Chapter 9 Chapter 9 Chief Military Planner
Qianlong's first impression of Agui was not very good.
Agui is only nineteen years old this year. He is handsome and well-educated. He is extremely respectful to Emperor Qianlong.
But he couldn't explain why, Qianlong always felt that Agui's respect was fake.
When he heard that he wanted him to teach Manchu to the two princes, Agui immediately knelt down and kowtowed to express his gratitude. "I, your servant Agui, am young and incompetent, but I am so lucky to have received your Majesty's favor and become an official in the Dali Temple. I never thought that your majesty would be so kind as to allow me, your servant Agui, to teach the two princes. Your servant Agui is overwhelmed and grateful, and will teach them with all my heart..."
Qianlong: “…”
This humble and flattering look is very similar to the rewarded Li Yu.
Qianlong was just thinking about whether to pick on someone else when someone outside announced, "The Second Prince wants to see you."
It was Qianlong who called Yonglian here. He originally planned to summon Agui and then take Yonglian to pick out some calligraphy, paintings and antiques to decorate his study.
Who would have thought that the examination of Agui would take a while longer? This man was well-educated, and his words of thanks were free. On the one hand, Qianlong admired Agui's talent, but on the other hand, he felt that he did not have the integrity of a scholar, so he was a little hesitant.
Since we are going to invite a master for Yonghuang and Yonglian, we might as well let Yonglian meet Agui. If the child likes him, we can use him first.
He then let Yonglian in.
After Yonglian entered the room, he first paid his respects to Khan Ama, and his eyes were unconsciously attracted by the handsome young man kneeling on the ground.
Judging from his clothes, this man is not of high rank. That is why Khan Ama summoned him personally.
"Yonglian, this is Agui, the Dali Temple Secretary." Qianlong introduced.
"Agui!" Yonglian opened his eyes wide.
"Your servant Agui pays his respects to the Second Prince." Agui hurriedly saluted Yonglian.
Seeing his son looking at Agui with sparkling eyes, Qianlong was a little puzzled. "Have you heard of him?"
Yonglian thought to himself that that was a must, he was a big shot!
He was involved in both the suppression of the Zunghar Rebellion and the suppression of the Hui Rebellion. He was the chief military advisor in the late Qianlong period and was on equal footing with Heshen.
In Yonglian's impression, Agui was just a brick in the Qianlong Dynasty, and he could be moved wherever he was needed.
"I heard it from the Emperor." Yonglian said, and he had to praise Agui.
"Oh? What did your Majesty say?" Qianlong raised his eyebrows. When Khan Ama was in power, Agui had not yet entered the officialdom. Why did Khan Ama mention him to Yonglian?
"The Imperial Ma Law says that Akten is extremely strict with his son, Agui. Agui studies very hard, but he is still often scolded by his father." Yonglian said, looking at his own Khan Ama with a smile. "The Imperial Ma Law says that our royal fathers don't need to be like Akten. Children under such strict education will actually dislike studying."
Qianlong: “…”
Ah Gui almost burst out laughing when he heard this. This little brother is so funny!
He glanced at the emperor's expression and quickly adjusted his expression.
"Although my father disciplines me strictly, it is with great care. He only hopes that I can enter the court and serve the emperor as soon as possible, and share his worries. Your Majesty is even more kind-hearted to the young master. He hopes that the young master will study and learn, but he can't help but feel sorry for the young master who is overworking and exhausting himself."
Qianlong nodded in agreement. This resonated deeply with him. Unlike those fathers who only cared about their sons' success, he wanted his son to be healthy and happy.
Yonglian nodded his little head, ran to Khan Ama, and said with his little face raised, "I told the Queen the same thing. Khan Ama loves Yonglian the most. On the one hand, he wants Yonglian to study quickly, and on the other hand, he is worried that his son's eyes will be damaged."
Qianlong rubbed the kid's head and hummed, "It's good that you know."
