There are many things to do before the Chinese New Year

The Crown Prince waved his hand and said that it was okay for Dai Zi to be a tutor.

With Yinreng's approval, Shujia wrote to Shuxian whenever she had time: "This man is fine. He can be a tutor. Please take good care of him." At this point, the Crown Princess had no idea that Mr. Dai was a weapons expert. She simply thought it was a good thing for her nephew to have someone of such knowledge to teach him.

Yinreng rubbed his chin and said, "Why didn't I think of this trick before?" He knew Dai Zi's craftsmanship. The firearms he made were far superior to those made by Westerners! Of course, the imperial court was also somewhat wary of them. The Manchu and Mongolian nomads, in terms of military antagonism, were truly nemesis of long-range lethal weapons. Nurhaci was killed by the red cannon.

Dai Zi's danger lay in the fact that firearms at the time had a limited range, with some muskets even outstripping bows and arrows. Yet, Dai Zi was able to create firearms with twice the range of ordinary weapons. Even more devastating was the fact that he was a Han Chinese scholar with some integrity. Kangxi admired the pride of scholars, and weapons experts possessed a sense of pride, leaving their bones to rust in the cold. Chen Menglei presented flattering poems and essays during his eastern tour, and Kangxi brought him back.

During the reign of Emperor Kangxi, countless scholars were sent outside the Great Wall. Most of them were… disliked by the imperial court. The truth was: these individuals didn't necessarily commit any serious crimes. Yinreng knew Dai Zi, and he knew he had no serious problems. His skills, combined with his unpleasant temper, were the main reasons for his misfortune.

A scholar's rebellion wouldn't succeed in three years, and even if he were colluding with foreign powers, it wouldn't amount to anything significant. If he were truly dangerous, the old man would have killed him long ago. Why would he throw him to Shengjing, where food would be wasted? Or to the "Dragon's Birthplace"? Wasn't he afraid these terrorists would wreak havoc in his hometown?

For the Chinese people, internal troubles always outweigh external ones, and a major internal threat always takes precedence over minor ailments. The saying "to resist foreign aggression, one must first stabilize the country" is not inherently wrong. Some individuals are criticized, ahem, for the methods used to achieve this, ahem. Chen Menglei, suspected of collaborating with the Three Feudatories, was brought back to the capital by the old man to serve the Third Prince in his studies, and now serves the country by editing books. This former Nanshufang official, denounced by a foreigner, is dangerous beyond his surface charges.

Don't be fooled by the fact that the Southern Study Room might seem like a place for literati to keep around for show, or perhaps even a place of lesser importance. It wasn't an easy place to enter; one needed not only knowledge but also good character. Even though Emperor Kangxi protected Li Guangdi, he didn't let him into the Southern Study Room. Furthermore, the Southern Study Room was typically reserved for Han Chinese intellectuals, making it a political showpiece. How many Han Chinese were there in the world, and how many scholars were there? How many people were there in the Southern Study Room? Didn't one have to be exceptionally qualified to get in?

Dai Zi had served in the Southern Study. In this respect, his character was recognized by Emperor Kangxi. This also proves from another perspective that Dai Zi's accusation of treason was a false accusation. Choosing a single figure from among tens of millions of Han Chinese to be a traitor was a mistake on the part of the emperor. One can only imagine Emperor Kangxi's fury—it would be a wonder he survived!

Now the Crown Prince faced a different path. Even if Dai Zi's temper hadn't changed after all these years of exile, he was older, making him less dangerous. Furthermore... a dangerous craft is only dangerous in the hands of others. In the hands of one's own people, it becomes a powerful weapon. Manchuria and Mongolia weren't truly monolithic. Wasn't the Qing court both exploiting and wary of Mongolia?

It would be a great idea if a bannerman could learn from Dai Zi! Unfortunately, he's just a child, and he might not be able to learn Dai Zi's firearms craftsmanship. But it's a good idea. First contact, softening up a little, can be used. Tibet is not peaceful. The fake lama of Diba Fu has been ordered to be escorted to Beijing. Galdan is dead, but his nephew still rules Dzungar. His relationship with the imperial court is far from as good as it appears, so be prepared for another war.

