Chapter 97 "What's going on, Eleven..."

"What happened? Wasn't the Eleventh Prince getting better?"

Wen Shan was also shocked. Although according to history, the Eleventh Prince's time was set for this year, just a few days ago, Consort Yi was beaming and saying that the Eleventh Prince was much better and could now eat quite a lot.

How could this happen so suddenly...

Consort Yi must be heartbroken.

"This servant doesn't know either. I only heard that the Eleventh Prince suddenly experienced heart palpitations last night. The imperial physicians went there but were helpless, and he passed away this morning."

Wen Shan hurried to Yikun Palace. When she arrived, the palace was completely silent. Xue Lu came out to pour water and saw Wen Shan. She quickly stepped forward and bowed.

"Why didn't anyone announce the arrival of the Imperial Concubine?"

Wen Shan lowered her voice and said, "I saw that there was no one guarding outside your palace, so I came in by myself. How is your lady?"

Sheryl's eyes were also red, she must have just been crying.

"The master has fainted several times from crying, and is now forcing himself to prepare for the burial of the eleventh prince."

"What exactly happened? Why did the Eleventh Prince suddenly..." Wen Shan paused, then said, "Did something happen at Yikun Palace last night?"

Although Wen Shan slept soundly last night, the news she heard this morning made her realize that the palace must have been in chaos last night. Perhaps someone took advantage of the confusion and frightened the Eleventh Prince.

“Last night, Consort Min came by.” Xue Lu wiped away her tears and said, “Consort Min spoke with our master for a while. It seems that the Ninth Prince was helping the Eleventh Prince out for a walk when they overheard it, and afterwards the Eleventh Prince became unwell.”

Wen Shan: "...So that's how it is."

Last night, Consort Min went to Xianfu Palace to look for her but couldn't find her. She then came to Yikun Palace to ask Consort Yi for advice. Consort Yi is on good terms with Wenshan and is also familiar with Consort Min. It seems that Consort Min came to Yikun Palace because she really had no one else to consult.

"My lady, please take it easy," Pearl said worriedly, supporting the swaying Wen Shan.

Wenshan breathed a sigh of relief and said it was nothing.

She truly hadn't expected things to develop this way; one thing led to another, catching her off guard and plunging her into the clutches of fate.

Wen Shan recalled that Yinzhi had once told her that fate cannot be defied, especially matters of life and death, and that she should be more open-minded and not interfere. Now it seemed that this was indeed true, especially for someone like the Eleventh Prince who died of illness, and that it could not be changed.

"Since Your Highness is here, please go and try to persuade our mistress." Xue Lu sobbed, "The Eleventh Prince is gone, and our mistress is truly heartbroken."

The eleventh prince was already twelve years old this year. Everyone thought he was a well-developed prince, but who would have thought he would leave us like this?

Xuelu led Wenshan into the side hall. Since the Eleventh Prince fell ill, Consort Yi had been worried about him and had specially asked Emperor Kangxi to temporarily move the Eleventh Prince back to Yikun Palace to recuperate. Emperor Kangxi could not resist Consort Yi's persistent pleading and agreed.

There were few palace servants in the room at this time. Consort Yi sat quietly in front of the Eleventh Prince's bed, holding his hand.

The morning sun shone through the window and landed right in front of the eleventh prince's bed.

"Sister Yifei."

Wenshan raised her hand, signaling Pearl to go out first. Pearl understood and quietly retreated, closing the door behind her.

When Consort Yi heard Wen Shan's voice, she was stunned for a moment before slowly turning her head. Upon seeing that it was Wen Shan, she said, "Your Highness the Imperial Concubine has arrived."

Wen Shan stepped forward and saw that the Eleventh Prince had obviously been carefully dressed. He was wearing exquisite and proper clothes with many auspicious symbols of fortune, prosperity, and longevity embroidered in gold thread. The Eleventh Prince was lying there as if he were asleep.

Wen Shan had prepared a lot of drafts to comfort Consort Yi, but when she saw this scene, she couldn't say anything.

The two remained silent for a long time. Only when they heard the voices of the Fifth Prince and the Ninth Prince outside did Consort Yi move and call Xue Lu, who was guarding the door, to come in.

"Tell Yinqi and Yintang not to come in yet. I need to have a word with the Imperial Concubine."

The Ninth Prince witnessed the death of the Eleventh Prince in Yikun Palace last night, and he personally went out of the palace early this morning to summon the Fifth Prince.

The Fifth Prince was startled when he heard the news, and he and his wife hurriedly went to the palace with the Ninth Prince.

