Chapter 145 The Emperor's Journey to the South 01
I thought things would unfold as she had planned.
But Emperor Kangxi was looking for trouble; he actually decided to go south of the Yangtze River to deal with the White Lotus Rebellion himself.
Fanghua was overjoyed to receive this news.
He immediately ordered Li Changfu to summon Xiao Dezi to the palace.
It was already past midnight when Xiao Dezi entered the palace.
It was Xiao Feng who led the way for him to enter Kunning Palace.
"Greetings, Master. May you be blessed."
"Alright, there are no outsiders here. Xiao Dezi, is everything alright outside?" That was her strongest power, and she couldn't afford to lose it.
"Reporting to Your Majesty, everything is proceeding as Your Highness instructed. The highest combat strength has now reached the Grandmaster level."
The Grandmaster realm can be said to be an invincible existence in the Qing Dynasty.
I don't know how Xiao Dezi managed to do it in less than two years.
However, considering the internal energy pills she usually used, Fanghua felt that it was only right.
"That's good. Train more grandmasters. If we don't have enough pills, I'll have Xiao Feng send them out of the palace." Fanghua was very satisfied with Xiao Dezi's ability to get things done.
Fortunately, I didn't dismiss him because of his young age; I didn't expect him to be such a capable manager.
"Yes, Your Majesty, this servant will certainly not fail in your trust."
After a few casual words, Fanghua got down to business.
"His Majesty is about to travel to the south of the Yangtze River. I would like you to send a Grandmaster to assist the White Lotus Sect."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Dezi looked up at his master in shock, his eyes filled with fear, "Your Majesty."
"Don't panic. I'm not asking him to actually help the White Lotus Sect. I want him to use his identity as a member of the White Lotus Sect to harm the Emperor."
Fanghua would naturally not help her enemy, after all, the White Lotus Sect was among those who harmed her.
What she wanted was to use her identity as a member of the White Lotus Sect to harm Kangxi's offspring.
Only in this way can the White Lotus Sect be destroyed.
She originally wanted to use the Revolt of the Three Feudatories to hurt Kangxi, but unexpectedly, Kangxi had no intention of personally leading the campaign. So, she had to find another way.
Inside the inner hall, Fanghua and Xiaodezi chatted for more than half an hour before ending their conversation.
Xiao Dezi also received his orders and left the palace.
We'll have to wait for time to give her a perfect answer.
They thought they would have to wait a while, but to their surprise, Kangxi soon sent word that he was going to travel to the south of the Yangtze River.
The date was set for two weeks later.
Fanghua gave this a meaningful smile.
Then they began preparing people and things for Kangxi's trip to the south.
Emperor Kangxi was very satisfied with the Empress's actions, and on the eve of his trip to the south of the Yangtze River, he stayed in the Kunning Palace for three consecutive days.
He thought it was a reward, but Fanghua disliked him very much. Perhaps it was because Yinreng had been born, and Kangxi, as a tool, was no longer useful.
Deep down, she despised him.
If she hadn't wanted to avoid any trouble, she, as the empress, could have been even more magnanimous.
"Your Majesty, you must be careful when you are out and about. After all, the common people are not like our capital. There are still remnants of the White Lotus Sect living in Jiangnan. You must take good care of your safety."
Listening to the Empress's endless words of concern, Kangxi's face was full of reluctance to part with her and doting affection. If the Empress hadn't just given birth not long ago, he would have planned to take her with him.
"I know everything, Empress, don't worry, I will return safely." In his heart, the remnants of the White Lotus Sect were nothing but clowns. It was just that the current focus of his military force was not in the capital, otherwise he would have directly sent troops to suppress them.
Fanghua smiled enigmatically when she heard him say that, but she didn't let Kangxi see it.
"Yes, Your Majesty is the Son of Heaven, a true dragon, and naturally receives the protection of the Eternal Heaven. However, when you are away from home, I cannot help but worry more."
Fanghua gave him a reproachful look, but when he beckoned to her, she moved closer and asked, "Which sister will Your Majesty take with you on this trip?"
Emperor Kangxi publicly stated that he was going on an inspection tour of the south of the Yangtze River, but he did not say that he was going to suppress the White Lotus Rebellion, so she, as the virtuous empress, had to make proper arrangements.
"What suggestions does the Empress have?" After the person approached, Kangxi pulled her into his arms with a force. "These small matters are all to be decided by the Empress."
Fanghua glared at him, annoyed. "After all, they are serving the Emperor. The selection of personnel should be based on the Emperor's preference. If he is not satisfied, it is better not to bring them at all."
That scoundrel, don't think she doesn't know. Several days ago, he had someone notify Consort De at Jingyang Palace, asking her to prepare to accompany the emperor on his journey.
Now, telling her to do whatever she wants in front of her, do they really think she, the empress, is a fool, someone who can be easily fooled?
Since he showed her no respect, she didn't need to give him any either.
