Chapter 35 Wen Shan thought to herself, "As expected, it's pampering..."
Wen Shan thought to herself, "She really is a favored concubine; her actions are truly extraordinary."
She even asked Yinzhen and Yinsi what tricks they had played inside, and from what they said that morning, she knew there was definitely something fishy going on.
But neither Yinzhen nor Yinsi told her.
When they arrived in Suzhou and Hangzhou, Emperor Kangxi became very busy. He was busy receiving officials and inspecting government affairs, and he was rarely seen all day long. He only occasionally summoned his concubines, mostly Consort Mi. He spent the rest of his time eating at Consort Wenshan's place. So from the day of her investiture, Consort Mi almost took over Consort Wenshan's exclusive favor. For a period of time, she even lived in the side hall of Emperor Kangxi's bedroom. The extent of her favor made Consort Rong and others speechless.
If things continue like this, a lot of people will probably be scared to death when they return to the palace.
Wen Shan finally returned to her happy and carefree life, taking every opportunity to take Yinzhen and Yinsi to stroll around the countryside, and the three of them had a great time.
Consort Mi was favored, but Guarjia, who boarded the ship with her, was never favored or given a title.
After waiting for several days, Lady Guarjia was afraid that if things continued like this, the Emperor would completely forget about her. So she gritted her teeth and went to find Consort Mi, hoping that she could help her out of consideration for their past relationship.
Consort Mi was not a heartless person and met with her, but she was somewhat powerless to help Guarjia's request.
Guarjia, seeing Consort Mi's envious expression, assumed that Consort Mi was unwilling to help her because she was worried about Guarjia competing for the emperor's favor, and quickly left in a huff.
Seeing her mistress's worried expression, Ruyi, the personal maid of Consort Mi, comforted her, "Miss Guarjia does not know about Consort Mi's difficulties, so you don't need to be sad."
The imperial procession has now arrived in Suzhou, and the official receiving them is the Governor of Suzhou. The place where they are staying is also an exquisite garden owned by the Governor of Suzhou. With its rugged rocks and scattered tree shadows, it is an elegant garden.
“I’ve been here before,” Consort Mi said suddenly, looking at the beautiful scenery outside the window.
Ruyi was assigned to serve Consort Mi after Consort Mi was officially appointed, and she was unaware of Consort Mi's private affairs. At this moment, she could only go along with it and say, "This servant has heard that Consort Mi is from Suzhou."
Consort Mi smiled and didn't continue speaking.
The wife of the Suzhou governor just came to pay her respects, but looking at her, I can't remember who she is.
But she remembered how she used to follow her father here to celebrate the promotion of the Suzhou governor, eagerly waiting to see the whole garden.
At that time, she never imagined that one day she would live here and that the haughty governor's wife would grovel at her feet and greet her.
"Greetings to Consort Mi."
Liang Jiugong entered, bowed, and said with a smile, "His Majesty will be arriving later. Please make preparations."
Consort Mi gave Ruyi a wink, and Consort Mi understood and slipped a few silver ingots to Liang Jiugong.
"Oh dear, this is too kind of you, sir," Liang Jiugong said with a wide grin.
Consort Mi smiled slightly: "Please accept this, Father-in-law. It's not easy for you to make this trip; consider it a little water to drink."
Liang Jiugong accepted the silver, flattered Consort Mi a few more times, and then took his leave.
Ruyi was very excited: "Your Majesty, the Emperor really favors you. Of all the concubines, he still prefers to come here the most."
Ruyi felt she was very lucky. She never expected that she would be so favored by the master she was assigned during the southern tour. With the emperor's return to the capital soon, she would probably receive a further promotion once they returned to the palace.
Consort Mi also breathed a sigh of relief and murmured, "I have to thank that lady a lot, but I don't know who she is..."
The wind outside picked up and rustled the leaves. Ruyi didn't hear clearly for a moment and asked, "My lord, what did you say?"
"It's nothing," Consort Mi smiled. "Your Majesty can come over later and make preparations."
The remaining concubines were naturally furious that Consort Mi had the sole favor with the emperor, especially Consort Rong and Consort Cheng. These two had originally hoped to take advantage of the fewer people on the southern tour to strengthen their relationship with Emperor Kangxi, but unexpectedly, the emperor favored Consort Xuan in the first half of the tour, and just as they were about to return to the capital, Consort Mi appeared and monopolized the emperor's affections.