The Eight Banners' combat effectiveness has declined to a point where they're merely a fleet of troops for inspection. Recently, while the various rebellions have been suppressed, the Eight Banners are being used as the primary force, while the main combat force has begun to rely on the Green Camp. This is bad, very bad! Firearms could boost the Eight Banners' combat effectiveness. Yinreng slowly outlined a blueprint for their transformation. No strength, no horseback archery skills? Fine, give you firearms, and you'll be able to light a fire standing up, right?

Faced with this turbulent situation, Yinreng must think long-term, prepare a backup plan, and stockpile various resources, especially human resources. He must keep this man; he'll be useful. During Kangxi's personal campaign against Galdan, Dai Zi's "Weiyuan General" cannon had achieved remarkable success. Did the Dzungars also have cavalry? Furthermore, the Dzungars were on good terms with the Russians and possessed firearms. To defeat them, they would have to use more powerful firearms.

It's unfortunate that the most gifted weapons expert of this era is now in our hands. Previously, using him was a concern, but now we've found a method that seems feasible. More importantly, he's old! It would be great if he could be used, but if not, he won't be able to withstand the aging process.

Yinreng curled his lips. This old man is valuable! After thinking about it, he also wrote a letter to Jiang Ting, asking him to investigate Dai Zi's behavior in Shengjing and report everything in detail. Tears streamed down his face. War costs money! The court is almost out of money. A quick victory is best, otherwise I don't need to bother with this!

Also, Jiang Ting, you have to keep it a secret! You can't tell this to me yet, and be careful in Shengjing.

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Shujia finished writing the letter, and one matter was resolved, but then another arose: her newly selected maid had finally completed her training and could be assigned a more important task.

When Hongxiu came to report, Shujia felt a pang in her head. The names of these palace maids were really... quite disgusting. "We have to change them first. Otherwise, if I call her 'Big Girl', eight of them will all agree at once. Who will know who she's calling?"

Hongxiu laughed when she heard her say that: "That's true," and paused again, "but I don't know how to place them? Speaking of which, the people from those two places should be replaced next year. This requires the master to give the order. If we give them something inappropriate, I'm afraid it will cause trouble. If we give them something appropriate, we will..."

Shujia raised her eyebrows. "It doesn't have to be proper. Just being honest is enough. How come there are still dishonest people now?"

Hongxiu leaned forward and explained, "Master, you saw this once when you were selecting the person. Isn't this just because I'm afraid of something unexpected?"

"What if? What in this world doesn't have a what if?" Shujia sneered. For example, Gao Sanxie and the others were sent by Kangxi and then wooed by the Eastern Palace. Now, do you think they are determined to follow the emperor or are they completely considering the Eastern Palace? Even people like them can't be completely guaranteed, so why keep an eye on the palace maids? "Call them over here, I'll take a look and give them easy-to-understand names before we talk about anything else."

Hongxiu obeyed and went to fetch all eight maids. The maids were quite nervous. After so many days of training in the Eastern Palace, they had barely even seen their master. Reality had already taught them their first lesson: patience. Looking around, they saw seven others of equal status, and dozens of maids in the Eastern Palace with even more experience than them. The Crown Princess already had eight maids by her side. Who could possibly be left without?

Over the past two years, the aunts not only trained them in rules and chores, but also taught them to face reality through action. For example, if you got in the way of the master, you wouldn't be beaten or punished, but simply sent to do menial labor. By the time you were thirty, you had no experience, the palace no longer wanted you, and no one would value you outside. Your life would be ruined.

Just follow your master obediently, and you will still be treated with mercy. At least you will be treated well in the palace, and maybe your master will give you a word when you are released.

The palace had strict control over the maids, and they were not allowed to leave the courtyard without permission. As soon as she arrived, she was assigned to the Eastern Palace, and had almost no contact with the outside world. Habitually, she got used to being close to the Eastern Palace.

