A map of the capital was laid out on the table, and Yinreng, at Kangxi's instruction, examined it carefully.
To be honest, he had never seen the layout of the capital city so clearly before.
"Thankfully, the sea ban was lifted. The annual tax revenue has filled the national treasury, completely making up for the expenses incurred in the previous years in fighting Galdan and pacifying the Three Feudatories. I know you and Yinzhen have a good relationship, so feel free to choose a good residence for him," Kangxi said.
Yinreng replied, "Father, don't worry, I'm biased too. Given the relationship between Tana and Fourth Brother, I estimate that once the Fourth Prince's mansion is built, she'll pack her bags and go stay there for ten days or half a month. So, how could I possibly choose a bad one for him?"
Emperor Kangxi beamed with joy: "Your daughter is destined to be raised by Yinzhen. I think Yinzhen treats Tana better than Honghui."
“Manchus cherish their sons more than their grandsons. Honghui is the eldest son of the fourth brother, and he will bear heavy responsibilities in the future. How can he be compared to him? However, Tana is indeed very likable. There is no girl more likable than Tana.” As Yinreng spoke, he began to boast, “Don’t you see how good-looking and intelligent my son is? Xiaoyan is also smart and beautiful. It’s impossible for our children to be bad.”
Kangxi glared at him: "The Grand Secretary even praised you for being better at Chinese studies than him, how could you say such a thing?"
"To appeal to both refined and popular tastes, huh?" Yinreng chuckled.
There weren't many locations available for princes to build their residences. After all, there were only so many places in the entire capital that required both a good location and ample space.
At this point, the older princes had an advantage, as the best positions were first-come, first-served.
When the younger princes grew up and left the palace, they couldn't find these good places to live.
Yinreng carefully selected the items, explaining their merits and demerits to Kangxi, as if he had no selfish motives whatsoever, displaying the open and honest demeanor of a good elder brother.
"Regarding the location of my fourth brother's residence, I've chosen these two. One is close to the palace gate, making it convenient to come to the palace for court. The other is more spacious. I heard from Xiao Yan that there's good news in my fourth brother's harem. Once his offspring are plentiful and fully grown in a few years, a small residence won't be suitable," Yinreng said, pointing to the map.
"You're so thoughtful," Kangxi said. "These two you picked out are exactly the same ones I've been eyeing. I'll call Yinzhen over later and let him choose one himself."
"Whichever you choose, it's an excellent place. Your Majesty's judgment is truly first-rate." Yinreng said with emotion, "I still remember when the Empress passed away, my fourth brother was just a little boy crying uncontrollably. Now, my fourth brother has both a son and a daughter, and he is also steady and reliable in court, able to share some of the burden with Your Majesty."
"Fourth brother, he has finally grown up!" Yinreng recalled Yinzhen's always serious and thin face, and felt a sense of pride in raising a son who had just come of age.
Kangxi originally intended to tease Yinreng, so he only carefully selected items for Yinzhen, while he could choose more casually for his other brothers.
Upon hearing this, Kangxi was also lost in memories.
"My cousin can rest assured now. I have done right by her, raising Yinzhen well." Kangxi's voice choked with emotion as he thought of Tongjia.
Yinreng quietly stayed with Kangxi until Kangxi recovered from his memories and looked at the map again.
The rest was simple. Yinreng made the final decision and picked out places for each of his brothers.
The specific blueprint design will be handled by the Imperial Household Department in consultation with them at that time.
After settling this matter, Yinreng spoke with Kangxi for a while before preparing to take his leave.
Before leaving, Yinreng couldn't help but ask, "Father, Hongzhao, he..."
"I know. I had Shi Bingwen tell the Crown Princess." Kangxi smiled reassuringly, "You are the son I raised myself. I have many sons, but you are different. Hongzhao is the same."
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