Chapter 182 Trading Life for Life 01
"What are you two talking about? Has the eldest prince's marriage been arranged?" The Imperial Concubine was always one to speak her mind.
And there he was, talking to himself without any regard for anything else.
The Empress rolled her eyes at her. "Why are you worrying about Xizhu? I'm not even in a hurry about Chenghu's marriage, why are you?" This person is getting worse and worse at talking.
Haven't you noticed her son is 'useless'?
"Yes, Your Majesty, I spoke out of turn." The Imperial Concubine quickly admitted her mistake, since she had asked for a favor today.
Seeing her like this, Fanghua was very uncomfortable and said, "If you have something to say, say it. Don't try this on me. I won't fall for it."
The imperial concubine was delighted.
"So even the Empress is afraid of me one day."
Having witnessed their mothers fighting many times, Xizhu and Chenghu sat together, chirping crickets and making their own comments.
This left the maids serving behind the two speechless, thinking, "Can't you two masters try to mediate this fight?"
"I'm afraid you'll act like a scoundrel."
"So what if he's a scoundrel? As long as he gets things done, that's fine."
"Hmph, don't give me that. Get to the point."
Fanghua was ultimately defeated and surrendered.
Without further ado, the Imperial Concubine explained her purpose: "His Majesty has given me some candidates from prominent families in the capital. That's why I've come to ask Her Majesty the Empress for advice."
After she finished speaking, she had someone hand the album to the Empress.
Fanghua didn't look at the catalog right away; instead, she looked at the list first.
She was speechless after reading it; could the purpose have been any more obvious?
"Logically speaking, your list should be fine, but don't forget that Xizhu has always been close to Chengren. If you present it to the Emperor like this, the marriage will most likely fall through."
Upon hearing this, the Imperial Concubine immediately slapped her forehead. "I was so forgetful! How could I have forgotten about this? Sigh, why is it so difficult for us to choose someone we like?"
Understanding the meaning behind her complaint, Fanghua looked at her helplessly, "Otherwise, why do you think Chenghu hasn't chosen a wife yet?"
Although she didn't care whether Chenghu had a wife, it was wrong of him not to give her one.
Why is it that the younger ones are all married, while he doesn't care about her son Chenghu at all?
When Chenghu heard his mother call his name, he immediately raised his hand and said, "I'm not in a hurry."
Fanghua rolled her eyes at him. "What does this have to do with whether you're in a hurry or not?"
Seeing the mother and son like this, the imperial concubine couldn't help but smile.
She immediately said, "Alright, why are you scolding the child?" She glanced at Chenghu, "Your imperial mother is just worried about you and is resentful."
Chenghu cupped his hands in greeting, "Chenghu knows, but I'm really not in a hurry for the marriage."
He could guess some of what his father was thinking. He was afraid that his brother would help Chengren. His younger brother really didn't need that kind of help.
He was terrifyingly strong, but no one knew it.
"Right now, the most important thing is Second Sister. Does Your Majesty have a suitable candidate in mind?" Chenghu was afraid they would keep talking about his affairs, so he quickly changed the subject.
Xizhu, who was standing to the side, saw all of this and looked at her older brother with a mocking smile.
The two sat together, which Chenghu naturally saw. He smiled indulgently, glared at her fiercely, and reminded her not to cause trouble.
Sure enough, when it came to serious matters, the Imperial Concubine stopped talking about it. "I do have one, but unfortunately your Empress Mother said the Emperor might not agree."
Fanghua had already put down the list and had someone unfold the picture album.
Seeing the men nodding in satisfaction, looking dashing and full of energy, she noticed their expressions of satisfaction.
"These people are all good, with very simple family backgrounds, and they are rising stars, but why did you choose this one?"
After looking at all the portraits, Fanghua, dressed as a young general, asked a question.
"If I remember correctly, this man's parents died early, and now he and his two younger siblings are the only family members. His family background is too weak."
Fanghua stared intently at the Imperial Concubine as she asked her questions, as if trying to see something else in her eyes.
The Imperial Concubine looked at the portrait and then said, "Although this person comes from a humble background, he is capable. Most importantly, he has no deep ties with other families. If Xizhu marries into his family, he will immediately be able to take charge of the household. He has no other secrets."
Thinking about her reasons for keeping this person, the Imperial Concubine rarely showed a thoughtful expression. "Another reason is that I don't want Xizhu to get too involved in the struggle for the throne."
Her intentions were good, but unfortunately, it was destined to be impossible.
Because she was the daughter of a concubine.
Fanghua understood her good intentions, but while this man was a good match, it would be a hardship for Xizhu, as people would gossip about her in the future.
“You have put a lot of thought into this, and this person is capable, but his family background is too poor, so Xizhu will inevitably be the subject of gossip in the future,” Fanghua said, expressing her opinion.
After discussing it for a long time, Fanghua still couldn't make up her mind for the Imperial Concubine.
The Imperial Concubine wanted to give Xizhu the best, but was afraid of making her feel wronged, so she hesitated.
Finally, the Empress got annoyed by all the talking and had her thrown out.
