Chapter 176 The Empress Dowager's Passing
The Imperial Concubine is planning to end that heartless man's life.
Although the child was fake, his intention to kill the child was real.
People like that deserve to go to hell.
Fanghua only learned of the insane thing the Imperial Concubine had done afterward.
The imperial concubine is willing to trade her own life for his.
In her opinion, it wasn't worth it.
Because he doesn't deserve it.
Eight years have passed in the blink of an eye.
After the victory in the War of the Three Feudatories, imperial power was centralized, and Kangxi became the ruler of the country. With great power in his hands, he could not bear to see others coveting the power in his hands.
Even if that person was just a child, in his eyes, that person was his enemy.
The young crown prince was only five years old when the emperor began to personally take him under his wing and teach him.
Fanghua saw everything, watching the Emperor drive a wedge between her and her son, and watching the Emperor grow thinner and more sinister each day.
Because she knew that he was nearing the end.
He was willing to ruin his own reputation, and she naturally granted his wish.
Many things happened during those eight years.
Among these events was Chenghu leaving the palace to recuperate, and the Empress Dowager falling seriously ill.
Chenghu was not actually going outside the palace to recuperate. Instead, he left the capital with Changtai, who had returned. The people on the imperial estate were merely puppets, puppets that Xiaofeng had created at her request.
With his leg missing, Chenghu became even more reluctant to see people.
Fanghua, on the other hand, would take the opportunity to visit Chenghu and leave the palace several times a year.
On the surface, Chengreng was estranged from his birth mother, but in private, the two often complained about the emperor together.
All of this was kept very well hidden.
Even the all-powerful Emperor Kangxi failed to notice anything amiss.
As for the Empress Dowager, one can only say that she was too ambitious, and Kangxi could not tolerate her.
Just letting her stay sick, rather than letting her die, is enough to repay the debt of raising her.
Fanghua had no involvement in any of these matters.
However, during those eight years, many concubines in the harem became pregnant, whether they were old concubines or new beauties. Unfortunately, none of them were able to give birth.
Wu Ming's medical skills had yielded remarkable results when tested on others, but they were consistently ineffective when applied to the Emperor.
Emperor Kangxi gradually gave up the idea of raising new heirs. Apart from the crown prince, he devoted himself to teaching the other princes.
It was precisely because of his dedication that some people developed inappropriate thoughts.
Of course, except for prayer, which he has already abolished.
However, the sixth prince, Chengzhi, born to Lady Nara, was brought to the forefront by Lady Nara and Lady Nara.
He's also someone who can hide his true feelings, and is two-faced.
It used to be a power struggle in the imperial harem, now it's a power struggle in the imperial court. Don't underestimate these young people, they are all quite ambitious.
Fanghua entrusted all her power to Chengren. If he couldn't even overcome this difficulty, then he should forget about the throne and was destined to follow the same old path.
Empress Fanghua's power in the palace was also usurped by the emperor.
Consort De died, but there were many ambitious people in the harem, so someone naturally filled the vacancy.
Consort Tong was ultimately favored and was promoted to Imperial Noble Consort, but she was not on par with Imperial Noble Consort Xi.
As her two sons grew up, Consort Rong gradually became arrogant. In addition, the Emperor granted her power in the palace, and she spent her days swaggering around in the harem.
Those who knew her and were of higher status didn't give her any face; instead, they flaunted themselves to those of lower status or newcomers to the palace. It was truly unbearable to watch.
Consort Yi was also promoted to Imperial Concubine Yi, perhaps because she had truly caught Emperor Kangxi's eye. Although she was unable to bear him any children, she suffered numerous miscarriages for him.
About two or three a year.
It's pitiful that she, a beautiful woman, became a resentful wife. In the end, Emperor Kangxi adopted the second and third princesses to her and elevated her to the rank of Consort Yi.
She could also be considered one of the favored concubines.
Eight years is neither a long nor a short time; everything that should have happened and everything that shouldn't have happened has happened.
For example, Fanghua asked Wu Ming to prepare a life-shortening medicine for the emperor, and the Consort prepared a life-dissipating medicine for the emperor. Coupled with his lack of restraint in the harem, his body has gradually deteriorated.
His body is now like a castle in the air, about to collapse with the slightest impact.
The Imperial Medical Academy had already passed the medical records to Fanghua, but Fanghua instructed them to keep them secret.
Although the Emperor has effectively stripped the Empress of her power, Fanghua still holds all the power in the harem, a position that even Emperor Kangxi cannot shake.
Over the years, she hasn't been idle.
As for the imperial physicians, for the sake of their own lives and those of their families, they certainly dared not tell the emperor the truth.
They don't even consider who will rule the country next. People are naturally inclined to seek good fortune and avoid misfortune.
What no one expected was that Kangxi would actually start looking for alchemists to concoct elixirs.
Fanghua was completely stunned when she heard the news; this hadn't happened in her previous life.
