Chapter 107 Kangxi's fainting was purely...
Emperor Kangxi fainted purely from anger. Although the ministers' words were somewhat harsh, the main reason was that Kangxi himself was also a little uneasy.
Was reinstating Yinreng the right decision?
Was he truly thinking of the Qing Dynasty's future when he single-handedly pushed Yinreng to the position of Crown Prince despite the pressure from the entire court?
Is Yinreng really worthy of this position?
It was precisely because Kangxi himself was somewhat hesitant that he was exposed for his weakness when his ministers were arguing with reason, and he fainted in a fit of anger.
When Wen Shan arrived at the Hall of Mental Cultivation, Consort Tongjia was already inside. Recently, Emperor Kangxi had changed his ways or had other plans, and he had put aside his favorite concubines, such as Consort Mi and Consort He, and instead favored Consort Tongjia more.
When Consort Tongjia heard that Wen Shan had arrived, she hurriedly came out to greet her.
"How is the Emperor?"
Wen Shan entered the side hall of the Hall of Mental Cultivation. Instead of rushing to the Emperor's bedchamber to visit him, she first spoke with Consort Tongjia.
Consort Tongjia ordered her personal maid to take all the eunuchs and maids away from the palace. Wen Shan sensed something was amiss when she saw this.
What big thing is Consort Tongjia planning?
"The imperial physician has already examined him and said it's nothing serious, just a case of anger affecting the heart. He's already been given acupuncture, and His Majesty should wake up in about fifteen minutes," said Consort Tongjia.
Wenshan nodded: "Thank you for taking care of things here."
As soon as Kangxi was in trouble, Consort Tongjia rushed over. As a consort who had recently been extremely favored, it was perfectly justified for her to come and attend to him. Of course, there was another important reason: Wen Shan, who was now one rank higher than her, had not intervened in the matter.
Emperor Kangxi fainted during the morning court session at noon. Now it is almost dusk, and many concubines have come to the Hall of Mental Cultivation to visit him, but Consort Tongjia turned them away on the grounds that the emperor needs to rest.
Only Wen Shan was personally welcomed in by Consort Tong Jia.
Therefore, many people in the palace are still unaware of Kangxi's current situation.
"Your Highness, you are the Eighth Prince's adoptive mother, raising him from childhood. Surely the bond between mother and son is no less than that between biological parents?" Consort Tongjia suddenly said.
It was well-known in the palace that the Imperial Noble Consort doted on the Eighth Prince. After the Eighth Prince's incident, although the Imperial Noble Consort did not plead with the Emperor, she blocked the Emperor's way to Xianfu Palace and stormed off in anger, a fact known throughout the Forbidden City.
Wen Shan's brow furrowed slightly: "Why bring up Yinzhi all of a sudden?"
At this point, Consort Tongjia had nothing left to hide, so she decided to speak frankly.
"Your Highness, the Tongjia clan is all tied to the Eighth Prince. I have no children, so I am relying on the Eighth Prince's future ascension to the throne so that I can live out my days in peace. I have always respected you and never overstepped your bounds in the slightest since I entered the palace, and that is why."
What Consort Tongjia said was true. Although Wenshan was nominally an Imperial Noble Consort, it was actually Consort Tongjia who was in charge of the six palaces. In the past, when Consort Wenxi was in power, things were not like they are now, where everything had to be consulted with Wenshan before being carried out.
"So, is something big going to happen today?" Wen Shan asked suddenly after listening quietly for a while.
Consort Tongjia sighed: "Your Majesty and I both know that the Eighth Prince was framed. Yet the Emperor dotes on Prince Li, a man of questionable character, and even wants to reinstate him as Crown Prince. Despite the obstruction of the officials, the Emperor remains unmoved."
"It is clear that Prince Li used some kind of witchcraft to bewitch the Emperor. Otherwise, how could the Emperor, who is so exceptionally wise, have made such a grave mistake?"
Wen Shan glanced sideways and realized that this was the reason Tong Guowei had come up with: to depose the crown prince and use magic to suppress Emperor Kangxi.
It makes sense, if you really want to.
After all, Emperor Kangxi did act quite erratically during this period.
Moreover, his current illness further confirms that he has been subjected to a curse.
"In that case, it seems the Emperor won't wake up tonight, right?" Wen Shan said calmly, looking up.
How could Kangxi possibly wake up under such circumstances?
Now that things have come to this, Consort Tongjia has revealed everything.
