Chapter 68 Yinzhen and Yinsi didn't mention it beforehand...
Yinzhen and Yinsi had not discussed it beforehand, but after Yinsi brought it up, Yinzhen thought it was indeed a good marriage proposal.
“Although she is a second wife, Tian Wenjing is an upright official and a good person. She has no concubines or maids, and no children. I believe that with my eighth brother and I acting as matchmakers, your daughter will not be mistreated,” Yinzhen added.
Dai Zi was still somewhat hesitant, not because he thought remarriage was bad, but because the two families were indeed of different social standing.
"Fourth Master, Eighth Master, thank you both for your concern. However, Lord Tian is a prefect, while I am just an ordinary citizen who was recently convicted. I am afraid I am not a suitable match for him."
Dai Zi had heard of Tian Wenjing's official name and knew him to be an upright and honest official. He would naturally be happy if his daughter really married into the family, but he was always worried that his daughter would be bullied because they were not of equal social standing.
Although he thought his daughter was perfect in every way, he had to admit that she was indeed the "old maid who couldn't get married" that the gossips in the neighborhood were talking about. The fact that he had just lost his official position in the palace made things even worse.
A hint of melancholy appeared in Dai Zi's eyes as he said with a bitter smile, "I won't hide it from you, gentlemen. I originally planned to save up as much wealth as possible to leave to my daughter. If I could find her a son-in-law to live with her in the future, that would be best. I'll keep using these old bones and wait for her to have a child, teach him to be filial to his mother, and pass on my skills to my grandchildren. That should be enough to ensure she has a worry-free life, and then I can leave in peace."
Dai Zi touched the hearts of Yinzhen and Yinsi, who were also moved by his fatherly love.
The three of them walked to the lakeside pavilion in the backyard and sat down to discuss the matter in detail. Now that the autumn wind was rising, the lotus flowers in the lake had almost all withered, and every now and then a few gray birds flew by, startling ripples.
"I understand. Master Dai is worried that your daughter will be mistreated after marriage, isn't that right?" Yinzhi asked.
Dai Zi scratched his head somewhat embarrassedly: "The person you two gentlemen have chosen is naturally good. I have also heard of Lord Tian's reputation for integrity. However, aren't all officials hoping to find a good marriage so that they can have a successful career? If Lord Tian becomes my son-in-law, then all hope for that will be lost."
He couldn't help but worry that even if Tian Wenjing married his daughter out of respect for the two princes, he would still be unwilling in his heart.
This will inevitably lead to resentment.
Dai Zineng's words were a heartfelt confession to them. Yinzhen said, "You've been worrying too much. Tian Wenjing came from a poor family. His first wife was the daughter of a schoolteacher. His wife's family couldn't help him much. He got to where he is today entirely through his own political achievements."
“Of course, it’s also thanks to the support of my fourth brother and me.” Yinzhi continued, “Tian Wenjing’s biggest reliance is on my fourth brother and me. Marriage and relatives are dispensable to him.”
Yinzhi's words were somewhat arrogant and blunt: Tian Wenjing's political background was enough with the two of them; there was no need for him to marry the daughter of a wealthy and noble family.
Dai Zi was still somewhat hesitant. He always thought a lot about his daughter's marriage. If his daughter married the wrong person and her life was unhappy, it would be better for her to remain unmarried for life. He would make plans for her for the rest of her life.
Seeing this, Yinzhi advised again: "Master Dai, we just wanted to matchmake a good couple since both sides are suitable. You don't need to belittle yourself. The achievements you have made are no less than those of Prefect Tian Wenjing."
Yinzhi was telling the truth; once these improved muskets were deployed to the battlefield, they would become a true national weapon.
However, since Father Emperor is still alive, many things have to be done secretly. Once Fourth Brother ascends the throne, all the craftsmen in the courtyard will surely be rewarded, especially talented people like Dai Zi, who will be granted titles easily.
“Alright, since the two princes have already considered so much for my daughter and me, it would be ungrateful of me to refuse now.” Dai Zi finally made up his mind. “I must thank the two princes. Such a good marriage is something I never dared to dream of.”
Putting aside all his worries, this marriage is indeed an excellent choice.
Tian Wenjing is favored by Yinzhen and Yinsi, and his official career will surely be successful in the future. Although he is a second wife, Tian Wenjing has no children yet, and being a second wife can also slightly reduce the gap between their two families.
