Chapter 92 Yue Zhongqi can be said to be Kang...
Yue Zhongqi can be considered an outstanding military general during the reigns of Emperors Kangxi and Qianlong. He was the 21st generation descendant of the famous general Yue Fei. His father, Yue Shenglong, made outstanding contributions in the Second Battle of the Dzungar Khanate and was appointed as the Governor of Sichuan. Growing up in such an environment, Yue Zhongqi was even braver than his father.
During the Yongzheng era, he worked with Nian Gengyao to quell the rebellion of Lobsang Danjin in Qinghai. He was then appointed Governor-General of Sichuan and Shaanxi by Yinzhen, becoming a high-ranking official in charge of a region. He also made great contributions to the implementation of the policy of replacing native chieftains with appointed officials.
What is most commendable is that he did not become arrogant like Nian Gengyao. He even led the army in the battles of the Greater and Lesser Jinchuan during the Qianlong era, becoming an ever-victorious general who served three emperors.
Yinzhen was naturally familiar with the name, but Yue Zhongqi was only an eleven-year-old child and could not go to the battlefield. Before Yue Shenglong went to war, he sent his wife and children to his father-in-law's house in the capital to be taken care of, so Yue Zhongqi also went to the capital.
These capable civil and military officials were all under Yinzhi's close surveillance, so he received the news as soon as Yue Zhongqi's family set off.
As the years go by, those who are useful have gradually grown up, and it seems that it will soon be time to close the net.
Mentioning Yue Zhongqi inevitably leads to mentioning Nian Gengyao.
Nian Gengyao was a capable and ambitious man, and more importantly, he was unruly and even disrespectful of the imperial family.
Yinzhen got a headache whenever he thought about what Yinsi and Yinxiang had told him.
However, Emperor Kangxi has not yet transferred the Bordered White Banner to Yinzhen's name, and the Nian family has not yet had any dealings with him.
When Yinzhen became the banner lord of the Bordered White Banner, the Nian family, who were from the Bordered White Banner, naturally became Yinzhen's subordinates.
According to Yinzhi and Yinxiang, Nian Gengyao initially had no respect for him, the Prince Yong. The fact that Yinzhen wrote a letter to rebuke Nian Gengyao for not knowing the rules and for Nian Xialing for failing to educate his son shows how arrogant Nian Gengyao was.
However, Nian Gengyao was deeply favored by Emperor Kangxi, and Yinzhen (Emperor Yongzheng) couldn't do anything about him.
After much deliberation, he decided that the only way to establish a connection was through marriage, which is why he married Nian Gengyao's sister as his secondary consort.
However, Yinzhen is not very interested in the Nian family now. Even if such people, who have no emperor or father, have some abilities, they cannot be given important positions. Otherwise, it would be like raising a tiger to cause trouble.
Having no interest in Nian Gengyao, he was naturally even less inclined to take Nian's wife into his household.
“In two years, Nian Gengyao and Hengchen will take the imperial examination and enter officialdom together,” Yinzhen said. “This man is extremely ambitious, so we need to keep a close eye on him.”
Yinzhi nodded, saying he knew what he was doing.
Tian Wenjing's trip to the capital to report on his duties and to assume the post of Prefect of Jingzhao was also rushed, allowing him to meet with Emperor Kangxi just before the emperor set off on his campaign.
Kangxi was quite interested in this minister who was the only one in the court who had a close relationship with Yinzhen. In particular, when Tian Wenjing took the imperial examination, Kangxi thought he was not up to the task, but over the years he actually helped him to rise through the ranks.
After not seeing Tian Wenjing for many years, Kangxi's impression of him had become somewhat vague. Only after meeting him did he roughly understand why Yinzhen was willing to associate with him.
The two had identical temperaments: straightforward and stubborn, decisive and efficient in their actions, showing no regard for social etiquette.
For example, when Tian Wenjing went to Beijing to report on his work, he brought with him a list of more than 30 officials to be impeached.
These were all corrupt and derelict officials within Henan Province, and Tian Wenjing meticulously recorded them all, regardless of their rank.
Even the seasoned politician Kangxi was taken aback by him.
"I understand. We will discuss this further after we return to the capital."
If all these people were dismissed according to Tian Wenjing's list, the entire officialdom in Henan would be paralyzed.
Even if we want to rectify official corruption, we can't do it this recklessly.
"Your Majesty, this matter concerns the nation's economy and people's livelihood. If it is not dealt with, there will be endless troubles in the future." Tian Wenjing immediately bowed deeply.
