Each has its own little calculations

Shujia held a bracelet in each hand, examining it from left to right. They were all made of South China Pearls. The Qing court prized Eastern Pearls, but South China Pearls were actually more beautiful. The fact that the beads on this pair were all uniform in size made them even more precious. After a moment's thought, she placed both bracelets in the same box. She also found another pair of agate beads and placed them in another box.

She was choosing dowry for the two princesses.

The marriages of the two adopted daughters had been decided, and the Imperial Household Department was busy preparing them. Although the dowries had their own specifications and were also provided by the Imperial Household Department, Shujia also wanted to show her appreciation. The eldest and second princesses were marrying at the same time, and their treatment should be different. However, the private gifts given to them could not be exactly the same and appear to be formulaic, so Shujia began to think about the selection.

Obviously, preparing a dowry was a time-consuming and laborious undertaking. Even if she didn't have to do it all, it would still be exhausting. It seemed impossible to complete it all in one go. With a sense of regret, Shujia selected two more pairs of hairpins and returned to Kunning Palace to rest.

Zichang came forward and ushered her into the east side room. A young maid brought a wash basin, and Huamei wrung a handkerchief to wipe Shujia's face. Zichang glanced at the two trays held by the young eunuch, and she knew what to do. She said, "My lady, we have almost packed up everything we need to take with us."

After wiping her face, Shujia felt a little better. After hearing what Zichang said, she took a sip of tea and said, "That's good."

Zichang then asked for a list of the personnel left behind in Kunning Palace, but she had a hidden agenda: "We can just have half of them stay here and the other half serve, with the long-time staff and the newcomers serving alongside. However, this is the first time His Majesty has toured the outer frontiers since ascending the throne, and I wonder what arrangements Master Mao and Master Qian have made."

The literal meaning is "What are the arrangements for Master Mao and Master Qian?", and the underlying meaning is to remind Shujia: How do you want to arrange these two?

Yinreng's harem was small, very few, unlike Kangxi's, where half were taken and half were left, and both places were still bustling. Someone had to be in charge of the palace now. At least one of the two had to stay. Who should be taken? The question wasn't who to take, but who to leave. The one who stayed would temporarily manage the palace affairs.

Shujia lowered her head and thought for a moment. It seemed that Concubine Mao was more suited to managing some palace affairs, while Concubine Qian seemed a little restless. "I'll ask the Emperor today and then make a decision."

Zichang had given her a reminder and then stopped talking. She thought it was enough for the Empress to remember the matter. As for how to handle it, she wasn't too worried. "I'll consult the Emperor before making a decision" was clearly just a polite remark. Regardless of the Emperor's thoughts, the Empress would ultimately be able to make this matter beneficial to Kunning Palace. What was beneficial to Kunning Palace was what was beneficial to everyone.

With a roll of her eyes, Zi Chang changed the subject: "Has the Master gone to prepare dowries for the two princesses again?"

Shujia smiled and said, "That's right. Even if the Imperial Household Department bought it, I'm still afraid of treating them poorly."

Zichang said jokingly, "This is truly a testament to the compassion of parents in this world."

Speaking of the concern of parents, Shujia curled her lips and said, "The concubines of Prince Yong and Prince Chun are the ones who are worried."

The two princesses' birth mothers had been paying their respects more frequently lately. Prince Yong's concubines, Li and Nara, had received their official certificates and salaries from the state, but they weren't yet qualified to enter the palace on their own. This had inevitably led to a minor rebellion at home, forcing the two legitimate wives to also diligently pay their respects.

She naturally disliked the concubine, but she didn't say anything more harsh because she and her husband were not gentlemanly in taking someone else's daughter to raise.

Huamei looked left and right, her lips tightly pursed. Zichang smiled and said, "They are both confused."

Shujia shook her head.

Although the Zhao scholar was honest, he was not stupid at all. He had been with the queen for a long time and gradually became her confidant. He was also able to speak more casually. At this time, he saw Shujia and Zichang talking about the dowry, and he also called out: "Master and Queen."

Shujia turned around and glanced at him: "What's wrong?"

Zhao Guoshi said, "These two concubines truly care about the two princesses, a little too much. However... the two princesses were already quite old when they were granted the privilege of entering the palace, so the palace must have made some preparations. Even if you didn't say anything, they might have secretly given gifts. It would be better to have them do it openly, so that they can express their gratitude to you."