"Your Majesty, we are all doing this for the sake of the Eighth Prince. You don't want to see him confined to the Imperial Clan Court for the rest of his life, do you? If the deposed Crown Prince ascends the throne one day, the Eighth Prince will never have a chance to turn things around. He might not even be able to save his life, and even the child in the Eighth Princess's womb will probably not escape death." Consort Tongjia continued to persuade him.
Wenshan said slowly, "So, what do you want to do?"
"Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Tonight, your father will arrest Prince Li and his faction under the pretext of purging corrupt officials. Then, the Eighth Prince's injustice will be redressed. The Emperor is already unconscious from anger today. Upon hearing that the deposed Crown Prince is practicing witchcraft, he must be heartbroken and fall ill."
Consort Tongjia glanced outside. Half of the guards in the Hall of Mental Cultivation had been dismissed by Tong Guowei in the name of Longkodo, the Nine Gates Admiral. Now, the matter was settled and had no choice but to proceed.
"Why should I help you?" Wen Shan asked. "This is treason, and..."
"And if Prince Yong ascends the throne in the future, he will naturally treat the Eighth Prince well, right, Your Highness, Imperial Noble Consort?" Tonight, Imperial Noble Consort Tongjia's task was clearly to act as a persuader.
Wen Shan is a highly influential Imperial Noble Consort in the palace, so we must keep her in check. We will even need her to appease the Empress Dowager later.
Tong Guowei's idea was that Consort Tongjia must persuade Wen Shan, so as to restrain Yinzhen and Yinxiang.
"Your Majesty, the Fourth Prince and the Eighth Prince were both raised under your care since childhood. You know their temperaments better than anyone. Although they are brothers, they are now political enemies. After the Eighth Prince got into trouble, did the Fourth Prince ever plead for him even once?"
“Even if the Fourth Prince defeats the deposed Crown Prince and ascends the throne in the future, given his cold-blooded and ruthless nature, he will never release the Eighth Prince,” said Consort Tongjia. “The Eighth Prince is different. You know him best. He is kind and gentle, and the Fourth Prince has not committed any serious mistakes. The Eighth Prince will naturally treat him well.”
"This way, you, as the mother, won't be caught in the middle. Isn't this the best arrangement?"
Wen Shan had always thought that Consort Tongjia wasn't a very eloquent person, but today she realized that she was quite quick-witted and her ability to persuade people with reason and emotion was truly impressive.
Wen Shan also pretended to have her worries exposed, and sighed, saying, "These two children are indeed giving me a headache."
Consort Tongjia breathed a sigh of relief. Her father was right after all. The Imperial Noble Consort was soft-hearted and loved children. Approaching it from this angle would surely persuade her.
"Your Majesty, the Emperor has awakened." Just then, Consort Tongjia's personal maid came in to report.
"knew."
Consort Tongjia took out a porcelain bottle from a small sandalwood box next to her.
Wen Shan's eyelids twitched. Could this be poison?
Is Tong Guowei going all out to poison Emperor Kangxi?
Upon closer reflection, it seems that such a surprise attack actually has a fairly high probability of success.
"Your Highness, please rest assured, this is not poison. It is merely medicine to allow His Majesty to rest and recuperate for a while longer," said Consort Tongjia.
Tong Guowei no longer dared to let Kangxi die easily. It can only be said that at the beginning he did consider going all out and taking advantage of the chaos to pull off a big heist.
Even if Kangxi was already on guard, it was hard to imagine that they would take action at this time.
However, after much deliberation, Tong Guowei still felt it was inappropriate. They did not know what other tricks Kangxi had left behind, and this was a bit too risky. So they simply changed the medicine to make Kangxi's body weak for a while longer and unable to get up.
Wenshan felt a little regretful after hearing this.
This is worse than just... cough cough.
"Didn't they just say that the imperial physicians have already diagnosed that the Emperor is fine? Now you..."
Wouldn't that leave a handle for us to use against us?
Consort Tongjia smiled and said, "Your Majesty, rest assured, these matters have already been taken care of."
Longkodo's position as the Nine Gates Commander was still very useful. Now, the area around the Hall of Mental Cultivation was gradually being replaced by their people. Tong Guowei didn't want to make too much of a commotion that would be difficult to handle. His plan was for Consort Tongjia to control Kangxi in the Hall of Mental Cultivation, then spread the news that Kangxi had been bewitched and was unconscious. After that, the people planted in the palace would arrest the deposed crown prince and then quickly and decisively end his life.
