Chapter 232 Extra Chapter: The Little Prince's Journey Around the Qing Dynasty 2

The curtain of the sky has fallen, but they have gained a fragrant and cuddly little prince.

Whether driven by emotion, self-interest, or even the power of metaphysics, the vast majority of people understood that choosing the young crown prince would bring the greatest benefit to the Qing Dynasty.

Similarly, even without Kangxi explicitly stating it, everyone was happy to show him absolute goodwill.

Of course, under the protection of the Aisin Gioro family, no one with ill intentions could get close.

As the leader of the Aisin Gioro clan and the helmsman of the Qing Dynasty, while his sons were vying for power, Emperor Kangxi, relying on his absolute authority, took the young crown prince away to tour the capital under the pretext of "fulfilling a promise."

As for the princes who dared to challenge him, they are all grown up now and should share his burdens!

I examine myself three times a day: Have the smallpox vaccines been successfully tested? Have the coating processes been thoroughly investigated? Have the firearms research been completed?

What? No? Then hurry up and get busy!

Emperor Kangxi happily took the young crown prince out for a stroll, completely oblivious to the group of men behind him who dared not speak out against him. What could he do? He was the emperor; that's how capricious he was! Let the little spinning tops keep him busy!

On the streets of the capital, the warm sun shone down, and amidst the bustling crowd, Emperor Kangxi, dressed in casual clothes, strolled leisurely, holding the young Bao Cheng in his arms.

The surrounding area was filled with shouts and cries of vendors, creating a lively atmosphere. Even the merchants who had seen the sky above glanced at the young prince with a mixture of curiosity and amusement, their eyes darting around but filled with affection and smiles.

Fearing Kangxi's status and the guards accompanying him, the common people dared not step forward. They simply hawked their wares with even greater enthusiasm and their smiles with even brighter smiles, hoping to have the honor of attracting the young prince's attention.

Bao Cheng opened his big, watery eyes and curiously looked around at everything. When he met the kind eyes of the others, he smiled obediently.

Suddenly, he seemed to remember something, tilted his head, looked up at Kangxi, and asked in a clear voice, "Father, my brothers are all so busy. Is it really okay for us to come out and play like this?"

As Kangxi looked at the innocent and naive little Baocheng in his arms, a gentle smile unconsciously appeared on his lips.

He gently touched Bao Cheng's face, his voice low and loving: "Bao Cheng, your brothers have all grown up and naturally have to take on responsibilities. It's normal for them to be busy, Bao Cheng, don't worry about it."

In short, he won't give them a chance to get close to Bao Cheng!

A fight for the throne? Hmph, with him around, they'll never succeed!

Kangxi looked at Baocheng with exceptional affection. Through Baocheng's clear eyes, he saw not only a wise ruler of the Qing Dynasty, but also a loving and sincere father.

Royal families find it hard to refuse genuine affection, and they also find it hard to refuse power and the possibility of being remembered in history.

Fame, power, profit, and affection—Baocheng, this Buddhist disciple, only cared about affection. Yet, others could obtain everything from him.

So who could resist being attracted to him?

Kangxi could not guarantee that he was truly 100% sincere. He was different from the persona he portrayed in the novel; his true nature had already been tainted by power and profit.

If it were purely out of genuine affection, Kangxi might not be sure how long he could like Baocheng; but for Baocheng, the combination of genuine affection with fame, power, and profit might not be sincere enough, but it would be long-lasting and solid enough.

Just like his own worries reflected in the sky, Kangxi also feared that one day he might grow old and senile, and one day covet Baocheng's supernatural abilities?

Therefore, sincerity will not always be reliable, but power and reputation can become his constraints.

At least for this moment, looking at the young Bao Cheng in front of him, Kangxi was wholeheartedly considering his well-being.

"Baocheng, all you need to do is grow up happily. Father and your brothers will take care of everything else in this world..."

Bao Cheng nodded as if he understood, his clear eyes shining with trust, and obediently replied, "Yes, Father Emperor, Bao Cheng will listen to you."

After saying that, she buried her head in Kangxi's arms.

Kangxi gently stroked his head. For the sake of Baocheng, for the Qing Dynasty, and for the glory of the Aisin Gioro clan, he would arrange everything.

In his arms, Bao Cheng, with his eyes lowered, gently curled the corners of his mouth.

Afterwards, Kangxi carried Baocheng on a leisurely tour of Beijing. By the time they returned to the palace, Baocheng was already fast asleep. Kangxi then received Yinreng at the Qianqing Palace.

The candlelight flickered, creating a heavy and oppressive atmosphere, broken only by the occasional popping of the candle wick.

