Even though I've become so skilled at these methods, I still feel a pang of reluctance when I see Prince An standing at the bottom of the steps.
"Your Majesty, the origin of these blueprints is indeed somewhat suspicious. I have sent people to investigate thoroughly, but we have not been able to find any results. However, the significance of these blueprints is truly extraordinary. In any case, it is a good thing that they have come into our hands."
Emperor Kangxi nodded. Now that Prince An had given him the blueprints, Emperor Kangxi would not suspect that Prince An had concealed the origin of the blueprints from him.
However, he will definitely send someone to investigate how the blueprints came to be...
After Prince An left, Emperor Kangxi took this blueprint to Cining Palace.
Even after handling government affairs independently for so many years, the Kangxi Emperor still habitually consulted with the Empress Dowager when faced with particularly important matters.
The Cining Palace was filled with the strong scent of sandalwood. When Emperor Kangxi turned into a small Buddhist hall, he saw the Empress Dowager.
"Ancestor..."
After the Empress Dowager devoutly offered the incense in her hand and then held the prayer beads in her hand, she slowly turned around.
"What brings the Emperor here today?"
Emperor Kangxi told Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang about the blueprints he had obtained.
Just by looking at the drawings, the Empress Dowager had already vaguely sketched out what the Dzungar Khanate looked like.
In fact, compared to the Qing Dynasty, the Dzungar Khanate was closer to the Khorchin. His own elder brother and father had fought against the Dzungar Khanate countless times, and after the two sides formed a marriage alliance, they became a very advantageous barrier for the Qing Dynasty.
Whenever she missed her hometown, she would look at the blueprints of the Qing Dynasty and sketch the outline of Khorchin, and at the same time she could naturally see the neighboring Dzungar.
"With the research departments at such a stage, is it possible for them to catch up with the next campaign against the Dzungar Khanate?"
"We'll probably have to instruct the craftsmen to keep a close eye on the progress before we can reach a conclusion..."
Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang nodded.
This matter certainly cannot be rushed.
They all knew how important this blueprint was, even if they weren't personally on the battlefield like Prince An, they certainly weren't just sitting on the throne indulging in pleasure.
"Then this can be considered as doing Prince An a favor..." Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang remained silent for a long time, then sighed. It was more than just a favor; this must have been an incredible stroke of luck.
In fact, in Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang's view, if she were to compare the unfair treatment she received here with her own, she might not have been able to maintain such a good attitude.
If someone like Prince An, who holds military power, had the opportunity to rebel, he would have had plenty of chances... and if he really did have such thoughts, it would be a disaster for the Qing Dynasty, causing it great damage.
She and Emperor Kangxi exchanged a glance.
The royal family owes him far too much.
They owed their lineage too much. Even Emperor Kangxi, who had tried to harden his heart, and Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang, who had been immersed in the court for decades, could not bear to think of the deaths of several of Prince An's brothers on the battlefield.
"You don't need to get involved in this matter. I'll summon Empress Hesheli to the palace in a while..."
*******
Jingrou recently received an invitation from Jiarou, saying that they were going to hold a flower viewing banquet at their residence and invited Jingrou to bring her elders along.
One of the invitations to the banquet was delivered to Hesheli, the head of the main courtyard, while the other was written by Jiarou herself and specially delivered to Jingrou's courtyard.
The one sent separately was, of course, a special invitation from a good friend to invite Jingrou over.
The invitation sent to the main courtyard was written personally by Chen Yanjing's wife, in the tone of a junior, inviting Hesheli to attend.
This matter is indeed somewhat strange, since in the eyes of outsiders, Chen Yanjing and Prince An have absolutely no connection.
It was only after Ma explained the previous incident with a smile that everyone understood.
Since it's a friendship between two young girls, it wouldn't be right to forcibly separate them.
Hesheli thought so too, so on the day of the banquet, she took Jingrou with her.
As Chen Yanjing's wife, Madam Ma was always a warm and approachable presence, which added a touch of warmth to Chen Yanjing's image of being incorruptible and clear-cut with others, preventing his relationships with other officials from becoming overly tense.
The banquets they held were confined to the inner quarters and would not affect the court.
With Ma Shi's exceptional popularity and Chen Yanjing's favored position by the emperor, they became an invincible duo.
This is another layer of wisdom from Chen Yanjing.
The Chen family has a very beautiful back garden, where this banquet was held. The wisteria is in bloom this season. The Chen family has a large area of wisteria, and with the long pavilion forming a corridor, it rustles when the wind blows. Perhaps some wisteria petals will fall on a child.
The guests were not many; they were mostly wives from Han Chinese officials' households. They were all wives who were on good terms with Madam Ma, and of course, there were also young ladies like Lady Hesheli who had been invited by her.
Ever since they parted ways, Jia Rou had been thinking about these three lively and adorable little sisters. Despite being so much younger than her, they were all obedient and intelligent, perhaps with a bit of a gluttonous streak, but they were all exceptionally lovable. When she saw the three of them coming over, she introduced them to some of her close friends.
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