The eight palace maids were divided into two rows. Hongxiu coughed and whispered in Shujia's ear, "My lady, the first three are called Big Girl, the last two are called Second Girl..." Of course, there are also Third Girl and Fifth Girl. "These are under the Zhengbai banner, and those are not."

Shujia twitched her lips and nodded. Hongxiu waved her hand, and the maids came up one by one. They were very well behaved. Shujia smiled and said to Hongxiu, "Thank you for your hard work. I don't have a nanny here, so I rely on you for everything."

Hongxiu looked around and smiled, "Sister Xiu also received this errand, but the master sent her to deliver something to the imperial concubine today."

Shujia took a quick look and didn't give them any names at first. She just asked about their ages and some family situations. The palace maids' answers were a little stuttering, but overall they were pretty good.

Shujia thought for a moment and said to Hongxiu, "Go call those two over. It's time for them to fill in the vacancies. If there's anyone you like, let them pick one first. If not, ask the Imperial Household Department to send someone over next year."

Hongxiu bowed and went to look for Li Jiashi and Li Jiashi. She gave the palace maids a warning look as she passed by. The palace maids all stood in a state of silence.

Shujia slowly asked some small questions, such as whether he had seen his parents this month. Hongxiu had already brought Li Jiashi and Li Jiashi.

Li Jiashi walked in front, followed closely by Li Jiashi. As soon as they entered the gate of Duanyi Palace, they saw a group of people standing on the ground floor. They felt suspicious and went forward to pay their respects.

Shujia pointed to the chair below and said, "Come sit down and look at these girls, okay?"

The Crown Princess had personally selected people from the Imperial Household Department and had them trained by her trusted confidants for a period of time. Both of them knew about this. Li Jiashi smiled first and said, "I think these were selected by the master to prepare for his use?"

Shujia nodded and said, "That's right. Xiuniu and the others are getting older and older. I can't keep them all to accompany me."

As soon as these words were spoken, the maids' hearts sank. They knew they weren't particularly good-looking, but they did their jobs well, right? From the tone of voice, was she going to take on the position of trusted maid? Being able to serve the Crown Princess was better than being anywhere else!

The palace maids around Li Jia and the other man were all due for replacement, and they were also thinking about it in their hearts.

Shujia spoke first, "I was thinking, since you entered the palace earlier than me, you're the ones who are really anxious to have people around you. I prepared it two years ago. Take a look and if you need anything, take it away first. I can wait here. In a few months, the Ministry of Internal Affairs will start the selection again. I'll go and pick someone then."

Li Jiashi and Li Jiashi exchanged glances and both stood up to ask for mercy. In reality, they both had their own calculations: They couldn't bear to let go of people they were used to. Everyone has one or two people around them who can speak their mind. If they were all gone, would they be faced with a whole new set of people? It would definitely be hard to get used to them.

However, they cannot keep all the people around them, so they have no say in who to keep and who to let go.

Li Jiashi hesitated, remaining silent. She knew that Li Jiashi had a son, so her words carried more weight and her requests were more likely to be met. She could just follow suit and reap some benefits. Li Jiashi hesitated for a moment: "Master, the maidservant I have is old enough, but... I'm used to Qiu'er..." She didn't want to change her.

Shujia understood and pinched the rosary in her hand: "In that case... well, you all need to keep a few with you, and a few more to fill in?"

Li Jiashi pondered for a moment and said, "I will only keep Qiu'er here." Li Jiashi quickly added, "I will only keep Xiniu here."

The maids' hearts sank. They knew that these two were currently being treated like noble ladies. A noble lady had four maids at her beck and call, and they each kept only one. That meant they were taking six altogether? Only two were lucky enough to accompany the Crown Princess?

Xiuniu and Xiaoman came back from Concubine Tong and happened to see the Crown Princess holding a meeting of palace maids. For some unknown reason, the two of them quickened their pace and entered the main hall.

"My Lord, the gifts have been delivered. The Imperial Concubine is very pleased with them and has sent us back to thank you for your kindness. She has also sent us back to give you a pair of bracelets, saying they are new."

