As if sensing something, Heaven sent a spring snowfall through Beijing in March. Kangxi's funeral preparations were underway, and the inclement weather did nothing to deter officials of the fourth rank and above from across the country from coming to pay their respects. The number of people arriving in the capital was increasing, and the city gates could not be closed immediately. The Fourth Prince had yet to find a suitable confidant to take command of the Imperial Guards and the Imperial Bodyguards, and the security of the city gates remained a major concern for him.
As usual, the Thirteenth Prince entered the palace early to discuss matters concerning the mourning of Emperor Kangxi with the Fourth Prince. Snowflakes had turned his hair white, and he hurriedly stepped into the Hall of Mental Cultivation. Although he had not yet paid his respects, the noise he made startled the Fourth Prince.
The Fourth Prince had no choice but to instruct the eunuchs to brush away the snowflakes from the Thirteenth Prince. Seeing the Thirteenth Prince's face red from the cold, grinning foolishly as the eunuchs surrounded him, the Fourth Prince waved for a maid to make tea and bring a brazier for the Thirteenth Prince.
Thirteenth Prince happily enjoyed the moment, then prepared to kneel before Fourth Prince, but was stopped by a glare from the prince. Understanding the implication, he straightened up. But then, feeling it inappropriate, he bowed again, saying, "Long live the Emperor..."
Fourth Master chuckled helplessly, offered a helping hand, and deliberately darkened his face: "You deliberately dressed so thinly and braved the wind and snow to come here, are you here to slack off or to curry favor?"
Thirteen chuckled, consciously moving closer to the brazier, rubbing his head and breathing out warm air as he said, "Brother, you've seen right through my little scheme! I've been assigned to the Ministry of Revenue by you, and I'm swamped with work every day. I can only steal a moment to come here..."
Fourth Prince had been planning to summon Thirteenth Prince, and now that Thirteenth Prince had arrived, after a few jokes, he finally voiced his concerns: "You've come at the right time. I really do have something to discuss with you. People who have come to offer condolences have all arrived in the capital, but the city gates cannot be closed, and it's impossible to check them all. You also know the whereabouts of Fourteenth Prince. I currently lack a trusted confidant to help me manage the Imperial Guards and the Imperial Bodyguards... Do you have any suggestions?"
Thirteen withdrew his smile, pondered for a moment, then stood up seriously and said to Fourth Prince, "Brother, do you still remember the person I told you about before?" Fourth Prince was puzzled, then suddenly remembered, "Seventeenth Brother?"
Thirteen nodded, replying firmly to Fourth Prince, "It is indeed Seventeenth Brother. Actually, I came here today for this very reason. I already understand the situation in the capital. My brother not only needs a trusted confidant to command the Imperial Guards and the Imperial Bodyguards, but also my help. If Seventeenth Brother takes over the defense of the capital and shares my brother's burdens, it will be more convincing to the people internally, and it will also serve as a warning to those with disloyal intentions externally..."
"He's been in Ganzhou the whole time and knows nothing about what's happening in the capital. The late emperor doted on him and spoiled him. I'm afraid..." Fourth Master analyzed with concern.
The Thirteenth Prince disagreed and hurriedly argued, "Your Majesty, although the Seventeenth Prince didn't grow up with us, I think he's a capable person. As long as Your Majesty can put aside your concerns and let him assist you, I believe he won't refuse. Right now, isn't the Seventeenth Prince the only one we can rely on..."
Thirteen's words were all reasonable. Given Fourth Prince's current situation, having another member of the imperial family to support him would not only silence public opinion but also be the best way to demonstrate that his ascension to the throne was secured. Fourth Prince pondered for a moment, then finally spoke slowly: "Summon Seventeen to the palace..."
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