Chapter 180 The Wedding of the Second and Third Princes
"Stop shaking, stop shaking, how about I give you a thousand taels?" Seeing that the Crown Prince was genuinely pleased, Kangxi generously rewarded him with a thousand taels.
At this moment, the smile in his eyes became more genuine.
"really?"
"Of course, would I lie to you?"
Fanghua was very dissatisfied with the conversation between the father and son. "Your Majesty," she immediately interrupted them, "this is unacceptable. How can the Crown Prince devote his mind to such unorthodox methods?"
The more the empress opposed him, the happier the emperor became.
Didn't you see him taking the initiative to shake the Empress's hand? "What you're saying, Your Majesty, is wrong. The Crown Prince is still young, and it's normal for his mind to wander. When he gets older, he'll be able to focus on state affairs. What's wrong with letting him play around for now?"
Fearing that the Empress would worry, he patted her hand and said, "Don't worry, I'm here. The Crown Prince won't go astray."
Fanghua suppressed her disgust and didn't pull her hand back, but his words made her very unhappy. "Hmph, it's not crooked yet, but now it's crooked to who knows how far it has gone. The Emperor is the same, just let him be."
After the four had lunch, the emperor took the two brothers away.
After seeing the person off, Fanghua returned to her study.
Although she didn't know why he came today, the fact that Consort De was pregnant mentioned at the dinner table still made her think.
Because the Emperor was giving her a warning.
This was to protect the child in Consort De's womb.
hehe.
Would Consort De have been able to give birth safely if she hadn't intervened?
snort.
dream.
If she wanted to promote the Tong family, she wouldn't mind helping them. Although Tong Banchao lived in the late Kangxi period in her previous life, it wouldn't be a problem to bring him forward a year or two now.
During the waiting period, several pieces of good news came from the harem.
Fanghua didn't lift a finger on any of them. Apart from sending Xiaofeng to find out whether it was a boy or a girl, she left it to fate and ignored the pregnant concubines.
She was waiting, waiting for someone to jump out.
What Fanghua didn't expect was that the first one to jump out would be Consort Rong of the Ma Jia clan.
This person doesn't seem to be very bright, but it's not a bad thing for her to get involved. She can help get rid of a Cheng Ti, who has a brother helping him.
Although he was about the same age as Chengren, he still provided a lot of help.
You should know that the crown prince's own brother has been deposed, while her two sons are both healthy.
There was a reason why Lady Ma Jia jumped out: Emperor Kangxi had arranged for Cheng Ti to marry a woman from the Ha La clan, the eldest daughter of a military family. This Lady Ha La's ancestors had fought alongside Emperor Taizu to conquer the country. Although they were not as outstanding as other families, their merits were still considerable.
The title of Marquis of Chengen is now hereditary, and the Third Prince's wife is the legitimate daughter of the Marquis of Chengen's household, which shows how much Emperor Kangxi values the Third Prince.
How could Consort Rong not be arrogant?
Consort De, a lowly maid who rose from humble beginnings, how could she possibly sit in such a high position like them?
Consort Rong knew how much the Emperor valued Consort De's pregnancy and was aware of his plans. She didn't want her son to be overshadowed by the son of a Noble Consort.
If Consort De had raised the child herself, she could have tolerated it. After all, her own child was so much older, and even if the Emperor lived a long life, it wouldn't be the turn of a palace maid's son to rise to the throne.
Unfortunately, she's now attached herself to the Tong family, so she can't tolerate anything anymore.
Consort De is bleeding; it's said she's having trouble conceiving.
However, the Imperial Hospital's medical skills were ultimately excellent, and the pregnancy was saved. But Consort De's health was damaged, and she could only stay in bed to recuperate afterward.
Ma Jia was naturally dissatisfied with this result, but no matter how dissatisfied she was, she could not make a second move, because the Emperor and Consort Tong were guarding the area even more tightly. If she wanted to succeed again, the price would be too high.
With her son's wedding imminent, she didn't want anyone to suspect her, so she had no choice but to give up.
Fanghua was speechless as she watched the farce come to an end. She felt that Ma Jia had put on a silent show, not only without hurting anyone, but also creating a better adoption opportunity for Consort Tong.
"Your Highness, Consort Tong has made her move. Should we tell Consort De about this?" Qiaoling returned happily to report after compiling the information from outside.
Seeing the mockery in her eyes, Fanghua was speechless. When did Qiaoling become such a show-taker?
"Stop making that frivolous look on your face. Anyone who didn't know better would think you're up to something bad." This person is getting more and more unreliable as she gets older. There's just no way to deal with her.
"Your Majesty, this servant is gentle by nature and would never do anything bad. Your Majesty, please don't wrong me," Qiaoling said coquettishly.
She only had a few close friends left, and she couldn't bear to see her suffer. "Alright, alright, stop pretending. Tell me, what fun things have you found outside?"
"After Consort De bled last time, Consort Tong took over all her affairs. Now Consort De is being cared for under Consort Tong's nose. She receives three supplements every day, and Consort De has gained weight in just a few days."