Consort Xuan was one thing, after all, she was an old servant in the palace and her rank was above theirs. They could comfort themselves with the fact that Consort Xuan was favored. But the fact that Consort Mi was so favored made them feel a bit vulnerable.
She was just a young girl, how could she have captivated the emperor so much?
So Consort Rong, Noble Lady Cheng, and Consort Duan took turns complaining to Wen Shan, saying that the Emperor's favoritism towards a Han Chinese woman from Jiangnan would damage his reputation, and that Noble Lady Mi was a seductive woman trying to curry favor.
After a few days, Wenshan's ears were practically calloused.
"What's wrong with women from Jiangnan? I think women from Jiangnan are quite good." After they left, Wen Shan and Zhenzhu chatted and even spoke up for Consort Mi.
Regional discrimination is something that makes people uncomfortable no matter when they hear it.
Especially this kind of insulting thing.
Pearl smiled and said, "The ladies were just using jealousy as an excuse."
We can't exactly have Consort Rong crying and shouting that she was jealous of the Emperor's favor towards Consort Mi and that's why she wanted to get rid of her.
Wen Shan stretched and said, "If they keep going like this, they'll behave themselves when the Emperor takes pity on them and elevates Consort Mi's status."
Although Consort Mi was a Han Chinese, she was under the Han Army banner; otherwise, she wouldn't have been sent to the palace. If Emperor Kangxi had been so angry that he elevated her to the Manchu banner for the sake of a beautiful woman, those officials would have been in an uproar.
She should hurry back to the palace; she really can't handle this situation.
Emperor Kangxi often stayed with Consort Mi, so Consort Min visited Wenshan more often.
Every few days, she would come over to chat with Wen Shan. Consort Min especially liked Yin Si, and Wen Shan could see the affection in her eyes. Every time she came, she would bring some gifts for the two children.
Yinzhi was also surprised that the thirteenth prince's birth mother liked him so much, and he was speechless for a moment.
Thinking about it, it really seems a bit absurd.
One day, Consort Min came to visit again. Yinzhen and Yinsi were just about to go out for a stroll. Last time, Yinsi was unable to go out for a stroll, and Yinzhen had been remembering this. He took the opportunity to ask Emperor Kangxi to take Yinsi out for a stroll before returning to the capital.
The two brothers started changing their clothes early in the morning. Wen Shan tidied them up and brought a few eunuchs with her before letting them go out.
Watching Yinzhi and Yinzhen leave, Consort Min said enviously, "Your Majesty is truly blessed. Who wouldn't be envious of such outstanding princes?"
Wen Shan poured her some tea: "You've said this so many times these past few days. Don't be envious. You'll definitely have a smart and outstanding prince in the future."
Consort Min smiled and said, "Then I'll take your kind words, Your Majesty."
Wen Shan calculated that the thirteenth prince would be born in two years, and Consort Min should be pregnant not long after returning to the palace.
It will definitely be even more lively when the thirteenth child is born.
Yinzhen and Yinsi left the villa and went out onto the street. Although the ancients said that Yangzhou was a beautiful place in the third month of spring, the Jiangnan region in autumn was also very beautiful. The autumn wind was brisk, the maple leaves were turning red, the water was gurgling, and the osmanthus was fragrant.
The streets were filled with vendors hawking their wares. The two strolled around the busiest street, buying quite a few trinkets. They only stopped to rest when the eunuch following them was almost covered in trinkets. There was a famous pastry shop in Suzhou, so Yinzhen sent the eunuch to buy some. The two chatted while waiting for the pastries to return.
Yinzhen and Yinsi were dressed exquisitely and looked handsome. They were accompanied by many servants and were clearly young masters from wealthy families. Every now and then, bold merchants would come up to recommend their own products.
Yinzhi was in a good mood today, and he happily accepted anything that caught his eye, with Yinzhen acting as his money bag and paying for it.
"Brother, you should try it, it's not bad." Yinzhi held up a piece of glutinous rice cake and strongly recommended that Yinzhen try it: "Although it's not as delicious as Mother's, it has its own unique flavor."
Yinzhen took a bite from his hand and commented that it was pretty good.
"Jiangnan is truly a wonderful place," Yinzhi exclaimed, squinting his eyes. He wondered if he could bring his mother to live in Jiangnan after his fourth brother ascended the throne.
Fourth Brother would definitely not allow it, but he could secretly take Mother away.
Just as people were admiring the picturesque bridges and houses of Jiangnan, a troop of soldiers suddenly appeared from the end of the street. A young man dressed in the robes of a county magistrate led the soldiers forward with a solemn expression. People on the street made way for them, whispering among themselves about what had happened.
