This task, however, fell to Yinzhen.
At this point, Yinzhen's status seemed to have subtly surpassed that of his other brothers, and he himself seemed to think so, showing a degree of relaxation when he was in front of Qian Shengyan.
Qian Shengyan couldn't help but feel a little worried, because at the end of the year, there was another piece of really bad news.
She hesitated for a long time, but still didn't do much. The cause and effect were all things that Yinzhen should experience himself.
In October of the 57th year of the Kangxi Emperor's reign, due to the ineffective military campaigns in the west, the Kangxi Emperor appointed his fourteenth son, Prince Yinzhen, as the Grand General of Pacification, stationed in Xining, Qinghai, to command all armies and provide relief to Tibet. He also appointed Nian Gengyao as the Governor-General of Sichuan.
"Using the banner of the Plain Yellow Banner, following the style of the royal banner, it is entirely in accordance with the specifications for an emperor's personal expedition..."
"His Majesty even ordered the princes to see him off, which is truly..."
"The imperial edict to the princes of Qinghai also stated that their words were no different from the Emperor's personal instructions..."
The room was filled with the sounds of discussion. Qian Shengyan waited at the door for a moment, then went back inside.
At this time, the entire Prince Yong's mansion was somewhat depressed. Even Qingxue and the others spoke less, only diligently doing their work and not saying much.
That night, Yinzhen did not come to Dongyou Courtyard, but returned the following evening. Qian Shengyan could not discern any expression from his face, and she did not know what to say, so she personally served him tea and snacks.
Instead of drinking the tea, Yinzhen took her hand and patted it.
The two had a heart-to-heart talk, and there was no need to say anything more. Qian Shengyan took the opportunity to sit in his arms and lean against his chest. Seeing this, Qingxue and the others obediently left.
"I'm alright." Yinzhen patted her shoulder and sighed softly. "Her Majesty is very happy."
Qian Shengyan silently hugged his waist and rubbed against him twice: "If you are unhappy, then I am unhappy too."
“No…” Yinzhen paused, then smiled wryly, “We really can’t fathom Father’s thoughts.”
“After all, he is the Emperor.” Qian Shengyan hesitated for a moment before saying, “Your Highness, there are many who go to war, but…”
"Hmm." Yinzhen patted her arm, indicating that she didn't need to say anything more, but after a moment he added, "Nian Shi..."
"I understand, Your Highness should visit Zhuqing Courtyard more often these days," Qian Shengyan sighed. "If it really doesn't work, Your Highness should bring Lady Nian back from the estate, shouldn't you?"
"No need," Yinzhen said coldly, then explained, "Nian Shi is completely out of her mind now and doesn't even recognize people. In this state, it's... inconvenient for her to see anyone." He paused, then added, "You don't need to worry about this matter; I have my own way."
Qian Shengyan could only nod in agreement.
Soon, Qian Shengyan found out what Yinzhen's method was.
Staring at the stunningly beautiful woman before her, who seemed both familiar and unfamiliar, Qian Shengyan was speechless for a long time, both incredulous and somewhat bewildered. She walked over and whispered, "Who is this?"
"Reporting to Consort, my name is Shan Xiu," Shan Xiu said meekly. Wanxia, who was beside her, said, "Consort, were you frightened? Shan Xiu was discovered by our people when she fled to the capital during the famine. Consort, look at this face, doesn't it look very similar?"
“It really does look like her…” Qian Shengyan was still a little incredulous. Even though Shan Xiu was right in front of her and this face that resembled Nian Shi was right there, she still felt it was quite surreal.
What... is Yinzhen going to use a body double?
"She's just a little young. Nian Shi... she should be twenty-three now, right?" Qian Shengyan frowned slightly, looking at Shan Xiu's somewhat immature face, and couldn't help but feel a little puzzled.
With such an appearance and such a pampered lifestyle, how could he be a refugee?
Sure enough, that evening Yinzhen gave her the answer: "She was originally the family member of a minor official in the south. Her father, Shan Chuliang, was imprisoned for a crime and died a few days later. Their entire family property was confiscated, so they wanted to go to the capital to find their relatives. However, they encountered bandits on the way and almost lost their lives."
Qian Shengyan couldn't help but sigh.
“Her mother’s surname is Nian, but she is from a branch of the Nian family. The family that has come to the capital to look for her is also the Nian family.” Yinzhen sighed. “It’s a pity that her mother didn’t make it halfway. She also has an older brother who has now entered the camp in the suburbs of the capital. The two siblings can keep each other in check, and it’s reassuring to use them.”
"Hmm." Qian Shengyan thought of the little girl's timid eyes and sighed again, "She's still a bit too young, let her practice some more."
To this question, Yinzhen simply smiled and said nothing.
However, when Qian Shengyan saw Shan Xiu again just before the Lunar New Year, she was shocked!
Originally, she only resembled the woman by four or five points, but after some period of time, she now looks seven or eight points similar. Her temperament also seems more composed, and her skin is much fairer and more delicate than before. If you were to walk out and say that she is the second young lady of the Nian family, you might actually be able to fool some people.
In recent years, because "Nian Shi" has been recuperating from illness and has not been out much, and has also experienced a miscarriage and a childbirth, it is normal for her appearance to have changed slightly. What is most impressive is that, under Wanxia's training, Shan Xiu's handwriting is almost identical to Nian Shi's, and even when writing on the spot, no flaws will be revealed.
The only difference is the tone of voice. It is indeed difficult to imitate the arrogant manner that Nian used to speak, but it is also possible that he has become somewhat listless due to his illness in recent years.
"Let's not go to the palace this year, let's get to know each other better," Yinzhen said to Qian Shengyan. "If the war eases next year, Nian Gengyao may return to the capital, and then we can see him."
Qian Shengyan naturally responded without hesitation. Moreover, in order to help Shan Xiu adapt to the identity of "Nian Shi" more quickly, Shan Xiu began to walk around the mansion after New Year's Eve. Ulanara Shi, Li Shi, and others did not suspect anything when they saw her.
The first month of the fifty-eighth year of Kangxi's reign passed quickly. Because of her improved health, "Nian Shi" was granted a special pardon and returned to the Nian family in early February. After this trip, no one doubted Shan Xiu's identity anymore.
Hongli was eight years old that year, and Foerguochun was a five-year-old girl with two cute little pigtails. She was starting to grow taller, and her chubby little body was starting to slim down.
Qian Shengyan was truly reluctant to let her daughter lose her baby fat. After Hongli turned five, that brat had never let Qian Shengyan hold him again. Now he even considered himself grown up and would only bow respectfully to Qian Shengyan.
Daughters are so thoughtful...
In April, Yinzhen invited Kangxi to the Yuanmingyuan Garden to inspect the planting situation in the fields. After several years of improvements, not only have the yields of potatoes, corn, and sweet potatoes gradually stabilized, but even the yields of rice in both seasons have gradually increased with fixed fertilization.
Emperor Kangxi was in a very good mood during his visit. He even personally sowed some seeds in the field and told Hongli with a smile that he would definitely come to see the harvest.
Qian Shengyan watched the grandfather and grandson from a short distance away, and couldn't help but sigh—Kangxi has truly grown old.
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