At this point, Qiaoling couldn't help but burst out laughing, "Your Majesty, you have no idea how funny Consort De looked after she gained weight." Thinking of the scene she had witnessed, she couldn't help but laugh.
Fanghua rarely went out, so naturally she was unaware of this matter. After Consort De suffered a miscarriage, she also excused Consort De from paying her respects.
I really don't know why Qiaoling is laughing so happily. "Alright, stop laughing, or you'll get a stitch in your side. Tell me what Consort Tong has done."
She knew that Tongjia was someone who couldn't hold back.
Having been in the palace for many years without being able to have a son or daughter, she must be anxious. Her previous miscarriage had also damaged her health, so her wish to have a child was gone.
It was not easy for someone in the palace to get pregnant, but she was an ambitious woman who was not easy to control. The emperor was also protecting her, so she had no choice but to let her leave.
Fortunately, the emperor agreed to let her raise the child herself after it was born, which made her feel a little better.
I never imagined that bitch was such a useless thing. She bled so soon after I left. What a piece of trash.
But that's fine too, it makes it easier for her to raise the child better.
Taking three supplements a day is a minor matter; as long as it benefits the child, she spares no expense to get them for Consort De to take.
It's perfectly reasonable for someone to gain weight, or even change their appearance.
After hearing Qiaoling's description, Fanghua also laughed out loud.
When Zhang Mama came in, she was puzzled to see the two of them laughing so happily, so she stepped forward and asked, "What's making you so happy?"
Upon seeing Zhang Mama enter, Qiaoling immediately stepped forward and took her arm. "Mama, you have no idea." She then recounted how Consort De had gained weight, and then covered her mouth and laughed.
Zhang Mama couldn't laugh. She was experienced and knew the tricks of the inner court. "Your Highness, I'm afraid Consort Tong has ill intentions. She wants to take the mother away and leave the child."
Fanghua's smile remained unchanged as she picked up her teacup and took a sip of warm water to moisten her throat.
Then she said softly, "Don't worry, Granny. I guessed it too. Just now, Qiaoling asked me if I should tell Consort De. What do you think, Granny? Should we tell her?"
Seeing that the Empress was confident, Zhang Mama was relieved. "This matter has nothing to do with Your Majesty. This old servant thinks it's none of our business. If you want to cause trouble for Consort Tong, you should preserve the evidence and hand the child over to her when she grows up."
Granny Zhang has matured; her way of thinking has changed. In the past, she would definitely have agreed with Qiaoling's words.
But now, she thinks it would be best for the Empress to stay out of everything.
"Granny's idea is good. If that child is lucky enough to survive, and if he gains the Emperor's favor, it would be best to start with the mother and son. Granny's idea is very thoughtful." The more Qiaoling thought about it, the more she felt that Granny Zhang's method was better than what she had told Consort De directly.
Fanghua remained silent, listening to Qiaoling and the old woman discuss the matter. Only after they finished did she give her final decision, "Then let's do it according to Granny Zhang's plan. Of course, if someone is willing to be a good person, we shouldn't stop them."
"yes."
Before they knew it, it was time for the Second Prince's wedding. Although Chenghu was the eldest brother, he had lost a leg because of Chengdao, and since his enemy was getting married, he naturally did not attend.
Not only did he not go, but neither did the emperor or the empress.
In the prince's quarters, Cheng Dao looked at the two empty seats and was very indignant. However, he knew that he had lost the emperor's favor and that if it weren't for Lord Mingzhu helping him, he probably wouldn't be able to get married.
Mother said that it doesn't matter if he has no chance of becoming the emperor. When the time comes, it will be the same to help the sixth brother to become the emperor, since they grew up in the same palace.
Fortunately, his wife and Lord Mingzhu were from the same clan. According to the wife's seniority, he had to call Lord Mingzhu his paternal uncle.
With this status, he would certainly have a place among the Iron-Capped Princes.
Hmph, elder brother, the Crown Prince, he'll remember this grudge.
With the announcement of the ceremony by the Ministry of Rites, the wedding came to a close.
The two brothers who did not attend hid in the Kunning Palace.
Fanghua directly arranged for the two of them to stay overnight in the palace.
"Chenghu, Chengreng, just wait for your father's lecture tomorrow. Don't talk back, just accept the punishment. It'll be a good time to relax."
She knew what had happened to the prince, but so what? She simply wouldn't go. Did Consort Hui dare to cause her any trouble?
Hmph, it's just a son of a concubine getting married. It's their good fortune that she doesn't interfere.
She will not wrong the bride-to-be for Mingzhu's sake when she comes to pay her respects tomorrow. That's all.
"I know, Mother Empress, don't worry. Since I dared to do this, I'm prepared to be punished," Chenghu said nonchalantly.
Although his injury was fake, he couldn't utter the words of a saint who wouldn't blame anyone.
He is stingy and also protective of his own.