He took a box, opened it, and placed it in front of Shujia. Shujia took a look and said, "Put it in your dressing box. You can wear it tomorrow when you go to Ningshou Palace to choose clothes."

The two of them bent their knees and retreated to the inner room. They exchanged a glance with Wu Mingli who was standing beside them, and after receiving the "safe" signal, they went to put their jewelry and pick out clothes without worry.

After Shujia finished giving the order, she turned around and looked at Li Jiashi and the others and said, "What do you think of these?"

Li Jiashi declined, "The master also needs people. I have Qiu'er here. Even if a new person comes next year, she can be used after training. How dare I ask the master for help..."

Shujia asked Li Jiashi again: "What about you?"

Li Jia also said she didn't dare.

"That's all right. I don't need it urgently."

Li Jia and the other two finally thanked her and, without further ado, each took one away. They didn't have the guts to take away the people the Crown Princess had spent so much effort training.

Shujia smiled and said, "There are still some people in the palace who are not serving nearby. If you like anyone, just tell me."

Both of them said there was no rush, as the girls next to them would not be released until next year.

Shujia nodded and sent their newly chosen maid to carry the luggage. From that day on, they would be practicing in their new master's courtyard. They also sent Li Jia away, leaving Li Jia behind.

Li Jiashi was a little confused, and her chair was no longer stable. She asked, "Master, is there anything you want to tell me?"

Shujia beckoned her to come closer. Li Jiashi became increasingly confused. She carefully moved closer and listened to Shujia whisper in her ear: "How old is Hongxi?"

This Li Jia was very familiar: "He is thirteen (in lunar years old)." He immediately understood, he is half grown up, could it be?

Shujia nodded: "The children are grown up now, we have to think ahead to avoid being caught off guard. When I chose them, I wanted to find a few who looked honest..."

Li Jiashi agreed. He only had one son, so of course he couldn't be seduced. She'd been worried a few days ago about what kind of wife Hongxi would get during the next year's selection process. Would he start with a concubine? Or would he start with a wife? She had to be virtuous. And the woman in the house couldn't be too voluptuous.

"It doesn't necessarily mean asking them to be housemates," Shujia said awkwardly. She was quite opposed to this idea. "But they still have to be honest, right?"

Li Jia nodded repeatedly: "You are very thoughtful."

"After all, you are Hongxi's biological mother. Discuss with me and see which one is more suitable."

Li Jiashi had been kneeling before Shujia's seat. At a glance from Shujia, Lin Si'er brought out an embroidered cushion and placed it behind Li Jiashi. Shujia said, "Sit down and take your time. This matter cannot be sloppy."

After a long discussion, the two finally picked out two who looked honest. Shujia said, "You two, follow Xiu'er from now on." She ordered Xiuniu to teach them well. Shujia didn't even change their names. Fortunately, one was Sanniu and the other was Wuniu, so they didn't have the same names as others.

Seeing that Shujia was busy, Li Jiashi only mentioned: "Master, next year's selection will be held, Hongxi——"

"It's not my final decision on this matter. I'll go and see after my daughter Xiu enters the palace."

Li Jiashi felt a little uneasy, and thanked him profusely: "Then I will take my leave."

Shujia nodded.

There were only four palace maids left. Shujia recalled one. Well, the two big girls and the two small girls, let's change their names: Magpie, Parrot, Thrush, and Cuckoo.

After everything was done, Shujia went back to the inner room to look at the bracelet given by Concubine Tong. Hongxiu said, "My lady, it's for the Second Prince, why do you keep it for so long? Just give it to the Second Prince when you've taken a look at it. It's better to not have to get involved with it."

Shujia picked up the gold and agate bracelet, examined it for a moment, and then put it back in the box. "I have to take care of his affairs. Good or bad, it's all my business. Why don't you take a closer look?" As the legitimate mother, she had an obligation. Regardless of whether the person was born in her family or not, if something went wrong, she had no choice. It was her who ignored the illegitimate child. She made the choice, so she had to take leadership responsibility.

Since she had to bear this reputation, she had to make it real. Anyway, nothing could happen to Hongxi in her hands. When he got married, if his family got beaten to a pulp, it wouldn't be her responsibility anymore.