Soon after, news spread that the Imperial Concubine and the Empress had a physical altercation over their disagreement over the selection of the princess's husband.
This news was naturally spread by Fanghua, since not just anyone can find out about news from Kunning Palace.
After leaving Kunning Palace, the Imperial Concubine went straight to Qianqing Palace.
It is said that he complained to the emperor about the empress's unfairness and obstruction.
Whether Emperor Kangxi believed it or not is unknown, but Consort Gui got her wish and selected a husband for Princess Xizhu.
When the imperial edict was issued, everyone learned that Princess Xizhu was to marry the newly appointed deputy commander of the Imperial Guard, Deputy Commander Li.
This person comes from the Lijia clan, and is considered to be of the same clan as General Li, but they are already beyond the fifth degree of kinship.
The two weren't usually close, but they were actually relatives.
This made the Seventh Prince Chengyou and his mother very happy, as they thought they had become related to the Imperial Concubine. However, the two were sensible and did not immediately go to the Imperial Concubine's house to acknowledge their relationship.
The Imperial Concubine never expected that among all the candidates she sent, the Emperor would ultimately not choose the one she was most satisfied with.
However, this deputy commander of the Imperial Guards is not bad either. Although his family helped him get the job in the Imperial Guards, his promotion to commander was probably due to his own abilities.
Unfortunately, he had some connection with the Seventh Prince.
Fortunately, she had already obtained the Empress's approval, so Xizhu would not be involved in the struggle for the throne among the Crown Princes.
Thanks to her relationship with the Crown Prince, Xizhu has a certain level of security in the future. No matter what choice the prince consort makes, Xizhu will not be implicated, as long as she does not betray him.
Time passed little by little.
After Xizhu's wedding, Kangxi arranged marriages for the Third Princess and the Fourth Princess, which disappointed Consort Rong, who was unable to stay in the capital like the Second Princess.
Even so, the two women who married into the Mongol tribes were still considered a help to the Third Prince.
It's just a bit far, so there's not much help available.
As time passed, the Fourth Prince Chengzhen, the Fifth Prince Chengqi, the Sixth Prince Chengzhi, and the Seventh Prince Chengyou all got married and entered the court.
With so many princes entering the court, Emperor Kangxi could no longer suppress the Crown Prince, who was already too powerful in the court before his marriage.
However, at this time, Kangxi also appointed a consort for the Crown Prince. Yes, a consort, not a Crown Princess.
The Emperor's intention was very clear; everyone could see what he meant.
The Crown Princess is different from the one in the previous life; she is now the eldest daughter of the Shushu Jueluo family.
The Shushu Gioro clan is an old family. Their ancestors fought alongside Huang Taiji to establish the empire and also came from Huang Taiji's Plain White Banner.
They may not be of the same lineage as the Shushu Gioro clan, who were bondservants of the Plain Yellow Banner.
The reason why Emperor Kangxi chose the Shushu Gioro clan, whose family background was so prestigious, as the Crown Prince's consort was because their lineage had begun to decline.
At least until now, apart from living off her family's wealth, none of her children have been outstanding. As for why she was selected as the Crown Princess, it can only be said that she relied on the reputation and fame left by her ancestors.
She was not outstanding among the other women selected for the imperial harem. She thought she would at most be assigned to a member of the imperial clan, but she never expected that she would be assigned to the crown prince as his wife.
It was like a windfall.
The family is experiencing both joy and sorrow.
Not to mention Shushu Jueluo's joy and sorrow, Fanghua was also very dissatisfied with the Emperor's arranged marriage.
If it weren't for Chengren's pressure, she would have gone to the Golden Palace long ago to argue with the Emperor.
"Tell me what you're thinking?" She thought Shi was a good person, so why did he want to replace him?
"Your Majesty, I know what you're thinking, but I truly do not wish to marry her again." It's true that she's a puppet, but her biggest mistake was not standing by my side.
So what use is a crown princess like that?
Besides, in this life, the Emperor didn't arrange a marriage early on, nor did he send someone to the Shi family to teach her. Given her family background, she might not necessarily be qualified to be the Crown Princess.
After all, too much has changed in this life.
“My son, you’re silly. No matter how unworthy Shi Shi is, she is still a qualified Crown Princess.” In her previous life, she also watched that child marry into the Eastern Palace.
Although there is no Crown Prince in this life, Chengreng has her as his Empress Mother, so how could he be any worse?
"Since you're unwilling, then forget it. But isn't the Shushu Jueluo clan's family background a bit lacking?" She knew very well what the Emperor was planning. Humph, did he really think that she, the Hesheli clan, had no temper?
"Don't worry, Your Majesty will help you choose a few suitable concubines." Since her son wants to change, then so be it.
"I knew that my mother-in-law was the best to her son, but there's no need to rush. I'm going to start taking action now."
After enduring so many years, it's time for him, the crown prince, to make his mark.
"Alright, Your Majesty supports you. What do you want to do?"
Just as the Emperor was pleased to arrange a marriage for the Crown Prince with a woman from an outstanding family, the Crown Prince had already begun to take action against his father, the Emperor.