Consort Yi stood up and looked at Wen Shan, smiling with extreme sadness: "I never thought that at this age I would have to experience the pain of losing a child."

"...Yinqi and Yintang are still here." Wenshan wanted to tell Consort Yi to take care of herself, but she couldn't bring herself to say it.

Consort Yi glanced back at the Eleventh Prince and led Wen Shan to the front hall outside.

"Let Yinzhi stay here quietly for a while, let's go outside and talk."

Outside the open window of the front hall was a bamboo grove, planted by Consort Yi, the eleventh prince's favorite concubine.

"Although I am not in the mood right now, I still want to congratulate Your Majesty." Consort Yi closed the window and said calmly, "After last night, the Crown Prince's fate was sealed, so the Fourth Prince must be the next Crown Prince in His Majesty's heart."

“Neither of us has really been involved in the children’s affairs.” Wen Shan pulled her to sit down. “No matter what, success or failure, safety is the most important thing.”

Wen Shan and Consort Yi were most compatible in this regard, and they basically didn't interfere with how the children wanted to do things, letting them do whatever they wanted.

Consort Yi's tears fell as she picked up a handkerchief and wiped them away: "Yes, safety is the most important thing."

"Unfortunately, Yinzhi did not have this fortune."

If Yinzhi can grow up safely, with the protection of Consort Xuan and the Fourth Prince, he will naturally live a peaceful and wealthy life.

“If you say that, Yinzhi will be sad. Perhaps he is just here to take his time in this world and will return to heaven when his time comes.” Wenshan comforted him, “I once heard the Empress Dowager say that such children are heavenly spirits and do not need to experience the filth of the human world.”

When the Ninth Princess died young, Emperor Kangxi was deeply grieved, and the Empress Dowager comforted him in this way.

"I hope so," Consort Yi said, wiping away her tears.

Although she was heartbroken, Wen Shan knew that Consort Yi would not be completely devastated, after all, she still had two sons to take care of.

Seeing that Consort Yi's emotions had stabilized somewhat, Wen Shan hesitated, unsure whether she should mention Consort Min.

If we're being honest, it was Consort Min's visit to Yikun Palace to see Consort Yi that allowed the Eleventh Prince to hear about the commotion last night, which startled him so much that he couldn't hold on.

How will Consort Yi and Consort Min get along in the future?

Seeing Wen Shan's expression, Consort Yi could roughly guess what she wanted to say.

"Your Majesty, please don't worry. I am not an unreasonable person. This matter has nothing to do with Consort Min." Consort Yi said softly, "No one expected it to turn out this way."

"...Would you feel better if you saw Consort Min?" Wen Shan asked.

Consort Yi sighed and looked into the inner room.

"Your Majesty, I am not a saint. I will not seek revenge on Consort Min. However... it would be best if we could avoid seeing each other in the future."

Wen Shan could only sigh at the vicissitudes of life regarding this matter. It was already a feat for Consort Yi to suppress her emotions with reason by not pursuing the matter with Consort Min. There was no other way to ask her to do anything more.

When Wenshan came out, the Fifth Prince and the Ninth Prince were waiting outside.

"Your Highness, how is Mother?" the Fifth Prince asked hurriedly.

Wenshan: "They're inside. Why don't you go in and take a look?"

The Fifth Prince and the Ninth Prince hurriedly went inside. Pearl stepped forward to support Wen Shan and said, "Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager has also learned about this and has instructed Consort Tong and the Imperial Household Department to properly handle the Eleventh Prince's funeral arrangements."

Wen Shan nodded: "Let's go back to the palace first. There's still a lot to do at Yikun Palace, so let's not cause any more trouble here."

When she returned to Xianfu Palace, Yinzhen and the other two were already waiting for her in an orderly fashion.

"Mother, is Consort Yi alright?" Yinzhi stepped forward and helped her up, asking.

Wen Shan: "How could nothing be wrong? But the Fifth Prince and the Ninth Prince are with us."

Yinxiang remained silent.

Yinzhen glanced at him, hesitated for a moment, and said, "Mother, last night Consort Min..."

Yinxiang suddenly raised his head: "Mother certainly didn't mean it, it was just a coincidence..."

Wen Shan sighed and said, "Mother knows, and Consort Yi understands too. But after all, this matter was indeed caused by Consort Min, so it's normal for Consort Yi to feel bad. Don't resent Consort Yi."

Yinxiang lowered his head and hummed in agreement.

Wen Shan relayed Consort Yi's words to them: Consort Yi would not seek revenge on Consort Min, but would simply try to avoid contact with her in the future.

It might be best if the two of them don't meet.

Yinxiang: "I will convey this message to Mother."