Yinzhen looked over and said, "It looks like the government office is handling a case. Let's hurry back."
Since there's a case going on, this place is a mixed bag and unsafe.
Upon hearing this, Yinzhi looked over as well, and when he saw the county magistrate's appearance clearly, he paused in his eating of glutinous rice cake.
Isn't this Tian Wenjing?
He was one of his fourth brother's trusted ministers after he ascended the throne. He was a typical late bloomer. During the Kangxi era, he was still a fourth-rank Grand Secretary in the Cabinet until he was sixty years old. Later, under his fourth brother's leadership, he rose all the way to the position of Governor-General of Henan, becoming one of the few powerful regional officials.
I never expected to run into you at this time.
Once he recognized Tian Wenjing, Yinzhi didn't want to leave immediately and kept Yinzhen there to see what was going on.
Yinzhen had always doted on Yinsi, and seeing this, he had no choice but to go along with him.
Tian Wenjing had just started his official career last year and was now the magistrate of Changle County, which happened to be the place where Emperor Kangxi stayed during his southern tour. With the emperor in attendance, Tian Wenjing was naturally extremely busy during this period and could not afford to make any mistakes. Unexpectedly, early this morning, someone went to the county government office to beat the drum and appeal for justice, accusing Zuixianlou, the largest restaurant in Suzhou, of forcibly seizing private property. The whole family of seven was crying and making a big fuss at the entrance of the county government office.
After learning about the situation, Tian Wenjing discovered that the family made a living by selling stewed mutton. They were quite famous in Suzhou and had no worries about food and drink, all thanks to a secret recipe passed down through generations. Unexpectedly, the owner of Zuixianlou took a liking to it and wanted to buy it. Naturally, the family refused. To their surprise, Zuixianlou sent people to smash up and rob the shop, forcibly taking away the recipe.
With witnesses and physical evidence, and the whole story clearly explained, Tian Wenjing immediately sent someone to summon the people from Zuixianlou for questioning. Unexpectedly, they were not summoned. Instead, a yamen runner brought back a message saying that the owner of Zuixianlou was the brother-in-law of the Suzhou governor, and that Tian Wenjing should handle the matter as appropriate.
Upon hearing this, Tian Wenjing sneered and immediately led his men to arrest the person himself.
How dare His Majesty commit such illegal and disorderly acts under the very nose of this emperor? And even attempt to bend the law for personal gain?
Tian Wenjing led his constables to block the entrance of Zuixianlou. Soon, someone came out and said with a smile, "Lord Tian, you are a distinguished guest. Let's go inside and talk. I'll have someone prepare an elegant private room for you so we can sit down and talk slowly."
"No need. Where is Zhao Ying? I've come to summon him to the government office for questioning." Tian Wenjing didn't even glance at him, completely ignoring the man's attempt to be friendly.
"The master didn't come today. If you have anything to say, just tell me. My name is Wang Li, and I'm in charge here." Wang Li naturally knew that Tian Wenjing had come because of that little matter from this morning. Although he still had a smile on his face, he was already cursing Tian Wenjing in his heart for not knowing how to be an official and for being a hothead. He had made such a big fuss over such a small matter.
Wang Li stepped forward and whispered to Tian Wenjing, "Lord Tian, this property belongs to the brother-in-law of Governor Gao of Suzhou. You and my master are both officials in the same court, so why don't you do me a favor?"
Tian Wenjing glanced at him and said, "Do me a favor? I'm afraid you can't make that decision."
After saying that, he looked at the Drunken Immortal Pavilion in front of him and said, "In that case, let's seal it off as usual and deal with other matters when Zhao Ying returns."
"Guards, seal off Zuixianlou for me!"
Wang Li panicked and hurriedly cried out, "Lord Tian, what are you doing!"
Just as the constables were about to swarm into Zuixianlou, a man dressed in brocade and silk emerged. He strode out, pointed at Tian Wenjing's nose, and cursed, "Tian Wenjing! You, a mere seventh-rank official, dare to seize our Zhao family's property!"
Tian Wenjing waved his hand, signaling the yamen runners to leave for the time being.
"Zhao Ying, someone has accused you of forcibly seizing private property. Come with me to the county government office."
Zhao Ying didn't take it seriously and walked up to Tian Wenjing, saying imperiously, "Are you crazy? Do you know who my brother-in-law is? He's your boss. He can take your job with just a word!"
