Sherry couldn't say a good word. Looking at that dark, indistinct shape, calling it an iron-eating beast would be a more apt description.

If I had to praise them...

That's somewhat against one's conscience.

However, she still carefully collected the manuscripts for them, hoping to make them laugh at them when they grew up!

A certain system: You're really shameless.

Sherry: Yes, thanks for reminding me!

Sherry picked out a few of her own drafts and put them together with the children's, highlighting a stark contrast.

A certain system: ...

Sherry: Hehehe~

————

Meanwhile, the princes were behaving themselves.

After all, although the Crown Prince was no longer favored by Emperor Kangxi, the new favorites, the twins, came from Yuqing Palace.

However, in the summer, Emperor Kangxi, just like in history, contracted malaria.

This disease was called "chills and fever syndrome" at the time, and was commonly known as "malaria".

Ancient people were helpless against malaria, an infectious disease, and even believed it to be a punishment from God.

Ancient Indians called this highly contagious and deadly disease the "King of Diseases," saying that once you contracted it, you could only wait to die.

Although it was the height of summer in the capital, and people were sweating profusely, Emperor Kangxi was still shivering constantly. His lips were turning purple, his eyes were sunken, and he would sometimes convulse and sometimes tremble.

When the emperor falls ill, it is of course a momentous event.

Besides being busy arranging for court officials to handle government affairs, Yinreng spent his days by the side of Emperor Kangxi.

It's that familiar handkerchief again!

Yinreng realized what was happening when he couldn't stop crying.

But it was too late; all I could do was keep crying.

Emperor Kangxi was greatly relieved to see his son's reaction.

After all, the feeling of being cared for is quite different.

Moreover, Yinreng is usually the most composed person, but now he is crying without any regard for his image because he is worried about him.

Emperor Kangxi looked at Yinreng with great affection.

However, the imperial physicians were somewhat at a loss.

Several old doctors were so anxious that their hair turned white, but they had no solution.

Those foreigners were dealt with by Emperor Kangxi, and no one mentioned quinine anymore.

Emperor Kangxi was ill for ten days, and his health visibly deteriorated.

But he still arranged for someone to administer a strong dose of medicine, and then lay in bed looking at his sons one by one.

The children, from oldest to youngest, knelt on the ground, their eyes brimming with tears.

Even Emperor Kangxi himself did not expect that he would leave us so soon!

Galdan hasn't been completely dealt with yet!

Seeing Yinreng's red and swollen eyes, she felt relieved.

Kangxi waved his hand, and Liang Jiugong stepped forward.

"By the mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: "

Since ancient times, the imperial enterprise has been a legacy of Heaven and Earth, passed down through generations. Since ascending the throne, I have diligently governed, working tirelessly day and night to secure the nation and bring peace to the people. Now, observing Crown Prince Yinreng, I find him to be of upright character and exceptional talent, deeply pleasing to my eye. From a young age, Yinreng has been intelligent and studious, excelling in both literature and martial arts. Moreover, he is devoted to the nation and its people, truly a model heir apparent.

I hereby decide, in accordance with ancestral rites and laws, to pass the throne to Crown Prince Yinreng. From this day forward, Yinreng shall inherit the throne, carry on the legacy, and usher in a prosperous era. I hope all officials will work together to assist the new emperor, to secure the nation and bring peace to the people.

Although my reign had its flaws, it also yielded significant achievements. I now pass the throne to Yinreng, hoping he will inherit my will, carry it forward, and bring prosperity to the nation and happiness to its people. Though I abdicate, my heart remains with the world, and I pray for the well-being of all its inhabitants.

So be it!

(By Emperor Kangxi)

[July 5th, the 32nd year of the Kangxi Emperor's reign]

The courtiers all felt it was only natural and accepted it calmly.

At this point, Yinzhi might have felt resentful, but he was not incapable of accepting it.

After all, the crown prince is the heir apparent.

Yinreng crawled on his knees to the bedside, tears streaming down his face, and clung to Kangxi's hand.