After saying that, Yinxiang went to Yanxi Palace.

Wen Shan watched Yinxiang leave and sighed, then looked at the remaining two: "Alright, how was your night? Did it go smoothly?"

Yinzhen: "The Crown Prince and Suo'etu's faction have all been taken down. The position of Commander of the Nine Gates has been temporarily taken over by Longkodo. The Fengtai Camp has also been taken over by the Thirteenth Brother's men. There are no more loopholes in the defense of the capital."

The dust has settled; all that awaits the Crown Prince is Kangxi's return to announce his deposition.

“Longkodo?” Wen Shan was a little confused. Didn’t she remember that Longkodo wasn’t Yinzhi’s man?

Why was he put in charge of the defense of the capital?

Yinzhi spread his hands: "After all that yesterday, I should get something in return, right?"

Otherwise, Tong Guowei would have exploded first, and the princes and ministers who followed him would also have been dissatisfied.

"How long are you two going to keep up this charade?" Wen Shan said helplessly. "Now that the Crown Prince has fallen, isn't it about time?"

"Mother, this is just the beginning," Yinzhi said with a slight smile.

When the Emperor finally focused his attention on Fourth Brother, Fourth Brother became the next "Crown Prince".

If even the Crown Prince, whom the Emperor raised by his own hands, dared to rebel, how could the Emperor not be wary of his Fourth Brother?

Wen Shan only asked about these matters briefly; the specifics were left to Yinzhen and the others to handle themselves.

"By the way, I heard the other day that things seemed to be going badly at the front?" Wen Shan suddenly remembered this and asked, "What's the situation now?"

"The Crown Prince and Longkodo tampered with the supplies, which put the army at a disadvantage and forced them to retreat dozens of miles," Yinzhen said. "However, the supplies arrived yesterday, so there's nothing to worry about."

Since Yinzhen was in charge of the Ministry of Revenue, he was also responsible for the logistics of grain and provisions. This was the reason why the Crown Prince and Suo'etu chose to take action against the grain and provisions.

Fortunately, Yinzhen was prepared in advance, so the important matter was not delayed, and he also found the Crown Prince's weakness.

He rebelled and destroyed the army's supplies; either of these actions could have led Kangxi to depose him.

The Crown Prince and Suo'etu were already doomed and had no chance of turning things around. Consort Rong and her personal maid in Zhongcui Palace were truly lucky to have survived a catastrophe.

"Fortunately, Yinzhi was smart enough to distance himself from the Crown Prince early on, otherwise he would have been imprisoned along with the Fourteenth Prince this time."

The palace maid echoed Consort Kuanrong's sentiments, and just as the two were talking, the Third Prince arrived.

"Greetings to Mother." The Third Prince bowed deeply.

Consort Rong hurriedly helped him up: "Why did you come to the palace? Why aren't you staying at home at this time? What are you doing running to the palace?"

Consort Rong was worried that if she kept flaunting herself in front of the Fourth Prince, he would capture them all at once.

“My eleventh brother has passed away, and as his elder brother, it is only natural that I come to offer my condolences,” the Third Prince said.

"...I had forgotten about that." Consort Rong thought for a moment and said to the palace servants, "Go and make preparations. I also need to go to Yikun Palace later."

Compared to the Crown Prince's rebellion, the death of the Eleventh Prince seemed insignificant, and many people forgot about it.

Consort Rong merely instructed the palace servants to make preparations, her mind still preoccupied with the Crown Prince's affairs.

"You weren't involved in the Crown Prince's rebellion, were you?" Consort Rong asked. "Does Mother remember that you met with the Fourteenth Prince several times recently?"

This is also why Consort Rong had been so uneasy. She couldn't say it in front of the servants, but now that it was just the two of them, mother and son, she finally asked.

"Say something."

Consort Rong was furious when she saw the Third Prince sitting down leisurely and just smiling.

"Are you trying to drive your mother crazy with worry?" Consort Rong frowned so deeply that she was almost ready to punch him.

"Mother, rest assured, your son knows what he's doing. I know nothing about the Crown Prince's affairs," the Third Prince said. "Meeting with the Fourteenth Prince was merely to set him up with Suo'etu."

In short, the content of the secret meeting between the Fourteenth Prince and the Third Prince that day was that the Fourteenth Prince wanted to rebel and no longer follow the First Prince, but wanted to join the Crown Prince.

The Third Prince was indeed taken aback by the Fourteenth Prince's words.

"Fourteenth Brother, you are only ten years old this year, why are you in such a hurry to succeed?" The Third Prince racked his brains but couldn't understand why the Fourteenth Prince, who was still so young, insisted on taking such an unconventional approach to get involved in these matters.