"I don't know which high-ranking official your brother-in-law is, but I do know that you, Zhao Ying, are a commoner. How dare you insult a government official? Your crime is doubled. Take him away!"
With a wave of his hand, Tian Wenjing summoned the constables behind him and seized Zhao Ying.
Zhao Ying was caught off guard and panicked for a moment because she didn't expect Tian Wenjing to actually make a move.
After observing for a while, Yinzhen praised, "This Tian Wenjing seems to be an official who is not swayed by power or money."
Yinzhi didn't reply, thinking to himself, "Otherwise, Fourth Brother, you wouldn't value him so much."
"Alright, there's nothing more to see." Seeing that Zhao Ying was about to be taken away by Tian Wenjing, and with the little eunuch he'd sent to buy pastries returning, Yinzhen called Yinsi back. It seemed there really wouldn't be much excitement left. No matter how illustrious Zhao Ying's family background was, as Tian Wenjing had said, he was just a commoner and couldn't resist. He'd probably have to wait for his brother-in-law to bail him out of prison, and whether he could actually get him out was another matter. He was unlucky to run into someone as incorruptible as Tian Wenjing.
Just as the two were about to leave, an official rode up in a hurry and immediately ordered his men to release Zhao Ying.
"Hey, what's going on here? Why have you arrested Young Master Zhao?"
Yinzhen stopped in his tracks and carefully examined the official robes of the newcomer, recognizing him as the local prefect.
Tian Wenjing knew in his heart that he was too late, but he did not let the yamen runners release Zhao Ying. He simply bowed and said, "Lord Tong."
Prefect Tong helped Tian Wenjing up: "Lord Tian, you're too kind. What happened?"
Zhao Ying breathed a sigh of relief when he saw Prefect Tong arrive. Luckily, he had just sent someone to deliver the message, otherwise he would have had to go to the unlucky place of the prison.
Now let's see how arrogant Tian Wenjing still is.
Tian Wenjing reported the matter in detail.
“Lord Tong, the person who filed the complaint is still waiting in the county office. According to the laws of the Qing Dynasty, I must take Zhao Ying back for questioning.”
Prefect Tong lowered his voice: "Wenjing, why are you so stubborn? This man is the brother-in-law of Governor Gao of Suzhou. Even if he goes to the prefectural office, he will still have to come out. I think it's better to avoid trouble. Just let it go. Otherwise, what if the governor personally comes to question you?"
Tian Wenjing remained upright and incorruptible, and retorted firmly: "Then let Lord Gao come find me."
"You're being foolish! The Emperor is in Suzhou now, why create trouble? What if Lord Gao impeaches you directly in front of the Emperor? Wouldn't your career be ruined?" Prefect Tong was so angry at his stubbornness that he jumped up and down.
That's the downside of young officials; they're always full of enthusiasm and want to do what's right for the people, but there aren't that many things for them to do.
"Now the Emperor's favorite Consort Mi was also presented by Lord Gao. Aren't you just courting death?" Prefect Tong still tried to persuade him earnestly.
Zhao Ying, standing to the side, also shouted arrogantly, "Tian Wenjing, if you kowtow to me and admit your mistake now, I will forgive you this time. Otherwise, you'll be in big trouble!"
Tian Wenjing was too lazy to argue with them anymore, and immediately ordered the yamen runners to take the people back to the county yamen.
Prefect Tong shouted, "Let's see who dares!"
The yamen runners were caught in a dilemma. Lord Tian was their direct superior, but Prefect Tong was Lord Tian's superior. Whom should they listen to and who should they not listen to?
Seeing the tense scene before him, Yinzhen beckoned to the eunuch beside him to come closer.
"Yes, Your Majesty, I will take care of it immediately."
Prefect Tong and Tian Wenjing were also puzzled by the sudden appearance of the young man. It wasn't until the eunuch took out a waist token that their expressions changed, and they exchanged a glance and fell silent.
This was unique to the princes, and it was written with the name of the Fourth Prince, Yinzhen.
Is the Fourth Prince here?
The two then thought that since the Emperor was currently in Suzhou, it seemed quite normal for the Fourth Prince to happen to be there.
Yinzhen did not want to make a big fuss, so the eunuch gestured to the two men that they did not need to bow.
"My lords, our master said that since there is a law, we should act in accordance with it and let Lord Tian take the person away."
Prefect Tong's heart sank. Whether Zhao Ying could be saved or not was no longer important now that the Fourth Prince had intervened. What mattered now was that the Fourth Prince had probably seen everything he had just done, and with Lord Gao also present...