He collected evidence, but he also alerted the enemy. Many people knew that he had this list to report to Emperor Kangxi. If it weren't for Yinzhen and Yinsi sending people to escort him secretly, he probably wouldn't have been able to reach the capital.
If we wait until we return from the campaign to process the daylilies, they will be too cold.
Emperor Kangxi was exasperated by his appearance; Yinzhen hadn't been so stubborn and confrontational with him in recent years.
Truly... no wonder Yinzhen (the Yongzheng Emperor) chose her.
Kangxi had no choice but to send him away and let Yinzhen clean up the mess.
Kangxi shook his head helplessly as he watched Tian Wenjing leave with his back still straight.
"Your Majesty, we will be setting off on a campaign tomorrow. You should rest early today," Liang Jiugong said, stepping forward at the opportune moment.
Preparations for the expedition were almost complete, and Kangxi had no interest in continuing to read the memorials. He glanced at the time, pondered for a moment, and said, "Has Consort Xuan returned from Changchun Garden?"
"Your Majesty, I just returned the day before yesterday."
Liang Jiugong thought to himself that, as expected, the Emperor would visit Consort Xuan before setting off on his campaign.
It has almost become an unwritten rule that the emperor always stays at Xianfu Palace the day before he goes on a long trip.
As expected, this time was no exception. After learning that Wen Shan had returned, Kangxi went to Xianfu Palace.
Wen Shan had just returned from Changchun Garden. Xianfu Palace had already been tidied up in advance. As soon as she entered the courtyard, Wen Shan noticed that new flower seedlings had been planted under the east wall.
"When were these planted? Why didn't anyone tell me?"
Wen Shan loves growing flowers, and there are many flowers planted in Xianfu Palace. However, this flower garden is one that she has carefully tended. She had already carefully selected and arranged what flowers to plant in the fall. When she saw that the flowers had already been planted, she frowned and thought that Pearl and Baoquan would never make such a decision on their own.
Bao Quan, who stayed behind to look after the palace, also looked troubled: "Your Majesty, these are new flower varieties bestowed by the Emperor. He specifically instructed that they be planted before you return to the palace, saying that they will bloom in a few days."
Wen Shan: "..."
I'm really fed up with him. What is he doing all this time?
Just as Wenshan was figuring out how to secretly move the flowers and replace them with ones she had chosen herself, Kangxi swaggered in.
And he asked her, quite smugly, if she liked the flowers.
"..."
The flowers haven't even bloomed yet; all that's left are lush green leaves. She doesn't even know what the flowers look like.
Emperor Kangxi coughed twice and said, "The flowering season will be in a few days. These flower seeds were transported from the Northwest. It is said that when they bloom, the flowers are large and incredibly fragrant. They are not commonly seen in the capital. I know you like growing flowers, so I specially transplanted them to your palace."
Since things had come to this point, Wenshan could only express her gratitude.
Kangxi took her hand with satisfaction and led her into the inner palace.
The hall was filled with wedding items; although somewhat cluttered, it looked festive.
"Yinzhi should be getting married next year too," Kangxi sighed. "In the blink of an eye, all these children have started their own families."
Wenshan ordered the items to be removed and served tea to Emperor Kangxi.
"When the princes and princesses get married and start their own families, they can give the emperor more grandchildren."
Emperor Kangxi drank a cup of tea and asked her to sit down, "What have Consort Rong and Consort Hui been up to these past few days?"
Consort Rong and Consort Hui have started fighting again recently.
Although it was a minor incident, it still gave Consort Tong a major headache, because the two men's target this time was Consort Qin, who was pregnant.
Although Emperor Kangxi had heard about it, he was too busy with affairs of state to bother with it. It was only when Consort Hui sent someone to invite him to dinner that he remembered the matter.
"Consort Qin is pregnant, but Jingyang Palace is currently without a principal wife, so Consort Hui and Consort Rong both want to take Consort Qin into their own palaces to take care of her," Wen Shan explained the situation briefly.
Consort Qin was also a new favorite of Emperor Kangxi in recent years. She was on par with Consort Mi and was also from the Han Banner Army. She became pregnant not long after gaining favor.
Although Consort Hui and Consort Rong no longer cared much about being favored, if a favored concubine lived in their palace, Emperor Kangxi would visit more often. As the saying goes, meeting someone makes you feel more connected, and it would be good if you could exchange a few words with her.
Therefore, both of them set their sights on Consort Qin.
"Nonsense!" Kangxi put down his tea and scolded, "How can Consort Qin be moved around so casually while she is pregnant? Consort Hui and Consort Rong have become increasingly unreasonable in their actions these past two years."