"No need to thank me," Yinzhi said with a smile. "We don't practice arranged marriages where we live. Tian Wenjing will be going to the capital to report on his duties in a few days. We'll find an opportunity to let your daughter meet him first. If she is interested, then we can proceed with the marriage."
Dai Zi was even happier to hear that.
"You two don't know, my daughter is very opinionated. If she were to marry someone else based on her parents' wishes and a matchmaker's words, it might really cause a huge uproar."
After the marriage was almost finalized, Yinzhen and Yinsi left the villa to have dinner at Zuixianju.
Before leaving, Yinzhi tried to take the musket back to show Yinxiang, who loved playing with such toys and would surely be delighted to see it.
Then Yinzhen stopped him.
There was no place in the palace to test the guns, and even Yinzhi felt numb using the muskets, let alone Yinxiang, who now had small arms and legs.
This thing is dangerous; if it goes off accidentally, it will be even more troublesome.
After listening, Yinzhi thought it made sense and had no choice but to let it go, thinking that he would bring Yinxiang here to see it when he had the chance in the future.
Upon arriving at Zuixianju, the two booked an elegant private room. Opening the window, they saw a field of autumn chrysanthemums in full bloom.
"Why did you suddenly decide to arrange a marriage between Dai Zi's daughter and Tian Wenjing?"
After ordering, Yinzhen looked at Yinsi, who was looking at the decor across from him, and asked.
Yinzhi took a sip of water, flicked his fan with a touch of elegance, and said, "Fourth Brother, you've never been one to care about these things, so naturally I'll have to take care of them."
“Dai Zi is a useful person, and we should know more about a useful person. His only concern is his unmarried daughter. If we can solve this problem for him, he will naturally be grateful and loyal to us.”
Yinzhen: "Dai Zi himself is also a loyal person."
"As the saying goes, skills are never a burden, and talent is never a burden; having an extra layer of insurance is never a bad thing," said Yinzhi.
Yinzhen thought for a moment and nodded: "According to Dai Zi, his daughter's personality is quite compatible with Tian Wenjing's."
Yinzhi smiled too. He thought so too. This wasn't a random matchmaking; it was a marriage he had thought about for a long time before deciding it was suitable.
Later, when Tian Wenjing went to the capital to report on his duties, Yinzhen and Yinsi arranged for the two to meet. Sure enough, they hit it off immediately and got along very well. Not long after, they formally exchanged betrothal gifts and got married. Of course, that's another story.
...
When she returned to Xianfu Palace, Consort Yi was already waiting for her, and she had even brought the Eleventh Prince with her.
"Your Highness, I've finally returned! I've been waiting so long!" Consort Yi greeted her.
Wen Shan rolled her eyes at her: "Stop it, look at the pastry plates in front of you, they've been changed twice already!"
Consort Yi laughed: "This is not for me to eat, it is for Yinzhi, that little glutton."
The eleventh prince also obediently greeted Wen Shan.
Wen Shan patted his head: "Yin Zi just wants to eat. Tell Consort Xuan what else you want to eat, and she will have someone fetch it for you."
The eleventh prince was very well-behaved. He pursed his lips and hesitated for a long time before whispering that he liked the peach blossom cake.
That was a glutinous rice cake that Wen Shan made when she had nothing to do. It was filled with red bean paste and shaped like a peach blossom. It was sweet but not greasy, and Yinzhen liked to eat it very much.
"Pearl, go to the small kitchen and get some more for the Eleventh Prince." Wen Shan turned to Consort Yi and said, "I'll pack some pastries for you to take back with you when you leave later."
Consort Yi didn't stand on ceremony with Wen Shan. She nodded and pulled her to sit down, saying, "I came to see Your Majesty today to discuss the smallpox vaccination for Yinzhi and the Thirteenth Prince next year."
Yinxiang and Wenshan had already vaccinated him against smallpox, and judging by the dates, it was indeed time for him to be officially vaccinated next year.
Logically speaking, since Consort Yi's fifth and ninth princes had already been vaccinated against smallpox, and Consort Yi was quite experienced, she was inexplicably very anxious when the eleventh prince was vaccinated this time.
"Your Majesty, I was thinking of sending a few more people in to take care of them. I will need Your Majesty's help then."
