Chapter 183 Emperor Kangxi Passes Away, Emperor and Empress Mourn Together
That night, the Empress personally attended to the Emperor's illness, and when no one was around, she used the Phoenix Luck to draw upon the Emperor's Luck.
Every bit of her body is taken away causes her a degree of damage.
Fortunately, Chengren's existence shifted much of the imperial fortune away; otherwise, she really wouldn't have been able to shake the imperial fortune.
Long Ling was aware of the benefits it had received, but Fang Hua had already had Xiao Feng teach it a lesson. If it dared to speak out of turn, she wouldn't mind letting Xiao Feng devour it.
For reasons unknown, Long Ling kept the Empress's affair a secret.
In any case, Chengreng had no idea why his mother, the Empress Dowager, had paid the ultimate price to ascend to the throne.
The emperor's illness lasted for three months.
A country cannot be without a ruler for a day. The emperor was seriously ill for three months and still unable to get out of bed. Some old ministers couldn't help but suggest that the crown prince oversee the country.
Emperor Kangxi was reluctant to agree, but considering his own powerlessness, he had no choice but to nod in agreement.
The country belongs to the Aisin Gioro clan; he cannot destroy the Qing Dynasty's empire because of his own selfish desires.
Therefore, he agreed to let the crown prince oversee the state.
The crown prince ascended to the throne legitimately.
He's not stingy either.
The first thing the regent did was to arrange matters for his brothers.
The court officials were very satisfied with this.
Not only that, the Crown Prince did not give important positions to Songgotu, and would often disregard Songgotu's advice, which made everyone realize that something was wrong.
These things were naturally done intentionally by the Crown Prince.
Privately, he had already reached an agreement with his uncle, Suo'etu.
The first purpose of this was to alleviate the emperor's suspicions and prevent him from doing anything irrational at the last minute.
Secondly, he also wanted to win over more court officials, since a new emperor needs assistance upon ascending the throne, and he would accept anyone who came.
Three months passed, and then another three months, until Emperor Kangxi outlived his concubine.
Yes, the imperial concubine is gone.
Fanghua felt a tightness in her heart as she looked at the dying imperial concubine.
The two were not exactly friends, but their feelings for each other were stronger than those between friends.
They're supposed to be sisters, but they're always scheming against each other.
well.
After seeing the Imperial Concubine off on her final journey, Fanghua once again threw herself into drawing upon the Emperor's destiny.
When the imperial fortune was almost gone, the imperial mausoleum authorities mobilized.
Cheng Hu stood directly in front of the imperial mausoleum, holding a jade sword, his innate energy circulating throughout his body: "Everyone, please return to your positions."
They were royal retainers and ancestors, and were naturally unhappy to be intercepted by a junior. "Boy, do you know who we are?"
Although not all of them are at the Innate level, their cultivation is not weak. How could he, a mere kid, possibly stop them?
"Whether you know it or not is irrelevant. If you dare to take a step, kill." With a swing of the sword, the sword light flowed, and a trench was carved into the ground by the sword energy.
The sword energy swirled in the ravine, demonstrating the profound skill of the swordsman.
But even Chenghu's actions couldn't scare those old geezers.
An impulsive old man was about to make a move when he was stopped by the most powerful among them. The man took two steps forward and stopped at the edge of the ravine. "Boy, are you of royal blood?"
Chenghu nodded. "Yes."
The old man then asked, "Do you know the taboos surrounding imperial tombs?"
Chenghu shook his head, "I don't know, but what does it matter? No one can ruin the Crown Prince's plans today."
Although I don't know why they said that, I will definitely come and find out when Chengren ascends the throne.
“Crown Prince,” the old man murmured, then his eyes gleamed, “you are the First Prince.”
Although they were in the imperial mausoleum, they were still well aware of the affairs of the imperial city.
Chenghu did not respond, but he also did not refute.
"Haha, the Eternal Heaven has not failed my Aisin Gioro family! Good, good, good. Today, for your sake, we will not leave. However, once the Crown Prince ascends the throne, you will be buried in the imperial mausoleum."
