With his hands behind his back and head bowed in deep thought, Yinzhen did not go to bed after returning home, but went to his study first.
His mind was filled with what Song had just said.
Since last year, when Emperor Kangxi imprisoned the eldest prince, deposed the crown prince, changed his title to Prince Li, and demoted the third prince's rank, the debate in the court about the position of crown prince has never stopped.
The princes and nobles all had their own schemes in private. Some tried to win over ministers, some relied on their brothers, some tried to please their fathers, and some tried to befriend their second brothers. In short, they all had their own unique methods.
Later, during the talent show, everyone set their sights on the young women. In order to establish connections with the families behind these young women, everyone worked hard to recruit more young women into their households.
Those from ordinary families are given the position of a princess, while those who are more valued are offered the position of a concubine.
After Yinzhen was promoted to Prince, he gained the position of Consort, which is now highly sought after and coveted by many.
Because of a secret thought in his heart, his intuition told him that this was wrong, and that he should not be ostentatious, especially during a period of struggle.
Yinzhen did not want to take a concubine from a good family at this time, but after hearing what Song said today, he had an idea.
Li has been by his side for many years, and she deserves this position.
After Yinzhen left, Xiaoqi, feeling that she had guessed her host's thoughts, cleverly said, "Host, you want Li Wanrou to be a concubine because you're afraid that the newcomer will suppress you, right?"
Shaking her head, Yunyi said, "Yes and no."
Unexpectedly, Xiaoqi was wrong. She pressed, "Ah, what do you mean? What are you thinking?"
"First, I really don't want someone from a good family to enter the manor as a concubine. If this concubine were still Lady Nian, it might not be a problem, but now history has changed, and letting someone else into the manor is an unexpected situation for me, and it's hard to control. Rather than that, it's better to let someone I know take the position. I know Li Wanrou well. She has enough qualifications and is safe. I'm at ease letting her take the position."
Having explained the first point, Yunyi continued.
"Secondly, judging from the current situation in the court, I think it would be better for Yinzhen not to take a concubine from a very good family into his household."
“Look, the previous princes have been deposed because of the succession struggle. Kangxi is now very wary of his own sons. At this time, it is time to retire gracefully and keep a low profile.”
"The recent rumors have been that Prince Yong wants to take a concubine into his household, but I don't think Yinzhen will do that. If I say this now, there's a high chance that Yinzhen will agree, which would also benefit me."
It has to be said that Xiaoqi was amazed by its host's intelligence and admired Yunyi greatly.
"Host, you're so clever! This idea is brilliant! It gives you a firm grip on Yinzhen and eliminates a potential enemy. Fantastic!"
...
The next day, Yinzhen found some time to discuss with his wife the possibility of granting Lady Li the title of secondary consort.
Of course, the primary consort, Ulanara, would not object to this. She had only had one daughter, Erdeni, after many years of marriage, and had no sons. Managing the inner quarters was already not very stable for her. If a concubine from a good family were to enter the household, she would not be able to manage her well.
She knows Li well after spending many years with her, and it's best for her to take this position.
The matter was thus settled. Yinzhen wrote a memorial requesting the official appointment and submitted it, awaiting approval.
Meanwhile, in the backyard, after paying her respects, the Fujin (principal wife) briefly mentioned the matter to Li Wanrou, so that she could be mentally prepared.
In the Qianqing Palace, Emperor Kangxi looked at the memorial handed to him by his fourth son and read it over and over again. He wondered if he had misread it.
At this time, everyone else was begging to be granted a daughter from a good family to enter their household as a concubine, but the fourth prince actually asked for a title for his own lowly concubine.
This unique behavior pleased Emperor Kangxi to some extent.
The fourth brother is a pure-hearted child. When his second brother got into trouble, everyone else avoided him like the plague, but he dared to plead for him.
The same applies now. It is said that the concubine in the mansion has been by his side for a long time and has given birth to three sons and one daughter. They have developed a deep affection for each other, so they are thinking of asking her to be given a title to save face for her.
Even Emperor Kangxi couldn't help but sigh, realizing that the fourth prince was truly different from others, a person of deep feelings and true character.
The words of Yinreng came to mind.
"Father, my fourth brother is kind and gentle, with both great love and tender feelings in his heart. Although he may appear stern and cold, he treats his brothers and ministers equally, and he is impartial and objective, without any personal feelings. His abilities and personality are both good, and he is perhaps the most suitable for that position."
Emperor Kangxi sighed. Perhaps, I really should think about this carefully.
Half a month later, before the talent selection was even over, an imperial edict arrived at Prince Yong's residence.
It wasn't that a concubine was bestowed into the mansion, but rather that Li, a concubine in the mansion, was promoted to the rank of concubine.
When the news reached the manor, unusually, everyone in the backyard was quite happy.
However, it's understandable. Everyone knows Li's character, so they naturally feel that it's better for her to take over than for a new person who doesn't understand her.
Moreover, Lady Li is getting old, and it wouldn't be a good thing for them if a young concubine came along.
Upon receiving the imperial decree, Li Wanrou was in a daze. She never imagined that one day she would actually become a concubine.
Countless times in the dead of night, she lamented her bad luck, saying she was a step behind Song and missed the chance to become a concubine.
When the princess told her about it a while ago, she was in a daze and couldn't believe it. After waiting for so many days, the matter has finally been settled. For a moment, she couldn't tell if she was dreaming or in reality.
After receiving the imperial decree, Yinzhen whispered to Li Wanrou, "Over the years, you have given birth to three sons and one daughter for me. I remember them all. This position as a secondary consort is what you deserve."
Li Wanrou, who had been keeping a straight face and maintaining a strong and composed demeanor, suddenly had tears welling up in her eyes. "My lord, with your words, I..."
"Alright, go back now. Today is your big day. I'll be over tonight." Yinzhen said, patting Li Shi on the shoulder.
Li Wanrou forced back her tears and replied in a muffled voice, "Yes, this concubine takes her leave!"
Both the Fujin (principal wife) and Yunyi (Yunyi) had seen this, and they shared the same thought at that moment.
Li Wanrou has had a tough time these past few years. She gave birth to three sons and one daughter, but two of her sons died young. Now she only has one son and one daughter by her side, and she can finally say that her hardships have come to an end.
With both of Prince Yong's concubine positions filled, those who coveted these positions had no choice but to give up and seek other opportunities.
Everyone felt a pity; what a wonderful opportunity for a marriage alliance, yet Prince Yong didn't cherish it.
Another two weeks later, the election ended, and all the young ladies-in-waiting found their places.
Prince Li had previously requested that the birth mother of his eldest son, Lady Li, be granted the title of secondary consort. This time, Emperor Kangxi bestowed upon him another secondary consort and two princesses.
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