Yinzhi was scolded by Kangxi and was in a bad mood, so he dared not speak for the time being.
Yinti shared the same opinion as Kangxi on the expedition against Galdan, which is why he has been gaining popularity recently.
He looked sincerely at Kangxi and said, "Father, you are the emperor of the Great Qing. How could Galdan, a mere nobody, be worthy of your personal command? I am willing to go to war to defend the dignity of our Great Qing. I am your eldest son, and I am enough to boost the morale of the soldiers."
Kangxi looked at him coldly: "If that's the case, I might as well send the Crown Prince to the front line in person."
Yinti's face turned pale, and his body swayed precariously.
He was also acting out of filial piety, worried that Kangxi might be harmed on the battlefield. Even if he had his own ulterior motives, which of his grown brothers didn't have their own unspeakable thoughts?
"Father!" Yinti called out in a wronged tone.
Kangxi turned his head away, refusing to look at him.
In recent years, Yinti's power in the court has gradually threatened Yinreng, which is not a good thing for the crown prince.
"Baocheng, I am personally leading the campaign against Galdan, and the capital is in your hands. You are the son I raised myself, and I believe you can protect it for me." Kangxi helped Yinreng up without allowing any refusal.
Yinreng looked at Kangxi with concern, his eyes showing reluctance, but he said, "Father, rest assured, your son will not let you down."
Although there are risks involved in an emperor's personal campaign, the presence of thousands of soldiers ensures that the situation is not fraught with danger.
Furthermore, Yinreng understood that if Kangxi wanted the support of the people, leading an expedition in person was the best way to win their hearts.
Yinzhen, ever perceptive, added, "Your son awaits Your Majesty's triumphant return. When I am a few years older, I will also emulate Your Majesty."
"Alright, I'll wait for you. However, you can't skip the riding and archery lessons from now on. The Crown Prince has the heart of an elder brother and can't bear to see you suffer, but only by enduring hardship can one rise above others. Back then, the Crown Prince learned much more and worked much harder than you," Kangxi said gently to Yinzhen.
Both being sons, he was neglected and scolded, while his brother was praised and admired.
Yin Zhi was indignant and couldn't hold back for a moment.
Emperor Kangxi sighed helplessly. Yinti was his most beloved eldest son before Yinreng was born, and he was exceptionally talented. It was one thing for him to have ambitions to become the heir apparent. Yinzhi, on the other hand, only had the heart of a scholar. He was good enough to be a civil official who compiled books, but he had no talent for being an emperor, let alone the ability to be a powerful or important minister.
"My mind is made up on this matter. Bao Cheng, stay here. You all go back. I will announce this in court tomorrow. I do not wish to see any changes." Kangxi admonished Yinti and Yinzhi, warning them not to contact court officials or do anything that might cause trouble after returning home.
Yinzhi lowered his head meekly in agreement, while Yinti, though unwilling, obediently left.
With Yinreng protecting him, Yinzhen became much bolder and no longer showed the same respect for Emperor Kangxi as before.
"Father, I'm going back to practice martial arts now," Yinzhen said.
Everyone else withdrew, leaving only Kangxi and Yinreng.
"I heard that Yinzhen wants to take your eldest princess back to the princes' quarters to be raised?" Kangxi gestured for Yinreng to sit down; he wanted to keep him there for a casual chat.
Yinreng couldn't help but laugh when he mentioned this: "I never expected my fourth brother to be so childish. If I hadn't stopped him, Tana would probably have been taken to the princes' quarters by him."
"What did Lady Tongjia say?" Kangxi asked, puzzled.
Yinreng said, "She's quite carefree, saying whatever you want, Fourth Brother."
"Hmm?" Kangxi looked at Yinreng suspiciously, waiting for him to continue.
"Fourth Brother has given almost everything the Imperial Noble Consort left behind to Tana. His enthusiasm is unmatched, even by his sons. Besides, with her sons around, she doesn't need to worry about Fourth Brother actually taking Tana away. Even if Tana isn't kept in Yuqing Palace, she should be sent to Ningshou Palace. Grandmother is eagerly waiting for Tana to grow up; I heard Fifth Brother was even jealous about it," Yinreng explained.
Emperor Kangxi laughed heartily: "What you said is quite right. Since Yinzhen likes children, I will bestow upon him a few more princesses next time."
"I won't get involved in this matter. After all, my daughter Tana is cute and clever, and my fourth brother might not be able to have her," Yinreng said smugly.
His and Xiao Yan's child was the embodiment of all the world's wisdom and beauty, so perfect that it was beyond reproach.
Ordinary people neither have the ability nor the fortune to give birth to such a lovable child.
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