearms Battalion to discuss matters of steelmaking and muskets.

Emperor Kangxi even summoned the Crown Prince to listen to the conversation with Yinzhen for an entire afternoon.

When Wen Shan noticed that Yinzhen hadn't returned by evening, she wondered, "What could be discussing this that's keeping us up so late?"

Although Yinzhi himself did not go to the garden, Steward Wang had already sent the news, and he knew everything that had happened today.

"Don't worry, Mother, it's all good news." Yinzhi stretched and said, "Fourth Brother will probably have dinner at the Hall of Mental Cultivation tonight. Let's not wait and have dinner quickly."

Seeing that it was getting late, Wen Shan figured that Kangxi probably wouldn't let the child go hungry, so she nodded and told the palace servants to serve dinner.

Yinxiang was engrossed in his studies with the tutors in the Imperial Study when he heard it was time to eat and ran out of there.

While eating, he complained to Yinzhi, "Eighth Brother, I really envy you and Fourth Brother for not having to spend every day in the Imperial Study anymore. Zhang Ying has become even stricter than before."

Yinxiang suspected that the Eighth Prince's outstanding performance had raised the standard of education for princes.

Although he had learned these things in his previous life, being forced to attend classes every day was still quite torturous for Yinxiang, who had a restless nature.

Especially now that the workload has increased, the younger ones are complaining endlessly.

Yinzhi picked up some food for him and said with a smile, "I think you're just too arrogant. You think you know everything and don't listen carefully. You got caught by Master Zhang and had to be punished, didn't you?"

Yinxiang pouted and muttered, "Even Zhang Tingyu can't stand it, I don't know what's wrong with him."

Zhang Tingyu is still the princes' tutor, and the well-known "King of Scrolls" is so formidable that even he is finding it hard to keep up, which shows the current level of intensity in the Imperial Study.

“I don’t think it’s necessarily because of Master Zhang,” Wen Shan said after thinking for a moment. “It seems that your Emperor specifically instructed us to put more effort into teaching you.”

"..."

"Mother, did Father Emperor tell you this?" Yinxiang asked.

Wen Shan thought for a moment and nodded, saying, "It seems like this matter was brought up a few days ago. It sounded like the Emperor was somewhat dissatisfied."

Is this still not enough? Do they all have to fly up to the sky for their father to be happy?

"Is it because you're dissatisfied with the First Prince and taking it out on him?" Yinzhi said slowly.

A few days ago, when he and his fourth brother accompanied the third prince to the Confucius ceremony, the crown prince didn't say anything, but the eldest prince jumped out, and was then suppressed by Kangxi.

Perhaps it was seeing the appearance of the eldest prince that made Kangxi start to think about how to further strengthen the education in the Imperial Study.

Then the younger students who were still studying hard were in big trouble.