Spring has arrived.

With spring plowing, the imperial examinations, and the opening of the seas coming one after another, Yongzheng was extremely busy.

On this day, Wang Yueting, the Grand Minister of Agriculture, presented a report on spring plowing, revealing that the rice yield was more than four times higher than in previous years.

Emperor Yongzheng frowned slightly as he looked at the memorial.

While the data is encouraging, it is also too alarming. If it were released directly, it might arouse suspicion from both the government and the public.

He pondered for a moment, picked up his pen and wrote the word "postponed" on the memorial, then proceeded to Yanxi Palace.

Lin Yun was teaching Hongyao and Zhaohua to speak when she saw Yongzheng enter with a solemn expression. She then instructed the wet nurse to take the children away.

She poured tea herself and asked softly, "Is Your Majesty troubled by something?"

Emperor Yongzheng handed her the memorial and sighed, "Yun'er, the high yield of the rice seeds you presented far exceeds what is expected."

If I were to announce it directly, I fear it would be difficult to convince the public.

Lin Yun took the memorial, pondered for a moment, and a sly glint flashed in her eyes: "Why doesn't Your Majesty attribute the credit to Heaven?"

"Tell us that the envoys brought back superior breeds from foreign lands, and with your 'personal supervision of improvement,' it would be both reasonable and demonstrate Your Majesty's wisdom."

Emperor Yongzheng shook his head: "Although this method is sound, I do not wish to bury your merits."

Lin Yun chuckled and took his hand: "I don't care about empty fame. Besides, if I were to say that it was my doing, it would only invite criticism."

"It would be better to use the pretext of 'auspicious omens from overseas,' which would both enhance the emperor's prestige and reassure the people."

Emperor Yongzheng gazed at her for a moment, deeply moved: "Yun'er, with you by my side, I am so fortunate."

He stroked her hair. "In that case, when they return from their voyage, I will declare it a blessing from Heaven for the Qing Dynasty, a sign of good fortune from overseas. However—"

He paused, a smile in his eyes, "I will tell Hongyao and Zhaohua privately that this is thanks to their mother."

Lin Yun chuckled: "Then I'll have to teach the children to keep this a secret."

He put his arm around Lin Yun and whispered, "Yun'er, you're the best."

His Yun'er truly has him in her heart!

————

The next morning, at the Golden Palace.

"Opening up the seas is a matter of national destiny, and we need to select capable ministers and generals to go to sea."

Emperor Yongzheng surveyed the assembled officials below, his voice neither hurried nor slow.

"My esteemed ministers, do you have anyone in mind?"

The entire court was silent.

Several nobles lowered their heads and stared at the court boots, as if they were embroidered with flowers.

The honors their ancestors earned on horseback are now being asked to risk their lives at sea.

Not to mention the wind and waves, if you encounter pirates, your remains will be hard to find!

Just as the silence seemed to freeze, Zhang Tingyu stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "Your subject wishes to recommend Chen Yuanlong, the Vice Minister of the Chancellery."

Lord Chen is well-versed in maritime affairs and once accompanied the Emperor Emeritus on his southern tour, making him familiar with the local customs and conditions.

"I second that opinion," said Zhu Shi, the Minister of Personnel, stepping forward immediately afterward.

"Lan Dingyuan, son of Fujian Naval Commander Lan Tingzhen, is young and promising, fluent in multiple languages, and perfectly suited for this position."

Zhou Ming, the chief clerk of the Ministry of Works, cupped his hands and said, "Your subject is willing to go! In my early years, I followed my father in business and have some knowledge of maritime affairs."

Following closely behind, Chen Jing, a compiler at the Hanlin Academy, and Li Wentao, a principal clerk at the Ministry of Revenue, also volunteered for the position.

One by one, the Han officials stepped forward, and in the blink of an eye, five or six people had volunteered.

A hint of satisfaction flashed in Yongzheng's eyes, but he couldn't help but feel a sense of melancholy.

Why are all those who stepped forward Han officials?

Just then, Ninth Prince Yuntang suddenly stepped forward and said loudly, "Your Majesty, I recommend Eighth Prince Yunsi!"

The myna bird had once supervised the canal transport and was familiar with the waterways; allowing it to atone for its past mistakes would be most appropriate.

The entire court was in uproar.

