Xiuning remarked, "The clans in the south are certainly investing a lot of effort."
They've used every means to maintain the relationship—resources and women—but what if it all goes down the drain? They'd be heartbroken.
Xiu Ning estimated that if the stalemate continued like this on the imperial side, things might get even more chaotic on the south side.
Tsk, there must be quite a few forces and figures involved who are taking advantage of the situation and stirring up trouble.
Xiuning had not forgotten that the anti-Qing and pro-Ming forces that had appeared in Kangxi's harem earlier were based in the south.
Yin Yi nodded, "Yes, he had designs on several of his younger brothers, otherwise Fifth Brother wouldn't have gotten someone pregnant at a time like this."
It's clear that the benefits his partner's pregnancy brings him outweigh the negative impact on his reputation.
Yinzhen and Yinyu were not the same kind of people. Yinyu was a spoiled brat who lacked common sense and was pampered by Tongjia Rongyue and Tongshi.
But Yinzhen is clear-headed, and with the help of his unassuming mother, Consort De, he's not to be underestimated.
Xiu Ning raised an eyebrow after hearing Yin Yi's words and asked in return, "Aren't you tempted?"
Of the women brought back from the south, Yinyu's was given a different identity beforehand, but the women brought back later are clearly more important; Yinzhen's woman is pregnant and has been quietly resting since entering the mansion; Yinyi and Yinsi both brought women back, but there has been no news of them.
Oh, that's not quite right either. The woman brought back by Yinzhi hasn't even been granted the title of Gege yet. She's just kept locked up in the mansion as if she doesn't exist. On the other hand, Yinyi was given a title and a small courtyard to live in. Shumulu's handling of the situation was indeed quite good.
Xiu Ning was satisfied with her daughter-in-law, Shu Mulu, so she repeatedly reminded Yin Yi not to be too blinded by his own thoughts, saying, "Some things cannot be judged by appearances alone, but some things cannot be judged by appearances alone."
Yin Yi shook his head and smiled bitterly, thinking to himself that he hadn't even replied to his mother yet, but his mother had already given him a hint.
He awkwardly rubbed the tip of his nose, feeling the need to explain. He wasn't the confused Yin Yu, nor the overly conservative Yin Si or Yin Zhen; he was perfectly clear-headed.
"Mother, don't worry, your son knows what he should and shouldn't do."
Even if he wanted to rise to power, he wouldn't give much to the southern clans.
The giving here includes the benefits he receives from the Southern Clan and the benefits he can give back to the Southern Clan.
After all, they've contributed money, effort, and manpower; how could they not want anything in return?
However, the south was a prosperous place and had always been one of the most vigilant areas for the Qing Dynasty. Its naturally favorable living environment made it extremely easy for trouble to occur there.
Yin Yi was also afraid. He was afraid that he would lose control and be used by others. It would be a small matter if he were to suffer the consequences, but it would be a big matter if he lost his country and the nation.
"As long as that person stays in the manor obediently, I won't do anything to her," but similarly, pregnancy is out of the question. If the other party is not honest and wants to cause trouble, he will not show mercy for the sake of the southern clan.
Xiuning nodded in satisfaction. "Your idea is good." The south is good, but it's just too good. It has always been a strategic location fought over by military strategists.
After all, if they could seize the south, it would be a natural granary, capable of supporting people and garrisoning troops, making it one of the places the rebels least wanted to give up.
Yin Yi rested his chin on his hand and suddenly chuckled, "I thought Fifth Brother wouldn't be in such a hurry."
Unexpectedly, my fifth brother actually got someone pregnant.
Xiuning suddenly had a flash of inspiration, "So, among the four of you, the Fifth Prince has benefited the most?"
Yin Yi hummed in agreement. This was inevitable, since she was pregnant. With blood ties connecting them, she was definitely stronger than them.
The clans to the south aren't stupid; they didn't see the rabbit release the eagle.
It's safest to keep things in your own hands; this is a principle that everyone understands.
Xiu Ning smiled, her calm and collected demeanor making Yin Yi glance at her a few more times.
What does Mother mean by this? Could it be that Fifth Prince has something else going on? Has Fifth Prince joined forces with the Southern Clan? This is quite normal. After all, the Southern Clan values the title of eldest son and favors the Crown Prince of Yuqing Palace. Fifth Prince is the Crown Prince's man. Whether it's true or not, he is definitely on the side of Yuqing Palace at the moment.
"I have a guess, but I can only talk about it after it's been confirmed," otherwise just saying it out loud would be asking for trouble.
Xiuning didn't tell Yinyi about this; instead, she continued to ask Yinyi about his experiences in the south over the past few months.
Yin Yi sighed, "Overall, it's fine. It's just that with Father Emperor's people around, we can't do anything too outrageous."
Those people weren't just there to do their jobs; they were also there to monitor them.
Yin Yi and the others naturally understood that the emperor was a suspicious person.
"Just finish what needs to be done. There's still plenty of time, so there's no rush."
When the year 40 of Kangxi's reign arrives, and more princes join the struggle for the throne, that will be the time for the mother and son to truly shine.
"Go back and stay put. You did a good job this time, and I'm sure the Emperor will reward you accordingly."
For example, Yin Yi was working in the Ministry of Justice, while the others behind him were just attending court to participate in politics.
After this matter is over, Kangxi will likely reassign his sons to different departments.
List the six ministries of the imperial court: the Ministry of Personnel, the Ministry of Revenue, the Ministry of Rites, the Ministry of War, the Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry of Works.
In Xiuning's view, if Yinyi could enter the Ministry of Personnel, their trip would not have been in vain.
The conversation between the mother and son came to an end.
Yin Yi did not stay. Taking advantage of the daylight, he hurriedly left Kaixiang Palace.
Two days later, when the four princes, who were still resting, returned to court to participate in government affairs, Emperor Kangxi suddenly dropped another bombshell in the court.
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