Prince Li has been guarding the Hall of Mental Cultivation ever since Emperor Kangxi fell into a coma.
This was naturally Tong Guowei's deliberate intention to keep him in the palace so that it would be easier to take action.
As for the reason, it could be that they resisted arrest and attempted to kidnap the emperor.
After that, Kangxi was asked to write the abdication edict and the Eighth Prince was put on the throne.
However, this series of actions must be done quickly, not only because the deposed crown prince's people are watching, but more importantly because Prince Yong and the thirteenth prince are also watching. Therefore, persuading Wen Shan is particularly important.
Although Prince Yong was a cold-faced king to his ministers and brothers, he was extremely filial. If anyone could restrain him, it would only be the Imperial Noble Consort.
So the most important thing now is to be fast.
“The Prince of Li is inside. His Majesty is probably wary of me. I’ll have to trouble you to come with me.”
The palace maid brought over the brewed medicine, and Consort Tongjia opened the small porcelain bottle, poured a little into the medicine, and then slowly stirred it with a spoon.
Wenshan came today to see Kangxi, so she readily agreed.
The palace servants who entered the bedchamber all stood with their heads bowed. Kangxi had already woken up and was leaning against the headboard. Prince Li was beside him, carefully wiping Kangxi's face with a handkerchief.
Wen Shan and Consort Tong Jia greeted Emperor Kangxi, and Prince Li also bowed to them with great courtesy.
Liang Jiugong took the tray from the palace maid and presented the medicine to Emperor Kangxi.
"Your Majesty, this is a prescription from the imperial physician to clear heat and reduce internal fire. He said that you should drink a bowl of it after you wake up to relieve your inner turmoil," said Consort Tongjia.
Emperor Kangxi glanced at the bowl of medicine but didn't touch it.
"No rush, we can use it later."
Emperor Kangxi was not stupid; given the current situation, he naturally had to be wary of people from the Tongjia clan.
Prince Li, standing to the side, finally realized that something was amiss.
"The Imperial Noble Consort has also arrived?" Kangxi looked up at Wenshan.
Wen Shan: "I heard that Your Majesty is ill, so I came to visit you."
Emperor Kangxi was clearly still a little shaken. He lay back, catching his breath, and said, "You may all leave. I need to speak with the Imperial Noble Consort."
Consort Tongjia glanced at Wen Shan and gave a meaningful look to the bowl of medicine placed to the side, signaling Wen Shan to make Kangxi drink it as soon as possible.
This step is absolutely crucial and cannot afford to go wrong.
Prince Li hesitated for a moment, and Kangxi coughed and said, "Yinzhi, go to the side hall and wait. If anything happens, I will summon you."
"yes."
Consort Tongjia and Prince Li withdrew, and Liang Jiugong also led the palace servants away, leaving only Wen Shan and Emperor Kangxi in the bedchamber.
"You've been in the palace for thirty years now, haven't you?" Kangxi thought for a moment and suddenly began to reminisce with her about the past.
Wen Shan hadn't thought much about this, but when Kangxi mentioned it, she calculated that it had indeed been more than thirty years.
Wen Shan said, "There aren't many old people left in the palace these days. If Your Majesty hadn't mentioned it, I would have almost forgotten that I've been in the palace for so many years."
"Today, during the morning court session, I proposed reinstating Yinreng as Crown Prince, but most of the court officials opposed it." Kangxi straightened his body, intending to sit up.
Wen Shan stepped forward and placed a soft cushion under him. Kangxi took the opportunity to grasp her hand and asked, "What do you think?"
"The imperial harem should not interfere in politics."
"I grant you permission to speak."
Wen Shan said helplessly, "Whether or not to establish a crown prince, and who to establish as crown prince, are matters of the previous dynasty. As a mere woman in the harem, I really don't understand these things."
The main problem was that it was useless for her to speak; at this point, Wen Shan was too lazy to guess Kangxi's meaning and reply.
"Don't you want Yinzhen to be the crown prince?" Kangxi stared intently into her eyes and said, "I have relied on Yinzhen for the past few years, have you never thought about it?"
"Doesn't the Emperor also rely heavily on Yinzhi?" Wen Shan asked calmly.
Emperor Kangxi sighed softly, "I know you still resent me because of Yinzhi's matter."
Wen Shan: "..."
It wasn't exactly resentment; she was somewhat numb to it.
Emperor Kangxi had always been this harsh and ungrateful, and he was used to it.
