Chapter 115—A Hint at the Tenth Prince's Incompetence
Yin'e hadn't yet decided whether to express his happiness at Kangxi's favor, and Kangxi probably wouldn't be happy to see him happy either. He then said, "With the Fifth Prince as your benchmark, of course you can keep up with the lessons in the Imperial Study."
Upon hearing this, Yin'e was startled and almost made a sound, revealing his unease: How did Kangxi know that he was thinking this way, and knew that he had this idea?
After the initial shock, Yin'e recalled the outrageous things he had said in front of Emperor Kangxi. He was no longer surprised or bewildered, but the smile that hadn't fully appeared on his handsome face vanished completely, and his raised head gradually drooped down. He felt a little ashamed.
After a long pause, Yin'e stammered softly, "Father, there are more than ten of us brothers. We can't all be the same, all eager to learn and study hard, can we?"
“You have to accept the diversity of your sons, accept that we have different personalities, hobbies, talents and specialties. Otherwise, it would be so boring if all of us brothers were the same.”
There was another thought that Yin'e only dared to think in his heart, but dared not actually say it out loud: If all the sons born were the same, what would be the point of raising them? If all of Kangxi's sons were like princes, all eyeing the dragon throne beneath him and striving for it, then in the future it would not just be a struggle for the throne among the nine princes!
Emperor Kangxi was truly astonished by Yin'e's words, feeling both surprised and amused.
He looked down at Yin'e, who was standing in the center of the hall with his little head drooping. He didn't scold him immediately, but thought with a mixture of amusement and exasperation: his sons all had different personalities, but he had never seen such a bold and honest brat before.
If someone dares to act recklessly in front of him, I really don't know whether to praise Xiao Shi for being bold and fearless, or to scold him for being tactless, lacking tact, and not knowing who he can mess with or who he should obey.
Suddenly remembering something, Kangxi gave a deep look at Yin'e standing below him, his slender and handsome face showing a hint of solemnity.
He asked in a deep voice, "If I can accept that you have different talents and preferences than the other princes, can you accept that you will receive different treatment in the future?"
"You must understand that you reap what you sow. If you are unwilling to work hard today, your future achievements will be nothing more than mediocre. If you become envious of the status and achievements of other princes in the future, don't expect me to show you any favoritism."
Faced with Kangxi's words, which seemed like both admonition and reminder, Yin'e tilted his head and thought for a moment. His reaction surprised Kangxi—he smiled broadly, his smile bright and sunny.
“Very fair,” Yin’e commented.
However, Yin'e also understood in his heart that, not only in the royal family, but also in ordinary families, there is no absolute fairness between parents and children. Favoritism is inevitable, only the degree varies.
Emperor Kangxi was a loving father, but that did not change the fact that he was biased. He naturally favored the crown prince, whom he raised himself, the eldest son who was the first to stand on his own, and the younger son who was more in need of care and love.
Compared to the princes whom Kangxi valued or favored, the four princes in the middle, namely Yin'e, the Ninth Prince, Yinzhi, and Yintao, received the least attention from Kangxi. If the matter were to be investigated thoroughly and clarified, life would be unbearable.
Just because they were born in a less favorable order of birth, with older, sensible, diligent, and studious brothers above them and younger, well-behaved, innocent, and adorable brothers below them, those of them in the middle were neglected and ignored. Who can they complain to about this? They can't be expected to be unbiased just because they were born in the middle.
Although he wasn't Kangxi's favorite, Yin'e was still quite content.
As the saying goes, it's not the best, but it's better than the worst!
Although he was not favored by Emperor Kangxi, he was not disliked or even hated. Considering the fate of the princes who would compete for the throne in the future, what more could Yin'e want?
Moreover, with the Imperial Concubine's wholehearted love for him, it was enough to make up for the lack of paternal love that his father, Emperor Kangxi, had given him. Yin'e was not greedy; he was already content to have the Imperial Concubine as his mother in this life.
After giving his evaluation, Yin'e raised his head and looked at Kangxi. His handsome face turned serious, and his expression showed his attitude: "My brothers are more hardworking than me, so naturally they should be valued by Father more than me."
Yes, the older princes were diligent in their studies, each striving to become the top scholar. They made Kangxi very happy, and also made him feel that he was good at teaching children, which made him proud. Therefore, they deserved to be valued by Kangxi and should have more opportunities to realize their ambitions and climb the ranks.
Yin'e was always very clear-headed. He knew that the key to what achievements the princes could make after they came of age, and what the final result of their achievements would be, was not the princes' abilities, their talents, or their efforts.
The most crucial point and the most important determining factor was Kangxi, whether he, as the emperor and the one who held great power, valued the princes and whether he gave them the opportunity to display their talents and realize their ambitions.
The princes wanted to succeed, to achieve great deeds, to obtain better titles and higher status. The internal factor was of course their own ability and efforts, but the external factor largely depended on Kangxi, and could only depend on Kangxi.
No matter how talented or gifted the princes were, if Emperor Kangxi did not give them the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities, they would only lead mediocre lives, wasting their precious time and talents.