"Your Majesty, please don't be angry. They were just trying to take care of Consort Qin and help you share your burdens."
Wen Shan stared intently at the teacup that Kangxi had just put down. It was a teacup that Yinxiang had just sent over a few days ago; she didn't want him to break it.
Speaking of Consort Qin, she is now five months pregnant, which is indeed a critical time. Emperor Kangxi was too busy to deal with these matters recently, but now that he is about to go on a military expedition, he can't help but think about Consort Qin and the child in her womb.
“What you say makes some sense. It is indeed inconvenient that Jingyang Palace does not have a principal seat.” Kangxi pondered for a moment and then said, “Let Consort Cheng move into Jingyang Palace.”
Wen Shan: "..."
It has always been the lower-ranking concubines who are moved to the palaces of higher-ranking concubines; I have never seen a principal concubine move to a different palace.
This decree will undoubtedly make countless people extremely jealous of Consort Qin.
However, Wen Shan thought that Kangxi's choice made some sense. Consort Cheng had been out of favor for many years and had a very indifferent personality. She devoted herself to the Seventh Prince, but she was also an old servant in the palace and could help Consort Qin avoid some schemes.
If she were moved to Jingyang Palace, based on Wen Shan's understanding of her, she certainly wouldn't treat Consort Qin badly; in fact, she would take good care of her.
Kangxi was unusually quiet today; he talked to her for a while and then went to bed. When Wenshan woke up the next morning, Kangxi was already gone.
"Your Majesty, His Majesty left half an hour ago, instructing that you not to be disturbed," Pearl said, stepping forward and lifting the curtain.
Wen Shan woke up for a moment and, seeing that it was just getting light outside, yawned and asked, "What time does His Majesty set off for the expedition today?"
They had to see Emperor Kangxi off on his expedition.
"It's 1:15 AM," Pearl said. "You can get up and have some breakfast first."
After washing up and eating something, Wen Shan was still too lazy to go early, so she waited in Xianfu Palace. As a result, Consort Yi came to visit.
"I knew Your Highness would not go to the city tower beforehand." Consort Yi smiled as she entered the room, waving her hand to tell the palace servants not to bow.
Wenshan pulled her to sit down: "Why go there in the wind and sun? It's not time yet."
“Consort Rong and the others went there ahead of time, and Consort Ping even prayed all night in Baohua Palace last night.”
Consort Yi took a piece of pastry and was enjoying it immensely.
Wen Shan glanced at her sideways: "You came over without having breakfast?"
Consort Yi smiled, revealing her teeth: "Your Majesty's food is famous throughout the palace for its delicious taste. Since I'm here, I certainly can't treat myself badly."
"It's not like you eat very little," Wen Shan said with a laugh.
In recent years, Consort Yi has gained some weight, but she has only become a little plumper, which actually makes her look more graceful.
Consort Yi herself said that she had lost interest in vying for the emperor's favor and that the younger concubines should go and have fun.
The Fifth Prince had just gotten married a few days ago, and Consort Yi was in a happy mood. When she saw some wedding decorations in Xianfu Palace, she knew that Wen Shan had prepared them for Yinzhi's wedding.
"Since his wedding, Yinqi has devoted himself entirely to his wife and has even visited the palace much less often," Consort Yi said reproachfully.
Wenshan laughed and said, "That's good, it lets you hold your grandson sooner."
Consort Yi was quite fond of the Fifth Prince's wife, whom the Empress Dowager had carefully selected. She was naturally happy to see the Fifth Prince and his wife being so loving. However, the Fifth Prince was a little different from the other princes. He only had one primary wife in his household and no secondary wives, which made Consort Yi slightly dissatisfied.
Unfortunately, this matter was decided by the Empress Dowager. Emperor Kangxi originally wanted to arrange another concubine for the Fifth Prince as per custom, but the Empress Dowager stopped him.
It was said that it would be timely to appoint two secondary consorts after the primary consort gave birth to a child in two years.
The Empress Dowager's idea was that the Fifth Prince and his wife had just gotten married and were both young people of similar age, so they should nurture their relationship more and wait until the wife became pregnant before bringing in new women.
The Empress Dowager hoped that her precious grandson would have a harmonious and happy marriage. Moreover, the Empress Dowager doted on the Fifth Prince and secretly allowed him to meet his future wife before the wedding. The Fifth Prince was also very fond of his future wife. Therefore, the Empress Dowager stopped the Fifth Prince from taking a concubine at the same time.
However, Consort Yi, as his biological mother, was somewhat dissatisfied. Other princes all entered the family with both a primary wife and a secondary wife, but the Fifth Prince could only stay with his primary wife alone. People who didn't know better would think that the Fifth Prince was very unfavored!