The Eighth Prince's faction has long been weakened, so what is the Ninth Prince's intention in doing this?

At this moment, the Tenth Prince, Yunqi, also stepped forward, knelt on one knee, and said loudly, "Your Majesty, your subject is willing to volunteer to go to sea!"

The court officials were once again in an uproar.

Yongzheng narrowed his eyes slightly. The Tenth Prince was always impulsive and straightforward, but today he actually had such an understanding.

Yun had already made up his mind. Over the years, he had watched his fourth brother work hard to govern the country, and even the ninth brother had made a fortune by following the imperial concubine.

If I continue to waste time, this lineage will inevitably decline sooner or later.

So what if the sea is dangerous? If Fourth Brother can tolerate Ninth and Fourteenth Brother, would he mistreat their wives and children?

The atmosphere inside the hall suddenly became subtle.

The Han officials exchanged glances, while the Manchu officials looked at the two imperial nobles with complicated expressions.

No one expected that the first to break the silence of the Manchu officials would be two princes who had a grudge against the emperor.

Yongzheng pondered for a moment, then said, "This matter will be discussed later. The Ninth and Tenth Princes will speak in the Hall of Mental Cultivation in a while. Court is adjourned!"

"Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!" The officials knelt in obeisance.

When Yongzheng got up from his seat, Su Peisheng quickly stepped forward to help him up.

Inside the Hall of Mental Cultivation, the air was filled with the fragrance of sandalwood.

Yongzheng changed into a set of casual clothes.

On the table was a bowl of bird's nest soup, which Yun'er had specially sent over.

Thinking of her, Yongzheng's cold and stern face softened a little.

He picked it up and finished it in a few bites.

"Your Majesty, Ninth Prince and Tenth Prince have arrived," Su Peisheng reported softly.

"Announce."

Yuntang and Yunyi entered the hall one after the other.

Yuntang appeared calm, while Yunxi seemed slightly nervous, his thick fingers unconsciously stroking the court beads.

"Sit down." Yongzheng put down his bowl and gestured for the two to sit.

Once they were seated, Yongzheng cut to the chase: "Ninth Brother, why did you suddenly recommend Eighth Brother?"

Yuntang was prepared and said frankly, "Fourth Brother is wise. Although Eighth Brother has made mistakes, his talent cannot be denied."

The voyage needed someone knowledgeable in arithmetic and astronomy, and the myna was perfect for the job. Besides...

He paused, then said, "My brother has been reflecting on his mistakes behind closed doors for so long. If he can take this opportunity to atone for his sins, it would be a great fortune for him."

Yongzheng's gaze was deep and unwavering, remaining noncommittal before turning to Yunzhi: "Tenth Brother, why did you volunteer again? The sea is treacherous, unlike the tranquility of the capital."

Yun scratched his head, then suddenly stood up and knelt down: "Fourth brother, I'm a rough man, I don't know how to beat around the bush."

Over the years, I've witnessed your effective governance and the flourishing of the Qing Dynasty. All my brothers have found work, except for me, who's been idle.

Rather than wasting time in the capital, why not venture out to sea and secure a future for our descendants!

These words, though spoken bluntly, gave Yongzheng a jolt.

He got up and helped Yun-yi up, and found that there were tears glistening in the eyes of his usually reckless younger brother.

"Aren't you afraid..." Yongzheng's voice was low, "...of the dangers at sea?"

Yun grinned again: "I've figured it out. Fourth Brother treats his brothers well now, so even if something happens to me, you'll take care of my family."

Rather than drifting aimlessly through life, why not give it your all!

These heartfelt words brought a moment of silence to the hall.

Yongzheng turned his back and looked out the window at the blooming peach blossoms, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

Once upon a time, they were brothers fighting amongst themselves, but now...

"I am very pleased that my tenth brother has this intention." Yongzheng turned around, a rare smile appearing on his face. "However, going to sea is no small matter, and I need to consider it further."

He then looked at Yuntang: "As for Eighth Brother... I will consider it."

Yuntang bowed respectfully: "Thank you, Fourth Brother."

Emperor Yongzheng waved his hand: "That's enough for today. You may all return now; I will make my own decision."

After the two men left, Yongzheng let out a long sigh of relief and rubbed his temples.

At this moment, Su Peisheng said softly, "Your Majesty, the Thirteenth Prince requests an audience."

"Please come quickly."