Seeking immortality and eternal life.
She was truly utterly foolish, but unfortunately, she had no intention of advising her, after all, she knew all too well how tempting immortality was to humankind.
However, thanks to the previous reign of Emperor Kangxi, the war against Galdan in the previous emperor's reign was thwarted, and Galdan had not yet begun to pay tribute to the Qing Dynasty.
Although she didn't know why, she understood that this battle was not far off. Although the timeline had been delayed, what was bound to happen would still happen.
Fortunately, Yinreng has returned. Faced with such a major event, I believe he has made thorough preparations.
Otherwise, she would have doubted whether Chengreng was actually her Yinreng.
On this day, the Empress Dowager summoned her, and Fanghua changed her clothes and went to Shou Kang Palace.
At this time, the Empress Dowager had long lost her former glory and dignity. She was as thin as a rake, and although she was eating and drinking well, it was hard to know how she had become like this.
"Greetings to the Empress Dowager, may the Empress Dowager be blessed with longevity." Upon entering the Empress Dowager's bedroom, Fanghua smelled a very unpleasant medicinal odor.
There was also the smell of old age emanating from the Empress Dowager. She couldn't quite put her finger on it, but she knew that the person before her didn't have long to live.
"The Empress has arrived." The Empress Dowager opened her eyes, which had been feigning sleep, and looked at the newcomer with a smile. She gave a wink to the nanny beside her, who then helped the Empress Dowager up.
"I summoned you here today to instruct you on some matters," the Empress Dowager said bluntly to the Empress.
However, before speaking, she instructed the nanny to dismiss the servants.
"Your Majesty is still not well. You can give me instructions when you are better." Fanghua, like a dutiful daughter-in-law, stepped forward and served her a cup of warm tea.
The Empress Dowager had consumed her sacred spring water; her body shouldn't have collapsed so early.
Given her current state, it seems the Emperor no longer wants the Empress Dowager to live. It's unclear how the mother and son ended up like this.
Of course, it's none of her business.
She came today to hear what the Empress Dowager wanted to say to her.
"It won't get better, Your Majesty. You are a smart woman, and I believe you understand what I mean." The Empress Dowager maintained her smile, without a trace of resentment towards the Empress in her eyes.
"They say the victor is king and the loser is villain; if you lose, you have to accept your fate." As she said this, the Empress Dowager coughed and it took her a while to recover. Seeing the Empress patting her back without any disgust, a rare look of affection appeared in the Empress Dowager's eyes.
"It would be a lie to say that what happened back then had nothing to do with me. I did lay a hand on her and tried to persuade her, but my aunt was too domineering and I couldn't persuade her. I was also afraid that I wasn't on her side. When you were giving birth, I took her orders and hit you and the child."
As she recounted the past, a glimmer of light appeared in the Empress Dowager's eyes, revealing how much she missed those days.
Fanghua withdrew her hand, remaining silent and instead giving a sarcastic smile.
Seeing her like this, the Empress Dowager understood that the Empress actually knew everything.
"Although I don't know why you spared my life back then, I am still grateful to you."
They can deal with the Empress Dowager and the Empress, so they probably wouldn't take a powerless Empress Dowager seriously. It's only because they've spared me that they've been kind enough to let me live.
"If the Empress Dowager summoned me here just to say these things, then I will not keep you company. After all, I have other matters to attend to at Kunning Palace." Fanghua did not want to listen to her narration, because it was unnecessary.
Letting her go back then was merely repaying the debt of protecting Yinreng in her previous life.
Once the debt is repaid, there will naturally be no gratitude or affection left.
After the death of the Grand Empress Dowager and the departure of the Empress Dowager from the palace for many years, there were not many conflicts between them, and they have remained at peace to this day.
She had considered killing the Empress Dowager, but ultimately couldn't bring herself to do it. What was unexpected was that she would be defeated by the son she had raised.
Laughable, pathetic.
I told you, there's no such thing as family affection in the royal family.
"Empress, don't go. Talk to me. You're the only one in the harem who can keep me company for a few minutes." The Empress Dowager said with a bitter expression.
This outcome was unexpected by everyone.
Fanghua didn't argue; after all, she was about to die, so she should just do a good deed.
Seeing the Empress sit down, the Empress Dowager's smile deepened.
"I knew you were a kind person." She looked relieved. "It's all in the past, and I don't want to bring it up again. Your Majesty, I have a favor to ask of you."
After saying that, she grasped the Empress's hand tightly.
Fanghua regretted it at this moment; she shouldn't have shown that kindness.
"Your Majesty the Empress Dowager is supreme. If there is anything that needs my attention, and you are unable to do it, then you think too highly of me," Fanghua refused without hesitation.
No matter what, she didn't want to be involved with the person in front of her; these Mongolian women were the most calculating.
She didn't want to cause herself trouble at the last minute.
