Chapter 58 Consort Hui's Pearl
Emperor Kangxi valued the studies of his princes, and holidays were rare, with only a few fixed days a year.
If Baoqing hadn't sent invitations to all the princes in the Imperial Study, and if Hanwen's tutor hadn't spoken up for them with words of brotherly affection, they might not have been able to get this half-day of free time.
Therefore, the Crown Prince did not linger at the First-Class Duke's residence. He inquired about his great-uncle's health and was in turn inquired about by his great-uncle. Seeing that the sun was getting stronger, he turned his carriage around and returned to the Imperial Study before the afternoon classes began.
The Crown Prince did not teach the other princes together, but rather alone in a room on the east side of the Imperial Study. According to the rules, the discussion first focused on the relationship between the emperor and his subjects, and then on the relationship between teachers and students.
The Grand Secretary Tang Bin, who was giving the lecture, bowed to the Crown Prince and then knelt down to teach according to the rules.
This rule was established when the Crown Prince entered school.
The prince skillfully raised his hand: "Sir, there's no need for such formalities. Please take a seat."
The little eunuch quietly moved the low stool that was placed in the west corner over.
This process had to be repeated every day, and the Crown Prince was already used to it.
At 3:45 PM, Emperor Kangxi stepped into the Imperial Study to check on the princes' studies.
The Crown Prince stood at the very front, followed by the princes in order, while the teachers stood respectfully on either side, ready to answer the Emperor's questions at any time.
Kangxi didn't say much, but casually asked the Third Prince a question.
The Third Prince was well-versed in humanities subjects, and when he answered questions, he spoke with the confidence of a top student, speaking eloquently in front of Emperor Kangxi.
The Ninth Prince and the Tenth Prince, two academic underachievers, trembled with fear, keeping their heads down the whole time and not daring to meet Kangxi's eyes.
Please, Father Emperor, please don't notice us.
Yesterday, after receiving the post from my older brother, their hearts flew out of the Forbidden City. As for things like reviewing after class or previewing in advance, are those considered proper homework?
In addition, they didn't study in the morning, so they have completely forgotten what they learned yesterday.
Fortunately, they had some luck today. Kangxi checked the first few princes, and after the Eighth Prince answered, he skipped the rest and called on the Crown Prince.
The Crown Prince's answer was as perfect as ever, fully demonstrating the knowledge and cultivation of a crown prince.
Emperor Kangxi nodded in satisfaction, and then prepared to take the Crown Prince back to the Qianqing Palace for a meal.
Although Yuqing Palace is now the Crown Prince's proper residence, as Kangxi's beloved son, Qianqing Palace still retains the room where the Crown Prince lived in his childhood, and the Crown Prince would occasionally stay there for a few days.
A light snow began to fall from the sky, and the bright yellow silk ribbon hanging down behind Emperor Kangxi's robe was also blown by the cold wind.
He adjusted his sleeves and casually asked, "Is Songgotu feeling any better?"
The Crown Prince's whereabouts could never be kept from Emperor Kangxi, or rather, he never intended to hide them. In his view, this was a sign of his father's concern and a demonstration of the close relationship between father and son.
The Emperor never asked where his elder brother had gone or who he had visited.
"When I arrived, my great-uncle was already able to walk, but he couldn't put too much weight on his left foot. The imperial physician said he needed to rest for another half month to fully recover."
Kangxi nodded and then inquired about the Crown Prince's daily life.
The Crown Prince answered truthfully one by one.
-
Once outside the palace, Baoqing thrived, living a much more carefree life than when she was in the Forbidden City.
He was capable, and his highest-ranking boss was his father. Given his status and straightforward personality, he quickly became friends with his colleagues.
However, he was straightforward and didn't mince words when he spoke or acted. When he got anxious, he could even argue back with Emperor Kangxi.
The Imperial Study in the Qianqing Palace.