"Your Majesty, what are you saying? Didn't you have someone inform Consort De to prepare? I suppose Your Majesty already has someone in mind." After saying that, she stepped out of his embrace.
Now, unless absolutely necessary, she naturally doesn't want to get too close to him, since she finds him quite distasteful.
Why can't she use some special methods? Sigh.
Seeing the Empress say this, Kangxi felt a little embarrassed and touched the tip of his nose. "Consort De is a lucky person. I brought her along hoping to borrow some of her good fortune."
That's what they mean. Anyone who can enter the harem is a lucky person. If they weren't lucky, how could they enter the most prestigious place in the world?
“Yes, Consort De is blessed, but the other sisters are not. Your Majesty’s words have not angered the sisters.” Fanghua turned away and no longer looked at him.
Seeing this, Kangxi realized that he had upset her again, so he immediately stood up and coaxed her, "It's my fault. The most blessed person in the world is my Empress. My mouth is so loose. Empress, please don't be angry. I have acquired some new items in my private treasury. Would you be interested in accompanying me to admire them?"
Seeing his ingratiating manner, Fanghua naturally didn't stand on ceremony, "Then let His Majesty part with it." She now had two children, so she certainly wouldn't refuse to put good things into the treasury.
By the time Kangxi had appeased the man, his private treasury had lost many of his beloved possessions.
The more he liked the Empress, the less ruthless he became; he truly went to great lengths to destroy her.
He just had a sharp tongue, serves him right.
Before long, the day arrived for the Emperor's journey to the south. Fanghua got up early to prepare, and this time she not only took Chenghu with her to see him off, but also brought out Crown Prince Yinreng.
The scale of the procession was incredibly grand and impressive.
When Emperor Kangxi saw the youngest son in the Empress's arms, his heart softened. "Empress, why did you bring Yinreng out as well? Yinreng is still so young."
Fanghua smiled warmly, "When Father Emperor travels, it is only natural for his son to see him off. I hope Father Emperor will return safely soon." In public, the Empress, this dignified and virtuous empress, was always impeccably proper.
It makes people feel ashamed at first glance.
"Very well, I will definitely return soon. Fang'er, I will leave the palace affairs to you. When I return, I will reward you handsomely."
"It is all my duty. I am glad that Your Majesty has returned safely. Please do not forget that my concubine and the other sisters are waiting for Your Majesty in the palace."
Seeing her eat something sour, Kangxi's joy deepened. "How could I forget? Take care, Empress."
He teased the Crown Prince for a while, and seeing that the little guy was awake, he felt a mix of emotions. Of course, he also squatted down to be at eye level with Chenghu and spoke to his eldest son.
"Chenghu, you are the older brother. Spend more time with your mother after class and help her take care of your younger brother, okay?"
Chenghu nodded emphatically, like a little adult, "Yes, Chenghu will take good care of Mother Empress and my younger brother."
Although his younger brother is the crown prince, he is still his own brother, so he will naturally take good care of him.
"Yes, Father Emperor believes in you. Chenghu is the best."
After the father and son finished their conversation, Kangxi spoke a few more words to the Empress, then nodded to the Consort and the others before striding out.
As the emperor slowly walked away, the women in the harem felt a little lost, after all, they also wanted to stay by his side.
What a pity, that vile Consort De beat her to it.
Will Fanghua meet as Consort De wishes?
Of course not. That's why they found two court ladies who were favored by the emperor to accompany him.
Others may not know these things, but Fanghua knows them in her heart.
One of them was even one of her people. This trip to the south of the Yangtze River wasn't just to serve the emperor; she had an even more important mission.
It's just a matter of whether Kangxi will be able to return as she wishes.
After the emperor's carriage departed, Fanghua led everyone back to Kunning Palace.
There were some things she still needed to explain, since the harem without the emperor was certainly more peaceful.
Kunning Palace.
After everyone arrived, Fanghua's voice rang out calmly, "Now that the Emperor is not in the palace, I hope that you will all behave yourselves during his absence. After all, I am different from the Emperor. I always act according to the rules. If you think I won't be ruthless, then you might as well try."
The voice went from soft to loud, and everyone felt that the Empress was different from usual, but they also knew it was because of the Emperor's departure from the palace, so they didn't think too much about it.
He simply replied respectfully.
Only the Imperial Concubine noticed the Empress's unease, but this was not the time to speak, so she held back.
"Yes, Your Majesty, I will follow your arrangements."
Seeing how obedient they were, Fanghua was pleased. "Very good. However, there are many children in the harem. Those with children should take good care of their children. When the Emperor returns, they will be richly rewarded."
Speaking of children, Fanghua thought of Consort De, that shameless woman who would abandon her own child for the sake of the emperor's favor. She was truly a ruthless person.
She is not afraid that she will be unable to have children in the future.
Fanghua hadn't forgotten her own handiwork; Consort De only had these twin princesses in her life, and everything else was just something she forced upon herself.