“Yinreng has sworn to me that if he ascends the throne in the future, he will treat his brothers well, and Yinsi will also release him.”
Wen Shan mentally counted the auspicious cloud patterns on the bed curtains. Upon hearing this, she looked up at Kangxi. Was he just making empty promises to her?
"The princes are naturally all respectful and brotherly to His Majesty. Who can predict the future? If that day ever comes, His Majesty will have long since passed away. It will be up to the Crown Prince to decide."
Emperor Kangxi choked on his words: "...Only you could say something like that."
As he grew older, he became more concerned about matters of life and death, and Wen Shan was the first person to speak so frankly to him.
"Your Majesty is still ill, so don't think about these things." Wen Shan picked up the medicine from the side: "Drink your medicine and rest well first."
Kangxi glanced at the bowl of medicine: "Is this really a calming medicine?"
"Yes, the medicine prescribed by Physician Zhang was brewed in the Hall of Mental Cultivation," Wen Shan said without changing her expression.
Kangxi took it and said before drinking, "I only trust you."
Wenshan smiled.
Kangxi drank the medicine. In his heart, Wenshan was the most innocent and could not lie. He could see through her at a glance. Now that he had suddenly fallen ill, there was no time to arrange many things. He could not refuse to take the medicine, so he could only choose to trust Wenshan.
Wenshan took the medicine bowl and put it aside, then took out a handkerchief to wipe Kangxi's mouth.
"Your Majesty, please sleep a little longer. The imperial physician said you need to rest more."
Kangxi shook his head: "Bring in Yinreng and Liang Jiugong."
Wen Shan readily agreed, wondering when Consort Tongjia's medicine would take effect, while Kangxi seemed to be in good spirits.
As it turned out, the medicine prepared by Consort Tongjia was quite reliable. As soon as Wen Shan got up, Kangxi felt a little dizzy. He propped his forehead with one hand and shook his head.
"you……"
Wen Shan stopped and turned around, tilting her head to look at Kangxi.
Kangxi's vision gradually blurred, and he fainted before he could utter a word.
Wen Shan stepped forward and checked Kangxi's breathing.
He's still alive, so he should be fine.
As Wen Shan exited the bedroom, Liang Jiugong was waiting outside.
"Your Highness, Prince Yong has instructed me to send someone to escort you back to Xianfu Palace."
Wen Shan wasn't quite sure when Liang Jiugong had been recruited by Yinzhen, but she wasn't surprised either.
After all, in his previous life, Liang Jiugong was also involved in the struggle for the throne among the princes, although at that time he followed the crown prince.
It's normal that now that it's Yinzhen (the future emperor) instead.
The fact that Tong Guowei and Consort Tongjia's operation went so smoothly was probably due to Yinzhen's considerable help behind the scenes.
"His Majesty has taken his medicine and rested. He said he would see Prince Li when he wakes up," Wen Shan said. "Please trouble Eunuch Liang to inform Prince Li to wait in the side hall."
"Your Majesty is too kind. This is simply my duty."
Consort Tongjia was still in the Hall of Mental Cultivation. When she saw Wen Shan come out, she looked over anxiously. Wen Shan nodded to her and then went out.
The next thing to do was for Yinzhen and Yinxiang to do.
On her way back to Xianfu Palace, Wen Shan happened to run into the Ninth Prince and the Tenth Prince. The two seemed to have just returned from outside the palace and were on their way to Yangxin Hall.
The two men greeted Wen Shan respectfully, and the Ninth Prince subtly hinted that Yinzhi might come out soon. Wen Shan pretended not to understand and chatted with them for a few words before taking her leave.
As night approached and a breeze began to pick up, Pearl tied a cloak around Wen Shan's neck: "My lady, it's getting chilly, let's hurry back to the palace."
Wenshan tightened her cloak and looked up at the full moon.
"Let's go back and get some sleep. We probably won't be able to sleep well later tonight."
After receiving news that Consort Tongjia had successfully drugged the child, Tong Guowei began to take action. Entering the palace, going to the Hall of Mental Cultivation, and controlling Prince Li went incredibly smoothly, as if even God was helping them.
They encountered no obstacles along the way. Prince Li had just returned to the court and had not yet cultivated any close confidants and trusted advisors. As long as Kangxi was under control, he had no power to fight back and was easily controlled by Tong Guowei's men.
Then, they stuffed a series of pre-prepared pieces of evidence of witchcraft onto Prince Li, and the whole operation was considered a success.
"How is the Emperor?"
