Chapter 158 Who is Cheng Yaojin?

After being persuaded by the Empress Dowager, Kangxi finally stopped the overt investigation of the harem, which ended with a major reshuffle of the imperial court.

However, since the source of the leak could not be found, Kangxi was highly vigilant. In private, he ordered his secret guards to continue the investigation and strengthened the surveillance of the inner palace. He also placed the advisor Xing by Bao Cheng's side to serve him.

As for the idea that "prevention is better than cure," Kangxi, though somewhat hesitant, tried his best to suppress his unease and lifted the taboo surrounding Buddhism. However, he would not bring it up with Bao Cheng, attempting to treat it as an ordinary matter.

The tight, unwavering surveillance was not something the Empress Dowager could easily persuade him with a few words. In the end, it was Kangxi who, seeing Bao Cheng's unwavering trust and concern, realized something was amiss and felt guilty. He gradually relaxed his control over Bao Cheng and tried to get everything back on track.

Before Yinzhi could even rejoice at finally seeing his younger brother again after half a month, he stared in shock at Changquan, who had come to the Imperial Study with Baocheng.

"Baocheng...why is he here?"

“Changquan will study with us from now on.” Baocheng explained to Yinzhi, holding Changquan’s hand.

Yinzhi was displeased, "How old is he to be studying?"

Changquan smiled smugly at Yinzhi, holding Baocheng's hand tightly. "Because Changquan doesn't want to be separated from Brother Baocheng, and I'm already 5 years old and can start studying. Brother Baocheng and I are close in age, so it's most suitable for us to study together."

The implication was that Yinzhi was too old, his pace was different, and it was not suitable for him to be with them.

While Yinzhi, who was slow to grasp other matters, could always accurately understand Changquan's hints, which infuriated him to the point of being crooked.

Unhappy, she rushed forward, grabbed Bao Cheng's other hand, and led him inside. She went straight to the first row and sat down with Bao Cheng.

Changquan, not to be outdone, followed closely behind and sat down on the other side of Baocheng, giving him a sweet smile: "Brother Baocheng, Changquan is short, can I sit in the first row with you?"

"Of course you can."

Bao Cheng nodded with a smile, Chang Quan gave Yin Zhi a smug grin, and then continued to fawn over Bao Cheng: "Brother, this is my first day in the Imperial Study, I'm a little scared, will the teachers hit me?"

"Changquan, don't be afraid. The gentlemen are polite and respectful; they won't hit people randomly..."

Seeing Changquan clinging to Baocheng's sleeve and acting coquettishly, Yinzhi was furious. Who was he pretending to be? Was he afraid of being beaten? All he knew was to act cute in front of Baocheng!

Seeing that Baocheng was completely absorbed by Changquan, Yinzhi had an idea. He forced a smile, put his arm around Baocheng's shoulder, and said loudly, "Baocheng, you've only been in the Imperial Study for one day, so you don't know much about it. Why don't you let me do it? Let's switch seats, and I'll explain it to Changquan properly!"

“Brother is right.”

Bao Cheng nodded in agreement and immediately got up to switch places with Yin Zhi.

"Need not……"

Before Changquan could finish refusing, Yinzhi interrupted him, saying, "Brother Changquan, there's no need to be so polite! After all, I'm your older brother, and this is what I should do."

Without giving Changquan time to react, Yinzhi quickly switched places with Baocheng.

From then on, Bao Cheng sat on the inside, right next to him, while he separated Bao Cheng from Chang Quan.

Seeing the displeasure on Changquan's face, Yinzhi was even happier. He really was a genius! The little thing wanted to compete with him for Baocheng; he was still too green.

The two exchanged sharp glances, when Bao Cheng, standing on the inside, suddenly spoke up: "As expected, how could my brother and Chang Quan, who grew up together, not have a good relationship?"

Yinzhi and Changquan were both speechless, instantly averting their gazes. But in front of Baocheng, they feigned a false friendship.

"Yes, how could Changquan and I not get along? I treat him like a younger brother, right, Changquan, my little brother?"

With a fake smile, Yinzhi patted Changquan's shoulder forcefully, but his eyes were full of warning: My brother only has Baocheng, don't be delusional!

Despite the pain, Changquan seemingly warmly took Yinzhi's arm, forcefully pulling his hand in, and said with a smile, "Yes, Brother Yinzhi!"

Once out of Bao Cheng's sight, his expression immediately changed. He glanced at Yin Zhi with disdain, thinking, "Brother Bao Cheng is his brother. Don't even think about it!"

Bao Cheng nodded with satisfaction. Yin Zhi and Chang Quan appeared completely normal. On the desk, the two men were pinching each other, engaging in a silent struggle.

From the time they fought in class to after class, Yinzhi wanted to take his younger brother to the Princes' Residence for a meal, while Changquan wanted to take his older brother to the Cining Palace. The two were wary of each other, exchanging sharp glances as they packed their things. Before they could even speak, a little dwarf came running in and ran up to Baocheng.

"Brother...Yinzhi...want...to hug."

Little Yinzhi gazed longingly at his brother Baocheng, whom he hadn't seen in a long time, and opened his arms.

Bao Cheng immediately smiled and picked up 3-year-old Yin Zhi, asking, "How did Yin Zhi come to be?"

"I miss my brother... Granny... take me with you."

Yin Zhi nestled happily in his brother's arms, clutching his clothes tightly. "Brother... go... go with Yin Zhi?"

"!" Yinzhi and Changquan looked over in disbelief. The little stutterer dared to raid their home?!

"Where does Yinzhi want his brother to go?"

Bao Cheng patted Yin Zhi's round head. He thought to himself, "He's actually quite easy to handle."

"Go back with...with Yinzhi...to sleep together!"

"Can't!"

Three voices rang out simultaneously, startling little Yinzhi, who immediately shrank into Baocheng's arms. Yinzhi and Changquan, who had been called out, turned around and saw Kangxi striding in.

"Father Emperor."

"Baocheng, it's time to come back to the Qianqing Palace with me."

Kangxi, not allowing any dissent, pulled Yinzhi from Baocheng's arms and placed him in the arms of a waiting nanny, saying, "Yinzhi, return to Zhongcui Palace."

Yinzhi was afraid and pouted in grievance, but dared not speak. Although he was young, he always remembered the disappointed and indifferent look in his father’s eyes when he found that he spoke slowly and stuttered a little. Therefore, Yinzhi was afraid of Kangxi.

It wasn't just him; in fact, his habit of hitting people had been discovered. Apart from Bao Cheng, almost everyone looked at him strangely. Even if it was only for a moment, the perceptive Yin Zhi sensed it.

This is also why he clung to Bao Cheng even more, because only Bao Cheng had never disliked him and had always cared for him.

Kangxi turned to Yinzhi and Changquan, raising an eyebrow. "This is Changquan's first day in the Imperial Study. Baoqing, you must take good care of him. He'll be sleeping with you tonight!"

Without giving them a chance to refuse, Kangxi picked up Baocheng and turned to leave, leaving only Yinzhi and Changquan standing there, resentful of this unexpected obstacle. They then turned to look at each other, still feeling disgusted with each other!

Damn it, we're surrounded by enemies on all sides, like Cheng Yaojin!