Getting a healthy emperor is no easy task; some unusual methods must be employed.
The heir used the old method: poisoning.
Unfortunately, it was no use. The emperor eventually discovered it, and if he hadn't had so many assassins, he would have been exposed.
Chenghu was trying to keep the imperial mausoleum under control, so he was powerless to help Chengreng. When the empress saw that her son had failed, she took matters into her own hands.
After five years of back-and-forth competition, the Crown Prince got married and had a grandson.
That day in Kunning Palace, Fanghua coughed again and spat out a mouthful of blood.
She's been like this for over half a year now.
In the past six months, first the Emperor fell ill, and then the Empress became seriously ill.
With one incident after another occurring, the concubines in the harem had long lost their desire to compete for the emperor's favor and were all praying for the emperor's speedy recovery.
Because they knew that with each new emperor came a new court, and if the emperor were gone, their good days would be over.
Those who had children were alright, but the concubines who were pregnant but unable to give birth were all living in constant fear.
"Your Majesty, please summon the imperial physician." Qiaoling's eyes welled up with tears; she knew best why Her Majesty was in such a state.
It was precisely because she knew this that she felt sorry for the Empress.
"You won't be able to hold on if this continues."
She knew the Empress possessed miraculous medicine, but even miraculous medicine eventually runs out.
The Empress has reserved all the divine medicines for the Crown Prince and the First Prince, and now she has very few left, and the Empress won't even allow her to use them.
"It's alright. I know my own illness. Don't worry." Fanghua wiped the blood from the corner of her mouth and patted the worried Qiaoling. "Don't tell the children that we're about to succeed. I don't want to fail at the last minute."
Emperors are hard to kill.
She didn't want to disappoint her, so she took matters into her own hands.
Borrowing the phoenix's fortune to suppress the emperor's fortune.
She should also thank the Emperor for not making Chengreng's wife the Crown Princess; she is only the Ninth Prince's wife now.
All of Feng Yun's talents are concentrated on her; otherwise, she really wouldn't be able to deal with him.
Unfortunately, while she was hurting the enemy a thousand, she was also suffering heavy losses herself, and her health deteriorated further.
When the emperor dies, it will likely be the day she dies as well.
"Your Majesty!" Qiaoling cried, her face streaked with tears.
Granny Zhang left the palace two years ago to retire, and Fanghua, being of advanced age, naturally did not want to keep her in the palace any longer.
Now, apart from Qiaoling and Qiaoyun, Fanghua is indifferent to everyone else.
"But you'll die if you keep going like this!" Qiaoling couldn't help but cry out.
"I am fine, really. Qiaoling, believe me. I will be alright."
The fact that the Empress was vomiting blood was thus kept secret.
Chengreng became increasingly busy, and Chenghu was also constantly occupied with the imperial mausoleum due to the emperor's serious illness, making it impossible for him to visit their mother, the emperor's mother, in the palace as before.
Xizhu, however, would come over to check on things from time to time.
Five years had passed, and she was already the mother of a son and a daughter. The Imperial Concubine was also ill, and as she wished, she watched her daughter get married and have children.
Now, all of that has been achieved.
She has no regrets.
Sure enough, his spirits were broken, and he fell ill and was bedridden. Now he can't even get out of bed, and this has only happened in the last year or two.
This is also the main reason why Xizhu frequently entered the palace.
On another morning court session, the emperor coughed up blood and fainted in front of all the court officials. The ministers were all shrewd and guessed what had happened.
Although the emperor is not very old, he has been on the throne for many years and has worked hard, so it is understandable that he has health problems.
The court officials began to stir.
As the crown prince, Chengren naturally served him personally.
When the Emperor fainted, Empress Fanghua naturally had to show herself. Fearing that she would be exposed, she asked Xiaofeng to boost her blood and qi so that she could hide herself from Chengren.
She feared that her son would fail because of her.
"The Queen's Mother."
Upon seeing his imperial mother arrive, Chengren's eyes were red-rimmed, his voice hoarse, and his calls for his imperial mother were somewhat indistinct.
"Good child, don't be afraid, your mother is here, your father will be alright."
After calming Chengreng down, Fanghua turned to the imperial physicians and asked, "How is the Emperor?"
What could the imperial physicians find? They simply gave perfunctory answers, saying that the emperor had overworked himself and damaged his mental health.
In the end, all that's left is to rest and recuperate.
The suggestion to allow the Emperor to recuperate was met with disapproval from everyone.
After all, that was a change of imperial power.
"You have worked hard to cure the emperor's illness, and you will be rewarded handsomely once he recovers."
The other concubines and princes breathed a sigh of relief when they saw the Empress's reaction, since they too were eyeing what wasn't theirs.
That location is too tempting; who could resist?
But the crown prince was exceptionally capable, and they couldn't compete with him even if they wanted to.
There have been many frictions over the years, but unfortunately, none of them have been able to bring down the Crown Prince. In fact, some things have even helped the Crown Prince gain a lot of popular support.
Now that the emperor is seriously ill, what they fear most is the crown prince ascending to the throne.
If the crown prince ascends the throne, all their plans will come to naught.
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