Prefect Tong felt as if the word "it's all over" was echoing in his mind.
Fortunately, Yinzhen did not intend to intervene, and Prefect Tong quickly left upon seeing this, leaving Zhao Ying completely unaware of what had happened.
Why did Lord Tong run away like he'd seen a ghost? And who was that young man who just came over?
With Yinzhen backing him up, Tian Wenjing was no longer afraid of him and waved for the yamen runners to take Zhao Ying away.
However, Tian Wenjing did not leave in a hurry. He waited until the crowd of onlookers dispersed before walking quickly to a small pavilion by the lake.
"Your humble servant greets the Fourth Prince!"
Yinzhen nodded slightly, not surprised that Tian Wenjing recognized them.
The presence of Yinzhen and Yinsi, accompanied by several servants, was quite conspicuous. In addition, the noble bearing of Yinzhen and Yinsi was so prominent that Tian Wenjing immediately noticed that these two children were clearly not raised by ordinary families. They must have been pampered for many years to have such an air about them.
"This matter must be handled impartially today, and no one will make things difficult for you again," Yinzhen said.
Tian Wenjing said gratefully, "Thank you, Fourth Prince. I will certainly uphold justice."
Yinzhi, standing to the side, looked at Tian Wenjing with a half-smile and said, "Now that Father Emperor is in Suzhou, good officials like Lord Tian who serve the country and the people should be reported to Father Emperor for commendation."
It sounded like a compliment, but for some reason, Fumikaze felt a chill run down his spine.
Judging from how Yinzhi addressed the Emperor, Tian Wenjing knew that this was also a prince. Considering his age and the fact that he was with the Fourth Prince, he was probably the Eighth Prince, who was raised under the care of Consort Xuan along with the Fourth Prince.
The Eighth Prince's words, though ostensibly a compliment, were actually a subtle jab at him, suggesting he might be deliberately trying to impress the Emperor.
Tian Wenjing sighed in admiration, "He is indeed a prince. Even though he is still young, his wisdom is far beyond that of ordinary people."
"This is all within my duty, and I dare not ask for anything else. You flatter me, Eighth Prince," Tian Wenjing said respectfully, cupping his hands in greeting.
Having finished his business, Yinzhen prepared to take Yinsi back. Tian Wenjing watched the two princes walk away and thought to himself that since he was sent to Suzhou to serve as an official, he had thought that he would never be able to return to the capital in his life. He never expected that he would have such an opportunity to meet the Fourth Prince and the Eighth Prince today.
On the way back, Yinzhi asked Yinzhen, "Does Fourth Brother really like Tian Wenjing?"
“He is a usable person,” Yinzhen said.
Emperor Yinzhen had a particular fondness for officials who refused to bow to the powerful and wealthy, refused to form cliques, and were wholeheartedly devoted to serving the people.
Yinzhi nodded, thinking that since they had already encountered this life, they shouldn't let Tian Wenjing wait until he was sixty to realize his ambitions.
...
Wen Shan was still talking with Consort Min, and they were discussing Consort Mi, the new favorite of Emperor Kangxi. Even Consort Min, who usually didn't care much about such things, was curious as to why Emperor Kangxi favored her so much.
Emperor Kangxi was always very stingy with the ranks of the harem. Except for those from aristocratic families who entered the palace with high ranks, almost all other concubines had to start from the rank of concubine. For example, Consort Min waited seven or eight years after entering the palace and was promoted twice before she reached the rank of consort. On the other hand, Consort Wang was promoted to consort from the very beginning.
This is simply unheard of.
Wen Shan naturally didn't know either. Feelings are hard to predict. Perhaps Consort Mi just happened to suit Kangxi's tastes. Traveling on tours is already more relaxed, and having beautiful scenery and a beautiful woman by your side would be even better.
However, Yinzhen and Yinsi must have been involved in this as well, but these things cannot be told to Consort Min.
"I once saw Consort Mi when I went to pay my respects to His Majesty. She is indeed very beautiful and has a refined and elegant demeanor," Consort Min said. "However, in terms of appearance alone, she is not unmatched."
In terms of appearance, Consort Niohuru was bright and beautiful, Noble Lady Liang had delicate features, and Consort De was also a beauty with bright eyes and white teeth. Each of them had their own merits and were no less than Noble Lady Mi. The Emperor should not be captivated by appearances.
Wen Shan didn't seem to care much and said with a smile, "We're not mind readers, we can't fathom the Emperor's intentions."
It's only a southern tour now; there will definitely be more excitement when they return to the palace.
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