"How could the Ministry of Revenue not have money? You've been delaying the disbursement of military supplies; are you embezzling it?!"
"I did not say that it would not be issued, but it will be delayed for a few days, depending on the land tax and grain tribute collected from various regions this year."
"You embezzled!"
The Vice Minister of Revenue explained with a flushed face, but seeing that Bao Qing still insisted on his own opinion and even loudly slandered him, he became so anxious that tears streamed down his face and he cried out that he was innocent, "Your Majesty, I really did not embezzle!"
Emperor Kangxi, dressed in casual clothes, sat under the plaque inscribed with "Upright and Bright," and pinched his brow with a slight headache. "Baoqing, say less. You are not allowed to slander ministers with your words."
Galdan was indeed a major threat and a problem that could not be solved in a short time. However, waging war would require mobilizing a large amount of manpower and resources, and the issues involved could not be resolved in a few words.
This child is far too impatient.
After all this time on official business, I still haven't learned a thing about the finer things in life.
Bao Qing shut his mouth, but still glared angrily at the Vice Minister of Revenue, his dissatisfaction practically overflowing from his face.
Those standing there were all old foxes; at this moment, they kept their eyes down and pretended not to see the eldest prince throwing a tantrum.
Every family has a couple of good-for-nothing children.
Let the eldest prince stay and be educated by the emperor; they shouldn't get involved in this kind of thing.
Seeing that no ministers stepped forward to share his burdens, Emperor Kangxi had no choice but to personally select one person: "Mingzhu, you have a good talk with the First Prince."
Having passed the hot potato, Kangxi said directly, "Alright, all of you may leave."
Baoqing is dawdling and trying to stay put.
Emperor Kangxi immediately ordered Liang Jiugong to expel Baoqing.
He's busy.
After leaving the Qianqing Palace, a minister looked at Mingzhu, then at the eldest prince who had just come out of the palace, shook his head, and sighed.
What would be a chore for others was a golden opportunity for Mingzhu!
He was worried about not finding a legitimate opportunity to get close to the eldest prince.
Although Baoqing was wary of Mingzhu and felt that he had ill intentions.
But who is Mingzhu? He is a ruthless character who can engage in factional struggles with Suo'etu. Even though most of the officials who were attached to him were dismissed by Kangxi, there were still a few left.
Moreover, making friends is his natural talent, and he has secretly developed many good friends, but he just keeps it hidden.
After helping Baoqing resolve several thorny issues and demonstrating his hardships, Mingzhu opened up to Baoqing and made him truly regard Mingzhu as his mentor in the court.
The matter of trying to pull relatives into the scheme was unanimously brushed aside.
Baoqing thought Mingzhu was a good person, and that the previous incident was probably a misunderstanding.
Mingzhu had only vaguely heard about the First Prince's reputation, but she never expected him to be so straightforward. She thought she had used the wrong method and shouldn't have relied on family connections. She thought it would be better to just change the approach.
He recruited the eldest prince into his camp.
Oh, no.
It should be said that Mingzhu, who had taken the initiative to join the First Prince's forces, had gained confidence. Coincidentally, he had long disliked his old enemy, Suo'etu, and through a series of open and covert maneuvers, he also had Baoqing speak on his behalf to the Emperor, hoping to send Suo'etu to repair Shengjing City.
Mingzhu: "Shengjing is the place where the dragon rose and is also the de facto secondary capital. As a Grand Secretary, Suo'etu has a high rank and deep experience, making him the most suitable person to take on this important task."
Emperor Kangxi politely declined, saying, "Song'etu's legs are just healed; I'm afraid he can't withstand the bumpy ride."
Mingzhu then spoke righteously and earnestly, finally persuading Kangxi to issue the decree.
While sitting at home, Suo'etu was so angry that he almost smashed his teacup.
He knew that Mingzhu, that old scoundrel, had been up to no good these days!
However, the reason given for repairing the secondary capital was too legitimate, and the imperial decree had already been issued. No matter how incompetent and furious Suo'etu was, he could only pack his bags and head to Shengjing.
