Emperor Kangxi's decree was simple: it was to bestow a name upon Xiao Tangyuan and to reward He Xue.
The name of Xiao Tangyuan was decided by Emperor Kangxi after careful consideration and repeated deliberation: Hongchen!
After the Crown Prince expressed his gratitude on behalf of He Xue and Xiao Tangyuan, Kangxi helped the Crown Prince up and said to him, "The Crown Princess's investiture ceremony has been delayed because she is pregnant. From now on, let's hold the investiture ceremony together!"
Those present, upon hearing Kangxi's words, secretly pondered: [Will they be conferred titles together later? And once the Crown Princess is made Empress, will she be considered Empress?]
Moreover, Kangxi's use of the character "Chen" to name Xiao Tangyuan caused an uproar, and everyone understood that the Crown Prince's position was now unshakeable.
Soetu was even more gratified; without him holding him back, the Emperor trusted the Crown Prince even more.
The Crown Prince calmly replied, "Yes, Your Majesty, I obey!"
The Crown Prince understood Kangxi's meaning. His position was now very secure, and none of his brothers, from the First Prince to the Ninth Prince, harbored any disloyalty.
As for the younger ones, the Crown Prince didn't take them seriously at all. It would take several years for them to grow up, and during those years, the Crown Prince's position would only become more secure.
He Xue's first reaction upon hearing this name was, "[Past Events in the Mortal World, is this because they're worried Little Tangyuan will become a nun?]"
He Xue held Little Tangyuan in her arms. "Tangyuan, you have a name now, Hongchen. It was given to you by your imperial grandfather. If you don't like it, go find your imperial grandfather when you grow up, don't go find your mother!"
Hongchen just stared at Hexue with his round eyes, it was hard to tell whether he was satisfied or not with the name.
The Crown Prince wanted He Xue to complete her full 100-day postpartum confinement period, but shortly after Hong Chen's full month, news arrived that the Empress Dowager was seriously ill.
The Crown Prince and He Xue arrived at Cining Palace. When He Xue saw the Empress Dowager's pale, bloodless face, her heart sank. This old woman, who had accompanied three emperors, was probably about to pass away.
The Crown Prince came to the bedside and held the Empress Dowager's withered hand, tears streaming down his face. "Grandmother, it is Bao Cheng!"
He Xue, standing to the side, couldn't help but burst into tears. Although she didn't have much affection for the Empress Dowager, the Empress Dowager had been wary of her when she was in the palace because of the Imperial Noble Consort.
Later, she married the Crown Prince, and the Empress Dowager's attitude towards her changed because of the Crown Prince.
Her sadness stemmed from her grief for the Crown Prince. Compared to Emperor Kangxi, the Empress Dowager had always unconditionally believed in the Crown Prince and loved him the most. Now, the Crown Prince was likely to lose the person who doted on him the most.
The Empress Dowager barely opened her eyes, struggled to raise her hand, and said in a hoarse voice, "Don't cry, Baocheng, the Ancestor is alright!"
The crown prince lowered his head and offered his head to the Empress Dowager, letting her hand cover his head. Hearing the Empress Dowager's words, he cried even harder.
Emperor Kangxi also rushed over at this time and stood guard beside the Empress Dowager with the Crown Prince. "Grandmother, how are you feeling?"
Where is the imperial physician? What did the imperial physician say?
Granny Su wiped away her tears. "The imperial physician said that the Empress Dowager and Empress are old and have been relying entirely on medicine to stay alive. Now, I'm afraid..."
Before she could finish speaking, Granny Su was already sobbing uncontrollably.
The Empress Dowager looked at Kangxi and said haltingly, "Xuanye, entrusting the Qing Dynasty to you is the wisest decision I have ever made in my life."
I have watched the Crown Prince grow up since he was a child, and I know his personality well. The Crown Prince is not obsessed with daughters, is diligent, and has become more and more mature in his conduct over the years.
You must promise me that unless the Crown Prince rebels, he will not be deposed!
"Grand Ancestor!" The Crown Prince looked at the Empress Dowager in shock.
The Empress Dowager gave the Crown Prince a deep look. Kangxi was suspicious. Although he believed the Crown Prince now, it was hard to guarantee that he would doubt him in the future. This was the last thing she could do for the Crown Prince.
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