Chapter 176 Protecting and Preserving Success

On the 30th day of the fourth month of the 30th year of the Kangxi reign, the imperial entourage arrived at the meeting place in Duolunnuoer.

As soon as they had settled in, Kangxi summoned Yinreng to see him.

When Yinreng entered the tent, he still carried a slight chill from outside. Kangxi quickly beckoned him to come closer and scrutinized Yinreng with eyes like searchlights.

"Baocheng, you must be tired from the bumpy journey. Is your accommodation comfortable? If there's anything you're not used to, tell me immediately."

As she spoke, she reached out and gently patted Yinreng's shoulder, her expression full of affection.

"Father, rest assured, Baocheng is doing well." Yinreng smiled gently and turned to Kangxi for concern. "On the other hand, Father, you have been working tirelessly day and night for the Mongolian affairs. If you feel unwell, please tell me immediately. You can't suffer in silence. I'm all grown up now and can help you with anything."

"Okay, we'll do whatever Baocheng says."

Ever since he fell ill during his personal campaign, his beloved son has been extremely concerned about his health, and Kangxi clearly appreciates this concern.

Upon hearing Yinreng's words, Kangxi's smile widened. He didn't perceive Yinreng's words as a power grab at all. On the contrary, he felt that Yinreng was indeed his good son, someone he truly cared for.

The more Kangxi looked at Yinreng, the happier he became, feeling a warm glow in his heart, yet also a sense of unease. Gazing at his son, so handsome and extraordinary, Kangxi's lips trembled as if he had something to say, but he swallowed it back with difficulty.

The first Jebtsundamba Khutuktu of the Gelug school of Buddhism played a significant role in the Khalkha people's submission to the Qing Dynasty. Therefore, the religious leader of the Khalkha Mongols, the Jebtsundamba Khutuktu, will certainly be present at this alliance meeting.

His claim of being a reincarnation of a living Buddha in Tibetan Buddhism is unclear. But Bao Cheng, this "Buddha's son," is real and is protected by a divine beast, so Kangxi can't help but worry.

But seeing Yinreng's sincere and concerned expression, Kangxi swallowed his words.

He knew that as the crown prince and the next emperor, Yinreng would inevitably meet him sooner or later. It was better for him to be present than for it to happen quietly.

At least, based on Bao Cheng's current feelings towards him and those troublesome brats, Kangxi still had about 70-80% confidence in keeping Bao Cheng.

So, all the worries were finally reduced to just one sentence: "You are new to this place, so be careful in your actions. If you encounter any difficulties or troublesome people, please come to me at any time."

After saying that, she patted Yinreng's hand again, silently hiding her inner turmoil and concern in that gentle pat.

Yinreng nodded, "Father, don't worry, Baocheng will be careful."

"Alright, go and rest."

After sending his beloved son away, Kangxi was still somewhat uneasy. No, Baocheng is too naive. What if Jebtsundamba Khutuktu uses tricks? He's a religious leader; he must be quite cunning. What if he manages to deceive Baocheng?

The more Kangxi thought about it, the more uneasy he became. He narrowed his eyes and ordered in a deep voice, "Someone, bring the princes here."

"Is Father Emperor very free? Why did he suddenly decide to summon us?"

On the way to meet Emperor Kangxi, Yinqi couldn't help but wonder, everyone knew that only his second brother was the Emperor's favorite. Of course, they weren't jealous, after all, they liked their second brother more than their father.

Regarding the Emperor, who had long monopolized his position by abusing his status, everyone felt little beyond envy and jealousy. To them, the Emperor was the Emperor; to his second brother, he was merely a father.

They were all used to it, so this sudden turn of events couldn't possibly be due to an overflow of fatherly love, could it? Not only Yinqi couldn't understand it, but the others couldn't either.

You'll know when you get there.

Ever since he made up his mind to be his second brother's capable minister and to take care of him in his old age, Yinzhen spoke even more concisely than the stuttering Yinzhi. Most people would never guess that he was a chatterbox when he was a child.

Of course, in private, he was still a chatterbox in front of Yinreng, and he had endless things to say to his second brother. On the surface, he had become the cold-faced fourth prince, the mature adult in his own mind.

Without Yinreng present, Yinsi, who was not tea-loving, remained silent, only guessing that it might be related to his second brother, otherwise his father would not have summoned them.