Ah Gui: “…”
What a picture of a loving father and a filial son. Agui doesn’t know about other families, but he and his father would never be like this.
The emperor's favor towards the second prince is indeed well-deserved.
This was very similar to how the Emperor Kangxi doted on the deposed Crown Prince. Although Ah Gui had never seen it, he had heard people talk about it. Back then, the Emperor Kangxi was particularly concerned about the deposed Crown Prince. When the deposed Crown Prince had smallpox, the Emperor Kangxi personally took care of him.
Coincidentally, the deposed prince was also the second son.
The issue of succession during Emperor Kangxi's reign had far-reaching consequences, and even now many people in the court still have complaints about the late emperor's imprisonment of his brothers.
This was very unfavorable to the court in the eyes of the literati and common people.
If it happens again, the government may be unstable.
If he had the opportunity to teach the two young princes, he would definitely not let the tragedy happen again.
But why hasn't His Majesty mentioned letting him be his master yet? Ah Gui was a little worried. Was it because he hadn't behaved well just now?
Just as he was doubting himself, he heard the second prince ask, "Khan Ama summoned Agui, so he must have something important to discuss. My son, please go wait outside first."
"No need. I summoned Ah Gui precisely to select a Manchu language teacher for you and your elder brother." Qianlong raised his chin towards Ah Gui. "What do you think of him?"
Yonglian:!!!
Yonglian opened his eyes wide in surprise, "Great, great!"
"I, Agui, am fortunate to be appreciated by the Second Prince. I am overwhelmed and deeply grateful." Without waiting for Qianlong's response, Agui immediately said, and kowtowed to Qianlong again, "I, Agui, will definitely live up to the emperor's kindness."
Yonglian ran over to help him up, "Master Gui, don't be so polite. It's my brother and I who should be paying our respects to you."
Qianlong: “…”
No, is it necessary for you two, master and disciple, to be so anxious?
Agui probably saw that he was hesitant, so when he heard Yonglian's agreement, he kowtowed to express his gratitude.
This kid is really cunning.
But considering that Yonglian and he had a good impression, he endured it for the time being.
Qianlong encouraged and instructed Agui a few more times and then let him leave.
"Do you like Agui very much?" Qianlong asked when he saw his son's excited face.
Yonglian nodded. "He looks very smart, has a good family background, and is very good at speaking. He must be a good teacher."
Qianlong was slightly stunned. His own son, Yonglian, was quite good at judging people despite his young age. "But this man's words are somewhat flattering, and he lacks the integrity and uprightness of a scholar. You should be careful about this and don't be fooled by him."
Yonglian agreed. It was true that Ah Gui was quite exaggerated when he kowtowed to thank God for His Grace. He thought all Manchu officials were like that.
The father and son chatted for a while about Agui, and Yonglian also had two pieces of cakes from the Yangxin Palace before they went together to pick out calligraphy and paintings.
Yonglian knew that his Khan-father was an expert in this area, so he listened to his Khan-father.
He would say he liked whatever Khan Ama thought was good.
But he remembered that Qianlong liked fancy porcelain, which he could not accept.
Unexpectedly, the porcelains selected by Qianlong were all fresh and pure in color, which was consistent with the aesthetic taste of the previous emperor.
"Put this sky-blue vase on the high table next to the window. In autumn, put a few branches of osmanthus in it. It will look beautiful," said Qianlong.
Yonglian nodded and said with a smile, "The room still smells good. Khan Ama, you have a very good taste. I like everything you choose! I can read a few more pages in the study you decorated."
Qianlong pinched his son's face and asked, "Why are you so sweet today?"
Yonglian thought, doesn’t that mean you should maintain this aesthetic?
Qianlong's current aesthetic taste has not yet developed towards the aesthetic of the farmhouse style of large flowered jackets. Firstly, it is because he has just ascended the throne and many porcelains in the palace are still produced in the previous emperor's dynasty. Secondly, it is also because the mourning period for the previous emperor has not yet ended, so he cannot be too fancy.