Moreover, he switched his allegiance from the seemingly powerful eldest prince to the crown prince, who was already under house arrest.

This is really strange in every way.

Although the Fourteenth Prince was young, he had a fierce look in his eyes.

"Third brother, my mother has been framed and is now trapped in Yonghe Palace, where she is being bullied and starving. Even if I can wait, my mother cannot."

"...You do have a heart full of filial piety," the Third Prince sighed, but he still wanted to persuade his younger brother a little more.

“Fourteenth brother, if you really want to save Wuya, you don’t need to do this. There are plenty of ways to make Wuya live a more comfortable life. When Father and elder brother return to the capital, you can take the opportunity to ask Father for help. Why do you have to get involved in these matters?”

The Third Prince has truly given up on vying for the throne; he just wants to write books and talk about Taoism so that he can live a life of wealth and honor.

Now that he saw the Fourteenth Prince wanting to jump into the pit, he, as the older brother, only said a few words of advice.

The Fourteenth Prince said firmly, "There is only one way to save Mother. As long as Consort Xuan and Fourth Brother are still alive, Mother will never have a chance to get out of this predicament."

"Third brother, don't underestimate me just because I'm young. I know very well that Father Emperor's heart is not with you, eldest brother. I only have the Crown Prince as my choice."

Besides the Crown Prince, there are only Yinzhen and Yinsi. The Fourteenth Prince would never join Yinzhen's faction, and with Consort Xuan around, Yinsi is unlikely to be able to help him. Therefore, he can only rely on the Crown Prince.

Seeing the Third Prince's hesitant expression, the Fourteenth Prince thought to himself that if he were three or four years older now, he wouldn't have to depend on anyone.

Finally, seeing his insistence, the Third Prince had no choice but to agree to help him meet with Suo'etu, which was the time when Yinxiang caught them.

After hearing what the Third Prince said, Consort Rong's heart pounded in her chest: "You even helped the Fourteenth Prince meet with Suo'etu in secret?!"

Oh no, this son actually got involved.

The Third Prince said helplessly, "Mother, didn't you complain before that your son didn't help anyone and wasn't ambitious?"

"I said so much, and this is the only thing you remember!" Consort Rong gritted her teeth in anger. "What are we going to do? What if the Fourth Prince finds out..."

"If you know, you know. It's not a big deal. I don't know anything about what happened afterward. Even if Father Emperor knew, he would just give me a scolding."

The Third Prince has truly come to terms with everything. He helps the Fourteenth Prince not for anything in return, and there's absolutely no benefit in helping him; in fact, it's all trouble. But he's still willing to lend a hand. Or rather, the Third Prince is now willing to help anyone, because he's kind to everyone.

Seeing that Consort Rong was truly anxious, the Third Prince quickly said, "Mother, please don't be angry and take care of yourself. If Fourth Brother wanted to investigate, he would have already locked up Fourteenth Brother and me in the Imperial Clan Court. Since there's no movement yet, it means everything is fine."

At this time, everything requires swift action. If we really wanted to investigate him, we would have locked him up in the Imperial Clan Court last night as well. Otherwise, if one prince was locked up last night and another is locked up today, the court and the harem would inevitably be thrown into turmoil again. Based on the Third Prince's understanding of Yinzhen, he would not do something so stupid.

Consort Rong was still somewhat shaken. In the past, she had always encouraged the Third Prince to seize the throne, hoping that he could rise above others and protect her and Princess Rongxian in the future. However, after experiencing this palace coup, Consort Rong's thoughts changed.

"From now on, you should focus on compiling your books. Being a carefree prince is better than being stripped of your title and imprisoned."

No sooner had Consort Rong finished speaking than a palace servant came in to report that Consort Tong had sent someone to invite her over to discuss the funeral arrangements for the Eleventh Prince.

Seeing this, the Third Prince also took his leave. When Consort Rong went to Chengqian Palace, she saw that all the other consorts except Consort Yi had already arrived.

"Hasn't the Imperial Concubine come?" Consort Rong asked after taking her seat.

Although there are procedures for a prince's funeral, it is still a significant matter. Consort Xuan should be present at this time.

"The Imperial Concubine has gone to Yanxi Palace to visit, and Consort Min is also feeling unwell today," Consort Hui said.

Consort Ping didn't want to come today because of the Crown Prince's matter, but Consort Tong sent people to invite her several times. Given the current situation, she really didn't dare to show any displeasure to Consort Tong, so she still came to Chengqian Palace, but she remained silent the whole time.