Zhao Guoshi had been hit by a wooden bell. When Yong Wang's concubine Li and Chun Wang's concubine Nara came to pay their respects to the Empress Dowager and the Empress, they carefully asked Zhao Guoshi to speak well of the Empress to help arrange the marriages for the two princesses. Of course, they also gave him a large red envelope.

Zhao Guoshi didn't dare accept the offer, saying only that he would help investigate the situation and refusing to accept the red envelope. For a eunuch, he was considered wealthy, and he was incredibly powerful and influential. He didn't care about a few red envelopes; he was more concerned about his family's future. The longer he stayed with the empress, the more he realized that while she appeared tolerant, she wasn't someone to be fooled. Furthermore, the two princesses held sensitive positions; how could he dare accept a red envelope from the palace to do things for his concubine? It was more important to cling to the empress's support.

Now is a good opportunity to interrupt and express his loyalty. Zhao Guoshi finally added: "But this trend should not be allowed to continue. The princess is already your daughter. How can others interfere? In order to give them face, when adding boxes for the princess, you must at least leave a notice for the palace." By the way, he reported some activities of the two concubines.

Zichang stepped forward and said, "Since you care so much about the two princesses, why not ask the two royal palaces to show their appreciation as well? They've already prepared everything. As Old Zhao said, it would be fun to create a path for them and give them a headache."

Shujia stretched out her finger, pointing at this and that: "You guys!"

This kind of robbery, stealing someone's daughter and not allowing her parents to care for her, is indeed a bit excessive, but it is the clan law. Shujia lowered her head and thought: "I don't even need to say it directly. I can just tell the emperor and send someone to tell the two princes."

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Yinreng attached great importance to his first tour outside the Great Wall after ascending the throne.

The entourage was carefully selected, and he brought many of his favorite generals, including many of the Eight Banners Commanders. This was also for the future, in case of a war between the Manchus and Mongols, if there was a need for a joint attack, it would be easier to cooperate if the generals had good personal relationships.

If there were people accompanying the emperor, there would naturally be people who stayed behind. The crown prince was naturally left behind, along with Hongxi. Hongtong and the others were all taken away. Among the imperial princesses, the eldest and second princesses were left in Beijing. The three princesses successfully obtained the qualifications to accompany the emperor in a group.

The Crown Prince stayed, and most of his East Palace staff stayed. Since Ma Qi was accompanying the Emperor as a Grand Secretary, Yinreng kept the old cunning Li Guangdi. Still unsure of Li Guangdi, Yinreng also kept Prince Yong, Prince Heng, and Prince Jian to assist the Crown Prince.

After hearing Yinreng's plan, Shujia made a quick decision and said she wanted to take Concubine Mao with her: "I don't even remember her ever being in the north. How about taking her with us this year?"

Yinreng's habit was to let his wife make all the arrangements for "household affairs". He just had the function of a rubber stamp. At this time, he said casually: "Just do it as you see fit. Don't ask me about these matters."

Shujia was delighted and began to talk about the two princesses again. "They're about to get married. I thought the families of the fourth and seventh princesses would be concerned. There's no need to force them to observe strict taboos. It's better to be open and clear. What do you think?"

Openly, the emperor was stealing someone else's daughter, but now, if the biological parents showed excessive concern, they would be stealing the emperor's daughter. Yinreng felt a little unhappy, but he admitted that what Shujia said made sense and just snorted. Shujia said, "There's no need to make a big deal about it. It would seem too deliberate. Just send two eunuchs to tell the Second Prince," and then laughed, "They spend money, and we get praise. It's a good deal."

Yinreng finally smiled and said, "Forget it, it's not a big deal. Let's just do it this way."

The eunuchs sent out conveyed the "gracious decree" to the two princes in a gentle voice. It was an oral instruction, and the content was quite colloquial: "I know you are also concerned about the princess. The princess was not young when she entered the palace. I believe you must have prepared a dowry. Select a box and send it in. Tell the concubine not to worry anymore."

The two concubines: "..."

It was not a big deal at first, but it was interfered with by a eunuch who was eager to distance himself from the matter, a queen who disliked concubines, and a petty emperor, causing the two princes to neglect their concubines for a while.