Fine, fine. He'll have plenty of opportunities to get his revenge anyway.
"I'm afraid Father Emperor will use this matter to blackmail Chengren." This is what worries him the most.
Yesterday he tried to persuade his younger brother to go and not to hold a grudge, but his brother refused, and he couldn't force him.
Knowing that he was standing up for her and not wanting to wrong her younger brother, she let him come with her to visit the Empress Dowager.
To his surprise, after hearing the purpose of their visit, the Empress Dowager decided not to go.
Even though her father had invited her several times, her mother had refused again and again.
Later, the Emperor did not send anyone, but he and Consort Hui received the bride's kowtow ceremony together, and Consort Hui even sat in the seat that should have been the Empress Dowager's seat.
Father Emperor is showing no mercy to Mother Empress.
"It's alright, I couldn't be happier. The more ruthless he is, the less my brother will show mercy in the future," Chengren replied nonchalantly.
However, it is not hard to tell from his words that he has a fatherly affection for the emperor, after all, his protection of the emperor for half a lifetime in the previous life was true.
Although this life is different, there are still entanglements from the previous life, so Chengren still can't bring himself to be ruthless.
But the longer he wears down, the more he can truly sever the ties of his past life.
Fanghua understood what he meant. "Alright, let's leave it at that. It's not a big deal. I'll reward you handsomely tomorrow."
Pat the two of them on the shoulder to reassure them.
After the Second Prince's marriage, it was the Third Prince's turn.
Since Ma Jia bowed down to Fanghua, she has been dutiful and dutiful all these years, and there have been no conflicts. Fanghua was very accommodating and went to the prince's residence early on the day of their wedding.
When Emperor Kangxi arrived, he saw the Empress and Consort Rong chatting happily.
Thinking of the scenes from the previous weddings of Cheng Dao, Kangxi couldn't help but frown.
Although Chengdao was wrong, the fact that the Empress, as his legal mother, did not attend such an important occasion as his wedding was a slap in the face for Chengdao.
But today, the Empress attended again, which makes the Second Prince's wife think.
Kangxi walked toward the two with a long face, "The Empress is free today, arriving so early. I thought you weren't coming again this time."
These words are easy to say, but everyone is a sensible person and knows that the Emperor is speaking out for the Second Prince.
But is the Empress so easy to bully?
No, it isn't.
"Your Majesty, what are you saying? I was unwell last time, and I couldn't bring illness to the newlyweds, so I didn't show up. What, Your Majesty, are you blaming me for not attending the Second Prince's wedding?"
Fanghua's words were very direct: "It's normal not to attend. After all, not every mother can forgive a murderer who harmed her son."
The words were neither too light nor too heavy, neither joyful nor sorrowful, but their content sent chills down the spines of those who heard them.
Everyone knows that the eldest son had an accident ten years ago, but the official story was that he had an accident while practicing martial arts, which is why he lost a leg.
But what the Empress said today is that the First Prince's injury is related to the Second Prince?
Royal secrets, royal secrets!
"Empress."
The Emperor was displeased when the Empress spoke of the past. "It was an accident. Don't remember it wrong."
The second prince has already entered the court, and he cannot go there bearing a stigma. He has already ruined one son, and he does not want his other son to be implicated.
Besides, he will make it up to Chenghu; why doesn't the Empress understand his good intentions?
"Whatever Your Majesty says goes. I'm just a woman confined to the inner palace, so I have to listen to Your Majesty." Fanghua wasn't angry at all, and looked at Kangxi with a smile.
But the hatred in his eyes was undisguised and revealed to Kangxi.
Kangxi took a deep breath. "Today is a joyous occasion for Cheng Ti. Let's not dwell on the past. Consort Rong, are you all ready? You will come with me to receive the bride's obeisance in a moment."
Even at this point, the Emperor still wants to embarrass the Empress.
If it were someone else, they might have agreed upon hearing such an honor.
But Consort Rong wasn't stupid; she had two sons and knew what she should and shouldn't do.
"Yes, Your Majesty, we will wait for the bride to kowtow to the Emperor and his stepmother before we go on stage. After all, today is a joyous occasion, and we cannot be out of line with etiquette and decorum." Consort Rong's words were a rejection of the Emperor's suggestion.
But what can she do? Her son is grown up now, and no matter how important the emperor's favor is, it can't compare to her son.
She knew perfectly well that the emperor was using her as a pawn, so she was even less likely to agree.
She wouldn't get involved in the affairs of the emperor and empress; she'd just stay in the background and pick up the benefits.
"Hmph, let's do it the way we do it."
As expected, Consort Rong was a coward.
After glancing at the Empress, Kangxi couldn't help but smile. "Then let the Empress come out with me."
Just then, the officials from the Ministry of Rites outside began chanting the wedding ceremony.
As soon as the Emperor and Empress appeared, the Second Prince and his wife below looked grim.
Consort Hui also looked unwell, but she was pulled back to her senses by Lady Nara.
Making a scene at this time would not be a wise move.
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