Yinzhi sighed:
"Do you think money can solve everything? The situation in the court is constantly changing. Now that we've switched sides and are determined to put our fourteenth brother on the throne, we naturally can't let our fourth and thirteenth brothers find any fault with us. Also, you asked me why I'm so sure Father Emperor plans to have our fourth brother handle this matter. It's because our fourth brother was the one who first revealed this to me, understand?"
The other two were taken aback:
"Fourth Brother? How could he?"
"In short, we all need to stay calm and think carefully about what to do next during this period."
Yinzhen and Yinzhen had no choice but to reluctantly agree.
The factions in the court are now basically clear: Yinzhen's faction, Yinti's faction, the neutral faction, and the fence-sitters.
In short, everyone had their own agenda.
Because the Kangxi Emperor was to celebrate his 60th birthday in the 58th year of his reign, he issued an edict in court in advance, ordering that the provincial examinations would be held in February of the following year and the metropolitan examinations in August, in order to celebrate this grand event.
The imperial examination was not only the goal that scholars across the country strived for throughout their lives, but also an opportunity to inject fresh blood into the court, and an opportunity for various factions to cultivate their own personnel.
"Fourth Brother, I heard that just a few days after Father Emperor issued his decree, Eighth Brother and Ninth Brother started taking action."
That afternoon, after finishing his own business, Yinxiang went to Prince Yong's residence to talk to Yinzhen.
"I've heard about this too. I didn't expect them to be in such a hurry; they really don't respect Father Emperor."
Mentioning his father, the Emperor, Yinxiang sighed.
"According to Liang Jiugong, Father Emperor's health has been poor lately. He's been sleeping longer and longer, but he's still tired during the day."
Yinzhen put down the book in his hand, stood up and went to the table in the main room.
“I’ve been thinking lately, before the Emperor’s birthday celebration, should we go into hiding and wait for the right opportunity?”
"wait?"
"Yes, now the Eighth and Ninth Princes are busy recruiting talent for themselves. I don't believe Father Emperor is unaware of this. He's observing us to see who has more patience. The Emperor's birthday celebration might just be a pretext, and his real purpose is to test us."
Yinxiang nodded in agreement:
"That's true. It's a good opportunity for us to gather evidence against them."
After discussing the matter, Yinxiang left the Yongqin Prince's Mansion in the evening. Gao Wuyong entered the room to ask where Yinzhen was going that night.
"Let's go to Consort Li's place."
"Yes, sir."
When Li Jingshu received the news, she was copying Buddhist scriptures. Upon hearing that Yinzhen was coming, she only asked someone to prepare some tea and snacks in advance, without stopping what she was doing.
"His Highness has arrived!"
"Your Highness, may you be blessed."
Yinzhen nodded and then went inside. Seeing that the Buddhist scriptures were still open not far away, he went over to take a look.
"Are you copying Buddhist scriptures?"
"I have nothing better to do than to make a fool of myself in front of Your Highness."
Yinzhen smiled:
“Your handwriting has always been very good. I’ve always carried that handwritten copy of yours with me.”
"You flatter me, sir."
At this moment, several maids brought tea and snacks into the room.
"Your timing is perfect, sir. It's almost May, and Sister Geng specially made some fresh-flavored zongzi for me to try. They were just delivered this morning, sir. Please have a taste as well."
As she spoke, Li Jingshu paused, then personally peeled one for Yinzhen.
They are small in size, but have a rich rice aroma and are filled with sweet fillings.
"You are doing quite well now."
Li Jingshu smiled gently:
"They can still exchange a few words."
"How is Hongshi?"
Speaking of Hongshi, Li Jingshu was even more gratified:
"Your Majesty, this child is quite diligent these days. He came back to see me some time ago. Although he is a bit thin, he is still quite healthy."
Yinzhen nodded.
In recent years, the Emperor has frequently appointed heirs, but Hongshi has been repeatedly left out.
He worried that Hongshi might not understand this and might do something rash.
"Now that Hongshi is nineteen, I would like to ask you what you think about Hongshi's wedding."
Li Jingshu exclaimed in surprise:
"Does Master have someone in mind?"
The two chatted about Hongshi's wedding as they walked toward the side hall.
"I did have someone inquire about it privately. I just don't know what you and Hongshi think."
“I think this is a good thing. Hongshi has been learning to do things by your side for several years, but he can never settle down. If we can find someone who understands and cares about him to persuade him, perhaps we can change his temperament.”
Yinzhen nodded:
"That's what I think too. However, next year is Father Emperor's birthday, so Hongshi's wedding may have to be postponed."
Yes, a prince's wedding is always troublesome. It's almost May now, and it's definitely too late to prepare now.
"My lord, if there is an opportunity, may I take a look at you privately?"
"You can discuss this with the Princess Consort. I have no objection."
"Thank you, Your Highness!"
The next day, Li Jingshu dressed up early and brought gifts to pay her respects to Ulanara.
"Sister Li, you're up so early today, is there something you want to tell me?"
"Your Highness, I do indeed have a request."
As she spoke, Li Jingshu instructed the people around her to present the gifts.
"What do you mean by this, sister? There's no need for such formalities between us."
"This is just a small gift, please accept it with a smile, Madam."
Li Jingshu knew that the Fujin (princess) liked calligraphy and painting. She had a painting in her private treasury that the prince had given her a few years ago, which seemed to be the work of a famous artist. So she brought it today to give to the Fujin.
"My lady, I have come today to discuss Hongshi's wedding."
"Hongshi's wedding? I've never heard the prince mention it."
"His Highness said that Hongshi's wedding will have to wait until after the Emperor's birthday. Before that, I would like to ask the Princess Consort to find a way to take a look at these women in advance, so that I can feel more at ease."
Ulanara laughed and said:
"The son hasn't even said anything yet, and you, the mother-in-law, are already getting anxious."
"It's because Hongshi's temperament is becoming more and more difficult to manage. I was thinking that if I could choose a virtuous and gentle woman for Hongshi, perhaps he could learn to be more composed."
Ulanara nodded in agreement:
“Since my sister has such a maternal heart, and Hongshi is the eldest son of our Prince Yong’s Mansion, I must help her with this.”
"Thank you, Madam."
Seeing that the Fujin had agreed, Li Jingshu felt it inappropriate to stay any longer and withdrew.
As Ulanara returned to her study to continue practicing calligraphy, the nanny beside her spoke up:
"Isn't the Princess Consort worried?"
"What does 'granny' refer to?"
“In the past few years, when the Emperor has been appointing a crown prince, our Prince Yong’s residence has never been chosen. If Prince Hongshi gets married, wouldn’t his position as crown prince be a sure thing?”
"You're overthinking it, Granny. Hongshi will not be made the heir apparent."
"Why do you say that, Madam?"
Ulanara looked up and smiled:
"Because His Majesty has someone more satisfactory in mind."
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