Chapter 121 The Three-Year Term

Having reached an agreement with the plot's consciousness—or more precisely, after easily acquiring a delicious and interesting "food toy"—Yinzhen's interest in this world rekindled, and he regained the motivation to stay and create trouble.

According to the principle of filial piety, a new emperor must not change his father's will for three years after ascending the throne. In other words, during the three-year mourning period, he must still act in accordance with the late emperor's wishes.

Yinzhen originally didn't care much about this. But since he planned to stay for a long time, he figured he might as well not change it. After all, he had so many laborers... no, so many brothers he could use. He didn't need to put in any effort himself, and a smooth transition wouldn't be a problem.

However, Yinzhen turned the thumb ring on his thumb, which was formed from the plot consciousness, and decided to set a goal for himself.

Now that he's ascended the throne, let's expand the territory! He's the emperor now, he can't be worse than his predecessors, he has to be a great emperor for all time!

And so it was decided. The previous dynasty couldn't waste the talents of his brothers. As long as he "knew how to use people well," he believed that his brothers would not disappoint him.

As for the harem, Yinzhen twirled his thumb ring and nodded silently. We should give our protagonists a chance to shine too.

It's reasonable to have a drama about men in the previous dynasty and women in the harem.

Having set his goal so easily, Yinzhen began to vigorously "cultivate and promote" his brothers to observe the mourning period.

Because Emperor Kangxi passed away in March, the reign title of Yinzhen has not been changed since he ascended the throne, and it is still the 48th year of Kangxi's reign.

From the time Emperor Kangxi passed away until Yinzhen completed his enthronement ceremony, it was already autumn.

Starting this autumn, all the civil and military officials witnessed the new emperor's magnanimity and how the princes, under the new emperor's trust, shone brightly in various fields.

While valuing his brothers, Yinzhen also remembered to maintain a balance. The best way to appease the Fourteenth Prince was to show him trust and give him special treatment.

So, as the northern chill swept up the fallen leaves, Prince Xun, Yunzhen, was secretly dispatched out of the capital by Yinzhen. He returned as the snowflakes fell, looking travel-worn but proud and smug as he appeared before his brothers.

On the orders of Yinzhen, Yunzhen brought back Dai Zi, who had been exiled to Liaodong.

Dai Zi was an exceptionally intelligent man with considerable military insight. However, his most outstanding strength lay in firearms manufacturing.

As early as the 25th year of the Kangxi Emperor's reign, the Dutch government sent envoys to China and presented "pangu bird guns" as tribute. Dai Zi was ordered to replicate 10 guns. Soon after, he was ordered to replicate "Flangji" cannons, which he completed in just 5 days. This shows his talent in firearms.

In the 26th year of the Kangxi Emperor's reign, under the emperor's orders, Dai Zi oversaw the construction of the "mother-and-child cannon," which was completed in just eight days. It was incredibly powerful and unstoppable.

Unfortunately, a few years later, Dai Zi inadvertently offended Ferdinand Verbiest, who then sought revenge by falsely accusing him of "colluding with the Japanese." Ultimately, Dai Zi was exiled to Liaodong.

From then on, there was no one else in the imperial court with the talent of Dai Zi.

So, after digging this person out of his memory, in order to realize his great cause, Yinzhen sent the Fourteenth Prince to bring him back.

In fact, Yinzhen could have simply ordered Dai Zi's pardon, but he deliberately made things complicated. On one hand, it was to please the Fourteenth Prince, and on the other hand, it was to elevate Dai Zi's status.

With the struggle for the throne over, most of the internal troubles were gone. So, in order to encourage his brothers, Yinzhen could only create some external enemies.

Why was Dai Zi exiled? Why did Ferdinand Verbiest frame Dai Zi? And why did Yinzhen secretly bring him back?

Intelligent people always think more, so Yinzhen didn't need to say anything more. He just needed to act a little serious and bring the development of firearms overseas to the public's attention. People would then naturally see the "wolf's ambition" of overseas countries.

Now, without Yinzhen's encouragement, the princes also worked together to uphold imperial power.

So, after the New Year, the first year of Yongzheng's reign officially began. The officials suddenly discovered that these princes were acting like they were on steroids, engaging in fierce infighting and dragging them along with them.

Prince Zhi, Yunzhi, began to rigorously train the Eight Banners army. With the Emperor's support, he truly went all out. Even Han officials who usually disliked the Bannermen felt a pang of sympathy, though they silently applauded inwardly.

Prince Li, Yinreng, always had a long face. Every day at court, he would berate the officials, criticizing their incompetence, inefficiency, lack of achievements among civil officials, and lack of victories among military generals. He would sweep across the entire court, and what he said was not unfounded. Everyone could only silently endure it.

Prince Cheng, Yunzhi, who was originally the most scholarly prince, for some unknown reason, was leading the Hanlin Academy staff in a life-and-death struggle, collecting information and compiling texts everywhere. They were doing something mysterious, and the others only noticed the increasingly obvious dark circles under the eyes of the Hanlin Academy staff.

The princes below were also restless. Prince Heng, Yunqi, and Prince Chun, Yunyou, changed their usual mild-mannered ways and began to investigate the Imperial Household Department with great efficiency. Prince Lian, Yunsi, became a smiling tiger and was ruthless in evaluating officials. Prince Yu, Yuntang, made great strides in the Ministry of Revenue and was particularly favored by Minister Suhe.

Prince Dun and Prince Lü, Yun Tao, seemed to have the least presence and were the least capable among the brothers, yet they quietly seized control of the imperial clan's discourse without anyone noticing.

Everyone was shining in their respective fields, but Prince Yi, Yunxiang, and Prince Xun, Yunzhen, who were originally the most trusted by the Emperor, had inexplicably fallen into obscurity, rarely attending court and seemingly busy with something.

The Emperor led all the princes in making the offerings, so how could the civil and military officials dare to refuse? Not only did they dare not refuse, but they were also afraid that if they were a little slow, they would be scolded by Prince Li, and if they did a little worse, they would be replaced by someone else.

They finally have a moment to catch their breath. To be frank, even the struggle for the throne wasn't this intense. If you had this level of skill and cunning back then… well, look at Yinzhen sitting on the dragon throne. The court officials silently bow their heads; they still can't outmaneuver the emperor.

Thus, during the 27 months of mourning, the entire court operated at high speed under the guidance of Yinzhen and the infighting among many princes.

With a full national treasury and efficient administration, the previously discovered potatoes, after several rounds of trial planting, have been successfully promoted, bringing new life to the people. The reputation of the court and the prestige of the emperor are unprecedented, and the beginnings of a golden age are emerging.

This was the result of everyone's hard work, so everyone was naturally happy. But when the 27 months were up and the emperor officially lifted the mourning period, the court officials were even happier.

Taking off your clothes means you can participate in a talent show; participating in a talent show means you can relax; relaxation means happiness!

Finally, this moment had arrived, and the court officials couldn't help but shed tears. It had been so difficult. They hoped that the Emperor and the princes could rest and go back to have more children. They were all so capable; they should have more offspring to continue the bloodline and give them some time to rest.

Fortunately, Yinzhen did not disappoint them and did announce that he would start the talent selection.

The ministers who received this imperial decree were even more excited than the women themselves. In the past, a royal selection was a major event, but now, compared to other government affairs, it was a piece of cake. With all departments cooperating flexibly, this wasn't a selection process; it was a paid vacation!