Consort Hui had clearly enjoyed watching the spectacle last night. She turned to Consort Rong and said, "I heard that Consort Min went to Yikun Palace last night and said something that startled the Eleventh Prince, which led to his sudden heart palpitation and death."

Consort Rong was so preoccupied with the Crown Prince and the Third Prince's affairs last night that she was unaware of this matter, and she was shocked when she heard about it.

"Is that so?"

So much happened last night.

Consort Hui, fanning herself with a round fan, said, "Consort Min killed the Eleventh Prince, so naturally she is feeling guilty and fearful now."

"Alright, enough with the baseless rumors." Consort Tong interrupted Consort Hui. "I've gathered you ladies here today to discuss how to handle the funeral arrangements for the Eleventh Prince. It's no wonder the servants follow suit since you masters keep talking about these unfounded things. If such rumors continue to circulate, I will punish you severely."

Consort Rong and Consort Hui, who were usually the most troublesome, have become more obedient after last night's incident. Seeing that they were no longer saying anything, Consort Tong began to discuss today's important matters.

At this moment, Wen Shan was looking at Consort Min lying on the bed and sighing.

Consort Min was pale and coughed incessantly while clutching her chest. Yinxiang was anxiously serving her medicine.

"Your Highness, our mistress returned from Yikun Palace last night and fainted upon hearing of the Eleventh Prince's passing," Yunlan, the head maid of Consort Min's palace, whispered to Wenshan, her eyes red with tears.

Wen Shan stepped forward and took the medicine from Yin Xiang's hand, telling Yin Xiang to go back to Xianfu Palace first to retrieve the food she had prepared for Consort Min.

Yinxiang knew that Wenshan was trying to get rid of him, so he obediently left first.

"This isn't entirely your fault; it was all a series of unfortunate coincidences. Don't take it too hard," Wen Shan comforted her.

Consort Min: "The Eleventh Prince had clearly improved a few days ago, but he happened to see me asking Consort Yi for help... How can I not feel ashamed?"

She stayed at Yikun Palace for a long time last night, until dawn when Consort Yi finally let her return to the palace. She thought the Eleventh Prince was getting better, but not long after she returned to the palace, news of the Eleventh Prince's death came.

“Consort Yi didn’t blame you either,” Wen Shan said softly. “This matter…is indeed…”

Wen Shan hesitated for a long time, unsure of what to say.

She was caught in a dilemma, and words seemed particularly inadequate at this moment.

“My sins are beyond redemption,” Consort Min said softly. “I’m fine, Your Highness, please go and see Yikun Palace.”

Wen Shan sighed and decided to let Consort Min have some peace and quiet. When she left the palace, she saw the Fifth Princess standing in the corridor.

The Fifth Princess greeted her and then lowered her head without saying a word.

"Aren't you going in to see your mother, Min?" Wenshan asked.

The Fifth Princess shook her head in frustration and said in a low voice, "Your subject does not know how to face Consort Min."

Wen Shan left Yanxi Palace without saying anything in the end. Before leaving, she looked back and saw that the Fifth Princess was still standing motionless under the corridor of the sleeping quarters.

"Everything is predestined, and nothing is up to us," Wen Shan sighed.

Yinxiang also stayed at the palace gate and did not go to Xianfu Palace. When he saw Wenshan come out, he went back with her.

Upon arriving at Xianfu Palace, Yinxiang instructed Zhenzhu to take all the palace servants away.

“Mother, I…” Yinxiang’s eyes were full of tears. It was the first time Wenshan had ever seen him so helpless.

Wenshan quickly comforted him, "Your mother knows, and now all we can do is let the imperial physician take good care of him."

In his previous life, Consort Min's time was up next year. In this life, Yinxiang thought he could avoid it, since Consort Min has been in good health and lives a very comfortable life every day. She doesn't seem like she only has one year left to live.

But I never expected this to happen.

Looking back, Wenshan feels that life is truly unpredictable, as if it were all preordained.

Two more months passed peacefully in the palace. The funeral for the eleventh prince had long since ended. Consort Yi remained secluded at home, and Consort Min's illness was intermittent. The imperial physician said it was a heart ailment that was difficult to cure and could only be slowly nurtured. Yinxiang then visited her frequently.

The Fifth Princess requested to move to the Fifth Residence in Ganxi, and Wen Shan remained silent for a long time before agreeing to her request.

Although the Fifth Princess no longer lived in Yanxi Palace, she still went to pay her respects to Consort Min every day.

It wasn't until Emperor Kangxi decisively defeated the Dzungars on the front lines and returned to the capital that the palace became lively again.