"Of course, if anyone dares to be so audacious, I won't hesitate to make an example of them. Compared to the royal offspring, the life of a concubine is not so important."
Upon hearing this, everyone below rose and knelt down, shouting, "We dare not!"
Fanghua was quite satisfied with her assessment. The number of children she had was just right, but whether there would be any new offspring in the future was anyone's guess.
She was a virtuous empress, and she could not allow anything to happen to the royal offspring while the emperor was away.
"Good that you don't dare. If I discover that anyone has any disloyal intentions, then don't blame me for being ruthless. Alright, all of you, step down."
Seeing that she had finished talking to them, Fanghua didn't want to chat with them any longer. She had gotten up a little early and now wanted to go back to sleep.
Everyone else left, but the Imperial Concubine stayed behind.
"Is there anything else, Consort?" Fanghua asked curiously when she saw that she was not leaving.
The Imperial Concubine knew that she was once again out of favor with the Empress, but she still wanted to know what the Empress was thinking.
"There is something I need to ask Your Majesty. I wonder if Your Majesty could enlighten me?" The Consort was not angry. She knew the Empress's temperament. It seemed that she had inadvertently displeased her.
"Speak quickly, I got up a little early today and just want to catch up on some sleep."
With no outsiders around, Fanghua spoke more freely.
Seeing that she had disturbed the Empress's sleep, the Consort relaxed. "It was my fault, but it's nothing serious. Why don't we talk again after the Empress wakes up?"
The Imperial Concubine was very understanding.
But Fanghua didn't realize that she couldn't sleep soundly with something on her mind.
"Alright, let's get to the point, otherwise I won't be able to sleep." This person is really something, always trying to make things difficult for her.
The Imperial Concubine pursed her lips, thinking that this person was really not one to suffer any loss. "Alright then, I'll trouble you then."
Fanghua waved her hand, signaling her to speak quickly, then picked up her tea and waited for her to begin.
"Is this whole charade you've pulled today because someone's trying to harm our offspring?"
She knew how lazy the Empress was usually, and if it weren't for the fact that it concerned her reputation, she definitely wouldn't have asked a single question.
Upon hearing this, Fanghua raised her eyes and looked down at the Imperial Concubine. After a while, she smiled.
"Indeed, the Imperial Concubine is the most intelligent of all, and she understands me very well. If the Empress Dowager had not met me first, with the Imperial Concubine's intelligence and talent, it is still uncertain who would have won the Empress's position today."
It was precisely because of the Consort's intelligence and insight into people's hearts that the two became enemies in their previous life.
I can only blame myself for not being strong enough in my previous life.
When the Imperial Concubine heard the Empress say this, she realized that she had upset the Empress again today. However, she had a knot in her heart and could not get over it.
"Your Majesty is overthinking it. After all, the outcome is already decided." The Imperial Concubine bowed respectfully, looking like a defeated opponent. "There are many dirty affairs in the inner palace. I was just trying to protect myself."
Fanghua sighed, "Alas, this matter is a long story. Alright, Consort, just keep a close eye on Yongshou Palace. Some people are eyeing this chair under my butt and want to take my place."
Fanghua doesn't need to say more about who this person is; with the Imperial Concubine's intelligence, she should be able to guess.
"Then Your Majesty should be careful." The Imperial Concubine understood.
This is an attempt to frame the Empress for a crime while the Emperor is away from the palace.
Sigh, that's true. She's not only the Empress, but she also has an eldest son and a Crown Prince. Her position is secure, and it's not easy to shake her position.
Empress Hesheli was no pushover either; if she hadn't made some mistakes, her position as empress would have been secure.
It's as difficult as climbing to heaven to shake it.
Do you really think that establishing and deposing an empress is such a simple matter?
"Was the Empress Dowager involved in this?" The Imperial Concubine was not stupid; she immediately seemed to realize something and asked.
Fanghua knew that the Imperial Concubine was intelligent, but she never expected her to be so perceptive.
Instead of replying to her question, he nodded, which was considered an answer to her guess.
"What is the Empress Dowager planning?"
The Imperial Concubine couldn't understand what the Empress Dowager was thinking. After all, the Empress was personally chosen by the Grand Empress Dowager, and now the Empress Dowager wanted to depose her. Was she trying to disobey the Grand Empress Dowager's decree?
"Alright, don't worry about what she's up to. Just keep an eye on Yongshou Palace these days, and don't let her become a pawn." Although the Empress Dowager is not in the palace, the Khorchin have connections everywhere, and there are still quite a few of their people in the Qing Dynasty's inner palace.
Sometimes she gets caught in the trap without even realizing it.
"Yes, thank you for reminding me, Your Majesty. I will remember it."
After the imperial concubine left, Fanghua was finally able to take a nap.
Once outside the capital, Emperor Kangxi was in high spirits the entire way.
First, he called Yehenara into his carriage, and then a gentle, playful song rang out from inside the carriage.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com