The old man was not angry at all; on the contrary, he laughed heartily.
Although he didn't know what he meant, Chenghu could tell that his happiness was genuine.
"good."
Without a second thought, Chenghu agreed to the matter, since he already had something to do: explore the imperial tombs.
"In that case, we'll wait for your arrival."
After saying this, the old man led everyone back to the imperial mausoleum.
However, Chenghu did not leave; he would not leave until the imperial city was settled.
He knew this was his father's last resort, and he couldn't let his brother's efforts be in vain.
Inside the imperial mausoleum.
It was originally a tomb, but on the other side of the tomb is an underground palace.
And the people living here are these elderly people.
As soon as he entered, the impulsive old man couldn't help but say, "Why did you stop me, Ancestor? Your grand-nephew's imperial destiny could have continued for several more decades. Now that the imperial destiny has shifted, someone must have tampered with it."
Before he could finish speaking, the old man addressed as "Ancestor" waved his hand to interrupt him.
"The changes in the world are beyond our comprehension. If we could, why would we need to hide from heavenly calamities in the tombs of our descendants?"
"As long as the imperial destiny remains in my Great Qing Dynasty and in my Aisin Gioro bloodline, that's enough."
They didn't care who succeeded them.
For example, back then, Dorgon clearly had a stronger imperial destiny, but they still watched as Huang Taiji transferred the imperial destiny and eventually seized the throne.
This is just a repeat of the same thing. They didn't intervene last time, so it's fine if they don't intervene this time either.
"Hmph, that kid is too arrogant, I really can't stand it."
Seeing him like this, the others also laughed.
As everyone knows, this matter is now in the past.
"Who have you ever found pleasing to the eye?"
“Exactly. You looked down on Xuan Ye when he came before, so why are you so angry about him now?”
"Hmph, it's none of your business."
Nobody knew that such a group of old people lived in the imperial tomb.
If they had known, the Qing dynasty might not have been able to maintain its stability.
"Alright, Ancestor, what's going on with that kid outside?" The Ancestor wasn't one to be easily persuaded, and this scene was truly perplexing. He didn't believe that the Ancestor would allow a junior to act so presumptuously.
Seeing that someone had asked the right question, the old ancestor stroked his beard and smiled.
"It seems there are still some smart people among you."
The old ancestor stroked his beard, then smiled and said, "Everyone knows that once you enter the Innate Realm, you can know your destiny. I sensed the call of destiny and want to go further. Our opportunity lies with that kid outside the door."
Everyone was shocked by these words.
Although some of them had not yet reached the Innate Realm, they were all martial arts masters who had been around for many years, so they naturally understood the meaning behind the ancestor's words.
If this is true, then their desire for immortality may be within reach.
Immortality.
Not only emperors wanted it, but these warriors who refused to accept their fate also wanted it.
“Ancestor, if that’s the case, should we help that kid?” one of the elders, whose eyes gleamed, asked.
Although Kangxi was the emperor of the Qing Dynasty, his life was insignificant in their eyes compared to their own.
If a person doesn't look out for themselves, they'll be punished by heaven and earth.
"It's alright. He is a variable, and the next emperor is also a variable. To offset the karmic consequences of the erosion of imperial destiny, one must pay with one's life. Even if you and I combine our lives, it won't be enough. If you are willing, I will not stop you."
These words are harsh, but they also align with the saying "everyone looks out for themselves."
And then, everyone fell silent.
"Alright, just wait patiently." Seeing that no one responded, the patriarch showed no sign of blaming them, and after saying this lightly, he went into his own bedchamber.
On the other side.
Fanghua was drawing upon the last vestiges of Emperor Kangxi's imperial fortune, while she herself was nearing the end of her life.
"Your Majesty, why don't we call the Crown Prince and the First Prince back?" In Kunning Palace, after Fanghua coughed up blood again, Qiaoling couldn't help but cry out.
Fanghua shook her head. "No, at the last moment, you must not be distracted." All she wanted in this second life was for her child to be healthy and live a long life.
She would be willing to give her life in exchange for him.
