The Qing Dynasty's navy has always been weak. Not to mention the poorly assembled coastal navy, even the inland river navy, which mainly consisted of misfits, was not very impressive.
"Father Emperor is so idle that he's even managing the navy?" Prince Zhi was so shocked he almost blurted out that Kangxi was daydreaming.
"Is it because there have been no wars in recent years that Father Emperor thinks the Eight Banners soldiers are just freeloading and doesn't want to support them anymore?" Except for the past year, Prince Zhi has spent most of his time in the military camp and has a very deep bond with the soldiers.
He was worried when he thought about his brothers losing their jobs.
Yinreng truly despised Prince Zhi's stupidity. Prince Zhi was able to fight him for so many years, all thanks to Mingzhu, right? With that kind of brain, he wouldn't last more than three rounds against him.
"One thing at a time. At most, we'll just select some good swimmers and assign them to the naval camp," Yinreng explained patiently.
"The Eight Banners are full of talented people. Father Emperor should pay attention to coastal defense. What do you want with me?" Prince Zhi lowered his guard and said casually.
Yinreng glanced at him suspiciously and asked, "What were you doing when you fled to Fujian overnight? Have you forgotten?"
Moreover, if the Eight Banners were truly full of talented people, Emperor Kangxi wouldn't have to worry about losing sleep every night.
A bunch of parasites who live off the achievements of their ancestors; they can't be killed or punished, and keeping them around would only waste the national treasury's money.
"Why did I go to Fujian? Don't you know, Your Highness?" Prince Zhi retorted, sticking out his neck.
"Should I thank you? You just withdrew in time and didn't continue to be used as a tool. Otherwise, would you be living so comfortably now?" Yinreng said.
“Mingzhu is doing this for my own good.” Prince Zhi is quite sentimental.
Yinreng curled his lips and said disdainfully, "The blood ties can only be traced back to our ancestors. Do you still consider him a true relative who is completely loyal to you? He went to great lengths to scheme for the Yehenara clan, for his own sons and grandsons."
“I understand, but don’t spell it out. Anyway, I’m not going to the navy. Hongyu is only one year old; he can’t even remember what he’s going to do. If I leave the capital, when I come back, I don’t know who he’ll call ‘Father.’” Prince Zhi was unmoved.
He refused to believe that anyone could force him to do something he didn't want to do.
“Actually, when I was in Fujian, I didn’t play a very big role. It was Orondai and Tong Ruita who did the actual work. I was just using the title of prince to occasionally keep order and bolster their position. Aren’t Orondai and Tong Guogang father and son at odds? It’s a good opportunity to transfer him out of the capital,” Prince Zhi suggested to Yinreng.
“The naval forces are newly established and don’t need them. Among those with experience in training naval forces, you are the most free. Besides, how do you know, elder brother, that Father chose you not because of your status as a prince?” Yinreng said.
"The Ministry of Revenue is not very willing to allocate funds to the Ministry of War. With you here, it will be easier to get funds for the Navy," Yinreng added.
The fact that Yinreng spent so much time discussing the matter meant that Prince Zhi could probably guess that the matter was pretty much settled.
No matter how unwilling he is, when Emperor Kangxi issues an imperial edict, how can he disobey it?
Kangxi wanted Yinreng to speak in order to curry favor with his brother. After all, if the coastal defense force was well-organized under Prince Zhi, it would be a great achievement recorded in history.
Unfortunately, Emperor Kangxi never anticipated that his eldest son would lack ambition.
“Your Highness, I recommended him to Father Emperor, didn’t I?” Prince Zhi asked through gritted teeth.
"Do you think I wanted this? My father hinted at it, so how could I not be quick-witted? Alright, I've made things clear to you. In a few days, my father should summon you." Yinreng wasn't happy about it either.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
