When Hongzhao followed Kangxi to the Qianqing Palace, his comfortable and relaxed expression was as if he were back in his own courtyard.
Emperor Kangxi was easily swayed by this approach; if Hongzhao distanced himself from him, he would become unhappy.
They had slept together on the imperial bed since childhood, exploring every nook and cranny of the Qianqing Palace. If she suddenly became fearful and trembling just because she entered the court as a subject, that would be far too hypocritical.
Look at Yinreng. Apart from being serious and attentive during court assemblies, he's just an immature child in front of Kangxi at other times. He can act cute and silly at the drop of a hat, and he doesn't stand on ceremony with Kangxi at all.
"Hongzhao, come here and sit here again." Emperor Kangxi beckoned to Hongzhao with affection, and the grandfather and grandson sat very close together.
Hongzhao smiled obediently at Kangxi, took the snacks handed to him by Liang Jiugong, and sat down properly.
This is the difference between him and Yinreng. Yinreng was unrestrained and lazy, and had no manners when sitting in front of his own people. Hongzhao, on the other hand, was strict with himself from a young age. He applied the rules smoothly and flawlessly, as if they were ingrained in his bones.
Kangxi looked at the pastry in his hand, which was shaped like an exquisite little rabbit, and laughed out loud as if coaxing a three-year-old child.
Liang Jiugong blushed and explained, "I've been serving Prince Hongzhao this for years, and I haven't been able to break the habit."
Hongzhao picked up a rabbit-shaped pastry and ate it in one bite: "I've never changed this habit either. Mother has also had the cooks in the small kitchen make all kinds of pastries, but this is still my favorite."
Whether it was flattery or genuine affection, both Kangxi and Liang Jiugong could tell at a glance.
They were even happier because Hongzhao was speaking from the heart.
A loving child's closeness is more heartwarming than any gift.
Liang Jiugong's old face crinkled with laughter. He was a man without roots, and back then he had always strictly adhered to the master-servant relationship with the Crown Prince. But in recent years, as he had grown older, he had helped Kangxi raise Hongzhao, and in his heart, he had somehow gone beyond that and treated the young prince as his grandson.
Everyone has selfish desires. Liang Jiugong's selfish desire was to ensure that Hongzhao lived a good life and would always be the number one among Kangxi's grandchildren.
With Liang Jiugong's help, the relationship between Hongzhao and Kangxi was naturally flawless.
Occasionally, Emperor Kangxi would wonder if he should tone down his favoritism towards Hongzhao.
When Liang Jiugong was asked, he replied, "The Emperor and Prince Hongzhao are grandfather and grandson."
The bond between grandparents and grandchildren is human nature; why suppress it?
Under Liang Jiugong's subtle encouragement, Kangxi's favoritism towards Hongzhao became increasingly excessive.
Fortunately, Hongzhao was worthy of it and never let down the love and care his elders had for him, which is the best outcome.
"Tell me, how did you feel about attending court today?" Kangxi took the little rabbit that Hongzhao handed him, took a bite, and found it soft, chewy, and delicious.
Hongzhao said, "Grandson thinks it's wonderful. When I was little, I always watched my father and father get up before dawn to prepare for court. I never thought that one day I would be able to accompany you and listen to the ministers' arguments, striving for the prosperity of the Qing Dynasty and refusing to give in to each other."
As Hongzhao spoke, he clenched his fists, still caught up in the excitement of the fierce struggle in the court.
"You will see more in the future. In the imperial court, there is both righteousness and intrigue. There are those who wholeheartedly plead for the people, and those who are driven by selfish desires for wealth and glory. No one will tell you the truth of the matter. You must see for yourself and choose the most suitable people to employ," Kangxi said.
“Grandson has learned his lesson. Father also said that the first thing you taught him when he entered the court was that a ruler should be broad-minded and use people without being bound by convention.” Hongzhao immediately lowered his head solemnly, listening to Kangxi’s teachings.
"Both you and your father were personally taught by me. However, you are different from your father. Your heart is much broader than your father's, so it is not a problem for you to be strict and critical at times," Kangxi said earnestly.
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