Chapter 170 The Emperor's Personal Expedition
In the 27th year of the Kangxi Emperor's reign, Galdan, the leader of the Dzungar Khanate of Western Mongolia, launched an invasion of the Qing Dynasty at the instigation of Tsarist Russia. Hundreds of thousands of people from the three Khalkha tribes fled south to the Ujumchin area in southern Mongolia and appealed to the Qing Dynasty for protection.
In March of the 29th year of the Kangxi Emperor's reign, the Qing court reinforced its troops in the northwest and deployed defenses along the border.
In May, Galdan led 30,000 troops, divided into four battalions, across the Ursan River, intending to attack the Kundulunboshuoketu and other tribes.
In June, Galdan defeated the Qing army at Ursan and entered Ujumchin, which was only 900 li away from the capital.
Inside the Qianqing Palace, the atmosphere was so heavy it seemed one could squeeze water from it. Emperor Kangxi sat high on his dragon throne, clutching an urgent military report from the front lines, his face ashen. After a long silence, he slammed the report to the ground: "That brat Galdan, how dare he be so arrogant! I have decided to personally lead the expedition!"
The court erupted in chaos. The ministers exchanged bewildered glances, and then Tong Guowei was the first to step forward, bowing and saying, “Your Majesty, leading the expedition in person is a matter of great importance. How can a person of your caliber risk such danger? Although there have been losses at the front, elite troops can be quickly dispatched to provide reinforcements, and capable generals can be selected to oversee the battle. Your Majesty should remain in the capital to coordinate and manage the situation. This is the safest approach.”
As soon as he finished speaking, a chorus of agreement erupted around him, and all the officials knelt down, pleading with Kangxi to rescind his decree.
Kangxi snorted coldly, stood up abruptly, his dragon robe rustling: "If I sit in the capital, how can I boost morale? Galdan is a wolf with ambitions, and with Russia backing him up, he is becoming more and more unscrupulous. If we don't suppress his arrogance now, our Great Qing's borders will never have peace!"
Mingzhu crawled forward on his knees and earnestly advised, "Your Majesty, swords and spears have no eyes on the battlefield. If there is any mishap, it will shake the foundation of the country. Moreover, the logistics and guards for the personal expedition outside the capital are complicated. In such a hurry, it may be difficult to be completely safe."
Emperor Kangxi's eyes blazed with fury as he strode down the steps and surveyed his ministers: "Since my ascension to the throne, I have quelled the Rebellion of the Three Feudatories and recovered Taiwan. Which battle was not fraught with peril? My resolve is as firm as this magnificent palace; how could it be swayed by a few words of dissuasion? Galdan has invaded our territory and plundered our people. If I were to shrink back, how could I face my ancestors, how could I face the common people of the world?"
Looking at Yinreng, who was also kneeling on the ground, begging him to retract his fame, Kangxi said loudly, "My Crown Prince Yinreng has grown up and is very intelligent. I have been teaching him carefully and he now has the demeanor of an emperor and the ability to govern. During my absence from the capital, the Crown Prince will oversee the country, and all affairs can be carried out in an orderly manner. What is there to fear?"
It was practically a declaration that if the Emperor didn't return, the Crown Prince would ascend the throne. These words demonstrated the Emperor's unwavering resolve; aside from the Crown Prince himself, which court official would have any reason to oppose him?
After the court session ended and the officials had left, Yinreng immediately went to Emperor Kangxi and knelt down before him, saying, "Father Emperor!"
Kangxi frowned and took a few steps forward to help his beloved son up: "Didn't you say we didn't need to bow?"
Yinreng was unwilling to get up. He held his father's hand and looked at him with worry in his eyes: "Father, the battlefield is extremely dangerous. Swords and spears have no eyes. Your son really cannot bear to see you put yourself in danger. Although Galdan is coming with great force, our Great Qing has many fierce generals. If we select capable generals to fight, we will surely win. Why should you put yourself in danger?"
