After paying their respects to the Emperor and Empress, Daiyu and Hongtun went to each of the palaces to pay their respects to the concubines.
The concubines in the palace were exceptionally enthusiastic towards the newly arrived Crown Princess, presenting her with congratulatory gifts and showering her with compliments.
Daiyu was dignified in her demeanor and responded appropriately, neither appearing overly enthusiastic nor lacking in manners.
Hongtun stayed by her side the whole time, his gaze gentle and polite.
He showed Daiyu through his actions that he would always be there for her, no matter the occasion.
After leaving the inner palace, the two went to the Hall of Mental Cultivation to pay their respects to the princes.
The elders of the imperial clan, including Yinzhi, Yintang, and Yinzhi, had been waiting for a long time. When they saw the newlyweds arrive, they showed gratified smiles on their faces.
Father Yunxiang patted Hongtun on the shoulder and said with a smile, "Now that Tun'er is married, he must be more mature and steady in the future."
Hongtun respectfully accepted, while Daiyu bowed and greeted the elders.
The atmosphere inside the hall was harmonious, with everyone chatting casually and enjoying themselves.
---
The next morning, at the Hall of Supreme Harmony
The court officials entered the palace in a line as usual, discussing the recent affairs of state in hushed tones.
No one expected that today's morning court session would cause such a huge uproar.
Emperor Yongzheng sat high on the dragon throne, his gaze sweeping over the assembled officials in the hall, his expression solemn.
After all the officials had finished paying their respects, he slowly began to speak: "I have something to announce today."
As soon as he finished speaking, the hall fell silent, and everyone's eyes were fixed on the emperor.
"I have decided to establish my sixth son, Hongyao, as the Crown Prince of the Great Qing Dynasty. He will take up residence in the Eastern Palace from this day forward, and will be assisted by Zhang Tingyu, Ortai, and others to learn the ways of governing the country."
These words caused an uproar throughout the court.
The assembled officials looked at each other in disbelief, their hearts filled with shock.
The Emperor is only fifty years old this year, in the prime of his life. Why is he in such a hurry to establish a Crown Prince?
Moreover, Hongyao is only thirteen years old. Although he is intelligent, he is still young. Can he shoulder this great responsibility?
Zhang Tingyu was the first to recover his senses. He stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Your Majesty is wise. The Sixth Prince is of pure character, diligent and eager to learn, and is indeed the only suitable candidate for Crown Prince."
His voice was steady and powerful, as if it were the final word.
Seeing this, the other ministers also echoed the sentiment.
After all, Hongyao was the Empress's legitimate son, with the Emperor's full support behind him. Who would dare to raise any objections?
Moreover, Empress Lin Jia was renowned for her virtue, and her younger brother Lin Yan was a compiler in the Hanlin Academy, a man of great learning who enjoyed the Emperor's deep trust.
Prince Yi's son, Yunxiang, married the Empress's goddaughter.
Prince Rui, Yuntang; the Tenth Prince, Yunxi; the Governor-General of Jiangnan; and the Governor-General of Guangdong and Guangxi all had intricate relationships with the Empress.
It can be said that half of the world is now in the Crown Prince's hands. Thinking about it this way is truly terrifying.
Such a background is enough to make Hongyao's position as crown prince as secure as Mount Tai.
Yongzheng nodded slightly, his gaze deep: "Although Hongyao is young, I will personally teach him. All of you must do your best to assist him and work together for the sake of the Qing Dynasty."
"Your Majesty, we will obey your decree!" the ministers replied in unison.
---
Hongshi and Hongzhou walked out of the main hall side by side, their faces gloomy.
They had long known that their father favored Hongyao, but they never expected him to announce the establishment of a crown prince so suddenly.
Hongshi clenched his fist and said in a low voice, "Father is being far too biased! Hongyao is only thirteen years old, why should he be the only one to show favoritism?"
Hongzhou sneered, his tone laced with sarcasm: "Just because he is the Empress's son, while we... are nothing more than illegitimate sons."
A hint of resentment flashed in Hongshi's eyes: "We are all sons of the Emperor. Just because his mother is the Empress, does that mean we will never have a chance to rise in the world?"
Hongzhou patted his shoulder, his tone meaningful: "Second brother, some things cannot be forced. We both know what Father Emperor is thinking."
Hongshi remained silent for a moment, and ultimately said nothing more.
He looked up toward Kunning Palace, his eyes filled with complex emotions.
Yes, Hongyaozi's status is due to his mother's prestige, while their maternal clan is not prominent. How can they compete with them?
What's infuriating is that Father Emperor even arranged for Lin Yan, a scholar of the Hanlin Academy, to be chosen for Hongyao's sake, clearly paving the way for Hongyao's future!
---
Kunning Palace
Lin Yun was sitting opposite Hong Yao, with a copy of "Zizhi Tongjian" open on the table.
She asked softly, "Yao'er, have you heard about what happened in court today?"
Hongyao nodded, his youthful face displaying a composure beyond his years: "Your subject has heard. Father has appointed me as Crown Prince. Your subject will certainly study diligently and live up to expectations."
Lin Yun smiled slightly, her eyes full of relief: "It's good that you have this intention. The position of Crown Prince carries great responsibility, and you must be even more strict with yourself in the future."
Hongyao solemnly replied, "Your subject understands."
At this moment, Yongzheng stepped into the hall and saw the mother and son talking. He smiled and asked, "Yao'er, are you settling in well?"
Hongyao rose and bowed: "Your Majesty, I will do my best to fulfill my duties."
Emperor Yongzheng nodded in satisfaction and said to Lin Yun, "I have appointed Zhang Tingyu and Ortai as tutors to the Crown Prince. They will teach Yao'er well."
Lin Yun said softly, "Your Majesty has made such thorough arrangements, so I am at ease."
Emperor Yongzheng's gaze softened as he gently stroked Hongyao's head: "Yao'er, from this day forward, you are the Crown Prince of the Qing Dynasty. I hope you will remember that a ruler should always have the well-being of the people in mind."
Hongyao raised his head, his gaze firm: "Your subject will remember Father's teachings."
---
Evening, Prince Yi's Mansion.
Daiyu and Hongtun were having dinner when they suddenly heard news from the palace that a crown prince had been appointed.
Daiyu put down her chopsticks and said softly, "The Sixth Prince has been made Crown Prince?"
Hongtun nodded, his tone calm: "As expected. Father Emperor has high hopes for his younger brother Hongyao, and this is just the natural course of events."
Daiyu pondered for a moment: "But if this happens, there will probably be trouble in the palace again."
Hongtun held her hand and comforted her, "It's alright. The Empress is deeply trusted by the Emperor, and the Sixth Prince is exceptionally intelligent. No one else can stir up any trouble."
Daiyu smiled slightly and said no more.
Although Hongyao's position as crown prince was secured, the turbulent court would never truly be at peace.
---
As night deepened, the glazed tiles of the Forbidden City were coated with a layer of silvery light.
Hongshi stood alone in the courtyard, his heart filled with mixed feelings.
He knew that from this day forward, he was completely ineligible for that supreme position.
Meanwhile, the candlelight inside the Kunning Palace remained bright.
Lin Yun leaned against the window, gazing at the distant lights, and murmured softly, "I hope Yao'er can shoulder the weight of this empire..."
Yongzheng embraced her from behind and whispered, "With me here, you don't need to worry."
Lin Yun leaned against him, slowly closing her eyes, hoping...!
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