Wen Shan assists in managing the six palaces, and she still has some say in the arrangements for the palace servants in the separate courtyard.
This isn't a big deal, and mothers are always extremely worried when their children are vaccinated against smallpox. Even if Emperor Kangxi knew, he wouldn't say anything.
So Wenshan immediately agreed.
"Alright, if you have any trustworthy and capable people, just have someone tell them."
Wen Shan breathed a sigh of relief after agreeing to Consort Yi's request, and then started talking about the young Tongjia woman who had just entered the palace that day.
"I heard you met Consort Tong while flying a kite with the Thirteenth Prince?"
Wen Shan sighed, "How come every little thing that happens in the palace spreads so fast?"
Consort Yi waved her fan and said, "That's how it is in the palace. Besides, today is the first day the new concubine has entered the palace, so naturally everyone is watching her closely."
After saying this, Consort Yi added mysteriously, "I heard that Consort Tong went to pay her respects to Consort Niohuru, and the two parted on bad terms."
Wen Shan was shocked. Had she fallen out with Consort Niohuru, who was now in charge of palace affairs, on their first meeting?
This young Tongjia woman is quite capable.
But thinking about it, it's not surprising. The two have such similar temperaments that it's understandable they wouldn't get along.
On the first day Consort Tong entered the palace, Emperor Kangxi naturally chose her, but the fact that he chose her for two more days in a row made many people uneasy.
It wasn't that she wanted to compete for favor, but rather that she was a little worried that with Xiao Tongjia's family background and current favor, she might become another Niohuru Consort in the future.
Consort Niohuru remained calm and did not cause any trouble for Consort Tong. However, Consort Tong, being young and impetuous, took the initiative to cause a few minor troubles when she saw Consort Niohuru's forbearance. Not only did she fail to harm Consort Niohuru, she also annoyed Emperor Kangxi, who reprimanded her.
Then Consort Tong behaved herself.
Wenshan and her children privately remarked, "Time really does wait for no one. Even the fiery-tempered Consort Niohuru has learned to use stillness to overcome conflict."
The three of them, including Yinzhen, huddled together and whispered something to each other. Wenshan leaned over and asked what they were discussing. Yinsi smiled and said, "Mother, we are preparing to present the steelmaking method to Father Emperor first."
After some deliberation, Yinzhi realized that in a few years, Emperor Kangxi would be personally leading a second campaign against Galdan, and they needed to report on the progress of steelmaking and firearms before this major battle.
However, both of these require extreme caution, especially since firearms, such lethal weapons, are in their hands and improper handling could lead to trouble.
After returning from the villa last time, Yinzhi told Yinxiang about the new type of musket that Dai Zi had just invented. Yinxiang was indeed very interested and kept pestering Yinzhen and Yinzhi to take him to see it.
Yinzhen thought helplessly that he should have let Yinsi bring one back to him, so that he wouldn't have been bothered by his thirteenth brother all the time.
However, the three of them felt that there was really no need to carry out a third personal expedition. It would not only be exhausting for the people but also a waste of money. In the previous life, the national treasury had been left almost empty, which was why Yinzhen and Yinsi had been busy filling the gap.
They exhausted both Yinzhen and Yinsi, causing them to develop numerous health problems.
During a break from his busy schedule, Wen Shan took the time to tell Yin Si about what Consort Yi had mentioned earlier that day. Yin Si had always been in charge of things like arranging personnel.
"Mother, I almost forgot if you hadn't mentioned it." Yinzhi slapped his forehead. "It's time to start implementing smallpox vaccination."
Even the most carefully cared-for princes might not survive, and every year even more ordinary people die from smallpox inoculation. These were all subjects of the Qing Dynasty, and in an era before widespread machine use, population was naturally the most important resource.
Previously, Yinzhen and the others had not figured out how to promote this matter in a way that would be done well without making Kangxi wary, but now it was indeed time.
Yinxiang raised his hand and voiced a different opinion.
"Isn't it a bit too conspicuous to shake out all the steelmaking, firearms, and smallpox vaccines?"
Yinzhen rubbed his fingers and nodded: "Thirteenth Brother is right, we need to arrange the order."
“Then let’s start with smallpox vaccination,” Yinzhi said. “This is a major event that benefits the country and its people, but it’s unrelated to economic and political affairs. It’s suitable to use it to test the waters first.”
