What surprised the princes even more was that Li Qing'an's proposal to the emperor to establish a special army was actually approved by the emperor.

Upon learning this news, Yinxiang immediately wrote a memorial to submit, but Yinzhen stopped him in time.

"Father is not in good health right now, and Li Qing'an is being taken care of. Thirteenth Brother, you shouldn't add fuel to the fire at this time."

"Fourth Brother, we've put so much effort into raising troops, not to let that Taoist priest play around with us. No, I must submit this memorial."

Yinxiang still submitted the memorial, and just as Yinzhen had expected, he was first reprimanded by Kangxi, and then confined to his residence to reflect on his mistakes.

"Your Highness, is Father still unwilling to release the Thirteenth Prince?"

Yinzhen sighed:

"He hasn't given his mind yet. But I think Father Emperor just wants to use this opportunity to let the Thirteenth Brother figure it out himself. It should be fine."

He leaned against the pillow, while Geng Youran massaged Yinzhen's shoulders from behind.

This morning in the imperial court, eight officials, including Censor Chen Jiayou, submitted a memorial requesting Emperor Kangxi to establish an heir apparent. The Emperor was furious and immediately adjourned the court, not even giving his thirteenth brother a chance to plead for him.

Regarding the crown prince, there are actually only two candidates left.

Back in the Hall of Mental Cultivation, Kangxi accepted the ginseng tea handed to him by Liang Jiugong while pondering the memorials submitted by his ministers.

"Liang Jiugong, I heard that quite a few people have recently been sent to the Eighth Prince's residence. Do you know who they are?"

"Your Majesty, I heard it was several censors, but it seems none of them had any contact with the Eighth Prince himself."

"oh?"

“The Eighth Prince has been staying in his own residence all the time except when he goes to court, and he doesn’t see anyone.”

Kangxi saw through it all; he believed that Yinzhi was merely putting on an act.

Before the court session today, Grand Secretary Wang Tan had secretly submitted a memorial to Emperor Kangxi emphasizing the importance of selecting an heir apparent. He ignored it.

However, the fact that these censors have joined forces to submit memorials today clearly indicates that someone is behind this.

Emperor Kangxi already disliked the factional activities secretly carried out by Yinzhi, Yintang, and others. After today, Yinzhi, Yintang, and others will have no chance at all.

"What has the fourth brother been doing lately?"

Speaking of the Fourth Prince Yinzhen, Liang Jiugong almost burst out laughing:

"Your Majesty, in addition to handling daily affairs, the Fourth Prince has been keeping an eye on Prince Hongzhou's copying of scriptures these past few days."

"Copying scriptures?"

Emperor Kangxi wondered when his fourth son had started doing such a "foolish" thing.

"Yes, Your Majesty, the Fourth Prince said that he wants to temper Prince Hongzhou's character."

Emperor Kangxi chuckled. He occasionally heard amusing stories about his grandsons, and Hongzhou was one of them.

In his view, Yinzhen had always been a calm and steady person, and Hongli was most like him. However, Hongzhou, who was only a few months younger than Hongli, had the opposite personality from Yinzhen and was always causing trouble, which annoyed Yinzhen the most.

"Liang Jiugong, let's go check on those little brats."

"Yes, sir."

Upon arriving at the Imperial Study, many young princes were having their lessons. Among them, Hongzhou, sitting at the back, stood out. He was swaying back and forth, clearly not paying attention.

In contrast, Hongli listened attentively with great concentration.

Emperor Kangxi did not go in to disturb the children's class. After leaving the Imperial Study, he strolled around the Imperial Garden before returning to the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

At the end of the year, Emperor Kangxi promoted Nian Gengyao to Governor-General of Sichuan, while still retaining the duties of the provincial governor. This promotion also elevated the status of Nian Yunrong.

"Consort, Eunuch Gao just came by and said that Lord Nian brought you some things."

After saying that, Qingyan had someone bring in the items, which included furs and jewelry.

Looking at these things, Nian Yunrong missed her brother very much.

"Qingyan, where is the Prince right now?"

“Reporting to Consort, Eunuch Gao said that the Prince is with Consort Yun right now.”

Nian Yunrong gets angry whenever Yunhui is mentioned.

In the past few months, Yunhui, taking advantage of her pregnancy, has been constantly trying to entice the prince to come over, and has spent less time with him.

"Qingyan, do you think Princess Yun's baby is a boy or a girl?"

Nian Yunrong didn't expect a reply from Qingyan. Instead, she gave Qingyan a look, and Qingyan immediately understood.

After tidying up everything on the table, I left.

Looking at Nian Yunrong again, she was half-reclining on the couch, making it impossible to guess what she was planning to do.

Meanwhile, everyone else in the mansion was busy with their own affairs.

Geng Youran asked Niu Hulu Wanru to invite Li Jingshu to her place, where they were busy working together in the small kitchen.

"Sister, why did you suddenly ask Sister Wanru to call me here today?"

Li Jingshu usually devotes herself to Buddhist worship in the Buddhist shrine in her own room and rarely participates in the affairs of the mansion.

Aside from matters concerning Hongshi, he rarely inquired about other things.

“Consort, it must be so boring for you to stay in your room all day. The steward sent me some fresh ingredients the other day, so I asked Wanru to invite you to join us and have some fun.”

Li Jingshu replied helplessly:

“Only you guys still think of me. Originally, I was happy when the prince told me that he wanted Hongshi to get married, but then Hongshi was a disappointment and caused trouble. After that, the prince never came to my place again, nor did he mention Hongshi’s wedding again.”

Geng Youran and Niohuru Wanru exchanged glances, neither of them wanting to say much about the matter.

"Look at me, I'm just talking nonsense."

"It's only natural for an older sister to care about the children."

In the evening, the three of them ate hot pot together at Geng Youran's place. Geng Youran even asked Qianxue to bring out the wine she had been brewing some time ago.

Geng Youran has always had a high alcohol tolerance, while Niu Hulu Wanru and Li Jingshu are somewhat unable to hold their liquor.

The steam rising from the pot mingled with the aroma of wine, and the three of them were all a little tipsy.

"Someone, take the concubine and Princess Niohuru back. Qianxue, Xiao Anzi, you two go with them."

Of the three, only Geng Youran was not drunk, so she had someone send the other two back to the courtyard, while she stood by the window, sipping her warm wine and enjoying the night view outside.

"Is he trying to get himself drunk?"

Geng Youran turned around in surprise upon hearing the sound, unaware that Yinzhen had already entered the room and was now standing by the stove warming himself.

"Your Highness, why didn't you let this servant announce your arrival?"

She rushed over and took the hat and coat that Yinzhen handed her.

"Seeing that you seem quite content, I won't disturb you. What kind of wine are you drinking?"

"I've brewed some chrysanthemum wine, would Your Highness like to try some?"

Yinzhen nodded slightly.

Geng Youran smiled and poured a cup for Yinzhen. Yinzhen took a sip, thought it tasted good, and then drank the rest in one gulp.

The two of them talked about the children while drinking. When Qianxue returned, Geng Youran was already drunk.

"Princess, Princess Niohuru has returned safely to the courtyard. Princess... Your Highness! This servant greets Your Highness."

Yinzhen glared at Qianxue, then gestured for her to quickly remove the things from the room. He then carried the already drunk Geng Youran back to bed to rest.