After having Prince Li placed under strict guard, Tong Guowei went to the inner palace to question Consort Tongjia.
"She's still asleep. The dosage we gave her will wake her up as soon as the doctor administers acupuncture."
Tong Guowei also brought a trusted doctor with him when he entered the palace this time.
Consort Tongjia looked outside and saw that there were already quite a few more guards.
"Is everything under control, Father?"
"Don't worry." Tong Guowei lifted his foot and walked towards the bedchamber with Consort Tongjia: "The Ninth Prince and the Tenth Prince have arrived and are taking care of things outside. This matter can't be kept secret for long. The First Prince and the Fourth Prince may arrive at any time. We need to get the Emperor's edict before they realize what's happening."
Just then, a guard hurried over.
"Lord Tong, this servant went to the Imperial Clan Court, but the Eighth Prince is no longer there."
Tong Guowei: "What?"
They naturally had to use Kangxi's name to bring out the Eighth Prince first, so that Kangxi's succession to Yinzhi would be legitimate.
"How could it have disappeared?" Tong Guowei suddenly sensed something was wrong and frowned.
The man replied, "We've already sent people to search, but there's still no news."
Tong Guowei gritted his teeth: "Send more people, but don't make a fuss. Let's settle things here first."
Kangxi had already been awakened by the doctor using acupuncture.
"Cough... It really is you, Tong Guowei, how dare you!"
Tong Guowei lifted his robe and gave a deep bow first.
“Your Majesty, why do you say such things? This old minister came to protect Your Majesty. Prince Li was using witchcraft in the palace to bewitch Your Majesty, which is why Your Majesty is so obsessed with wanting to reinstate Prince Li as Crown Prince.”
Emperor Kangxi was amused by his words: "You actually went to such lengths for Yinzhi. I really underestimated you."
"Your Majesty is determined to reinstate the deposed Crown Prince, and this old minister cannot bear to see the foundation of the Qing Dynasty destroyed in an instant."
Kangxi sat up and sneered, "Do you think I really don't know about your disloyal intentions? Longkodo, a mere Nine Gates Commander, is delusional to think he can control the Forbidden City."
With the example of Suo'etu before him, how could Kangxi not be wary of Tong Guowei?
Kangxi had already secretly siphoned off many of Longkodo's men, so they were no longer a threat. The Fengtai camp had already sent word to them long ago.
Tong Guowei realized something was wrong. No wonder the journey had been so smooth; it turned out the Emperor was deliberately letting them pass.
That's impossible! How could the Emperor have drunk that bowl of medicine?
But Tong Guowei didn't have time to think about all that now; he could only seize the moment and quickly get Kangxi to write the edict of succession.
Kangxi remained unmoved, waiting for the people he had arranged to come in. But after a while, there was still no movement. Kangxi frowned and said, "Liang Jiugong!"
Tong Guowei also sensed something was wrong; his years of experience in the imperial court allowed him to quickly understand the current situation.
It seems we've been outmaneuvered by someone else.
In that case, we should immediately have Kangxi write the edict of abdication and the investiture of the Eighth Prince.
"Your Majesty, things have come to this point, you should just write the edict."
Tong Guowei laid out paper and pen. The flickering candlelight cast a shadow. Kangxi looked out the window and clearly saw the figures of the guards, but they all remained motionless as if they were deaf.
Tong Guowei doesn't have that ability, absolutely not.
Something must have gone wrong.
Kangxi naturally wouldn't write this edict, and Tong Guowei grew increasingly anxious as time ticked by, wishing he could press Kangxi's hand down and make him finish writing it.
Just as the emperor and his minister were locked in a stalemate, there was a sudden commotion outside.
The footsteps grew louder as they approached, sounding like the voices of a large group of people.
Tong Guowei realized he was in trouble; he was probably doing all the work for someone else.
Kangxi clearly understood the current situation, yet he still had the leisure to chat with Tong Guowei.
"Guess whether it will be Yinzhen, Yinti, or Yinsi who comes in later."
Tong Guowei gritted his teeth. The sounds of close combat could be heard outside; a fight had broken out.
He pushed open the door and went out, only to find a large number of soldiers pouring into the Hall of Mental Cultivation. All his men had been captured.
The Ninth Prince and the Tenth Prince stood outside the hall and cursed under their breath as they watched Yinzhen and Yinxiang being ushered forward.
"Fourth Brother, you've led a large force into the Hall of Mental Cultivation in the dead of night. Are you planning a rebellion?"
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