"Your Highness," Qiaoling said, feeling extremely sorry for you, "but if this continues, you will die."
She was terrified and cried bitterly, "Your Majesty, why not use my life to pay for it?" Her life was worthless; if she insisted on exchanging her life for hers, then she would use hers.
Knowing her good intentions, Fanghua patted her hand, "I'm afraid I won't live to see them get married and have children. Qiaoling, would you mind helping me watch over my grandson's birth?"
"And Qiaoyun, you two must take good care of my grandson." She had wanted to enjoy the supreme position of Empress Dowager and watch her son get married and her grandson be born, just like the Imperial Concubine. Unfortunately, she would never see it.
Come to think of it, she's not even as good as the Imperial Concubine; at least she held her own grandchildren.
"Your Highness," Qiaoling sobbed, barely able to utter a complete sentence, but she still nodded emphatically, "This servant will certainly not disappoint Your Highness."
She will definitely take good care of the young prince.
Three more months passed, and Emperor Kangxi passed away in the Qianqing Palace, passing the throne to his son, the Crown Prince.
It is perfectly legitimate.
As for why Kangxi was so decisive, one can only say that he accepted his fate, as he could not find a son among his princes who could compare to the crown prince.
Given the Empress's power, he dared not gamble on her benevolence.
As a mother, he believed that the Empress would not grant his wish.
He knew the Crown Prince's abilities very well, and he always knew that Empress Hesheli had prepared ample support for the Crown Prince, which was the main reason why she had been so wary of him all these years.
Because the Crown Prince is truly outstanding.
After the emperor passed away, the empress knelt and listened to the imperial edict, and then she couldn't help but vomit blood.
"Your Majesty, please wait for me."
At the last moment, she crawled toward the man on the dragon bed.
Chengreng cried out in fright at the scene before him, "Empress Mother!"
The ministers were also surprised that the Empress would vomit blood, and they all cried out for her.
With her last bit of strength, the Empress met Chengren's gaze.
"Your mother is going to see your father, Chengren. You and your elder brother must take good care of yourselves."
Fanghua had so much to say, but when it came to her lips, she couldn't utter a single word.
Blood was flowing from the corner of his mouth like it was free, and he looked as miserable as could be.
But only she knew that it wasn't for Kangxi, but simply her fate.
The imperial destiny must not be damaged, unless the emperor is without virtue.
Now, she is slowly draining away Kangxi's imperial fortune. How could a reborn person like her bear such a huge burden of karma?
Death was a relief for her.
"Your Majesty, you will be alright. Your son will fetch the imperial physician right away."
Chengreng's eyes were red from crying. He shouted for someone to come and summon the imperial physician.
The imperial physicians were nearby at the time. They rushed over after the empress collapsed, and by then they already knew her pulse.
It was precisely because they knew each other so well that they knelt with difficulty and trepidation.
"Your Majesty, please forgive me, Your Majesty the Empress..."
I dare not say what follows.
Fanghua, fearing that Chengren would not be able to bear it, grabbed his hand and said, "Don't blame them. This is the Empress's own choice. Chengren, um, your mother is leaving."
After saying this, she looked behind the person.
Others may not know, but Chengren knows that his mother is waiting for his elder brother.
Thinking of his elder brother, Chengren coughed up a mouthful of blood in grief.
"The Queen's Mother."
Empress Hesheli passed away.
In the summer of the 28th year of the Kangxi Emperor's reign, both the Kangxi Emperor and Empress Hesheli passed away.
According to popular legend, the emperor and empress had a deep affection for each other, and the empress could not bear to see the emperor go on his journey alone, so she followed him in death.
The origin of these rumors is unknown, but they have gained widespread acceptance.
On the day Chengreng ascended the throne, Chenghu returned.
Upon returning, he saw the mourning hall of his own mother, the Empress Dowager.
He knelt silently for three days to protect the spirit.
He personally escorted the emperor and empress into the imperial mausoleum on the day of their burial.
However, at the time of burial, he used a means to move his mother's coffin out of the Kangxi Mausoleum.
