Before they knew it, it was time for the New Year. Although the struggle for the throne in the 47th year of Kangxi's reign had caused widespread panic, and even Jiaming dared not inquire about matters, the atmosphere had eased considerably as the New Year approached.
As a result, the Fourth Master has not been so strict in supervising the comings and goings inside and outside the mansion. Taking advantage of this, Jiaming called Xiao Hezi to have people quickly collect all kinds of gossip and interesting stories to make up for her recent boredom.
Jiaming is very confident in Xiao Hezi's work.
Sure enough, he quickly sent back what he had easily collected.
Some things were already known, but Xiao Hezi was unaware that she already knew.
After all, Jiaming was very careful to keep her political affairs a secret when she discussed them with Hongxuan, and they basically only talked about them when it was just the two of them.
For example, many ministers nominated the Eighth Prince as the heir apparent, but the Emperor reprimanded and disliked him. The Crown Prince was released, but ministers petitioned for his reinstatement...
While listening to Xiao Hezi, Jiaming did not show any sign that she had known beforehand, and continued to listen attentively to Xiao Hezi's story.
And he acted as if he had just heard it and then asked Xiao Hezi what other interesting things were going on.
Xiao Hezi was quick-witted and replied knowingly, "Of course."
Jiaming immediately showed interest and hurriedly asked, "Tell me quickly."
Xiao Hezi immediately said with some displeasure, "Master, Wang Shi in the Eighth Prince's mansion has regained favor."
Immediately, Hongtao and Lüliu, who had also heard Xiao Hezi's words, were also unhappy. They muttered, "Wasn't it said that the Eighth Prince's wife was a very fierce and ruthless person? How come she gave that Wang Shi a chance to rise up and cause trouble again?"
Jiaming immediately understood why. It must be that Wang Shi still had those life-saving medicines. Otherwise, given the fierce and ruthless nature of the Eighth Prince's Consort that she had inquired about earlier, Wang Shi would have been dead long ago, and the grass on her grave would be quite tall.
"However, how did Lady Wang regain favor?" Jiaming was quite curious about this.
Xiao Hezi shook his head. "Master, you forbade the use of those people to gather information, so this servant only knows the news that has been passed on to the outside. I have no way of knowing anything more inside."
After listening, Jiaming still had no intention of using those people in the shadows. She simply rested her chin on her hand and began to let her imagination run wild.
After a series of wild and unfounded guesses, Jiaming gave up. She looked at Xiao Hezi, who was quietly waiting for her to ponder, and said, "What else is there?"
Xiao He chuckled and immediately recounted everything he had found out.
Two days later, in the study in the front courtyard, the Fourth Master's men at the Eighth Master's residence sent back news from that residence.
At first, the undercover agents there didn't think much of the power struggle in the backyard of the Eighth Prince's mansion. After all, in the backyard, it's normal for the east wind to prevail over the west wind, or vice versa.
As a result, with Wang's return to favor and the increasing amount of information they learned, especially the reasons for Wang's renewed favor, the informants suddenly realized that this was a piece of information that could not be ignored.
When Fourth Master received the note from his informant, he opened it and his expression changed drastically.
Wu Sidao, an advisor who was also in the study, was surprised to see the Fourth Prince in such a state. What news could have caused the usually calm and composed Fourth Prince to change his expression so drastically?
Could it be that they've uncovered the mastermind behind the scenes who unknowingly extended their reach to the Crown Prince and other princes like the Fourth Prince?
Similarly, among the advisors in the study were not only Wu Sidao, but also two others, who were also wondering what kind of news could have caused the Fourth Master's expression to change so drastically.
Fourth Master came to his senses, looked away from the note, and silently handed it to Wu Sidao.
Wu Sidao glanced at the message on the note, and his expression changed drastically, just like that of the Fourth Master.
After regaining his senses, he handed the note to one of the other two advisors beside him, wiping the cold sweat from his brow and saying thankfully, "Luckily, Eighth Prince's ego has swelled up, and he wouldn't listen to that concubine, Princess Wang, and didn't think of keeping a low profile. Instead, he openly supported Your Majesty. This scheme is truly ruthless!"
The other two advisors, like Wu Sidao, were also very relieved after reading the note. However, this only strengthened their resolve to follow the Fourth Master to the end.
As the saying goes, if you don't take what Heaven gives you, you will suffer the consequences.
Such a good opportunity, and someone has already come up with such a good plan. The only remaining question is whether to adopt it. Even so, the Eighth Master from the neighboring mansion missed it. It was truly destined by fate that he could not succeed.
Thinking about it this way, their expressions turned excited.
Wu Sidao looked at the two of them with some confusion. Their expressions had just changed drastically, but now they looked excited.
The Fourth Prince, however, was focused on figuring out how the Eighth Prince's concubine, who was very adept at political maneuvering, would affect his side.
After a long discussion, time quickly came for the Fourth Master to test his son.
Yes, ever since the Fourth Prince made up his mind to fight for that position, he decided to set aside a certain amount of time each day to test his son.
Firstly, it makes it easier to raise a son. Regardless of whether he wins the position or not, he still needs an heir.
Secondly, communicating with his son helps cultivate their relationship. For example, Hongxuan isn't afraid of him much, but rather respects and loves him, and communicating with Hongxuan can sometimes inspire his creativity.
Thirdly, the Emperor had been provoked too much; the slightest disturbance was interpreted as coveting the throne and plotting against him. Therefore, he needed to keep a low profile. It was a good idea for him to be a good father, staying home and educating his children. In the Emperor's eyes, this would be seen as him being docile and valuing family ties.
Because the eldest prince, Honghui, was in and out of health, the fourth prince didn't force him to come. When he was feeling better, he would come if he wanted to, and if he didn't, the fourth prince wouldn't insist. He only hoped that the child could continue to live peacefully.
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