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When Yinreng returned, Shujia told him about this. Yinreng said, "It's good that he's honest. Will the selection be held next year?"

Shujia nodded: "The fourth girl was called in again this month."

Yinreng tapped his knee with two fingers of his right hand. "Next year, the Emperor will make his southern tour. We can't avoid it. It seems the Fifteenth Prince's marriage is now a sure thing. What worries me is what kind of woman Khan Ama will choose for Hongxi. Although a later marriage would be beneficial for his offspring, we still can't be careless with this daughter-in-law."

Shujia is about to become a mother-in-law. She silently looks at her little son who is sleeping soundly. The boy is not even one year old.

"When Khan Ama returns, we will also return. When I return, I will go to Ningshou Palace and ask for permission to see these children. I can also ask the imperial concubine to help take a look at them, right?"

"Noble Concubine?" Yinreng's heart moved. He suddenly thought that giving Hongxi a girl from the Tong family would not be a bad idea. It would also appease his father.

He then abandoned the idea. He had already done enough by now; the situation was such that he didn't need to overdo it. He could just wait and see.

"Let's not talk about this anymore. In two days, the emperor will visit the mausoleum, and I, the Eighth and Tenth Brothers will accompany him."

"Is Hongdan going?"

"What do you think?"

"Okay, I understand." I still have to go.

Kangxi's choice of who to bring with him on his trips was carefully considered, and his purpose was clear: to foster unity among his sons. Fairness was relegated to the background, with the fifth, seventh, and twelfth sons, who had no conflicts with their brothers, being sadly reduced to mere backdrops.

The Eighth Prince truly drove Kangxi insane. He had the ability, but he simply refused to follow Kangxi's plan! How many years had he been stationed in the Zhenglan Banner? And he hadn't improved at all! The old man personally dealt the blows to the Prince An's Mansion, while the Eighth Prince, after Kangxi had beaten him, ran to comfort him!

I told you to be the sand, but he mixed with the An Wang family and turned it into concrete, with no distinction between you and me. Kangxi felt like he had lost more than he gained. He wanted his son to reap the benefits, not to give up his good son as a son-in-law!

Even though the Eighth Prince was disobedient, he was still a son, and Kangxi couldn't just ignore him. Because of Concubine Hui, the Eighth Prince was always perceived as being related to the eldest son. Kangxi couldn't bear to see the Crown Prince dethrone the Eighth Prince because of this relationship after his ascension, nor did he want the Crown Prince to be known as someone who didn't care about his brothers. Perhaps the Eighth Prince's closeness to the Prince An's mansion stemmed from his relationship with the Crown Prince? Was he afraid of being abandoned after the rabbit was dead?

Kangxi wanted to be the bridge between his two sons, to reconcile their past grievances. However, for the crown prince, he was willing to do so, but for the eighth son, although he was also willing, he was reluctant: "If you can't do your job well, I will still consider you."

At the end of the year, Emperor Kangxi was not having a good time. He first exempted the ten provinces of Shanxi, Shaanxi, Jiangsu, Anhui, Jiangxi, Zhejiang, Fujian, Hubei, Hunan, and Guangdong from arrears of taxes. He also exempted the Eight Banners from deducting 3,956,600 taels of silver from the treasury.

The huge sum of money made the old man's heart bleed and he was very angry.

The Eighth Prince was brought before the Emperor, where he was berated by Emperor Kangxi: "What the hell is wrong with you?! You went to Prince An's Mansion eight times in one day?"

Yinsi explained gently, "Prince An was ill. The imperial physician said he wasn't doing well, so I went to see him. I didn't go for long, as I had errands to attend to. It was my son and his wife who often went back to see my uncle."

It would have been fine if he hadn't mentioned this, but as soon as he mentioned it, Kangxi became furious: "They didn't educate their niece well, making her jealous and controlling you, and you still..." You still don't have a son. Okay, let's not talk about this. "Prince An Yue Le, flattered the regent ministers to get the title of prince..." He brought up the old accounts of Prince An's Mansion.