The proposal was quickly approved by the three brothers.
Wenshan watched as they discussed for a long time and finally came to a conclusion, then waved them over to have dinner.
"Dinner's getting cold, come and eat."
Yinzhi was the first to jump down, rubbing his hands together eagerly: "I haven't had a proper meal from Mother for several days, Thirteenth Prince, don't try to take it from me, I want to eat this fish!"
Wenshan said helplessly, "That's because you've been going fishing every day lately, but I haven't seen you bring back many fish."
Wen Shan never expected that Yinzhi would become a fisherman, rushing out to fish in the Imperial Garden with the Ninth Prince, the Tenth Prince, and sometimes the Fourteenth Prince after finishing his meals.
They even ruined several of the golden fish that Consort Niohuru kept there.
However, among those who caused this harm was her beloved son, so Consort Niohuru had no choice but to accept it reluctantly.
"Mother, what kind of fish do I know how to catch?" Yinzhi shoveled a few mouthfuls of rice. "I went with the Ninth and Tenth Princes. They insisted on dragging me along, so I had no choice."
Initially, the Fifth Prince started this fishing craze, but unexpectedly, after a few days he lost interest, which instead aroused the Ninth and Tenth Princes' addiction.
These two timid people insisted on dragging Yinzhi along, so Yinzhi had no choice but to go with them and feed on mosquitoes for several days.
Yinxiang was a little jealous, but he never said it directly. He just said awkwardly, "If my eighth brother is willing to go, then I still like it."
Yinzhen added insult to injury, "Do you prefer fish or people?"
Yinzhi: "..."
Can't these two even talk to each other properly?!
Yinzhen and Yinsi acted quickly, and within a few days, the method for smallpox vaccination was presented to Kangxi.
"Okay, okay!"
Emperor Kangxi was overjoyed. Looking at Yinzhen and Yinsi standing below, he hurriedly asked, "Has this method been tested?"
"Your Majesty, this method was discovered by a folk doctor named Huang Qi. According to him, it has already been somewhat effective. After receiving the news, I was worried that it was just a publicity stunt, so I brought him to the capital and tested it on thirty children." Yinzhen said, "Your Majesty, rest assured, these thirty children are all children who are about to get smallpox and whose families are poor and worried that they cannot be treated, so their parents sent them here."
Kangxi nodded, then asked, "What was the result?"
"All thirty children were successfully vaccinated, and the process was gentle; even the weakest children survived within a day or two."
"Good, good, good!" Kangxi clapped his hands and laughed.
This is truly a great thing that benefits the country and its people.
"Yinzhen, not bad." Kangxi patted Yinzhen on the shoulder and said approvingly, "The sword I bestowed upon you was truly given to the right person."
Then Kangxi looked at Yinzhi who was standing to the side: "Yinzhi is not bad either. In the future, you should also assist your fourth brother more and do your job well."
Yinzhi respectfully replied, "Yes." Since it wasn't his day, he should just stay put.
"Liang Jiugong".
Emperor Kangxi unfolded the imperial edict, picked up his brush, and began to write with flowing strokes. He quickly completed the edict and handed it to Liang Jiugong.
"Immediately issue an imperial edict summoning Huang Qi to the palace."
When Yinzhen and Yinsi returned, Wenshan was still worried sick about them.
"You're back. How was it? Did it go smoothly?"
Yinzhi stepped forward with a smile and said, "Mother, don't worry, how could things not go smoothly?"
"Father has already summoned Doctor Huang to the palace," Yinzhen said. "It's just that Mother will have to suffer and cannot mention your achievements."
Wen Shan didn't care about this. In fact, this wasn't her idea, and there would be a lot of trouble if she told others. Finding a trustworthy doctor was the most appropriate solution.
Emperor Kangxi acted swiftly, and within a day, he tested the smallpox vaccination method on another hundred eligible children. He found it to be effective, and on the very night the results were announced, he went to worship his ancestors and told Heaven the good news.
The smallpox vaccination method was also vigorously promoted. Emperor Kangxi originally wanted to appoint Doctor Huang Qi to the palace as an imperial physician and reward him with a third-rank official position. However, Doctor Huang firmly refused, saying that he still wanted to travel around as a doctor to save the common people. Although Emperor Kangxi regretted it, he still respected Doctor Huang's wishes, bestowed upon him a thousand taels of gold and a nominal title of first-class earl, without a fief but with a stipend, and then sent him out of the palace.
