Chapter 171 Sickness
A fierce wind howled across the border, whipping up sand and gravel that rattled the tents. The army's westward advance on this campaign against the Dzungars was already fraught with peril. And now, a heavy atmosphere hung over the main tent.
Emperor Kangxi leaned against the couch, his face flushed. His usually handsome features were now slightly furrowed due to the high fever, and large beads of sweat rolled down his forehead, soaking his pillowcase. The imperial physicians accompanying the army were busy and anxious, but after several bowls of medicine, the high fever still did not subside.
A group of ministers stood guard outside the tent, their faces filled with worry. After whispering among themselves, Tong Guowei steeled himself and entered the tent first, kneeling down as he lifted his robes: "Your Majesty, the health of the Emperor is crucial to the well-being of all the people. This illness is now spreading rapidly. We implore Your Majesty to immediately return to the capital to recuperate. The capital has a number of excellent physicians from the Imperial Medical Academy, and the medicines are more complete. It is certain that Your Majesty will recover soon."
As soon as he finished speaking, the other ministers also knelt down and echoed in unison: "Your Majesty, please take care of your health and return to the capital immediately!"
A hint of resentment flashed in Kangxi's eyes, but recalling Bao Cheng's words, he dared not disregard his own health. After a moment of silence, he slowly uttered a few words: "Fine, then so be it."
Kangxi sat up slightly, forcing himself to stay alert, and ordered in a deep voice: "Issue my decree, order people to quickly select strong and healthy horses and immediately distribute them to the firearms battalion and the vanguard guards, ordering them to ride to the front of the army without fail! Galdan has not been defeated, the war cannot be delayed, the army must maintain its offensive and must not slacken."
His voice was hoarse, yet it carried an undeniable authority, and the ministers bowed in agreement.
After handing over command of the war to Prince Yu, Fuquan, Emperor Kangxi's imperial entourage finally set off for Beijing. However, due to his illness, he ultimately had to postpone his stay at the Gurufuljianjiahunga Mountain Palace for recuperation.
Emperor Kangxi didn't want Yinreng to worry, so he forbade anyone to spread the news of his illness back to the capital. But there was always Xiao Wu, who could fly and command birds. On the very first day of his illness, Xiao Wu sent a gyrfalcon back with the message.
Inside the Qianqing Palace, the candlelight in the warm pavilion flickered quietly, illuminating the mountain of memorials piled up.
The 15-year-old Changquan, the 13-year-old Yinzhi, and the 12-year-old Yinzhen were all brought in by Yinreng to handle government affairs together.
Just then, a clear cry broke the silence, and a gyrfalcon flew in through the window, landing steadily on the shelf by the window, flapping its wings, its black bean-like eyes showing a cleverness.
"What a handsome gyrfalcon! Second brother, where did it come from?"
As they grew older, everyone felt embarrassed to call him "Crown Prince Brother," as it seemed undignified. Several of the former top ministers who had been vying to become the Crown Prince Brother all started calling him "Second Brother."
Of course, Yinzhi was always the most smug at times like these. Because he could still be called "Baocheng"—what could he do, being the only elder brother?
Unfortunately, Yinzhi went on a military expedition with Kangxi and didn't have the chance to show off.
Knowing how much the animals loved their second brother, everyone was quite used to the various animals that appeared around him. However, the gyrfalcon held a special position among the Manchus, making it particularly eye-catching.
In response to Changquan's question, Yinreng shook his head, "This is the first time I've seen it, and I don't know where it flew from."
Yinreng stood up, took two steps closer, stroked the gyrfalcon's feathers, and looked at the little creature that was affectionately nuzzling against his hand, and couldn't help but smile.
But when he understood his cry, the smile on Yinreng's face vanished instantly.
"Second brother, what's wrong?"
Yinzhen, who had been watching him closely, was extremely concerned, while Changquan and Yinzhi, who were standing nearby, also cast doubtful and worried glances at him.
Yinreng frowned. "Father Emperor... fell seriously ill during his personal expedition to the Northwest."
Upon hearing this, the air in the room seemed to freeze instantly.
Yinreng took a deep breath and immediately made a decision, looking intently at the three men: "The situation is critical now, and I must rush to the Northwest immediately. Yinzhi and Yinzhen, there are many matters to attend to in the court. You must safeguard the court and not make the slightest mistake. Carefully consider every memorial. The peace and tranquility of the harem is related to the dignity and prosperity of the royal family. You assist the Empress Dowager in managing the affairs of the harem and do not let anyone's heart be disturbed."
Yinzhen frowned and stepped forward to dissuade him: "Second brother, the Northwest is far away and in a state of war and chaos. What if something happens to you if you go there? Why don't we send the imperial physician with good medicine as fast as possible, and then make a plan after Father's condition becomes clear?"
Yin Zhi nodded in agreement, "Yes, Father didn't send anyone back with a message, he must not want you, Second Brother, to worry."
"Second brother, you are the crown prince. Father is ill, so you should take better care of yourself."
Because of Kangxi's favor, Changquan, like the princes, called him "Father Emperor," but in his heart, Yinreng was still the most important.
"Now that I know about this, I am determined to make this trip. I trust you, and you must trust me too."
Yinreng remained resolute. He beckoned slightly, and the gyrfalcon landed on his arm. Yinreng gently stroked its feathers, his gesture carrying a hidden meaning.
It's not that we don't know about his extraordinary abilities, but even if we do know, who wouldn't worry?
Unable to dissuade Yinreng, the three hurriedly packed his luggage and selected his entourage.
Soon, watching Yinreng mount his horse and lead his entourage, kicking up dust as they sped off towards the northwest, the three were filled with worry, but could only brace themselves and do their best to protect the court for Yinreng.
Traveling at breakneck speed, day and night, the journey that would normally take about four days was completed in less than two days by Yinreng. Seeing the Crown Prince, travel-worn and disheveled, Liang Jiugong was speechless with surprise; he had never seen the Crown Prince so disheveled.
"Eunuch Liang, how is Father Emperor?"
Liang Jiugong finally came to his senses. The Emperor had explicitly forbidden it, and he didn't know who had leaked the information. But now that the Crown Prince had arrived, he had no choice but to tell the truth.
While sending someone to report to the Emperor, he reassured Yinreng: "Your Highness, please don't panic. The Emperor has had a recurring high fever these past few days, sometimes lucid and sometimes unconscious. The imperial physicians have tried various methods, but his condition hasn't improved much. He coughed for most of last night..."
Noticing Yinreng's increasingly worried expression, he quickly added, "However, the imperial physician also said that His Majesty has a good constitution. As long as he takes good care of himself and gets through this period, he will definitely recover gradually."
Yinreng's expression softened a bit. He wanted to see Kangxi, but then noticed his disheveled appearance and, not wanting to worry him, said to Liang Jiugong, "Eunuch Liang, please take me to change my clothes first."
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