Yinsi could hardly bear to listen any longer. "Dad, that's not what you said when Prince An was rewarded for his contribution in pacifying the Three Feudatories..."

After listening silently, I thought to myself, his wife is really unlucky, implicated by her uncle's family. Whether he has children or not, Yinsi knows it himself. He has slept with concubines many times, and his wife can't be said to be jealous. The old man is taking his anger out on women because of men.

In fact, the old man would rather say "you are influenced by Prince An's Mansion" rather than "you are controlled by your wife", right?

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Anyway, after being scolded, the old score was over. Yinsi went home to pack his luggage and prepare to go to the grave with his father. As soon as he entered the house, his ninth brother came over and said, "Eighth brother, I heard that the old man was angry with you today?"

Yinsi was surprised: "What time is it now? You are still leaving the palace? Be careful, the palace gates are locked and you can't go back!"

Yinzhen didn't care: "My brother, can you send me to sleep in the stable? Even if I don't go back today, the old man will scold me at most, but it won't hurt me. What else can he do?"

Yin Si was silent: "...You came here just to ask me if I was scolded by the old man?"

Yinzhen asked, "Since the old man wants to take you to visit the mausoleum, why is he angry with you?"

Where should I start? Yinsi said, "The old man probably doesn't want me to get too close to Prince An's Mansion."

Yinzhen curled his lips and said, "That's Eighth Sister-in-law's uncle's house. What's wrong with relatives visiting each other? The old man scolded you for this? You are so petty." After saying this, he realized that his words were inappropriate and hurriedly changed the subject. "This time, the old man brought the prince and grandson again? The tenth prince went too? He clung to his thighs tightly!"

Yinsi sighed, "If I were him, I would do the same."

"He knows very well that you and the prince don't get along well." Yinzhen was about to jump up.

Yinsi said: "I don't want to get into trouble with the Crown Prince!"

"Huh?"

"I just have no choice, right?" Yinsi felt that he was even more pitiful than Xiaobaicai. "Ever since I was old enough to understand, whenever the eldest and the second oldest had conflicts, I was stuck in the middle. I had to get along with the eldest oldest. Ever since the second oldest sister-in-law gave birth to a son, all the thoughts of fighting for the throne and following the emperor's lead were gone..." Yinsi made a gesture of letting go with the wind.

Yin'er's anger subsided completely; Yinsi had hit the nail on the head. Ever since the crown prince had a legitimate son, most of the clamoring had faded. The court officials withered, the royal family withered, the fence-sitters stopped swinging, and became increasingly obedient in front of the crown prince. This was the power of patriarchal clan law, its silent yet pervasive influence on people's hearts, and... irresistible. Even he himself only had a habit of disliking the crown prince, and the thought of "crown prince, death" never occurred to him again.

Out of brotherly loyalty, Yinzhen was still worried about Yinsi: "So what do you want to do now? This boss, even after being trapped, still wants to spread poison and harm others."

Yinsi remained silent. His plan was to expand his power in order to protect himself. It just so happened that the old man had given him the opportunity, and he desperately sought friendship with the nobles for the sake of self-protection. The An Wang Mansion, which even the old man couldn't defeat in one go, was such a great ally! But the old man was now beginning to be dissatisfied with his performance, and Kangxi's anger made Yinsi somewhat worried.

"Let me think about it. You should go back soon. Do you really want to be locked up outside and get scolded by the old man tomorrow?"

Yinzhen stood up boredly: "Then I'll go back."

The group first stayed in Nanyuan and then set out from Nanyuan the next day.

From the moment they left the palace, Kangxi intentionally or unintentionally created opportunities for his brothers. He drove the crown prince from his carriage and made him ride on horseback alongside his brothers. The princes, no fools, simply followed the emperor's lead. By the time they reached Nanyuan, even Hongdan had noticed, and he rushed to his grandfather, textbook in hand, to ask for advice, rather than bothering his father and uncles.