Doctor Huang said that the younger the child, the faster the smallpox vaccination would take effect and the quicker the recovery. Therefore, he suggested that Emperor Kangxi adjust the vaccination age to three years old. After thinking about it, Emperor Kangxi agreed and prepared to vaccinate all the princes and princesses in the palace who were over three years old and had not yet been vaccinated.
If this is to be implemented among the common people, then naturally the royal family should set an example first.
The news immediately threw the palace into chaos.
Because there are really a lot of children of the appropriate age.
From the eleventh prince to the fourteenth prince, all the princes had to be vaccinated against smallpox. Among the princesses, the seventh, eighth, and ninth princesses were also of suitable age. At once, seven children had to be sent to a secluded courtyard outside the palace to have a brush with death, which made the mothers very worried.
In particular, besides the Fifth Princess who had already been vaccinated against smallpox, Consort De's son and daughter were both going to be vaccinated against smallpox this time. Before they were even sent to the other residence, they were already almost half dead.
The Sixth Prince died because he couldn't survive the smallpox vaccination. Now the Fourteenth Prince and the Seventh Princess are going to be vaccinated, and it's the newly introduced cowpox vaccination. When Consort De heard the news, she felt dizzy.
Consort Min's situation wasn't much better. The Eighth Princess was only four years old and still too young to be left alone. Consort Min was very worried about her going to the other courtyard to get vaccinated against smallpox alone. Moreover, she had been diagnosed with pregnancy a few days ago, which made her health worse.
Yinxiang spent a few days with Consort Min before she gradually recovered, but he was still very worried. Perhaps because of her pregnancy, she was particularly sensitive and would shed tears for a long time whenever she saw the Eighth Princess.
The youngest among them was the Ninth Princess, who had just turned three and barely made it into this vaccination program. The Ninth Princess's mother, Consort Yuan, fainted several times from crying and pleaded with Emperor Kangxi many times to let the Ninth Princess have a little more time.
After all, there had never been a three-year-old child vaccinated before; they always waited until the age of six. Even now that cowpox vaccination was being implemented, three years old was just the minimum age. How could Consort Yuan feel at ease with such a young child?
Emperor Kangxi was annoyed by her crying but also understood Consort Yuan's feelings. However, this new smallpox vaccination program had just been implemented, and if it was his own daughter who broke the precedent, how could the people of the country follow it? Therefore, Emperor Kangxi had no choice but to harden his heart and send the Ninth Princess, who had just turned three, to another residence.
However, to appease Consort Yuan, Emperor Kangxi made an exception and promoted her to the rank of Consort, and also bestowed upon her the title of Rui, which also meant that he hoped the Ninth Princess would have good fortune and happiness.
Consort Rui knew that no one could sway Kangxi's decision. The Ninth Princess was bound to be vaccinated against smallpox. Having already received the benefits, she kept quiet, afraid of really pissing off Kangxi.
Once the auspicious day calculated by the Imperial Astronomical Bureau arrived, and the princes and princesses were sent out of the palace, the entire harem was filled with a state of constant anxiety. The Fengxian Hall and the small Buddhist halls in various palaces were packed with people, and even Emperor Kangxi went to the Fengxian Hall to offer incense several times.
Although Yinxiang had already been vaccinated against smallpox, Wenshan was still a little worried. She had a miserable face when she took him there. Yinxiang tried to cheer her up by joking around, saying that he would be back in just two or three days.
Wen Shan watched Yinxiang go in and sighed. Even though she was confident, her heart was still in her throat.
"Don't worry, Your Highness, the Thirteenth Prince will be alright. The princes of Xianfu Palace are all blessed. Look at the Fourth Prince and the Eighth Prince, they both pulled through," Pearl comforted her.
Amber chimed in, "That's right. And once the Thirteenth Prince is vaccinated, all your worries will be gone. You can just wait for the princes to get married, start their own families, and have grandchildren."
After listening, Wen Shan thought about it in a daze and it seemed to be true. Time had passed too quickly. In the blink of an eye, Yinxiang was about to be vaccinated against smallpox, and in two years, Yinzhen would be getting married, with Yinsi following closely behind.
The children all grew up.
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