However, even Emperor Kangxi had no choice but to obey the Empress Dowager's wishes, let alone Consort Yi.
Fortunately, although Consort Yi was decisive and quick-tempered, she was not confused and would not hold a grudge against the Fifth Prince's wife. When she came to the palace to pay her respects, she was kind and gentle, and sent many gifts to him.
"Let's not talk about these children anymore," Consort Yi said, waving her hand. "They're all here to collect debts."
Wen Shan: "After Yin Si's wedding, it will be the Ninth Prince's turn. Don't even think about shirking your responsibilities."
It would be better if she weren't mentioned, because as soon as Consort Yi is brought up, she starts sighing.
The Ninth Prince's money-grubbing nature and business talent are already beginning to show. He's been spending little time at home lately, single-mindedly running around, claiming he wants to make a lot of money and become the richest prince.
Consort Yi was so angry that she wanted to beat him up.
"Yin Tang is even more difficult to deal with. Forget it, I'm too lazy to bother with him anymore. Let him do whatever he wants."
The Ninth Prince's marriage has not yet been put on the agenda. Consort Yi has privately looked at several potential marriage partners, but Emperor Kangxi has not yet given his approval, so the matter remains unresolved.
"This is the trouble with having too many children," Consort Yi said with a wry smile. "They've all grown up, and it's all a hassle."
After much deliberation, Wen Shan finally asked about the Eleventh Prince's recent situation.
According to the previous life, next year would have been the eleventh prince's death day.
"We haven't seen the Eleventh Prince much lately. What has he been up to?"
Consort Yi felt heartache whenever she thought of her youngest son.
"I'm sick. All the imperial physicians from the Imperial Hospital have come to see me, but they can't figure out what's wrong. They just say that I've been exposed to a pathogenic wind and have been frightened, so I need to take good care of myself."
Wen Shan was startled when she heard this: "The Eleventh Prince is sick, why didn't you tell me?"
Consort Yi and Wen Shan were on good terms, and their children also got along well. The Eleventh Prince was someone Wen Shan had watched grow up, so she should at least go and check on his condition.
“A while ago, it was the Empress Dowager’s birthday, followed by Yinqi’s wedding. Yinzhi is the most sensible child and didn’t want to spoil everyone’s fun,” Consort Yi said. “Fortunately, his illness isn’t too serious; he just has some dizziness and coughing. I also asked the Emperor to exempt Yinzhi from the Imperial Study and let him rest for a while.”
Wen Shan nodded repeatedly: "Of course, we should take good care of the Eleventh Prince and not let a minor illness turn into a major one."
Consort Yi smiled with a hint of helplessness: "Yinzhi has always been timid and easily frightened. I don't know what frightened him. I thought it would be better to ask the Taoist priests of Baohua Palace to set up an altar and perform a ritual, in case he has been tainted by something unclean."
Although the eleventh prince's illness did not seem very serious, the medicines prescribed by the imperial physicians were ineffective, so Consort Yi suspected that he had been afflicted by something unclean.
However, Kangxi had always disliked these superstitious beliefs, so she dared not mention them. Fortunately, she took care of the matter while Kangxi was away on this expedition.
Wen Shan thought about it and agreed, saying that after Kangxi left the capital, she would have the monk visit Yikun Palace and the five palaces in Qianxi.
The two talked for a while until it was almost time to leave. After tidying their clothes, they went up to the city tower to see Kangxi off as he embarked on his campaign.
Yinzhen and the Third Prince led the princes to stand at the city gate to see off the army. Kangxi gave Yinzhen and Yinsi a few instructions and then left.
Wen Shan sighed as she watched Kangxi leave, wondering what chaos would ensue when he returned.
Consort Hui and Consort Rong were at odds over Consort Qin's matter, so naturally neither of them had a pleasant expression today. After Kangxi left, they turned their attention to Wen Shan.
Consort Qin is pregnant and therefore could not come to see her off today.
"Your Highness, now that the Emperor is not in the palace, you are naturally the most respected person in the harem. Consort Qin is also getting older, and it is not appropriate for the palace to be without a head consort to take care of her." Consort Rong spoke first, "Now that my palace is empty, I would like to volunteer to take care of Consort Qin and ensure her safe delivery."
Consort Hui was not to be outdone. She glared at Consort Rong and said, "Consort Rong, you have too many things to do in your palace, so there's no need to trouble yourself. It just so happens that Yinti's concubine is also pregnant. So please bring Consort Qin to my palace so that we can take care of her together."
