The promotion of Consort De to Imperial Concubine De was entirely within Yinzhen's expectations.
Yinzhen did a good job in Tibet, so it's understandable that the Emperor wanted to restore Consort De's rank.
In February of the 57th year of the Kangxi Emperor's reign, problems arose regarding coastal defense.
"Your Majesty, regarding the coastal defense of Fujian, I believe that arrangements should be made as soon as possible."
"Tell me your thoughts."
On this day, during court, Man Bao, the Governor-General of Fujian and Zhejiang, submitted a memorial proposing that in order to strengthen coastal defense, it is necessary to repair the forts and fortresses in places such as Shacheng in Fuzhou and Ningzhou, and to install 460 gun positions in 50 places including Zhapu in Pinghu, Zhejiang. At the same time, barracks should be built and troops should be dispatched to defend and patrol.
In addition, it was proposed to strengthen coastal inspections and implement strict security checks and entry/exit checks on merchants, merchant ship sailors, and fishing boat sailors.
"Third Prince, tell me your thoughts."
"Your Majesty, I think it's acceptable to repair the forts and stockades in places like Shacheng in Funing Prefecture, but isn't it a bit too much to worry about building barracks and installing artillery positions?"
"What do you think, Fourth Brother?"
"Your Majesty, I believe Lord Manbao's idea is very feasible. Furthermore, I believe that, in addition to this, all ships going to Taiwan must be inspected in Xiamen and escorted there; those returning from Taiwan must also be inspected and escorted, traveling from Penghu to Xiamen. This measure aims to ensure the safety of ships traveling to and from Taiwan and to prevent criminals from using ships for illegal activities. Those traveling to and from Taiwan must be issued a permit by the local officials, and those who enter Taiwan without a permit will be severely punished."
"What the fourth brother said makes sense. Taiwan has been our territory since ancient times, and the people of Taiwan are our people. We must strengthen our coastal defense and protect the safety of our people."
"Your Majesty is wise!"
The ministers all echoed his sentiments.
"Manbao, I'll leave this matter to you."
"My lord, I obey the order."
After the court session, Yinzhen and the other princes stayed at Changchun Garden.
Several princes were having a long-awaited meal with Emperor Kangxi when Wei Zhu rushed in.
Emperor Kangxi asked with a displeased expression:
"What happened?"
"Your Majesty, the young prince has died!"
Wei Zhu knelt on the ground, not daring to look up at Kangxi's face.
Emperor Kangxi put down his chopsticks, said "I understand," then closed his eyes wearily and waved for the other princes to leave.
The prince that Wei Zhu mentioned was the one born to Consort Chen a few days earlier at Changchun Garden, which made Emperor Kangxi very happy.
However, the child was born with health problems and was always sickly and listless. Perhaps because he had experienced too many similar incidents, Kangxi never mentioned the matter again and simply ordered him to be buried according to the rules for princes.
After returning to his residence, Yinzhen sat in his study for the entire afternoon. During this time, Nian Yunrong, Yunhui, and others sent people to inquire about the situation, but Yinzhen did not see any of them.
Yinzhen did not leave the study until evening.
"Sir, which courtyard would you like to visit?"
"Yun Gege, please."
This was probably the first time Yinzhen visited Yunhui after her miscarriage.
"Princess, Princess!"
"What's wrong? Why are you in such a hurry?"
"The prince is coming this way."
Yunhui excitedly stood up from the couch. Although she had recently given birth and the prince couldn't stay overnight, he should still come and see her.
Who knew that because of the child, the prince would actually stop caring about her affairs, and she once thought that she was really going to fall out of favor.
"Your Highness, may you be blessed."
Yinzhen entered the room and frowned:
Why is your room so cold? Didn't they deliver the charcoal for this month?
Before Yunhui could speak, her maid, Luyin, spoke first:
"Your Highness, the princess hasn't had any charcoal delivered for several days. These past few nights, she's been using a hand warmer to keep warm."
"Nonsense, Gao Wuyong!"
Gao Wuyong hurriedly stepped forward:
"Your Highness, please forgive me. This servant will have someone deliver it to Consort Yun immediately."
Even if Luyin didn't say it, Yinzhen could guess the reason. He simply felt that Yun Gege had fallen out of favor and that no one would know if she froze to death here.
Although Yunhui's strong will led to a miscarriage last time, it wasn't unintentional, and Yinzhen didn't want to punish her again. As long as she behaved herself in the future, giving her more favor wouldn't be out of the question.
Before long, Gao Wuyong arrived with several servants carrying charcoal and braziers.
The news spread the next day that the prince had stayed overnight at Yunhui's place.
In the morning, Yunhui appeared before everyone, dressed exquisitely.
"We, your humble servants, greet Your Highness. May Your Highness be blessed."
"It's freezing cold, sisters, get up quickly. Someone, bring tea."
"The Princess Consort is not feeling well, and it's not easy for her to meet with us. She has to come even if it's cold."
Anyone can say such polite words.
Suddenly, the Fujin's gaze focused on Yunhui.
"Is Sister Yun feeling any better?"
"Replying to Your Highness, I have been taking the medicine on time every day and have almost recovered."
The princess smiled and nodded, then had someone bring over a box. When opened, it contained a fine ginseng root.
"This was a gift from the Prince when I was sick last year, and I haven't been willing to use it. Now that you've just finished your postpartum confinement, it's the perfect time for you to recuperate. Please accept this ginseng and use it to nourish your body."
Yunhui didn't stand on ceremony with the Fujin and respectfully accepted the ginseng.
At this moment, Nian Yunrong spoke:
"Your Highness is so generous. That ginseng looks quite old, and you're just giving it away like that?"
“What are you saying, Sister Nian? Sister Yun is still young and needs to take good care of her health so that she can give the Prince a son or daughter in the future, which will make the Prince happy.”
Nian Yunrong wanted to say something more, but was stopped by the green smoke behind her.
Ulanara pretended not to see the two people's little actions and continued chatting with the others.
"Sister Niohuru, I heard that Hongli was praised by the Emperor again a few days ago?"
"You're too kind, Madam. It's all thanks to the Prince's excellent teaching. Besides, Hongli learns more from his brothers, and the Emperor praises them all. Hongli is just one of them."
"You're being modest. By the way, the three princes will be returning to the palace in a few days, right?"
"Yes, Your Highness is worried that the children's studies will be delayed, so he will send them back in a few days."
After chatting about the children for a while, the group dispersed. Back in her room, Geng Youran was exhausted, as if she had just fought a fierce battle, and collapsed onto the couch, unable to get up.
"Princess, it's just a simple greeting, why are you so tired?"
Qianxue placed the tea on the table next to Geng Youran and then mocked her.
"What do you know? Didn't you see the gunpowder in those people's eyes? It was so strong I almost choked to death."
Qianxue was amused by Geng Youran:
"Princess, you mean Consort Nian, right?"
"See, didn't you smell it too?"
"Princess, it's not as serious as you make it out to be. Consort Nian is just a bit jealous."
Qianxue laughed.
"Jealous? It's just a ginseng root, is it really that big of a deal?"
"Princess, don't tease me. You know perfectly well that Consort Nian was jealous because the Prince went to Princess Yun's place last night."
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