Chapter 87 However, this thing can only…
However, this thing could only be used secretly, since the steam engine had not yet been invented.
So during this period, Wen Shan was particularly annoyed by Kangxi's visit.
When Emperor Kangxi arrived, she could no longer bring out her fully automatic fan.
Ironically, Emperor Kangxi seemed to like visiting Wenshan before setting off on campaigns, just like during his last campaign.
Wen Shan could only greet Kangxi with a bitter face as he arrived right on time, just as it got dark.
"I just visited Consort Min to see Wen Xian." Kangxi sat down on the rattan mat-covered couch and began chatting with Wen Shan.
"Wen Xian is a bit spoiled, but I didn't expect him to get along so well with Wen Ke."
As Emperor Kangxi grew older, he grew to like his daughters who were less of a worry to him. He especially liked the three daughters raised by Consort Min. These days, besides Wen Shan, he visited Consort Min the most.
Wen Shan: "The princesses are all around the same age, so they can naturally play together. Consort Min is also a good-natured person. Isn't that why the Emperor entrusted the Fifth Princess to Consort Min?"
Emperor Kangxi smiled slightly and said, "These past few years have been filled with many affairs in the palace, and I have also felt quite exhausted. If everyone else could be as well-behaved as you, I would be much less worried."
Wen Shan thought to herself that she was probably the most restless one.
"Yinzhen and Yinsi had an argument in court yesterday." Kangxi suddenly brought up Yinzhen and Yinsi, looking troubled. "I think it's just a trivial matter. These two children were so close when they were young, but they've become estranged as they've grown up."
"Your Majesty, as you said, it's normal for children to have differing opinions as they grow up," Wen Shan said. "In the end, they're all working for the court, so as long as they don't go too far, it's fine."
"Hmph, Yinzhen's temper won't cause any trouble, but Yinsi... well, with me watching over him, he won't cause any problems."
After Yinzhi entered the court, Kangxi stopped mentioning asking Wenshan to keep a close eye on Yinzhi. He gradually realized that Yinzhi's shrewdness was difficult for him to control, let alone Wenshan. It was better not to let her get involved in this mess.
In the end, both Yinzhen and Yinsi were filial, and they still acted like brothers in front of Wenshan. With Yinxiang mediating between them, Kangxi wasn't too worried.
Kangxi seemed unusually talkative today, rambling on and on about the Fifth Prince's marriage. The Empress Dowager was also particularly concerned about the wedding of her beloved grandson. She hadn't invited Kangxi to the Ning Shou Palace for several years, but she summoned him several times in a row. Finally, she managed to persuade Kangxi to agree to build a mansion for the Fifth Prince before his wedding.
The unwritten rule regarding princes establishing their own residences outside the palace is that they will stay at the Fifth Palace in Ganxi for a period of time after their wedding before leaving the palace. For example, the Third Prince is still living at the Fifth Palace in Ganxi with his wife.
Emperor Kangxi promised that the Fifth Prince could leave the palace after his wedding, so he also put the Third Prince's residence on the agenda, and the Ministry of Works was working hard to repair it.
When the Third Prince found out, he even joked that he hadn't expected to benefit from the Fifth Prince's influence.
With the Crown Prince on the verge of collapse, the Third Prince, a staunch supporter of the Crown Prince, is also teetering on the brink of ruin. He is currently in a state of indecision, unsure whether to continue to protect the Crown Prince or choose a better path.
If another wise ruler were to be chosen, would it be the eldest prince, the fourth prince, or the eighth prince?
Having already made a wrong bet once, the Third Prince is now extremely cautious and on edge.
The struggle for the throne is fraught with danger, and the situation can change at any time. The crown prince today could be someone else tomorrow. Kangxi is still in his prime, and no one can say for sure whether the younger princes will rise to prominence later.
So the Third Prince thought about it for a few days and finally decided that he should just stick to compiling books. He no longer sought the merit of serving the emperor and being second only to the emperor. He was content to be a leisurely prince, which would still bring him a life of wealth and honor.
When Consort Rong saw that her son had suddenly become a different person, she was angry at him for being so useless.
"Yinzhi, the Crown Prince's accident has nothing to do with you, so why are you so dejected?"
He goes to Chongwen Academy every day to mingle with a group of Confucian scholars. If he continues like this, will the emperor still have any respect for him?
The Third Prince, while organizing the manuscript, said, "Mother, now that I'm married, I don't want to do these thrilling things anymore. Just consider me a good-for-nothing."
"...How could you say such a thing? Your mother and sister are counting on you!" Consort Rong said, exasperated.
The tragic state of Uya after her defeat filled Consort Rong with dread; what if one day she were to fall to such a state...
The Third Prince said helplessly, “Mother, my sister has already married into Mongolia. She has the Emperor’s support and her husband’s family respects her. What are you worrying about?”
Princess Rongxian was actually Emperor Kangxi's eldest daughter, and he always doted on her. Although Princess Rongxian married far away, Emperor Kangxi still gave her all the favors he could and could not.