The old ancestors guarding the imperial tomb were puzzled, but they didn't say much.
The eldest among them, in particular, had a knowing look on his face.
The backlash from the imperial destiny required someone to pay with their life, but he never expected it would be the new empress's birth mother.
Come to think of it, only her destiny could offset the consequences of the imperial fate.
Chenghu took Fanghua's coffin straight to the top of Kunlun Mountain, found a precious burial site, and built his mausoleum there.
He spent more than half a year personally building every place, completely ignoring the new emperor's summons.
Of course, the new emperor couldn't find him anywhere either.
Those at the imperial tomb waited and waited, until their patience finally ran out and the person returned.
Regardless of their motives, Chenghu needed these people, so he took them back to the capital.
Chengreng also met these ancestors, but unfortunately, he didn't give them the slightest bit of a friendly look.
"Your Majesty need not do this. We only support the reigning emperor and do not care who is in power."
The patriarch understood the wariness in Chengren's eyes, so he spoke up to explain.
Chenghu, fearing his younger brother might overthink things, said, "The death of our Empress Dowager has nothing to do with them."
"Your Majesty, do you need my help here? If not, then I must go and complete my mission." He had not forgotten the letter his mother had left him before she left.
Of course, he wasn't the only one with it; the emperor had it too.
However, neither of them knew the contents of the other's letter.
"Brother, so fast?" He didn't need any help. As long as these old fogies didn't cause him any trouble, he could handle the affairs of the court.
"Yes, I want to see my mother as soon as possible." As long as he completes his mission, he will be able to see his mother again.
"Is the Empress Dowager still here?" Chengren was shocked.
Chenghu nodded, "Yes, she is, but we can't see her. However, she has always been by our side." Some things cannot be said too explicitly, after all, there are outsiders present.
"You should be a good emperor. I will come to fetch you to see the Empress Dowager once you have raised the next emperor."
The words were phrased tactfully, but how could the heir bearing the dragon spirit not understand?
He couldn't contact Xiao Feng, but he could still retrieve the items from that secret realm, which proved that his mother, the Empress, still existed; he just couldn't see her.
"Alright, I won't keep my elder brother and Empress Dowager waiting too long," Chengren said in a hoarse voice, his eyes red.
"Very well, I will take them away today. The imperial mausoleum will return to normal in the future. Your Majesty, take care."
"Take care, brother."
···
(End of article)
Fanghua's soul did not dissipate after her death, but it was not far away either.
Xiao Feng used his primordial power to protect her once again, but unfortunately, Xiao Feng was already on the verge of dissipating.
If it weren't for the sliver of merit they still possessed, the two of them would probably have already vanished from the world by now.
"Master, you've really killed me this time," Xiao Feng cried.
Fanghua never expected that her death would implicate Xiaofeng to such an extent. "Why did you save me? You knew that this would dissipate your essence." It would be a lie to say she wasn't moved, but in her current state, she was no longer able to find the power to restore Xiaofeng.
"You shouldn't have saved me."
"I was awakened because of my master, and I cannot watch my master disappear. I am not destined to be the next Phoenix Lord." The little phoenix said playfully, but everyone could hear the weakness in its voice.
"Master, we now entrust our fate to our young master. As long as our young master succeeds in attaining enlightenment, we will still have a glimmer of hope. Otherwise, we will simply perish."
Ever since her young master changed his fate and received the mission of Heaven, Xiao Feng had been making plans, but she had never told her master.
I'm afraid of disappointing my owner.
Now that there is hope, it naturally wants to share its joy with its owner.
"You."
Fanghua was at a loss for words.
"Now, can't we leave this place?" She was very familiar with this place; it was the Phoenix Seal Secret Realm from before.
"Yes, but we can still see outside, since the Phoenix Seal will eventually be handed over to the new empress." They could only observe the outside world through the eyes of others.
"That's good, but I wonder how Chenghu and Chengren are doing, and whether they have received the letters I left for them."
Fanghua's thoughts turned and twisted a thousand times, but unfortunately, all her efforts were in vain.
She couldn't stay by any of their side like she had in her previous life.
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