During the later years of Emperor Kangxi's reign, the Cao family's great reputation in Jiangnan, and even their direct control of the Jiangning Textile Bureau, was inseparable from the kindness shown to Emperor Kangxi by his ancestor, Madam Sun, when he was young.
But it's a bit too early to discuss these things right now.
Because the Cao family has not yet reached the point of rising to prominence, the current head of the Cao family, Cao Yin, served as the Suzhou Textile Commissioner in the 29th year of the Kangxi Emperor's reign. Three years later, he was successfully transferred to the Jiangning Textile Commissioner, becoming a royal merchant and serving the Kangxi Emperor.
Emperor Kangxi made six southern tours in his lifetime, and Cao Yin was in charge of receiving him on five of them. He stayed at Cao Yin's house on four of those tours, but these four tours were not held at present.
Xiuning sat on the couch with her head slightly lowered, pondering the Cao family, which was very famous during the Kangxi era.
In fact, Cao Yin's success wasn't solely due to his mother; he also had some good fortune. At the age of sixteen, he received a special favor and was fortunate enough to enter the palace as a member of the Imperial Guard by Emperor Kangxi's side. During his tenure, he seized the opportunity and managed to gain Emperor Kangxi's favor among others.
Especially during the reign of Emperor Kangxi, the Cao family was unparalleled in Jiangnan. Not only were their descendants (two daughters) bestowed with the titles of imperial consort and Mongolian princess, but they were also the legitimate local emperors of the entire Jiangnan region.
Unfortunately, Emperor Kangxi lived to a very old age, and the Cao family was forced to choose sides for the sake of their descendants' future development.
Choosing sides is risky; some people can seize the opportunity to rise to power, while others choose to fail and lose their lives.
Clearly, the Cao family was not lucky. They chose the wrong side during the struggle for the throne among the nine princes. In fact, the Cao family had repeatedly recommended the Eighth Prince, Yinzhi, who had not gotten into trouble, which directly angered the Fourth Prince, Yinzhen, who was competing with them at the time.
Yinzhen was skilled at forbearance but also vindictive. After Kangxi selected him as the next emperor and he successfully ascended the throne, Yinzhen immediately issued an edict to deal with the illustrious Cao family. The once prosperous Cao family completely collapsed and ceased to exist.
The Cao family, from the Jiangnan region... Xiu Ning had some thoughts in her mind. She even felt that the Cao family's eventual destruction was not because they had offended Yin Zhen. It was a perfect example of "a common man is innocent, but possessing a treasure is a crime."
Jiangnan was incredibly wealthy, and the Cao family, who were the local tyrants of Jiangnan, were rolling in money.
Such wealth could be preserved while Kangxi was alive, but after Kangxi's death and the ascension of the new emperor, a moneybag with no connections or backing in the capital would be targeted by anyone else.
Furthermore, not only was the Cao family extravagant, but they also owed the national treasury money. Ostensibly, this was to limit the enormous expenses incurred during Kangxi's southern tours, but the garden where Kangxi stayed belonged to the Cao family, and ultimately, the enjoyment of the gardens still benefited the Cao family.
All these reasons combined, along with the Cao family's own misconduct that exposed their true colors, made it no wonder that Yinzhen later took action against them.
Shaking her head, Xiu Ning kept these thoughts to herself. There was no need for them yet, and the Cao family hadn't reached the point where they could become local tyrants. Everything had to be put aside for the time being.
After a day's rest, Kangxi began to summon officials from Jiangnan, thus completing the purpose of his southern tour.
Xiu Ning, as the head of the imperial concubines, received the families of the officials, including Cao Yin's birth mother, Lady Sun, and Cao Yin's second wife, Lady Li.
Cao Yin's second wife, Li, was his new wife two years earlier. His first wife, Gu, died young from illness, and Li came from a local clan in Jiangnan. Their marriage was a powerful alliance, and it's possible that Li and her family were instrumental in Cao Yin's ability to maintain his power in Jiangnan for many years.
"This humble woman greets Her Highness Consort Jing, wishing you boundless blessings and peace."
Led by Chunyu, Madam Sun and Madam Li bowed respectfully to Xiuning.
Sun had long since retired from Emperor Kangxi's side and now lived happily with her son, Cao Yin. Just by looking at their clothes and appearance, one could tell they were living a good life.
Li stood less than a meter behind Sun, her head slightly lowered, looking somewhat timid, but she was a pretty woman with a charming appearance.
"Please be seated, both of you. Chunyu will serve you tea."
It is not yet the late years of Emperor Kangxi's life, when he not only misses his predecessors but also becomes lenient after experiencing the changes in the world. The current Emperor Kangxi is now in a time when he is decisive and swift in his actions.
Although Madam Sun had taken care of Emperor Kangxi, that was a long time ago.
Besides, she had been away from the capital for more than ten years, and Sun was still worried about how much of her affection for the emperor remained.
If you want Sun to act arrogantly like she did later, you'll have to wait.
If Madam Sun was so cautious, then Madam Li, as Madam Sun's daughter-in-law, would naturally be even more careful.
This was her first time meeting the imperial concubines, and she dared not look around carelessly.
Basically, Sun answered all of Xiu Ning's questions, while Li could only act as a figurehead, occasionally chiming in to show that she hadn't lost focus.
The three chatted for about 15 minutes before Xiuning got up and asked Chunyu to see the guests out.
This was only because of Sun's status; if it were any other official's family member, Xiu Ning would have used a yawn to get rid of them within fifteen minutes.
"Master, the person has been sent away."
As Chunyu spoke, she handed the purse that had just been stuffed into Xiuning's hand.
Xiuning glanced at it and said, "Take it. The Cao family is very generous."
Don't underestimate the power of a small purse; the contents can be more than the rewards given in the palace.
Chunyu's eyes lit up. It wasn't that she was disloyal; if Xiuning hadn't allowed it, she certainly wouldn't have dared to accept the benefits.
Nodding, Chunyu put away the purse, her sharp eyes noticing that it contained large denomination banknotes and gold coins.
Wow, the Cao family is indeed wealthy.
Not only palace maids like Chunyu, but also concubines like Xiuning, received tributes from Cao in the future.
Xiuning naturally did not refuse. In any case, such things were inevitable, and besides, Kangxi had already tacitly approved. If Xiuning were to be coy and refuse, she would be making an enemy of the entire Jiangnan clan.
...
“Mother, I’m not exaggerating, but this Jiangnan clan is quite audacious. They’ve given a share to all the brothers in the harem, regardless of age.”
Yin Yi was astonished by such a generous gesture, even though he had also received benefits.
Having finally found some free time, Yinyi decided to come over and chat with Xiuning.
These princes have been very busy lately, not only accompanying the emperor to various events, but also trying to build relationships with certain officials.
This was all tacitly approved by Emperor Kangxi, which was considered as giving these princes some opportunities to make extra money.
As for why he gave it to them now, it was because Kangxi felt he was getting old and should gradually relinquish power. Moreover, he had already raised several sons, and he couldn't be afraid of threats and send them back to being good-for-nothings.
As for why he later became so vigilant and fearful of his sons seizing power, it was because Kangxi was getting old and his mentality had undergone subtle changes. Under such suspicious circumstances, even the crown prince could be deposed, let alone his other sons.
People's mindset changes gradually over time and with the amount of energy they have.
Kangxi's mindset at this time was different from that in the future, so his attitude towards his sons was naturally different.
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