Back in his room, Yinsi covered his face with a wet towel, hiding all expression. He wasn't a fool. Kangxi had already brought a ladder, and if he didn't come down, the old man would hang him on the wall for the rest of his life. But how could he show goodwill to someone who had never had a good relationship with him, who smiled but didn't really smile, and who even smiled with a hidden dagger?

Yinsi was in dire straits.

Yinreng also understood Kangxi's intentions. Wasn't it just asking him to let bygones be bygones? That was fine. Why would he bother with this eighth brother so much? As long as he behaved himself in the future, the eighth brother would still be quite useful. He could use him. He actually took the initiative to show goodwill.

Kangxi was very pleased. From the care shown by the Crown Prince to Yinzhi's children, he felt his son was a good man, like him, loyal and family-oriented. Since the Crown Prince wasn't intolerant, the old man wanted to help him. His first thought was to gather someone so they could have a private conversation. I no longer had to take any precautions against a quarrel between brothers. How wonderful!

The old man's plan was quite good, and the Crown Prince was very cooperative, but it made things difficult for Yinsi. On the one hand, he wondered if the Crown Prince was sincere or not, and on the other hand, what was the old man's intention?

The old man just wants you brothers to have a better relationship.

On the next day when he was on the road, he encountered another thing that made the old man laugh and cry: the soldiers of the Eight Banners were so excited that they blocked the roadside and knelt down to greet him and express their gratitude because their wages were exempted.

The old man decided not to make any comment on this. He just took the opportunity to teach his grandson: "The Eight Banners are the foundation of the country. As long as the Eight Banners are there, even if they do nothing, everything will be easy for us to handle." When he said this, Kangxi's heart was bleeding. What a bunch of money-losing people! This money must be paid.

Hongdan thought for a moment and asked softly, "Like the clay Buddhas in the temple? They can't conjure up food and clothing, but if the monks and nuns lose the Buddhas, they will still be left with nothing."

Kangxi coughed and said, "That's not the case. Bodhisattvas are sometimes effective, and it's useful to educate the Eight Banners children properly." Good boy, you got the point.

The old man had to remind his grandson again and again: "The Eight Banners are the foundation, and there are also ambitious people among them." Finally, he told his grandson the truth. If they can't fight, we can send the Green Camp. Well, at least, the Eight Banners have produced many high-level generals and senior officials.

The Eight Banners were not only completely rotten, but also had little fighting power. Although he had just praised the Eight Banners for their bravery, he knew in his heart that he was just exaggerating.

After thinking about it, it was really aggrieved! I am giving you face, but you are not doing your best! When he was angry, three horses flew by and stopped beside the carriage. They were the crown prince, the eighth prince, and the tenth prince. Yinreng asked: "Khan Ama, we are almost in Tongzhou. The imperial court has been prepared in the east of Tongzhou. Do you want to rest?"

Kangxi nodded: "The days are short in winter, so it's better to get some rest early." He looked up and saw Yinsi, and his heart moved.

As soon as he entered the house, Kangxi began to work, approving the memorial from Li Youchen, the general commander of Zhangzhou, Fujian, who requested retirement due to old age and illness. Kangxi then brought up an old account.

Then, the capital was in an uproar over a piece of gossip: the emperor had received confirmation that the late Anjun Prince Yue Lezi Jingxi had cursed his nephew, Hua Qi, the son of Anjun Prince Maerhun. The emperor sent the clan affairs bureau to arrest Jingxi and imprison his entire family, implicating Jingxi's brothers as well.

Jingxi had been granted a title for his contributions to Yue Le, but was later reduced to a member of the imperial clan by Kangxi. Feeling a deep psychological gap, he thought that if Maerhun died, along with his son, he could secure a new title, so he cursed his nephew. Unfortunately, since the incident involving the eldest prince, many people were sensitive to curses, and someone reported Jingxi. Kangxi already disliked Jingxi, and he remembered him from then on.

Great, now this information can be used to your advantage.

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This gossip was widely circulated in the palace, and the wives and concubines of Prince An's family had to come to the palace to pay their respects. Tong Jia, Concubine Tong's cousin, came to complain to her cousin. Maerhun was her husband. An old man and a young wife, while not harmonious, was another matter. At least their interests were aligned. Tong Jia was filled with hatred.