Yinreng knelt quietly before Kangxi, his posture upright yet revealing a resolute air. He took a deep breath and slowly spoke, his voice steady but unable to conceal the turmoil within: "Father, I have something I wish to discuss with you frankly today."

Kangxi slightly raised his eyes, his gaze deep and complex, as if he had already anticipated why Yinreng had come. He nodded slightly, signaling him to continue.

Yinreng straightened his posture, his expression solemn: "Father, now that Baocheng has appeared, after careful consideration, I believe he is the most suitable candidate to assume the position of Crown Prince. Baocheng is exceptionally intelligent and has the Emperor's approval; he will surely lead the Qing Dynasty to a more glorious future..."

Emperor Kangxi was surprised by Yinreng's decisiveness and interrupted him, asking, "Do you know what you're saying?"

Yinreng nodded, remained silent for a moment, and continued, "Since the appearance of the Heavenly Canopy and the knowledge of my future, I have tossed and turned at night, feeling resentment, pain, and doubt..."

Yinreng looked up and stared directly at Kangxi. When Kangxi lowered his eyes, Yinreng smiled and said, "Compared to my other brothers, I have already received most of Father Emperor's favor. But the more this is the case, the more I can't understand it. Until a new sky appeared, I saw Baocheng."

"Seeing a completely different Bao Cheng who is welcomed by everyone, I realized that over the years, compared to Yinreng, I have been more like the Crown Prince, or rather, the aloof and unworldly Crown Prince. I have been blinded by this identity, and it is not incomprehensible that I will go to that point in the future."

Seeing Yinreng's wry smile, Kangxi couldn't help but frown. "You don't need to say that. You are the Crown Prince."

Yinreng shook his head: "Father, you don't need to comfort me. In any case, I have come to a conclusion. For the sake of the Qing Dynasty and the foundation of our ancestors, I am willing to step down and become a minister to assist Bao Cheng. Of course, I will also be myself again."

Kangxi remained silent for a long time, his expression shifting unpredictably.

Yinreng was the crown prince he had personally groomed, and he had placed countless hopes on him over the years. Now, however, he was taking the initiative to resign, which filled him with reluctance and emotion. However, the moment the option of "young crown prince" appeared on the screen, his heart had already already leaned towards the latter.

He was, after all, the emperor of the Qing Dynasty.

Finally, Kangxi slowly stood up, walked to Yinreng, and reached out to help him up.

His gaze was filled with complex emotions—gratification, reluctance, and a hint of relief: "Yinreng, I am very pleased that you have such a broad mind. Since you have made up your mind, I will grant your request. From now on, you may be the Aisin Gioro Yinreng you wish to be."

Yinreng's eyes reddened slightly, and he nodded heavily, exuding a sense of complete relaxation: "Thank you, Father Emperor."

The following day, Emperor Kangxi issued an edict to abolish the position of Crown Prince Yinreng and confer upon him the title of Prince Li.

The eighteenth prince, Bao Cheng, was appointed Crown Prince, and Suo'etu, Nalan Mingzhu, and Tong Guowei were appointed as Grand Tutors to the Crown Prince…

In the following years, the Qing Dynasty embarked on a period of rapid development.

First, the Imperial Household Department and the Bannermen, through a thorough investigation, discovered their conspiracy to control the imperial offspring and their treacherous intentions, as well as numerous acts of shoddy work, corruption, and bribery, which led to a major crackdown.

Emperor Kangxi further decreed that any family members of a woman from the Bannermen who married into the imperial family should not hold important positions or be promoted arbitrarily.

Following this, the effectiveness of smallpox was confirmed through rigorous testing, and with the influence of the heavens, there was no need for further public announcements. Therefore, the people spontaneously got vaccinated, and from then on, the Qing Dynasty was no longer plagued by smallpox.

At the same time, Kangxi strengthened the importance of firearms, built firearms battalions, and Dai Zi, who had been exiled, was reinstated and put in charge of the construction of the firearms battalions.

The Eight Banners army was also reformed and strengthened, continuously optimizing the military strength of the Qing Dynasty.

After being granted titles, the princes were also highly motivated, vying for the young crown prince's attention while shining brightly in the court.

In the fifty-first year of the Kangxi Emperor's reign, the 58-year-old emperor formally abdicated.

Winter had just passed, and a chill still lingered in the air of the capital. Outside the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the first snow had cleared, and sunlight shone on the golden glazed tiles, reflecting a dazzling light.

Inside the hall, the atmosphere was solemn and dignified. The officials were already lined up in order, and there was not a sound, waiting for that historic moment.