Yinreng, however, no longer cared about the matter. In fact, in the emperor's view, the couple could do whatever they wanted with the matter. Whether it was to pressure the prince's palace or to give it face, what else could the prince's palace do but accept it? When the two princes pleaded guilty the next day, he waved his hand and said, "No need to say more. You have done your job with all your heart. How could I bother with you over trivial matters?"

You're already calculating, okay?

The two princes were somewhat helpless, but judging by the emperor's expression, they didn't seem to hold a grudge, and the incident wasn't serious; they were simply reminding themselves to be more careful in the future. They each reported on their respective tasks. The seventh prince accompanied the emperor, working alongside the imperial envoy to manage the carriage. The fourth prince remained in Beijing, continuing to monitor salt administration reform and prepare military supplies. If he had more energy, he would write a tax reform plan.

Yinreng was a little nervous, but he remained calm. He said to Prince Yong, "The Crown Prince is intelligent and was personally raised by the late Emperor. He is capable of handling affairs. He is just a little young and has not seen much. You are his uncle, so you should remind him more."

When Prince Yong received the order, he knew that the emperor would not care too much about the princess's issue.

Yinreng's concerns grew more and more intense. He allowed the two princes to continue their duties while he brought Hongdan to give him a lecture. He knew his son's abilities were reliable, but he couldn't help but worry. Although Hongdan had long been a political figure in the court, this was his first time undertaking something as significant as staying in the capital. Being a regent was truly his entry into the political arena.

The prince's political debut must be perfect!

He had been the regent of the crown prince, and he asked his son to come to pass on his experience. He was afraid that his son would not do something perfectly. He almost wished that his soul could be split and half of it could be attached to his son to watch him do things until he returned from the frontier.

Hongdan was excited but nervous as he listened to his father, transformed into Tang Monk: "You must have your own opinions on everything, but you can't be stubborn. You must listen to both sides and not believe in one side. Which of the court officials and royal family members are easy to get along with? They all have their own calculations. If you listen to one of them, you will be used as a pawn! Even if one person is reasonable and the other is unreasonable, you must consider the situation. If you have a point, don't cling to it like Liu Bei did when he met Zhuge Liang. Even if it is unreasonable, you must consider the situation and try to appease them a little..."

"Ah, and also, you have to keep the Ministry of Revenue at heart. The salt administration is being reformed in the south, so you need to study this more. The Junggars are ambitious, and the court will inevitably fight them. We can't take it lightly. Of course, fighting requires the leadership of the soldiers, but Xiao He is the most meritorious. If I want to emulate the late emperor, you must keep your composure!"

Actually, Yinreng wasn't particularly enthusiastic about the tour, as it coincided with the late emperor's death anniversary. However, with war with the Dzungar Khanate imminent, the Mongol allies needed to be won over. He also wanted to let his son exercise a bit; a child learning to walk shouldn't be held captive by an adult all the time.

But he was still worried, so he kept nagging, from the moment he prepared to travel until the emperor left. The crown prince led the remaining officials to see him off, but Yinreng still held his son's hand and said, "You must be cautious in governing. Governing a large country is like cooking a small fish..."

Yunxiang's ears twitched as he listened; he had never known his second brother's nagging skills could rival his fourth. While he was muttering, Yinreng glanced over and exhorted him, "Do your job diligently and assist the Crown Prince." Yunxiang was startled and quickly agreed. Yinreng reached out and patted him on the shoulder.

Finally, he called the prince and the grand secretary who stayed behind and gave them repeated instructions. The emperor turned into a super dad and almost delayed the departure time.

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Shujia sat in her own carriage. The treatment afforded to the Crown Princess was already high enough, but compared to the empress's conditions, it was still a level lower. When the emperor traveled, he used a grand procession, so the empress naturally had to display a similar ceremonial procession. The carriage was quite spacious, so Shujia called Wu Yunzhu over to talk.

Wu Yunzhu was very excited as it was her first time to travel far from the capital: "Mother, when will we arrive?", "Mother, can I ride a horse on the meadow?", "Mother..."

Shujia smiled and answered a few words from time to time, thinking about Hongdan's stay in Beijing. Hongdan had never governed such a large country alone, and even if Yinreng was still directing the affairs remotely, Shujia could not rest assured. Only now did she suddenly realize that even Yinreng was a rare talent back then.