Consort Rong sighed: "Your mother is getting old. The only people I can rely on are you and Rongxian. Rongxian has married far away, so you are my only son. If you don't achieve anything, how can your mother stand in the palace? Not to mention your mother, what use will you be as a leisurely prince in the future? How will you protect your wife and children?"
“We did lose this bet, but it doesn’t matter. You’re still young, and your father is still in his prime. There’s still time to make a difference.”
Consort Rong wanted the Third Prince to choose another prince to assist him, so that he could become a powerful regent in the future.
The Third Prince chuckled, somewhat puzzled as to what his mother was thinking.
If you say your mother is ambitious, she never had the idea of him personally vying for the throne and eventually ascending to the throne. If you say your mother is unambitious, she was unwilling for him to be an ordinary, wealthy prince.
Thinking of this, he couldn't help but think of the Fifth Prince. Indeed, the Empress Dowager was a truly wise and meticulous person who planned everything for her fifth brother.
Seeing Consort Rong's anxious expression, the Third Prince became interested and asked, "Then, Mother, which prince do you think has a chance to succeed the Crown Prince?"
Consort Rong pondered for a moment and said, "If we're talking about the princes now, I think the eldest prince is more favored by the Emperor."
"..."
The Third Prince silently picked up the book.
"What kind of expression is that? Don't be fooled by the fact that the Fourth Prince lives in Chonghua Palace and is overseeing the country. He may seem to be enjoying great power, but who is your father, the Emperor? What he wants people to see is definitely just an illusion."
"Moreover, even if the imperial genealogy is changed to show that the Fourth Prince's biological mother is still the Uya clan member who is currently under house arrest, how could the Emperor not be concerned in his heart, whether he says it or not?"
Consort Rong analyzed, "The fact that the First Prince was taken by the Emperor on a military expedition to gain merit is a true sign of favor."
The Third Prince, both amused and exasperated, could only offer a few words of response to Consort Rong before hurriedly having her escorted away.
It seems that both mother and son have poor taste.
Just as Consort Rong was seen off, the Third Prince's eunuch pushed the door open and came in, saying, "Your Highness, the Fourteenth Prince has arrived and says he wants to speak with you."
The Third Prince was taken aback for a moment, then said, "Please invite the Fourteenth Prince in."
...
At this time, Wen Shan was also chatting with Yin Zhen and a few others while enjoying the cool air, mentioning that Kangxi had secretly sent ice to Yuqing Palace.
The Crown Prince was under house arrest and did not come to Changchun Garden. Although Kangxi said that he didn't need to worry about him, he was actually worried that his eldest son was too hot, so he secretly put a lot of ice on Yuqing Palace.
It's perfectly normal that Kangxi's favoritism made his other sons unable to tolerate it.
Yinzhen and the others didn't think it was a big deal. Their father, the Emperor, didn't favor them, but the love their mother gave them was already enough.
Who isn't a favored child?
While eating half a watermelon, Yinxiang listened indifferently and said, "The Crown Prince is still the Crown Prince after all. So what if he gives it away? But Father Emperor's attempt to cover it up is quite funny."
"You're still laughing at Father Emperor?" Yinzhi glanced at him sideways: "Who was it that secretly sent ice to Consort Min a few days ago, and even specifically asked for some for Fifth Sister?"
Yinxiang felt embarrassed. He had only taken pity on the Fifth Princess because he thought she was quite sensible and had been getting along well with Wen Ke and Dun Ke recently.
As the group was talking, Lady Fucha arrived with Lady Ulanara and Lady Magia. Since the weather was unusually cool today, Wenshan sent someone to invite them over for dinner.
Fucha had always wanted to learn a thing or two from Wenshan. Her fourth master praised her mother's cooking, and she thought it would be great if she could learn a bit of her mother's skills. So as soon as she arrived, she thought of going to the small kitchen with Wenshan to help out.
Seeing that the Fujin (principal wife) was doing so, Ulanara and Magia also went along.
"Fourth Brother is truly blessed; several of your wives are willing to cook and clean for you," Yinzhi teased him.
Yinzhen took a sip of tea and said, "I imagine that after your wedding next year, your wife will feel the same way."
Yinzhi thought about Guoluo's temperament and realized that it was probably hard to say.
Yinxiang said from the side, "If our sisters-in-law are good cooks, we'll be in for a treat!"
"Let your wife cook for you. Who's cooking for you?" Yinzhi laughed and flicked him on the forehead.
Yinzhen nodded solemnly.
After the three of them joked around for a while, Xiao Shunzi came in and said that the Fourteenth Prince had gone to visit the Third Prince.
"Understood, have someone keep an eye on things," Yinzhi said.
Xiao Shunzi responded and bowed as he retreated.
"This time, Fourteenth Brother stayed at Chunhui Hall during his visit to Changchun Garden." Yinxiang shook his head. "That's where the Crown Prince used to stay."
"It's just a pool of muddy water," Yinzhi said with a slight smile.
Yinzhen: "I wonder whose eyes this murky water has blinded this time."