"Empress, I'm begging you." The Empress Dowager made a move to get up and plead when the Empress refused. "My days are numbered. I have no other wish than to have a prince who is bound to the Khorchin lineage."
Sure enough, Mongolian women never settle down, even until their deaths.
"Empress, I know you dislike Cheng Dao, so why not have him adopted by Consort Meng?" The Empress Dowager shouted out her request.
Fanghua was so angry she laughed.
"That might disappoint the Empress Dowager. Consort Hui only has one son. Do you think she would agree?" Fanghua really thought this person was delusional. After all these years, couldn't she understand?
The emperor would not allow any prince to have any connection with Mongolia.
He was even wary of the crown prince, fearing that the crown prince would gain favor with the Mongol princes and dukes.
Every year, when inspecting the border regions, the crown prince would be left in the capital.
This shows how much the emperor valued the Mongol forces; how could he possibly allow a prince to be associated with them?
Fantasy.
"I'm sorry, I can't help you with this." After saying that, Fanghua broke free from the Empress Dowager's grasp and stood up, saying, "Since the Empress Dowager is alright, I will come to see her again next time. I hope the Empress Dowager takes good care of herself."
After bowing, Fanghua left Shou Kang Palace.
The Empress's movements could not be kept from Kangxi.
Besides, Fanghua never intended to hide it from him.
It would also show him that those who are acting in his best interests and scheming against him are all after something from him.
Killing someone is never as satisfying as destroying their spirit.
In the Qianqing Palace, Emperor Kangxi learned of the conversation between the Empress Dowager and the Empress from his secret guards and was very satisfied with the Empress's actions.
After many years of marriage, the Empress was the one who understood him best.
"The Empress Dowager is seriously ill; please take good care of yourself."
With memorials in hand, her calligraphy bold and unrestrained, she uttered the most heartless words in the world: "The autumn breeze is refreshing, and the Empress Dowager misses her family."
Two short sentences ruined a person's life.
This year was supposed to be the year to arrange marriages for the eldest and second princesses, but who could have imagined that the Empress Dowager would pass away?
The weddings of the two children were suddenly put on hold.
Fortunately, the eldest princess was already engaged and was supposed to get married this year. Now that it's been delayed, she'll have to wait another three years. I really don't know if it's a blessing or a curse.
However, Consort Xi was very happy because Princess Xizhu could stay by her side for another three years.
The Empress Dowager's death allowed her daughter to live for three more years, so she was incredibly devout in mourning and offering incense at the Empress Dowager's grave, burning paper money with more sincerity than others.
Fanghua saw everything, but it was all irrelevant to her.
However, the Empress Dowager's death was a national mourning period, so Chenghu had to appear in public.
Since leaving the palace, he has been using wooden wheels for transportation. Fanghua has become a puppet, so he ordered his servants to arrange Chenghu's belongings.
But what she didn't expect was that when she returned to Kunning Palace, she noticed something different.
"Chenghu?" she called out uncertainly.
Chenghu put down his teacup. The servants in the main hall had long been cleared out by Chenghu, leaving only Qiaoling. There was no one else there, so he dropped his pretense.
"When are you coming back? Why didn't you let your mother know you were coming back?" Fanghua excitedly stepped forward and hugged her son, who was much taller than her. "You brat, you did this on purpose, didn't you?"
To say that the Empress Dowager's passing was particularly sad would be an understatement.
At this moment, all her tears were tears of joy. How could she not be happy and excited that her son, who had been away from home for many years, had returned?
"Your Majesty, I am an unfilial son who has caused you worry." With that, Chenghu was about to kneel down to apologize to his Majesty.
"You brat, what are you doing?" Fanghua grabbed him and said, "We're not strangers, why are you doing this? We don't do this kind of thing between mother and son."
Chenghu didn't stand on ceremony with his imperial mother, "Yes, I'll listen to my imperial mother. Imperial mother, how have you been all these years?"
Looking at his mother, who seemed a bit older than before, Chenghu felt a pang of sadness in his heart.
"I'm doing very well. How are you doing out there? Have you encountered any danger?"
The mother and son were both worried about each other.
Fanghua was even more curious about her son's life outside and couldn't help but want to hear more about his life there.
As they were talking, Chengreng returned.
The sound of Li Changfu's voice from outside startled the mother and son, who had not seen each other for a long time.
"Let him in."
Chengren was full of curiosity. Who had his mother seen today? She had even closed the door to the main hall.
At twelve years old, Chengren already acted like a little adult. Fanghua often complained about him, but he wouldn't change. He even said that it made him more imposing.
He maintained a cold demeanor towards outsiders, no less so than Yinzhen in his previous life. However, Chengreng was much more magnanimous than Yinzhen, and he did not hold grudges. He would usually retaliate against any wrongdoing on the spot.
It was precisely this personality of his that made him an isolated official; despite being the crown prince, he had no powerful backing.
Even though Songgotu was restrained by Mingzhu arranged by Kangxi, the power he could give to Chengren was limited.
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