Kangxi laughed heartily, pulled Hongli up, and looked him over: "You've been working so hard for me at the Thousand Elders Banquet, how could I be angry that you didn't come to see me? It's been so long since I last saw you, Hongli, you've indeed grown taller and are much stronger. You must have suffered quite a bit out there?"
Hongli was terrified and replied respectfully, "I dare not make any mistakes in the matters that Your Majesty has instructed. I have traveled to every prefecture and county, and everyone I have met is grateful and I have done my best to fulfill your requests."
Kangxi was very satisfied. He patted Hongli's hand, signaling Hongli to sit beside him, and asked, "The Qing Dynasty has a vast territory. In some places, although officials have expressed their allegiance, they are actually rebelling internally. Is there any difficulty in Hongli attending this time?"
Hongli sat up straight, leaned forward, and replied, "Although people are different and places vary, no matter where one is or what official position one holds, all are under the rule of the Great Qing, all under the Emperor's rule. Those who are stubborn are treated with respect, those who are harmonious are treated with courtesy, those who are rebellious are punished with courtesy, and those who are false are intimidated with courtesy. The Emperor resides in the capital, but his power extends throughout the land. Hongli has no difficulties because the Emperor is always there to support him..."
Hongli never mentioned the assassination attempt on the road, for fear of worrying Kangxi.
After listening, Kangxi felt even more that Hongli had grown up, and that he had the demeanor of his father in his conduct and dealings with others—calm and composed. He was extremely satisfied and happily ordered Li Dequan to prepare tea and snacks for Hongli.
Li Dequan understood and withdrew, taking all the eunuchs with him.
After laughing, Kangxi asked casually, "Hongli is not young anymore. I heard that your father and mother have already arranged for Mingyu of the Fuca clan to marry you. Are you satisfied?"
Hongli lowered his head shyly, his face flushed, and replied, "Mingyu, she is very good... Your Majesty is very satisfied..."
Seeing this, Kangxi laughed loudly: "It is only natural for a man to cherish the woman he loves. Mingyu is good, she is a good match for you! But Hongli, do you know that a man carries heavy responsibilities, and sometimes his affections are for other purposes! Your father has promised you Xueying from the Ulanara clan, I'm afraid that's the reason..."
Hongli was startled, looking up without speaking. He hadn't expected Kangxi to ask this, so he looked at Kangxi seriously. Kangxi smiled slightly, gazing at the sky outside the window, and said, "Do you know that the reason the Qing Dynasty has been able to prosper and endure for so long is not entirely due to military conquest, nor entirely due to governance by law. Rather, it is closely related to the eight great Manchu families. Only when these eight families worked together could the Qing Dynasty achieve lasting peace and stability. Have you ever thought about this?" Kangxi looked at Hongli with a half-smile, and Hongli belatedly realized what he meant, lowering his head in deep thought.
"Hongli understands. I will keep your words in mind, Your Majesty. A man's ambition lies in the world, not in being entangled in trivial matters concerning his children. It was I who was ignorant and caused Your Majesty worry..." Hongli knew that Kangxi was saying this because of the annulment of the engagement with Xueying, probably to prevent him from making a decision on his own. With no other choice, he could only agree, feeling extremely apologetic towards Mingyu.
Emperor Kangxi nodded. Just then, Li Dequan entered. Eunuchs brought out various pastries. Kangxi, beaming, pulled Hongli aside and urged him to try some. He jokingly said, "The scenery at Changchun Garden is beautiful, but you wouldn't believe it, these pastries are also famously delicious. Try some..."
Hongli chatted with Kangxi for a while longer before taking his leave. He understood that his grandfather was advising him not to break off the engagement.
Since things had come to this, Hongli could only feel sorry for Mingyu. He would never treat Xueying well in the future. Thinking of this, Hongli felt a little more at ease.
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