Seeing the sincere worry in Yinreng's eyes, Kangxi's heart softened as if it had been soaked. He gently patted Yinreng's shoulder and said softly, "Baocheng, I know you care about your father. But think about it, Galdan is being instigated by Tsarist Russia this time, and his arrogance is extremely high. If I don't personally lead the expedition, how can I boost morale? When the soldiers see that I am going to my death with them, they will definitely fight to the death."
Yinreng wanted to persuade him further, but his lips trembled slightly: "Father, what if..."
Kangxi interrupted him with a smile: "There's no 'what if'. I have complete confidence in you. You've grown up and gained a lot of experience. During my absence from the capital, you will oversee the country. I believe you can handle all political and military affairs properly. With you stabilizing the situation at home, I can fight on the front lines without any worries. This is also a time for me to test you. Do you understand?"
Hearing Kangxi's heartfelt words, Yinreng's eyes reddened. He nodded firmly, "Father, I will certainly live up to your expectations and take good care of everything. Father, you must take Xiao Wu with you; it will watch over you for me..."
Kangxi nodded, "Alright, Father has agreed. You can get up now."
Yinreng then got up with Kangxi's help. He looked at Kangxi, who had completely lost his imperial demeanor and was now like a worried old father, rubbing his knees and nagging.
"You knelt down so fast, your knees must be sore. You're still like a kid. When I get out, you need to take care of yourself and not overwork yourself. Use your brothers when you need them, don't just spoil them. They're not kids anymore, they can do things too..."
Yinreng quietly looked at his profile, then suddenly said, "Father, if you don't come back, I will not be the Crown Prince anymore."
"Nonsense."
Kangxi reprimanded him lightly, concealing his slightly reddened eyes, "Is this something you can just say so casually? Besides you, who else can be the crown prince?"
"If it weren't for Father Emperor, who would care about me, the Crown Prince?"
Yinreng's words brought tears to Kangxi's eyes. He thought of how carefully and painstakingly he had raised his son to this age, and hearing his son's words, which sounded like a child's whine and a plea for parting, almost brought him to tears.
Fearing he might lose his composure, Kangxi quickly waved his hand to shoo Yinreng out, saying, "Go, go, go. I know you don't like handling state affairs. While I'm still here, I'll do a little more for you. Go play with your brothers."
Yinreng didn't say anything more and considerately left.
After he left, Kangxi sighed deeply. He insisted on personally leading the expedition this time, both for public and private reasons.
For the public good, as he said, it was to boost morale; while for his private good, it was because he intentionally let go and separated himself from Bao Cheng for a period of time.
After the death of his maternal grandmother, Emperor Kangxi paid more attention to Bao Cheng's affairs. He was certainly aware that excessive attention would become a shackle for Bao Cheng, but he couldn't control himself, and Bao Cheng indulged him.
Just as the Empress Dowager said before her death, Bao Cheng had a compassionate heart, and he was like that to everyone. Even though his attention had affected Bao Cheng's normal life, Bao Cheng still indulged him.
But Kangxi knew this was abnormal and bad. Baocheng was thinking of him, so how could he disregard Baocheng's thoughts and not consider Baocheng's feelings?
Young eagles always have to take flight, and Bao Cheng is not a young eagle, but a roc that can soar through the sky. He cannot bind Bao Cheng in the name of love, and he should let go no matter how difficult it is.
His Bao Cheng deserves the best and should be the center of attention. No one can overshadow Bao Cheng's brilliance, not even himself.
...
On July 6, Emperor Kangxi appointed Prince Yu, Fuquan, as the Grand General of the Pacification Army, with his eldest son, Yinzhi, as his deputy, and sent troops out of Gubeikou. Changning led the right-wing army out of Xifengkou, marched along the Luan River, the Kuerqile River and the Sidao River, and joined forces with Fuquan's army.
On July 23, Galdan sent an envoy to say that his entry into the border was to seek revenge against the Khalkha and that he had no intention of invading the northern border of the Qing Dynasty.
On July 24th, in his reply to Galdan, the Kangxi Emperor again criticized Galdan for his inconsistent words and actions, ordering him to "listen to the Dalai Lama, cease hostilities, and each enjoy peace and happiness," and officially began his personal expedition under the guise of an imperial tour...
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