Watching Yinreng handle affairs of state was a source of considerable confidence. Even when Shujia secretly criticized the then Crown Prince as a fool, she never expressed any doubt about his ability to handle affairs. Even when the nobles expressed various complaints about Yinreng, no one questioned his ability to govern. Some criticized his extravagant lifestyle or his arrogant and rude personality, but no one could claim he was unreliable in handling government affairs. This was a well-earned reputation.

Shujia couldn't help but worry about her son, but she couldn't say it out loud - it was definitely a big blow to the prince that his own mother didn't trust his ability.

As her nails scratched the window frame, Shujia couldn't help but think, this kid isn't even twenty yet, and he's running a country... Damn it! What a joke!

I also pay special attention to the news coming from Beijing.

Yinreng was as nervous as she was, both of them were anxious but kept silent. Shujia observed his expression and asked indirectly: "What's wrong? Are you feeling bumpy? Is Fu Dali's job satisfactory?" Not long after Fu Dali came out of mourning, he was appointed as the Imperial Envoy.

Yinreng shook his head, gritted his teeth and refused to speak, which made Shujia even more worried.

It wasn't until ten days after the emperor left the capital that Yinreng's expression gradually softened, and he even started tossing the black cloud bead up and down like a trapeze artist. Shujia asked him, "Why are you so happy?"

Yinreng raised his eyebrows and said, "After all, he is my son. I am very confident in Hongdan's work." As if it was not him who had been constipated for ten days. Shujia also became cheerful: "Amitabha, I am relieved too."

Wu Yunzhu was unhappy and twisted her body: "One more, one more."

Yinreng glared at her and continued practicing throwing the sandbag. Wu Yunzhu giggled and said, "Good father."

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Being a trustworthy Crown Prince was a real burden. The new Crown Prince was grinding floor tiles in Duanben Palace. Yinreng's decision to keep Hongxi meant Hongdan had to take a rosy view, presumably hoping he would become a virtuous prince. Hongdan was fully aware of his mother's plans. Yinreng's decision to keep Hongxi meant Shujia took Concubine Mao away, leaving Concubine Yiqian under the "supervision" of the late emperor's concubines, including Concubine Mi. His parents truly had good intentions.

Since this was the case, he couldn't go against his father's ideas. At the same time, he didn't want to sever his relationship with his brother. Hongdan's attitude towards his brother Hongxi was not like Yinreng's attitude towards his brother Yunti. Firstly, Hongxi was not a big threat, and secondly, Hongdan's biological mother was still alive.

Does pacing back and forth like this seem unmannerly? With his hands behind his back, Hongdan suddenly stopped pacing. Staring at the ice basin in the corner, Hongdan pondered.

Even if it was a good idea to have a helper, he had to keep him in line. Hongdan thought this was also for Hongxi's own good. If Hongxi really grew ambitious as he grew older and gained more power, Hongdan would inevitably have to deal with him to protect himself. After all, fratricide is not a good reputation. Prince Yuxian and the emperor's grandfather were a model of brotherly relations. The premise was that the emperor's grandfather was stable and Prince Yuxian was obedient.

Changed to the first straight prince... Hong Dan shook his head, his second brother should be a wise king, good for you, good for me, good for everyone. First the villain and then the gentleman, also complete the brotherhood.

Hongdan recalls the time when his mother put eye drops on Yunti. When Hongdan was little, his mother raised him personally. He experienced some things firsthand. He didn't understand them at the time, but now he thinks they are all treacherous. His mother was so kind to everyone in the Prince Zhi's mansion!

Well, no matter what, it’s always right to do it.

If Hongxi behaves well, then this is a good story; if Hongxi doesn't do well enough, then it only reflects on himself. In any case, Hongdan won't suffer any loss.

After thinking about it, Hongdan felt uneasy again, feeling a little guilty towards his brother, and stamped his feet anxiously. Growing up means more troubles! When they were young, the two brothers had such a harmonious relationship, and they all worked together for the benefit of the Eastern Palace. Now he had to worry about getting along with his brothers again.

Good boy Hongdan cursed in his heart.