The elderly Emperor Kangxi, dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe, slowly walked up the palace steps. Although his steps were no longer as vigorous as they once were, his posture remained upright, and his eyes revealed the majesty and composure that had been tempered by the years.

Behind him, the young Bao Cheng, dressed in a brand-new dragon robe, was handsome, in his prime, and had an extraordinary air about him.

Emperor Kangxi stood before the dragon throne, turned slightly to face his ministers, and though his voice was somewhat aged, it was still firm and resounding: "I have reigned for over fifty years, weathering storms and toiling day and night, all for the sake of the Qing Dynasty and its people. Now, I am old and my energy is waning. It is time to entrust this empire to a virtuous and capable person."

He looked at Bao Cheng, his eyes filled with satisfaction and trust.

When he realized that his illness had given rise to the thought of "seeking immortality and enlightenment," Kangxi was startled and immediately revealed his intention to abdicate. He specially held this abdication ceremony to ensure the legitimacy and openness of the succession to the throne, so that Bao Cheng could completely control the Qing Dynasty.

If this retired emperor becomes confused, Bao Cheng can also be free from constraints.

"Baocheng, you have been exceptionally intelligent and diligent since childhood. I have watched you grow up and know that you have the talent to govern the country and bring peace to the nation. Today, I pass this throne to you, hoping that you will take the world as your responsibility, be diligent in governing and love the people, so that the foundation of our Great Qing Dynasty will be forever solidified and the people will live in peace and prosperity."

Bao Cheng knelt respectfully, his voice firm: "Father, rest assured, your son will remember your teachings and live up to your trust."

After saying this, Kangxi took the Imperial Seal, a symbol of imperial power, from the eunuch beside him and handed it to Baocheng without hesitation.

When the imperial seal landed steadily in Bao Cheng's hands, Kangxi revealed a relieved smile. He patted Bao Cheng on the shoulder and said softly, "Go, sit on that dragon throne. This empire will be yours from now on."

Bao Cheng stood up, holding the jade seal, and slowly walked step by step toward the supreme dragon throne.

He stood before the dragon throne, then slowly sat down. At that moment, sunlight streamed in through the glazed tiles, falling upon him and casting a soft golden glow. His dragon robe and the golden dragon on the throne shimmered in the light, as if a gigantic dragon shadow was projected behind him.

Led by the princes below, the courtiers shouted, "Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"

Bao Cheng sat at the head of the table, looking down at the highly intelligent, automated, and competitive talents below, and smiled with satisfaction: "No need for formalities, rise."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

With subordinates so self-disciplined, being emperor again doesn't seem so bad.

Looking at his elder brothers in the court, all beaming with joy and affection, Yinreng's smile softened even more. "Since you all enjoy playing this emperor-raising game, it's only fair that you share some of the burden of raising your little emperor," he thought.

What a pleasant and relaxing holiday!

Next time there's a good deal like this, you can ask him again for a 1% discount! (^_^)

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This concludes the chapter on Yinreng. As for what will happen after the young crown prince arrives in the Qing Dynasty—a leisurely emperor and hardworking ministers—you all know what that means.

In the next volume, based on everyone's votes, as of now, the vote for Lotus Lantern vs. Lotus Tower is 172:128, with Lotus Lantern winning. So, in the next world, we'll be going to Lotus Lantern!

Of course, there are many Lotus Towers as well, which will be considered in the next world. As for the others, there have been many comments, but they are too scattered, so we won't select them for now.

Let me briefly explain my thoughts. Since I've already written about several emperors, and I'm a woman who easily gets bored with the same thing, I don't want to write about emperors for the time being.

Therefore, the twists and turns in the second half of this story are quite strange. The reason Wen Yuan was chosen was not only because she was beautiful, but also because her personality was not suitable for being an empress. The protagonist chose her because she was interesting, and also because he had no intention of becoming emperor again.

Of course, this part also has its shortcomings. Because I later revised the text and wanted to simplify the length, I shifted the focus to watching the movie. As a result, Wen Yuan's existence was weakened and not clearly explained. It felt like I just brought her out for a brief appearance.

Ultimately, it comes down to my lack of writing skills, so I'm not very satisfied with what I've written. Therefore, I'll refrain from venturing into this kind of small world for the time being. I'll try different story developments, perhaps exploring mythology or martial arts, which might spark some new inspiration. I'll start working on this type of story again when I have the idea.

After all, there are so many interesting emperors and crown princes in history. But I really can't write well enough right now, so please give me some more time to improve. ( ′` )-