That's why it's said that the world of martial arts isn't just about fighting and killing, but also about human relationships and social interactions—this saying still applies to the struggles within the imperial family. The fight for the throne isn't just about power and influence, but more importantly, about gaining the emperor's trust, favor, and respect.
Kangxi glanced at Yin'e expressionlessly, his gaze unfathomable: "Are you truly willing to accept this?"
When Emperor Kangxi restrained his emotions, no one could discern his true thoughts, not even Liang Jiugong, who had served him closely for nearly twenty years. At that moment, Liang Jiugong could not tell whether Kangxi was pleased or angry, delighted or dissatisfied when he asked that question.
"I don't feel resentful at all; I'm quite content." Yin E smiled, his smile as bright and radiant as the warm sun, his eyes clear and pure without a trace of impurity, making it obvious to everyone that he was speaking from the heart.
Kangxi gently stroked the white jade thumb ring on his right thumb, and his gaze toward Yin'e seemed to soften a little, but it was as if it were just an illusion, and in an instant it was impossible to tell what emotions were mixed in his eyes.
He glanced at Kangxi discreetly, and seeing that Kangxi did not respond to or comment on his "pledge of loyalty," Yin'e couldn't help but continue to egg him on, adding in a low voice, "Of course, I still hope that Father Khan will favor me."
"They've hinted at it this far, surely Kangxi understands what he means?" Yin'e muttered uncertainly to himself.
He had already promised to become a couch potato, give up striving, and abandon his rivalry with the Crown Prince. Shouldn't Emperor Kangxi, both morally and logically, offer him some compensation?
Although he gave up voluntarily, and although he made this choice from the bottom of his heart without being forced, the one who benefited was Kangxi's most beloved crown prince. As the father who favored the crown prince, Kangxi had no choice but to show some appreciation and pay for the crown prince's gain.
But Kangxi pretended not to understand. He glanced at Yin'e meaningfully, and curled his lips into a half-smile: "Oh?"
Yin'e puffed out his cheeks, somewhat disappointed: hints didn't work, it seemed he had no choice but to be direct.
Although being direct and explicit might challenge his sense of shame, it doesn't matter; he's always been thick-skinned enough.
He'd only be shy for a moment, and then he'd be fine. But if he really managed to get something out of Emperor Kangxi, he'd be making a fortune—it would be a huge profit... no, a risk-free, high-profit business!
With a chuckle, Yin'e's eyes held a rare hint of embarrassment, but he spoke frankly and directly: "I can't be as diligent and hardworking as my brothers, but if it's about getting something for nothing... of course I'd be more than willing, it just depends on whether Father will give me the opportunity."
With his head tilted back, Yin'e blinked his round, bright almond-shaped eyes at Kangxi expectantly, almost as if he was about to say, "Father, I'm hungry, I want food!" His desire for free food and a windfall was written all over his face, and he was practically scrambling to figure it out.
Kangxi shook his head, realizing that he hadn't expected Yin'e to say those words so directly. The mixed emotions that had just arisen in his heart had completely dissipated.
Kangxi was truly exasperated by Yin'e's overly honest and truthful answer, unsure whether to scold or reprimand him. He was somewhat angry, but it wasn't entirely negative emotions like disappointment or rage; in short, his feelings were complex and exceptionally difficult to discern.
Too lazy to argue with Yin'e any longer, Kangxi glanced down at the stacks of memorials on his desk and prepared to send Yin'e away. He waved his hand with a smile and said, "Get out of here, don't waste my time. I don't have time to daydream with you."
Wanting something for nothing? That's just a pipe dream!
Where in the world can you find such a wonderful thing? It's truly audacious—it seems that the Imperial Concubine has spoiled Xiao Shi too much, making him so lazy and idle, and he spends all his time having unrealistic dreams. It seems he has never been beaten down by reality.
Unable to get any benefits from Kangxi for free, Yin'e was a little disappointed, feeling that he had shown his loyalty in vain.
However, he quickly cheered up and realized that he hadn't really lost out.
Although he failed to get any benefits for free, Kangxi simply told him to leave without mentioning any punishment, which meant that the matter was over. In a way, he actually benefited, since he had indeed violated the rules of the Imperial Study.
But Yin'e was too happy too soon. Just as he was about to leave the Qianqing Palace with a smile on his face, Kangxi stopped him and shattered his joy with a single sentence.
Picking up the imperial brush that he had just put aside, Kangxi picked up a memorial and glanced at Yin'e lightly, saying in a nonchalant tone, "I won't punish you severely, but I will punish you by making you copy today's lessons ten times and hand them in to Gu Badai."
Emperor Kangxi did not like Gu Badai's personality, but he also knew that among the tutors in the Imperial Study, Gu Badai was the strictest and most responsible, and could keep the princes in check.
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Author's Note: Thank you to all the little angels who voted for me or watered my plants with nutrient solution between 11:44:08 and 23:08:02 on May 8, 2023!
Thank you to the little angels who watered with nutrient solution: An Yunyan (16 bottles); Xiaoxiao (6 bottles); Yanwen and Xiaoganlan (1 bottle each);
Thank you so much for your support! I will continue to work hard!
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