But Qianlong was actually thinking in his heart that the porcelain of the previous emperor was too elegant, did not highlight the royal wealth, and did not have any auspicious meaning.
Wouldn’t it be a shame not to print so many beautiful patterns on porcelain?
A few years later, he asked the Imperial Household Department to produce some porcelain with bright colors and auspicious meanings, which would look royal when displayed in the house.
However, as the crown prince, Yonglian still needed to cultivate his simple character, and these solid-colored porcelains were just right to be placed in his study.
After Qianlong had chosen the things for Yonglian, he wanted to send him back to Changchun Palace. But Yonglian said, "Khan Ama hasn't helped my elder brother choose yet."
Qianlong: "..." The two brothers have a really good relationship, but he still has some memorials to read. Thinking that Yonghuang moved to the prince's residence a few months ago and the room has been decorated, he said: "I think his study is very good. It doesn't matter whether he adds something or not."
"Then let's add one." Yonglian looked up at his father with his chubby face, "How about my son choose for my eldest brother?"
Qianlong was helpless and said, "Okay, okay, you help him choose." It was normal for the little guy to be eager to try after seeing what he had chosen.
"Okay, okay!" Yonglian was excited.
Then Qianlong saw his son walking around the warehouse with his short legs and picking out two porcelain vases and a set of agate plates that he liked very much.
Qianlong: "...Okay, okay."
Seeing that Khan Ama's smile was forced, Yonglian asked politely, "Is it because Yonglian chose something that's not pretty?"
Qianlong: "...This porcelain vase is too big. It will look crowded in your elder brother's study. I will choose it for you."
——
After Yonglian had chosen the things, he excitedly ran to the prince's residence to find his brother.
Yonghuang knew that Khan Ama had taken his younger brother to pick out things for decorating the study today. He was a little envious, but his own study had already been decorated before, although Khan Ama did not personally help him choose calligraphy, paintings, and porcelain at that time. Perhaps Khan Ama was busy at that time and forgot about it.
He curiously asked his brother, "What calligraphy and porcelain did Khan Ama choose for you?"
"I can't remember exactly, but I do remember there was a Dong Qichang painting, a Ni Zan painting, a piece of calligraphy by Emperor Mao, and some enameled vases and plates. Oh, and there was also a small carriage woven with silver thread, which was very exquisite." Yonglian said, "I wanted to choose some things for my eldest brother's study, but Khan Ama thought my choices were not good enough," the little guy said with a wrinkled nose. "He personally picked out a few for you, including a tea tray with a floral pattern in enamel and gold embellishments. It's beautiful!"
Yonghuang was a little surprised when he heard this, and his eyes narrowed unconsciously.
Sure enough, when I moved to the prince's residence, Khan Ama was too busy. Whenever he was free, he would still take care of me.
Soon, people from the Imperial Household Department delivered the things. Yonglian's study had not been cleaned yet, so there was no need to display the things for the time being.
He was in Yonghuang's study, watching his elder brother decorate the room and offering some small suggestions from time to time.
After Yonghuang had tidied up his study, the two brothers returned to Changchun Palace together.
At the palace gate, he met Fu Heng who came to pay his respects.
In the original body's memory, he often saw his uncle Fu Heng, and he even played hide-and-seek with him.
But it was the first time that Yonglian saw Fuheng after traveling through time.
The little guy was very happy to meet two of the chief military officials of the Qianlong Dynasty today.
Fu Heng is fourteen years old this year. He has a handsome face and is gentle but not thin.
When he saw Yonglian, a smile unconsciously appeared in his eyes.
After the ceremony, Yonglian went over to talk to Fuheng and said that he had fallen a few days ago.
The Queen smiled and said, "That happened more than half a month ago."
"My uncle doesn't know yet," Yonglian puffed out his cheeks.
The Queen was helpless. "This child has been acting more and more spoiled lately. He's acting like a little kid again."
