The next morning, Ban Gu ordered the preparation of a welcoming procession for Prince Zhi, and then had a banquet platform erected in preparation for a grand grassland banquet.
Emperor Kangxi, having just heard the news of Prince Zhi's return, barely managed to get any sleep and only managed to get some rest in the morning.
"It seems quite lively over at Bangu outside?" Kangxi asked.
"Yes, this servant thinks it's set up for a banquet!" Liang Jiugong also had a dark expression. Kangxi couldn't sleep, and neither could he. He had stayed up almost all night.
"Hmph, it seems that Prince Zhi killed Galdan with his own hands this time, and they all regard him as a great hero!" Kangxi had already dressed and was sitting behind his desk, resting with his eyes closed.
"Galdan wreaked havoc on the grasslands. This time, the Emperor was able to crush them, which has reassured all the tribes on the grasslands," Liang Jiugong said.
"Who exactly is this Mei'er, the spy planted by me? I didn't even see through her disguise. Am I getting old?" Kangxi frowned.
Upon hearing this, Liang Jiugong immediately went to Kangxi, knelt down, and begged for forgiveness, saying, "This old servant is guilty. The Imperial Tea Room is supposed to be under my jurisdiction. I cannot shirk my responsibility for what happened."
Kangxi slowly opened his eyes, looked at the old eunuch before him, and said, "Old man, I didn't mean to punish you. How many spies like Mei'er are left around me? Go back and thoroughly investigate everyone around me, and show no leniency!"
"Yes, this old servant will definitely check every single servant who serves the Emperor when I get back, and this situation will never happen again," Liang Jiugong said, bowing his head.
"Get up. Some servants have been bribed. Do you think you can see through them?" Kangxi said with a stern face.
Liang Jiugong slowly got up and then said, "This old servant thinks that she might be inquiring about the Emperor's decision to appoint a Crown Prince."
"Hmph, they really don't know what's good for them. That Jin Die, no need to wait any longer, have him beaten to death! Mei'er, continue to find him for me." Kangxi didn't care at all that the two girls had once served him.
At dawn, Prince Zhi and his army finally returned. Emperor Kangxi did not summon anyone to greet Prince Zhi. Prince Zhi brought Galdan's head to Emperor Kangxi's tent to pay his respects.
"Your Majesty, Prince Zhi has returned and is waiting outside the tent!" Liang Jiugong reported to Emperor Kangxi.
"Yes, let him in!" Kangxi said.
After the tent was lifted from the outside, Prince Zhi, dressed in armor of the Bordered Blue Banner, strode in with an air of grandeur. He was slightly surprised to find no one in Kangxi's tent. When they returned, Ban Gu had sent many people to greet them. But looking at his imperial father, he showed no intention of sending anyone to welcome them.
"Your Majesty, I have successfully completed my mission and have beheaded Galdan, presenting his head to you!" Prince Zhi knelt down and said.
"Hmm, Baoqing, you have indeed not disappointed me!" Kangxi said. Then, Liang Jiugong had someone show Kangxi the wooden box brought back by Prince Zhi; it contained Galdan's head.
"Go, hang it on the watchtower outside, so that all the tribes from the grasslands who come to celebrate can see it. This is the fate of those who dare to oppose the Qing Dynasty," Kangxi said.
Prince Zhi was still kneeling on the ground. Kangxi did not tell him to get up, and he dared not get up.
"Get up. Come, sit down next to me." Kangxi seemed to only then remember that Prince Zhi was still kneeling on the ground.
Liang Jiugong responded and left with the wooden box, leaving only Kangxi and Prince Zhi and his son in the tent.
"Baoqing, you have made so many contributions this time, what would you like your father to reward you with?" Kangxi then smiled and asked.
"It is my duty to share the Emperor's burdens, how can I ask for credit?" Prince Zhi was a little unsure of Kangxi's meaning.
"What are you saying? I always reward people according to their merits. Even if you don't want it, your subordinates will clamor for credit," Kangxi said with a smile.
Prince Zhi felt a pang in his heart. He looked at Kangxi's smiling face, but felt a chill down his spine as he pondered the meaning behind Kangxi's words.
“They are all the Emperor’s subordinates, serving the Qing Dynasty is their duty as soldiers,” Prince Zhi could only say.
"Hehe, Baoqing. I have already decided how to reward you, including those who have risked their lives with you," Kangxi said.
Prince Zhi was so nervous that he could barely speak. He desperately hoped that Emperor Kangxi would acknowledge him as the only choice for Crown Prince.
"You were the first among all the princes to be granted the title of king. And this time you have made such a great contribution. I would like to grant you the title of Prince Heshuo. What do you think?" Kangxi raised his hand and patted Prince Zhi on the shoulder.
Prince Zhi stared intently at Kangxi. In the past, such an honor would have filled him with ecstatic joy. But now, what he wanted wasn't just a princely title; he wanted the position of Crown Prince!
Kangxi carefully observed the expression on Prince Zhi's face, not missing a single change in his expression!
"Prince Zhi!" Kangxi's voice was noticeably colder. He had hoped that this reward would make Prince Zhi grateful, but he had just clearly seen the dissatisfied and resentful Prince Zhi.
"Your subject thanks Your Majesty!" Prince Zhi quickly stood up and knelt before Emperor Kangxi again.
"Alright, go and rest for a while. Your deployments will be rewarded accordingly. Ban Gu has prepared a banquet for you this afternoon!" Kangxi's expression softened slightly when he saw that Prince Zhi had finally expressed his gratitude.
Meanwhile, inside the Eighth Prince's tent, the Ninth Prince and several of the Eighth Prince's trusted advisors were discussing what kind of reward the Prince of Zhi would receive this time.
"Look at the way he acted just now, as if he were already the crown prince!" Ninth Master said indignantly.
"Since Prince Zhi personally killed Galdan this time, such a welcome is not excessive!" said the Eighth Prince.
"I wonder how His Majesty will view this matter! Judging from what I see, His Majesty is quite distrustful of Prince Zhi!" said one of the advisors.
"Why do you say that, sir?" asked Eighth Master.
"Judging from the speed at which His Majesty traveled this time, I think His Majesty is not at ease with Prince Zhi," he continued.
“Mr. Kong is right. I also feel that Father Emperor seemed to be in a great hurry to come here this time. He probably doesn’t want Ban Gu and the others to have a chance to plot with Prince Zhi. After all, Dohar is Prince Zhi’s son-in-law. If Prince Zhi can sit on that throne, they would be happy to see it,” said Ninth Prince.
"I think the tribes on the grasslands may not support Prince Zhi. For example, Dohar once told me that he does not support Prince Zhi," said the Eighth Prince.
"Eighth Brother, don't be fooled by that kid. We need to figure out why he's approaching you," Ninth Master said.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
