Chapter 248 Government-funded Study Abroad

Unlike what is shown in Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace, the Fucha family is most famous for producing high-ranking officials. Now, Yingjun's son is the emperor's eldest son, and his father and brothers are all highly regarded. The empress dowager and the emperor are both on his side, so naturally he wouldn't be idle enough to think about how to gain favor and promote his family.

Fu Yu never expected it to be such a simple task. He and his younger brother Fu Liang exchanged a glance, and they could see the joy in each other's eyes.

The Fucha family is prosperous and has many successful offspring. One of them is an empress who is currently pregnant. The two of them have been by the emperor's side since childhood, so their future is secure. Although Fuheng is young, he is extremely intelligent and quick-witted. Being able to be by the emperor's side, his future is undoubtedly limitless.

"Your Majesty, I obey your decree and thank you for your grace!"

With smiles on their faces, both felt they had gotten a good deal.

"Jiusi, you and Third Brother go together. I have another task for you." Hongzhao gestured to the two of them from a distance. Both of them, especially Hongshi, looked at him with a mixture of curiosity and seriousness.

"A few days ago, Yongcheng in Henan suffered from floods. I have ordered the Grand Canal Governor Gao Bin to go and provide disaster relief, with the Governor-General of Liangjiang and the Governor of Henan assisting. You two have also taken on this task and will go along to learn from them."

This was the opportunity that Hongzhao had been waiting for. The task of managing the river was of great importance. As long as he followed Gao Bin to open up the canal, they would have tangible results to show in two or three years.

Seeing the eagerness in their eyes, Hongzhao had to give them a word of advice: "Jiusi, you have always been cautious and meticulous, so take good care of the Third Prince. Although I have ordered you to go, remember one thing: just support and do as Gao Bin says, and don't try to be clever. If you are unsure, write to me."

"Yes! Your Majesty, rest assured!"

This was the first time Hongshi had taken on such a big task. Finally, he didn't have to be watched to recite his lessons. His gloomy mood was swept away, and he showed some eagerness on his face.

"Amur, come forward, I want to tell you about my sister..."

Of all the matters that had just been arranged, this was the most important, and he had to give a few more instructions. Amur was about to take a step when a sound from the doorway made him pause.

Xiao Dezi bowed and walked in, then went up to the Emperor and whispered something in his ear. The Emperor's gaze fell on the Third Prince, Hongshi.

"Third Brother, why don't you go and see Lady Jing? Princess Jiang is about to give birth, and Third Sister-in-law and Lady Jing want you to come over."

Upon hearing that Caiping was about to give birth, Hongshi panicked; he had just lost a child. He now took this matter extremely seriously. After hearing this, he bowed to Hongzhao and practically ran out of the hall.

Looking at his anxious back, Hongzhao shook his head and only instructed Amur, "I have discussed the matter of the imperial sister's fiefdom with her. We must not let the news out before it is settled. If there are any changes in the future, there will still be room for maneuver."

He gave his elder sister many options: stay in the capital and live a carefree life, choose a wealthy place as her fiefdom where she could freely return to the capital, the palace, or her fiefdom, or perhaps, go and tackle that tough nut that could make her a legend.

He still remembers what his sister said to him back then.

"We were born and grew up together. You are an eagle soaring in the sky, and I am unwilling to be a caged sparrow."

The sparkle in her eyes as she spoke startled Hongzhao for a moment. He then blinked and chuckled. Truly, she was raised as a prince from a young age, with a broad mind and vision. Moreover, the health-enhancing pills produced by the system contained brain-boosting effects, so naturally his sister took them as well.

He believed she could do it, but he would also make all the necessary preparations and plans for her.

"Amur, go back and prepare. Fu Yu and Fu Liang, come here. I will talk to you about this voyage."

...

Shou'an Palace was unusually bustling today, a sight unseen for decades. After all, it was rare for someone to give birth in this palace.

Hongshi rushed over, expecting to see his mother and Huiyi anxiously waiting outside, but when he got there, he found that was not the case.

The maids inside hurried back and forth carrying basins of water, and the stench of blood in the room could not be masked by the incense.

But Mother and Huiyi couldn't stop smiling gently, and Hongjin was holding a pink brocade quilt in his arms.

Even if he were slow-witted, he would understand that what was wrapped inside must be his child.

Huiyi was the first to look up and see him. She took two steps forward to greet him, and a smile finally appeared on her face, which had been filled with sorrow for many days. She led Hongshi toward her mother, saying as they walked, "Master, come and see, this little girl is just as pretty as Jiang Gege."

His daughter, this is his daughter.

Just as God took away one of his daughters, He gave him another.

Seeing her third brother staring blankly at the child in her arms, Hongjin figured he must want to get closer and take a good look. So she carefully handed the child to him, gesturing for him to take it.

Surprisingly, Hongshi did not reach out immediately.

His first reaction was to pull Huiyi closer and whisper in her ear, "She is our daughter, my daughter, and our daughter."

Huiyi understood his meaning. Like the princess and the empress, the third prince also wanted to raise the child in her care.

No matter what, as long as the Third Prince still cares about her and cherishes her, that's enough.

Without a word, she took the child into her arms, gently played with him for a couple of moments, and then shook her head slightly—"I'm afraid I don't have the strength to take care of another child. Jiang Gege is obedient. I'll beg you, sir, to grant her permission to raise this child herself. I like him, and I can keep him by my side to see him often in the future."

Hearing his wife say this, Hongshi couldn't help but sigh. Who says giants don't have troubles?

"Okay, let's do it your way."

...

"Have you remembered what I just said?" Hongzhao picked up his teacup and took a sip. His mouth was dry from his long speech, and it was time to test them to see if they remembered.

“I’ve got it.” Fu Yu and his brother exchanged a glance and said, “The Emperor just said that we should learn from the barbarians’ superior techniques to control them. This time, trade is secondary. The important thing is to see what technological breakthroughs they make, whether in agriculture, military, or mechanical devices. Write them all down and report back.”

Fu Liang added from the side, "We also need to select a few young people who have passed the imperial examinations. We will not be limited to the Eight Banners, nor will we distinguish between Manchu, Mongol, and Han. Anyone with the ability can be selected and go to sea with the ship to study."

Hongzhao nodded in satisfaction.

Soon, the first batch of officially funded students studying abroad will be born under his guidance.