Emperor Kangxi smiled kindly and touched his forehead.

"All princes and ministers, listen to my command! You must work together to create a glorious future, assist the new emperor, and protect our land."

"Your subjects/Your subjects obey!" The princes and court officials bowed their heads in unison.

Seeing his father, who was always as upright as a pine tree, looking so haggard, Yinreng felt even more distressed and couldn't help but burst into tears.

Emperor Kangxi, on the other hand, was much calmer, looking at the crown prince he had carefully groomed with great satisfaction.

Two days later, Emperor Kangxi passed away.

With Yinreng's ascension to the throne, Shirley became busy again.

The palace servants who cared for the twins and the second child continued to look after them.

Sherry handled palace affairs, with Consort Tong assisting her.

The few concubines who had children had their initial spark extinguished before it could even ignite.

After all, at this time, only the new emperor has a son.

Their sons are either not yet married, or they are married but have not yet had children.

So they all behaved themselves.

The Han officials, led by Han Chen, only recognized one crown prince, who is now the new emperor.

Yinreng ascended the throne smoothly and changed the reign title to Hongtai.

It symbolizes the nation's grandeur and prosperity, and the peace and well-being of its people.

After ascending the throne, Yinreng bestowed titles upon his brothers.

The eldest brother, Prince Zhi, the third brother, Prince Cheng, and Yinzhen, Yinqi, Yinyou, and Yinsi were all granted the title of Dorobele.

Yin Tang and Yin Yi were both Beizi of the Gushan clan.

At the end of the year, Consort Wang gave birth to a son, whom Yinreng named Yinwu according to the late emperor's wishes.

The imperial harem underwent a six-month period of rest and recuperation.

The Empress Dowager moved into Cining Palace, while Consort Tong and Consort Niu moved into Shou Kang Palace.

Other consorts, such as Consort Hui, Consort Rong, and Consort De, were allowed to leave the palace with their sons.

The other women, including those from Yuqing Palace, were temporarily housed in the Western Six Palaces!

As expected, the ministers in the imperial court proposed a talent selection.

Yinreng refused, citing the late emperor's mourning period.

The court officials were helpless and had no other choice.

The first year of Hongtai (1694).

Yinreng held a formal and grand ceremony to crown Shirley as empress!

The Guarjia clan, however, has become increasingly low-key.

Even Yinreng was somewhat surprised, but this made him value the Guarjia clan even more.

Yinreng arranged for them to take the imperial examinations, martial arts examinations, and technical examinations.

The purpose was to deploy more man-made firearms and cannons.

We should promote more talented people, after all, he has many ideas for the future.

Moreover, there's Galdan, whom the late emperor was most worried about!

In the same year, the Fujian Shipbuilding Bureau was established in Quanzhou, a coastal city in Fujian Province. Its main tasks were to be responsible for shipbuilding and to provide logistical support for the navy.

Sichuan Province was officially established, and its territory included present-day Sichuan, Chongqing, Gansu and other places.

In that year, the Qing Dynasty and Russia clashed in the Altun Mountains region.

This allowed people to witness the power of the new firearms for the first time.

Yinreng was overjoyed to hear that his uncle and Yinzhi were discussing countermeasures to prepare for the attack on Galdan.

The siblings Zhiheng and Zhiyu were used to staying in the Qianqing Palace, so they continued to stay there.

Yinreng had no objection and pulled Zhiheng aside to talk about the national situation.

Just like how Kangxi treated him when he was young.

Yinreng did not experience the unpredictable moods of Emperor Kangxi in this lifetime, and his mind and spirit were healthy. He also taught his son everything he knew.

He didn't even object to Zhiyu, who stubbornly refused to leave.

Moreover, compared to his son, he actually prefers Zhiyu, who is as cute as Shirley.

The Emperor and Empress are currently residing in the Hall of Mental Cultivation, as there is still a nursing infant in the house; it would be somewhat inconvenient to stay in the Palace of Heavenly Purity.