Consort Rong: "If that's the case, won't Consort Hui be even busier taking care of the two of them...?"
"Alright, stop arguing." Consort Tong stepped in and stopped the two of them. "Since His Majesty has not said anything, let Consort Qin rest well in Jingyang Palace. You two sisters should stop arguing."
Although Consort Tong was also a consort, she had the power to assist in managing the six palaces, so Consort Rong and Consort Hui had to avoid her.
Consort Rong was still not giving up and looked at Wen Shan: "Your Highness, what do you say?"
"His Majesty did mention this matter to me yesterday. His Majesty's idea is that Consort Qin is too far along in her pregnancy to move, so she should stay in Jingyang Palace to rest and recuperate." Wen Shan was just about to convey Kangxi's message to Consort Cheng to move into Jingyang Palace when Liang Jiugong came over with the imperial edict.
Kangxi's decision to leave Liang Jiugong in the palace during this expedition surprised many.
"This servant greets Your Highnesses. Before His Majesty went on his expedition, he left an imperial edict for the Noble Consort."
Upon hearing this, Wen Shan was about to bow and receive the imperial decree, but Liang Jiugong quickly helped her up and said, "Your Majesty, there is no need for you to bow. His Majesty has instructed that there is no need to announce the decree; you can just read it."
Wen Shan took it, opened it, and sure enough, it was the matter that Kangxi had told her yesterday about having Consort Cheng move to Jingyang Palace to take care of Consort Qin.
When Wen Shan explained Kangxi's meaning, the concubines were immediately in an uproar. Consort Cheng was only slightly surprised before accepting the decree.
After Consort Rong and Consort Hui had a chaotic time, the Emperor actually moved Consort Cheng to Jingyang Palace, which made Consort Qin seem even more favored by the Emperor.
Both of them were embarrassed and left in a hurry.
Consort Tong glanced at Consort Cheng and said, "In that case, Consort Cheng will have to trouble you to take care of Noble Lady Qin."
"Your Majesty, I will do my utmost. Please rest assured, Consort Tong and the Noble Consort."
Wen Shan didn't say anything more and told Consort Cheng to go back to the palace to tidy up.
Consort Tong yawned: "I'm really tired after getting up so early, so I'll head back to the palace to rest first."
After saying that, he bowed to Wen Shan and left.
Soon only Wen Shan and Consort Yi remained.
Consort Yi wanted to talk to Wen Shan for a while, so the two walked back to Xianfu Palace together.
"The Emperor's decree is truly interesting."
While passing through the Imperial Garden, Consort Yi took a liking to the chrysanthemums that were beginning to bud and pulled Wen Shan to sit down in the pavilion.
The palace servants quickly laid out soft cushions and placed fruits on the table. Consort Yi asked the palace servants to step aside and continued, "It's one thing to let Consort Cheng move to Jingyang Palace, but it's strange that Liang Jiugong didn't go with the Emperor."
"Perhaps His Majesty has other plans," Wen Shan said.
The two sat for a while and happened to see the Fourteenth Prince pass by. The Fourteenth Prince came and went in a hurry and did not see them. He quickly passed by in the Imperial Garden.
"What's the Fourteenth Prince doing in such a hurry?" Consort Yi raised an eyebrow. "Judging from this direction, it seems to be heading to Yonghe Palace."
“Wuya has agreed to stay at home, and she hasn’t seen the Fourteenth Prince in a long time. Let them meet,” Wenshan said softly.
It's understandable that the Fourteenth Prince wanted to secretly visit his mother after Emperor Kangxi finally left the capital.
Consort Yi clearly had no interest in competing with the Fourteenth Prince and Lady Uya, and didn't take it seriously. However, Consort Yi's personal maid felt that something was amiss.
"Your Majesty, the Fourteenth Prince seems to be coming from the direction of Yanxi Palace."
From any direction, the only way to pass through the Imperial Garden is to reach Yanxi Palace.
Consort Yi didn't take it to heart: "The Fifth Princess is with Consort Min, so it's normal for the Fourteenth Prince to go and visit her."
Wen Shan and Consort Yi sat for a while longer before returning to their respective palaces.
As soon as Wen Shan returned to Xianfu Palace, she saw Yin Si waiting for her in the hall.
What are you doing here? Shouldn't you go find your fourth brother?
Wen Shan found it strange to see Yin Si teasing Lai Fu.
"Fourth Brother and Tian Wenjing are talking, so I won't join in the fun," Yinzhi said lazily.
“Mother, things may not be peaceful lately. If you find it troublesome, you can stay at Xianfu Palace and relax. You don’t have to see anyone who comes looking for you.”
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