The afternoon sunlight shone into the teahouse. The people on the first floor, having listened to Qi Jiguang's story, left one after another. In the afternoon, they talked about Qi Jiguang's fight against the Japanese pirates.
The people listening to the storytelling in the morning and afternoon were different. Yinzhen deliberately brought Yiken'e over so that he could see that the Qing Dynasty was not as peaceful as it seemed.
Emperor Kangxi constantly suppressed the opinions of scholars in the south, all of which were measures to balance the court. Kangxi can be considered an enlightened gentleman.
“Father, all the people listening to the storytelling on the first floor of the teahouse have left, only two or three tables are still there.” Yiken’e sat by the window near the second-floor staircase, looking down at the commotion below.
Yiken carefully recalled that many of the listeners in the morning had expressions of agreement on their faces, and the vast majority of them still wanted to overthrow the Qing Dynasty.
“Father, Grandfather once said that the Qing Dynasty is not so peaceful, especially the people in the south, who even think about overthrowing the court. If Grandfather does not suppress them with great effort, there may be problems.” Yiken’e followed Kangxi and received the same education as the Crown Prince.
Emperor Kangxi did not reduce his education of Yiken'e because of his young age. Apart from reducing his written homework, he continued all other education.
Qingyan was stunned. It turned out that Yiken'e had already begun to get involved in the court. Compared with Yinzhen, his son's path was much smoother.
"Little darling, don't stop her, and don't interfere. If Yiken'e doesn't reach that position, the consequences will be unimaginable." Yinzhen looked at the little head of the nanny Yiken'e with affection. There are advantages and disadvantages to having twins.
After Yiken'e was born, the political landscape quietly changed, and Yiken'e became the most dazzling prince after the crown prince.
Even Hongxi, a third-generation prince, would avoid Yiken'e.
"Hasn't the danger to Yikene increased?" Qingyan asked in surprise.
The Crown Prince had put a lot of effort into Hongxi, hoping that he would become the best among the third generation of princes. However, this situation was completely changed after Yiken'e was able to speak.
Emperor Kangxi's favoritism allowed Yiken'e to act with impunity in the palace, while Hongxi did not receive such treatment. Under the protection of Emperor Kangxi and Consort Tong, the twins were well-liked by the other concubines, and even the Empress Dowager treated them with kindness.
This was in stark contrast to Hongxi's treatment. Hongxi was somewhat similar to Li Jiashi; both were petty and became increasingly jealous when they encountered someone better than them.
Inside the Imperial Study, the princes studying there showed some deference to Hongxi, who was the Crown Prince's only son. At that time, however, Emperor Kangxi still paid special attention to Hongxi.
During that year, Hongxi's life became increasingly difficult. Kangxi kept increasing Yiken'e's rewards, and the court officials all followed Kangxi's orders and changed their ways.
Upon returning to the capital, Hongxi was overjoyed to find that Yinzhen and the twins had been left at the military port. However, as time passed after their return, Hongxi noticed something amiss: the Crown Prince had never participated in court affairs, instead spending his time studying with the young princes.
Hongxi overheard the princes discussing how Yiken'e had even participated in naval battles, and how he had already achieved military merit at such a young age.
It's clear to everyone with eyes to see that this conscription of Ryukyu was not intended merely to add to the military merits of the participants.
"Your Majesty, news has arrived from the capital. Please take a look." Erlu took out a black secret document from outside. It recorded that Hongxi had secretly used spies from Yuqing Palace without the Crown Prince's knowledge, hoping to get rid of Yiken'e at the military port and resolutely prevent him from returning to the capital.
Yiken'e was protected not only by guards sent by Yinzhen, but also by the Dragon Guards and Shadow Guards of Kangxi and Ulanara. With protection from three sides, it could be said that he was exceptionally well-protected, and the couple could finally rest assured.
"When will Bawoke leave?" Yiken'e walked to the window on the other side, where he was held in Erlu's arms. Looking down at the street scene outside, he discovered that Guoluo was actually walking on the street.
"About two more months!" Yinzhen said, bowing his head to Yiken'e. "My dear, keep a close eye on things at the naval port. I've heard that your sister-in-law might be pregnant!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Qingyan looked surprised. There was nothing unusual about Yin Genjueluo Shi's behavior. How could she suddenly be pregnant?
"Big brother, whisper this." Yinzhen's lips curled up slightly. "Little darling, I would be very happy if you could follow closely behind. You two little ones, do you want a younger brother or sister?"
Yinzhen looked at Yiken'e, feeling regret that Yiken'e's childhood was too short, and with Kangxi's involvement, Yinzhen could not interfere.
“Of course, I’m going to school soon. If I could have a younger brother, I would be so happy to have someone to keep Mother company. If I had a younger sister, I could also support them!” Yiken said, puffing out her little chest.
Hutu Lifengsheng Zhalafen nodded in agreement, realizing that she needed to learn manners from the old woman and couldn't stay by Qingyan's side any longer.
As they grew up, they all thought that it would be nice to have someone to rely on.
"The children have all agreed, are you still not going to agree?" Yinzhen smiled, "My dear, let's just leave it to fate."
"My sister-in-law didn't say anything. Could it be that she's worried about something?" Qingyan was a little confused as to why Yingenjueluo would hide it from her.
He took a sip of tea, and the storyteller below began his afternoon performance. Yiken'e heard the gavel, jumped off the armchair, and leaned out of the second-floor window to watch the storyteller resume his tale.
The listeners on the first floor had changed; you could tell from their attire that they were no longer dressed as Taoists, but as people from the Qing Dynasty.
“Father, I feel that the people listening to the story below have lost that resentment.” Yiken’e was still young and could only rely on his intuition to sense it.
Qingyan was stunned. It turned out that Yiken'e was more sensitive and smarter than the other princes.
"Little darling, don't worry. If Ruo is in danger, Yiken'e will have many people protecting him!" Yinzhen reassured Qingyan.
Now, Yinzhen brought Qingyan over so that she could see Yiken'e's abilities.
Outsiders treat Yiken'e like a child, and they will underestimate him.
"I won't get involved in your affairs anymore, but the children's safety is in your hands!" Qingyan sighed helplessly, clearly Yinzhen was making a show of it for her.
Yinzhen nodded. The children's safety was no longer a problem, so Qingyan tried her best to prepare what Yinzhen needed. Working together would actually bring more benefits to everyone.
Just as Yiken'e was listening with great interest, a commotion arose at the entrance on the first floor. Yinzhen quickly picked up Yiken'e and covered the window facing the corridor, so that the noise could only be heard coming from below.
"It must be because the Eighth Prince is here that Guo Luoluo is really causing a headache. He actually dared to make a scene here!" Yinzhen's lips curled up slightly when he heard Yinsi asking for a private room.
Fortunately, the storyteller had finished telling his anti-Jin story that morning; otherwise, the Eighth Prince's wife might have made a big deal out of it.
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