Before he could finish his scolding, a young eunuch rushed in. After receiving a cold stare, he quickly said, "Your Highness, Prince Heng from the Imperial Household Department is here."

Hong Dan quickly adjusted his mood: "Please come in."

The uncle and nephew exchanged polite words. Hongdan asked his fifth uncle to sit down and ordered tea before asking what was the matter.

Yunqi had come to discuss Hongyu's new residence. Hongyu's rank was low, and as the descendant of a convicted official, a large residence was unsuitable. However, since the decree of the nobility and the granting of the residence had been issued, Hongyu had insisted on inviting Concubine Hui to the palace. The layout of the residence had to be reconsidered, and a larger one was planned, with Yinreng's permission.

Yunqi didn't want to get too deeply involved in this matter. He would do whatever specifications Yinreng said. He just wanted to urge his subordinates to build the mansion as soon as possible, so that he could get rid of this hot potato and live freely from then on. Doing other tasks was tiring, but doing this task was nerve-wracking! If Yinreng could let go of his grudge against Yunti, Yunqi would never believe it!

Under his supervision, the new house was built at a very fast speed. Of course, the quality was guaranteed, but the aesthetics were less so. Anyway, Hongyu wouldn't come over and say, "Uncle Wu, help me build another pavilion." Now that it's finished, of course I have to report it.

Hong Dan smiled and said, "Fifth Uncle is really quick in his work. Have you written the memorial?"

Yunqi said, "That's natural."

Hongdan said, "I wonder if the Dowager's residence is quite nice? Fifth Uncle should take care of it. He's away with the Emperor anyway, and we'll have to wait for him to get married and support the Dowager. For now, let's just say the house is finished, but we can't neglect the Dowager's residence. We're working on it now, so don't worry about it, Hongyu." He blinked as he finished. He had some feelings for Hongyu, and wanted to seize the opportunity to get his cousin better treatment. Dowager Hui was a good excuse.

Yunqi took a moment to reflect before realizing that such efficiency made him seem overly enthusiastic towards his nephew. He kept saying, "That's right, that's right. Concubine Hui is also my elder, so I should do my best, I should do my best." He decided to postpone this matter until the time came to report on Hongyu's wedding preparations. Besides, the flowers and trees were not yet in full bloom, so he had to make do with it in order not to delay the wedding.

Hong Dan continued, "The most important thing now is the important matter of the two princesses. How is the preparation going at the princess's mansion?"

Yunqi returned home still blaming himself, really, these days I was so relaxed that I didn't even notice such a thing. I was coaxed by my second brother, seeing how good he was to Hongyu, I forgot what this nephew's father had done!

Hong Dan sent his uncle away and began studying the map again. Of the several major issues at hand, military matters were the most urgent. He certainly couldn't go to the battlefield, so he had to pay special attention to logistics and supplies. Where could he store food? Where could he allocate equipment in an emergency?

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For Yinreng now, Hongyu's establishment of a palace was a minor matter. For him, Hongyu's presence was more a show than a genuine emotion. He also brought Hongyu with him on his travels, showcasing him to the Mongol kings to demonstrate the new emperor's generosity.

While talking to Rongxian's husband, he casually said, "Now that the royal family is flourishing, the younger generation will also start families and establish careers. Not only is the crown prince about to get married, and the two princesses are about to marry off," pointing to Hongsheng, "my nephew is also married," and then pointing to Hongyu, "His mansion is also built, and I will hold a wedding for him when I return."

It also won a lot of praise.

After receiving the confirmed information, Yunsi reread the petition for the care of Concubine Liang. After careful consideration, he submitted it. The timing was calculated. If he had acted like this right after Hongyu submitted his petition for the care of his grandmother, it would have seemed like he was trying to drive him away.

When Yinreng agreed to Hongyu's request and Hongyu's mansion was completed, he submitted a memorial, which made it look much better.

Yinreng also approved his memorial and added: "Let the Concubine Tai celebrate her birthday in the palace. It will be lively and fun, and it will save the Concubines the trouble of preparing a farewell banquet."

Yunsi glared. He had already planned to invite his mother home and give her a lively birthday party, letting her take the seat of hostess as a reward for her hard work. But since Yinreng had said so, he had no choice but to agree. In his heart, he postponed the date of his own birthday party for another day. Even if it was not on the right day, he had to hold it!