While she was crying, bad news came from the mansion again: the old lady was so angry when she heard the news that she fainted. She was being rescued and was in critical condition.

This alarmed even the Empress Dowager, and Shujia couldn't help but come over to inquire about the news: "What exactly is going on? Is there a misunderstanding?" Is it popular to draw circles in this family?

Concubine Tong said, "I heard that there was an imperial decree ordering Prince Jian to take action, so it can't be false. By the way, where is Prince Jian's wife?"

After the death of her son, the wife of Prince Jian rested for a long time and was urgently summoned to the palace the next day.

Ning Hui didn't know much about what was happening outside. She just heard Yarjiang'a say, "It was an imperial decree from the emperor, ordering our prince to detain the man first."

The Eighth Lady came to the palace early in the morning to hear the news. She didn't care at this moment and asked directly: "Did Prince Jian say that only Jingxi was in trouble? Why were Yuexi and Wuerzhan also arrested?"

Ning Hui shook her head: "I don't know."

The atmosphere was a little depressing for a moment. This matter inevitably reminded people of Yinzhi, and they didn't want to mention it anymore.

The Empress Dowager said to herself, "This is a matter for the men outside. It has nothing to do with us. You all should go back and prepare for the New Year."

Everyone looked at each other and then went down obediently. That day, a message came from Ningshou Palace, asking everyone to worship the Buddha more and copy more scriptures.

The An family's misfortune was actually beneficial to the Eastern Palace, at least that was what the Crown Princess thought. She walked back with a lighter pace, changed into her home clothes, and counted the list of awards: "This one is for Grandmother, and I'll add another cane."

Hongxiu's face twisted. "Master, I just received news that the old lady of the Xiluo family has passed away."

Shujia's heart was beating wildly: It's not right to gloat over other people's misfortune. I was just happy that Yue Le's descendants were in trouble, but then my grandmother died.

Shujia held her chest and said after a long while, "I understand." Hongxiu gave Xique a look, and Xique quickly poured tea and brought it over. Hongxiu took it and fed Shujia little by little: "Master, drink some water and calm down. This is a happy funeral."

The old lady was almost a centenarian, so it was definitely a happy funeral, but it was still a funeral!

"Go out and deliver the sacrificial silver. Then go home and see my mother. She's an elderly woman, so she shouldn't be too sad. Oh, and go to the storehouse first to find some soothing and nourishing herbs to send to my mother."

Hongxiu agreed to all of her requests. She was worried about Xi Que and the others serving her closely, so she called Xiao Man and Qiao Er over before going to do her job.

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Soon, everyone in the imperial court knew what had happened in the capital. Kangxi had no intention of keeping it a secret, and as soon as Yarjiang'a's report came back, Kangxi called everyone to a meeting.

Yinsi asked very carefully: "Khan Ama, is the news from Prince Jian accurate?" After asking this question, he really wanted to slap himself! No matter whether it is accurate or not, what the old man wants to do must be accurate! The old man is warning himself.

Yinreng thought to himself, is it not certain that they will arrest someone on this charge? No, he thought of Yinzhi. He wanted to beat someone, but he had to hold back!

Yin'e lowered his head, his eyes rolling around. The old man is going to get serious. Be careful, my brother. I can't help you.

Kangxi sneered, "We've caught the perpetrator red-handed, what else is there to say?" What was so difficult about what Yarjiang'a was doing when it came easy to him? Originally, he had been thinking that family disgrace should not be aired in public, and he wanted to suppress any minor offenses committed by Yinzhi that did not involve the Crown Prince.

This Jingxi, after all, is a member of the imperial clan, and publicizing his identity would be embarrassing, especially since it would easily lead people to associate him with the eldest prince. However, for the sake of the royal family's harmony, he had no choice but to expose his true colors. It all depended on whether the Eighth Brother would learn his lesson and, by doing so, empty the Prince An's mansion, saving everyone from trouble.

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The lunch boxes will be distributed gradually, and the extras will be distributed first.