After all, along the way, the Emperor hadn't given them a pleasant look, especially since they were the ones who received a lot of attention from their second brother due to their young age.

Inside the imperial tent, a giant tallow candle burned brightly, its flames leaping and flickering, casting shimmering shadows within the tent.

Emperor Kangxi sat high in the main seat, his expression slightly solemn. His gaze swept over the five princes standing below: Yinzhen, Yinqi, Yinzuo, Yinyou, and Yinsi, hoping that these little brats could be of some use.

After a moment of silence, Kangxi slowly spoke: "I have summoned you here today because it concerns your second brother."

The five men immediately perked up, much more focused than when they met Emperor Kangxi. Kangxi didn't mind and continued, "I think that over the years, you have all become aware of the differences in Bao Cheng."

The five people below exchanged glances, their eyes flickering slightly. Especially Yinzhen and Yinzuo; Yinzhen had already learned the truth from Kangxi.

As for Yinzhuo, he would never forget that his mother let him suffer from a persistent high fever in order to win favor; nor would he forget that it was also his mother who schemed against his second brother, the Crown Prince, to save his life; and he would never forget that when crows filled the sky, his second brother descended like a god, taking him away and snatching him back from the clutches of death.

Yinzhuo's feelings for his birth mother were complex, but for Yinreng, the moment she rescued him, she became his reason for living.

As a beneficiary of his second brother's extraordinary abilities, Yinzhuo fully supports and protects his second brother.

As someone who was partly involved in the events of that year, Yinzhi had long since noticed Yinreng's extraordinary nature from subtle clues. But Yinzhi was only happy for Yinreng's extraordinary nature, feeling that his position as crown prince would be more secure.

Anyway, it doesn't affect his competition for favor with his other brothers. It's only natural that the second brother is extraordinary.

As for Yinqi, influenced by the Empress Dowager and having witnessed Xiaowu's unusual childhood, he admired Yinreng more than the Eternal Heaven.

As for Yinyou, he didn't know much about him. As a nobody in the palace, and with a leg problem, he wouldn't have been able to live such a carefree and easy life if it weren't for Yinreng's care.

So no matter what differences Yinreng had, in his heart, he was always the most important second brother.

In short, regardless of the reason, all five accepted Yinreng's differences well, and even highly approved of him.

Noticing their expressions, Kangxi nodded in satisfaction and said bluntly, "Today, I will also tell you frankly, even if I am unwilling to admit it, Baocheng is indeed a Buddhist disciple who has a divine beast recognize him as his master. This Buddhist disciple is willing to..."

"We can't take Second Brother away!"

Before Kangxi could finish speaking, Yinzhuo, whose radar had been hit, was the first to shout out. The other four also looked at Kangxi with bright eyes, their faces full of rejection.

“Baocheng is my crown prince, and no one can take him away!” Kangxi said resolutely. “I also believe that after all these years, even for my sake and for yours, Baocheng will not leave, but…”

Noticing the solemn looks in his five sons' eyes, Kangxi continued, "But the Jebtsundamba Khutuktu from Khalkha is the first Living Buddha of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. I'm afraid that this Jebtsundamba Khutuktu might secretly contact Bao Cheng during the alliance meeting..."

Yinzhen bowed first, and replied calmly, "Father, rest assured, I will do my best to keep a close eye on Second Brother's movements and will never let Jebtsundamba succeed."

Kangxi nodded slightly, then turned his gaze to the gentle and kind-hearted Yinqi. Yinqi quickly replied, "Father, I understand the importance of this matter and will definitely follow my elder brother, the Crown Prince, to protect him."

Yinzhuo was young, but he cared most about Yinreng's affairs, and nodded in agreement.

Yinyou said in a low voice, "With me here, no one can think of making any funny plans to harm Second Brother."

Yinzhi's gentle smile turned slightly cold as he stepped forward: "Father, we all feel your concern for Second Brother. During the Alliance meeting, we will be careful and do our best to assist Second Brother, ensuring he is not in any danger."

Kangxi listened to his sons' statements and his expression softened slightly: "It's good that you understand. Bao Cheng has always treated you well. Now, for Bao Cheng's sake, you should all be more vigilant!"

Everyone responded in unison, and the atmosphere in the imperial tent grew increasingly tense, thus beginning a process of protecting and guarding against Yinreng.