Everyone knows this is a huge project, and it will take three to five years to complete.
After Suo'etu left Beijing, Kangxi was worried that the Crown Prince was feeling uneasy, so he specially summoned him to the Qianqing Palace to comfort him: "Suo'etu is an important minister of the court, and Shengjing is an important place. If Baocheng misses his great-uncle, I will take you to Shengjing to pay respects to our ancestors when the weather cools down."
The Crown Prince thought this showed his father's high regard for his great-uncle and didn't think much of it.
In order to divert the Crown Prince's attention, Emperor Kangxi, who usually went to Changchun Garden to escape the summer heat in July, set off earlier this year. In June, he issued an edict to bring all the princes of the Imperial Study and the concubines whose names he could remember to go to Changchun Garden to escape the summer heat.
-
Baoqing had already officially attended court and had duties to perform, so he did not live with them in Changchun Garden, but instead rode his horse back and forth between the Prince's Mansion and Changchun Garden every day.
"Mother!"
On a hot summer day, Baoqing jogged over, full of energy and vitality.
Changchun Garden is a summer resort with countless lakes of all sizes. Its overall layout is modeled after traditional gardens, with a touch of the elegance of Jiangnan.
There are many good spots for fishing.
Yunyun quickly established a fixed spot in Changchun Garden. Baoqing knew that she fished all day long, so he went straight there when he entered Changchun Garden.
Yun Jun calmly pulled up the fishing rod and took off the small fish that had taken the bait: "What's wrong? Why are you making such a fuss?"
Isn't it said that people automatically become more mature once they have a job?
How can I ensure that the product remains the same as before?
Oh no, there have been changes.
After a month of riding back and forth on horseback, Baoqing got a tan.
Unaware that her mother was badmouthing her in her heart, Baoqing grinned from ear to ear, "Mother, good news! The Fujin is pregnant."
After the first daughter was born to the Grand Consort in the 27th year of the Kangxi Emperor's reign, Baoqing did not have any children for four or five years.
His first priority was to protect himself; he was stubborn and wanted a legitimate son.
Perhaps there's a bit of childhood factor involved.
He and the Third Prince were both sent out of the palace to be raised, but the Crown Prince, who was sandwiched between them, was able to stay in the palace and grow up, simply because he was the legitimate son and was more precious than them.
Despite his seemingly carefree demeanor, Baoqing harbors a deep resentment.
He himself did not receive the Emperor's company during his childhood, and after returning to the palace, he only stayed with his mother for half a year before going to the Imperial Study. He must make sure that his child receives what he did not have. His child will be born with his father and mother by his side. He wants to give him the best!
Next was the First Consort.
She was quite young when she gave birth to her eldest daughter, which damaged her health.
She also wanted a legitimate son and originally planned to continue getting pregnant.
But Yunjun immediately scolded her after learning of her thoughts, thus stopping her.
Childbirth must have taken a huge toll on her body. She's not fully recovered yet and she wants to get pregnant again. Does she think she's too healthy?
Besides, if the mother is in poor health, the offspring she gives birth to will also be unhealthy. Does she want a sickly child?
Yes, after the First Consort married into the palace, not many children died young.
But were those who died prematurely just numbers and not real, living lives?
After giving her a good scolding, Yun Jun was able to put the mind at ease.
She herself is not in a hurry to have a grandson. Her eldest granddaughter is very cute, and she likes her very much. She will not put pressure on her.
As for the Emperor, what contact could a daughter-in-law like you possibly have with him? Even if he bestows upon her a concubine or a princess, once she enters the palace, wouldn't it be you and Baoqing who are in charge?
After all that, the First Princess Consort was no longer in a hurry. She had the imperial physicians take good care of her body, which was depleted after childbirth. After three years of recuperation, her body had almost fully recovered, and only then did she prepare to get pregnant.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