"Second prince is a child anyway. It's not good for him to act like an adult." Fu Heng said. In front of his sister, he spoke more relaxedly.
"Uncle is right!" Yonglian said, "Uncle is also a child. Let's play together!"
The queen rubbed her son's head and said, "You only know how to play. Your uncle has paid his respects and you still have to go back to study."
After a few casual chats, Fuheng was about to go and pay his respects to the emperor's brother-in-law. He should have gone to see his brother-in-law first, but as Qianlong took Yonglian to the warehouse, he went to Changchun Palace first.
Qianlong watched Fuheng grow up, so he didn't have to be too polite when he met him. He just asked about his recent studies and riding and archery. After hearing Fuheng say that he had made some progress in riding and archery, Qianlong ordered people to prepare bows and arrows so that he could personally check Fuheng's archery skills.
Fuheng hit the target five out of six shots, which was an improvement compared to the last time Emperor Qianlong inspected him.
Qianlong demonstrated it himself and asked the imperial guards to come and compete as well.
Among the imperial guards on duty today is Niuhulu Celeng, the martial arts master chosen by Emperor Qianlong for his son.
Celeng was a few years older than Qianlong, tall in stature, and could pull a bow with a force of ten, hitting the target six times.
Qianlong took the opportunity to tell Fuheng about the masters he had chosen for Yonghuang and Yonglian. Fuheng naturally said that the emperor had a good eye for talent and that the masters he had chosen for the two princes must be the best.
"The teachers have all been chosen, and it's time to choose study companions for the two children." Qianlong said that there were several children in the Niuhuru family who were suitable, but they already had Celeng, a teacher from the Niuhuru family, so the study companions could not be chosen from their family.
Qianlong did not want to choose the children of Zhang Tingyu and Ortai, as well as the children of officials who were close to them.
Fu Heng saw his brother-in-law frowning and pondering, obviously he didn't have a candidate in mind, so he said, "I dare to recommend someone."
"Who?" Qianlong raised his eyebrows.
"My fourth brother Fu Wen's son is called Mingrui, and he is the same age as the second prince." Fu Heng said.
Upon hearing this, Qianlong glanced at him and said, "You are so good at promoting people regardless of their relationship."
Fu Heng remembered what his sister had just told him, that the emperor intended to have the second prince get close to the Fucha family, but he was neither too old nor qualified to be a teacher, and he was too old to be a study companion.
He thought that he could choose from the next generation.
But recommending one's own family members was somewhat risky. The young boy had a hint of trepidation in his eyes, and he added weakly, "Mingrui is a very well-behaved and sensible child. Fourth Brother has already taught him to finish reading the Analects."
Seeing his brother-in-law's cautious expression, Qianlong couldn't help but smile and patted him on the shoulder. "In fact, I've thought of him a long time ago. I saw him last time. The child is handsome, well-behaved and sensible. Bring him to the palace tomorrow and I'll take a look. If it's really as you said, let him be Yonglian's study companion."
Fu Heng quickly knelt down to express his gratitude on behalf of his nephew, "On behalf of Mingrui, I kowtow to thank the Emperor for his great grace."
Qianlong helped him up, thinking that it was more pleasant to hear his brother-in-law thanking him. Ah Gui was exaggerating.
"You recommended Mingrui. If anything goes wrong with that child in the future, I will hold you responsible." Qianlong scolded Fuheng again, "As his uncle, you must teach him more on a daily basis."
Fu Heng solemnly agreed that if Mingrui made any mistakes, he would be held responsible. However, he still had great confidence in his nephew.
Choose a good study partner for Yonglian. You don’t have to think too much about Yonghuang’s study partner. Just pick someone who is honest and decent.
Qianlong glanced around among the imperial guards and his gaze fell on Dong'e Yongchang. "Yongchang, I remember your son Erdeng'e is ten years old this year?"
"Your Majesty, my son is exactly ten years old this year." Yong Chang immediately stepped out and said.
"Bring him in tomorrow so I can see him."
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