Yinzhi squinted, feeling the cold wind blowing from the steam engine's blades, and sighed, "Others may not know, but Tong Guowei's old eyes are starting to go blurry."
Tong Guowei is now the complete opposite of Suo'etu, full of energy. After using the eldest prince to bring down the crown prince, he began to think about how to get rid of Yinzhen. In that case, it would be a sure thing that Yinsi would become the new crown prince.
As for the eldest prince... in Tong Guowei's view, he was not even in the circle of succession struggle.
The Fourteenth Prince, who was following behind him, had a better chance than him.
Judging from the way the eldest prince is single-mindedly determined to harm the crown prince, it's clear that even if the emperor deposes the crown prince, he won't allow the eldest prince, who disregards brotherly affection and is solely focused on vying for fame and fortune, to ascend to the position of crown prince.
And Yinzhi was indeed about to start making moves.
With the Crown Prince's downfall, a new person had to emerge to rival Yinzhen, in order to dispel Kangxi's growing suspicions.
Yinxiang was lying to the side, fiddling with something. Yinsi went over to take a look and found that he was drawing a map of the capital's defenses.
The defenses of the capital city changed many times in the following years, and Yinxiang tried his best to describe them based on his memory.
“Fourth Brother, Father’s campaign in the capital this time won’t be as peaceful as it was last time,” Yinxiang said. “Let’s prepare for the worst.”
Yinzhen paused for a moment and then said, "You mean the Crown Prince might take a risk?"
"The Crown Prince might not be unaware that Suo'etu is entirely possible." Yinzhi thought about it and also felt that it was necessary to make thorough preparations.
The Crown Prince was already at his limit, and if he wanted to make one last desperate attempt, this seemed to be his last chance.
Taking advantage of Kangxi's absence from the capital, they directly seized control of the Forbidden City by force and ascended the throne ahead of schedule.
But Yinzhen still felt it was unlikely.
"Emperor Father led an army of 300,000 to the expedition. Even if the Crown Prince really took control of the capital, he would still be defeated once the army returned."
Unless the Emperor dies in this battle, leaving the 300,000-strong army leaderless, and the Crown Prince still retains the title of heir apparent, then everything will proceed smoothly.
However, the crown prince should not be so treacherous as to collude with the enemy and betray the country.
Yinxiang could only think of this because of his many years of assistance to the Crown Prince in his previous life. In this situation, he had no choice but to fight to the death, otherwise he could only wait for his father to return to the capital and depose him from his position as Crown Prince.
"Fourth Brother, you said before that Father Emperor is not deposing the Crown Prince because he is about to go on a campaign and cannot shake the foundation of the country. If he returns victorious, wouldn't the Crown Prince's position be over?" Yinxiang said.
"Moreover, the Crown Prince's wedding was called off by the Emperor."
This is clearly a sign of the deposed crown prince.
If they could think of it, the Crown Prince and Suo'etu could naturally think of it too.
Yinzhen slowly sat down, his expression turning grave.
“I think what Thirteenth Brother said makes sense,” Yinzhi said. “Even if the Crown Prince is destined to lose after Father returns to the capital, we will still be staying in the palace.”
"If they become desperate and kill us and our mother together, we'll be at a huge loss."
"That's why I'm drawing this." Yinxiang handed these defense plans to Yinzhen. "Fourth Brother, Eighth Brother, make preparations early."
Yinzhen pondered for a moment: "We don't have many capable generals at our disposal right now."
The current Commander of the Nine Gates, Tuoheqi, is a man of the Crown Prince.
Yinzhi took the defense map and said with a smile, "Don't worry, I'll take care of it."
Meanwhile, Emperor Kangxi was not idle either, and was secretly summoning Mingzhu in the Hall of Mental Cultivation.
After being disciplined by Emperor Kangxi last time, Mingzhu had a complete change of heart and stopped getting involved in any of the princes' struggle for the throne. He worked diligently every day, counting down the days until he could safely return to his hometown and enjoy his old age.
He had naturally heard about the Crown Prince's troubles, but Mingzhu was too lazy to care about such things now.
Emperor Kangxi had not summoned this once trusted and indispensable minister alone for many years, and he was quite moved to see Mingzhu, who had aged considerably.
Kangxi looked at him for a while and slowly said, "Mingzhu, you're getting old too."
“Your Majesty is advanced in years and is not as young, strong, and sharp-witted as Your Majesty,” Mingzhu replied.
Kangxi stepped down from his throne and pulled Mingzhu to sit down beside him. Mingzhu was flattered; it had been a long time since the emperor and his subject had been so intimate.
Emperor Kangxi tapped the table with his finger, pondered for a moment, and then said, "Mingzhu, I will soon be personally leading an expedition against Galdan. I have summoned you here because I have something to tell you."
"Your Majesty, please speak."
"Keep a close eye on the Crown Prince and Suo'etu," Kangxi said slowly. "If there are any unusual movements, do not report back to me; arrest Suo'etu immediately."
"If he remains obstinate and resists to the end, he may be killed."
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