Duofu had heard the news early on that today was the day when Emperor Kangxi would bestow titles and ranks upon the sons of his concubines who had come of age.
An imperial edict should arrive at the prince's residence shortly.
Duofu didn't remember exactly what position the Fourth Prince Yinzhen was granted the first time in history, but it should have been at least a Beile (prince).
Duofu felt that making him a prince was a bit unrealistic. Although the Fourth Prince's status had been elevated, he didn't seem to be favored and was always following behind the Crown Prince. Kangxi hadn't done anything particularly special for him.
Duofu didn't seem to care much about this, since the Fourth Prince would eventually become the emperor anyway, so what he was given in the early stages didn't matter.
Duofu didn't take it too seriously; he was just someone who wanted to join in the fun and squeeze into wherever it was exciting.
Su Peisheng was very excited when he told this news yesterday, which shows that he has high expectations for his master.
The Fourth Prince has also been acting strangely these past few days; he must be looking forward to it too.
Duofu always felt that the Fourth Prince would not be satisfied with the position that Kangxi gave him.
Logically speaking, since the Fourth Prince is now the son of Empress Tong, he should at least be a prince.
But Kangxi was not a person who would stick to the rules. He was very emotional and had power in his own hands, so he would definitely do whatever made him feel comfortable.
The Fourth Prince is always closely following the Crown Prince, so he certainly won't be promoted to such a high position all at once. Moreover, the Fourth Prince has only just entered the court and hasn't yet achieved any impressive political achievements or anything worth mentioning.
In addition, Emperor Kangxi didn't have any bias when he looked at the Fourth Prince.
Duofu lay under the big tree outside the study, watching the Fourth Prince who couldn't see any books inside the study.
That slightly unfocused gaze, and that book that hadn't been touched in a long time—it hardly looked like someone reading.
He must be anxiously waiting for the imperial edict. Duofu even wanted to rush in and tell the Fourth Prince not to worry, because he knew the Fourth Prince would definitely be unhappy if he waited.
Duofu's mind was racing with thoughts of how to help the Fourth Prince shift his emotions.
To put it more tactfully.
You've only just gotten married and entered the court. You haven't accomplished anything yet. Your father is only trying to encourage you, which is why he hasn't promoted you too much. He wants to give you more room to grow in the future. You have to work hard!
Or should we just cut it off completely?
Forget about it. That's just your father, your sovereign. With the emperor in charge, you, as a subject, haven't done anything. Why would he give you a high position? Besides, you're not his favorite son. You're a semi-invisible figure who isn't particularly favored. Why would your mother, Hua, raise your rank and try to make you happy?
Duofu felt that neither of them was suitable. The Fourth Prince was such a shrewd person that he definitely couldn't be fooled by the first one, and the second one seemed too hurtful.
No matter how much the Fourth Prince pretended not to care about Kangxi's favor, how could he truly be indifferent?
Duofu felt he could never do it in his lifetime.
Take him as an example. If the Fourth Prince doesn't value him as much in the future, he feels he might go crazy.
The Fourth Prince was already quite respectable. He didn't do anything disgraceful after Kangxi took back the favor he had received. Over the years, he has always been quite calm and reliable, and hasn't done anything out of line.
Except for the incident with the Ninth Prince last time.
Duofu now feels that Kangxi is a real scoundrel. The Fourth Prince is such a good person, how could he just ignore him like that?
He had never even considered that position, not even for anyone other than the Crown Prince.
Early on, they groomed the Fourth Prince to be part of the Crown Prince's faction and had him work for the Crown Prince.
Duofu now wishes the Crown Prince would act recklessly, then Kangxi would surely be very pleased.
Tell him not to value or care about the Fourth Prince, and wait until his most favored son does those outrageous things, then see how he reacts.
Duofu couldn't help but feel uneasy when he saw the faint expectation in the Fourth Prince's eyes.
What's there to look forward to?
You still don't know your imperial father?
How did I treat you?
Still holding onto these expectations is a waste of the little stars in your eyes.
As expected, the Fourth Prince was only granted the title of Beile, while the First and Third Princes were both granted the title of Wangye.
The Fourth Prince, the only prince who got married, was only granted the title of Prince Beile, just like his younger brothers.
When the Fourth Prince heard the news, he couldn't help but feel disappointed. How could his Third Brother be only a year older than him?
The Emperor granted him the title of King, while he was left with only the title of Prince, which was not very prestigious.
After receiving the imperial edict, the Fourth Prince returned to his study and stared intently at the edict on the table without uttering a word.
Su Peisheng had just noticed the unpleasant look on his master's face the moment he turned around.
He secretly felt uneasy, as he had originally thought that His Majesty would at least bestow a title of prince upon his master.
After all, their master's grandfather was the son of Empress Tong, so he could be considered a legitimate son.
She shouldn't be suppressed by the Third Prince no matter what.
Su Peisheng stood guard at the door, filled with fear, afraid of hearing his master's orders from inside the room.
He really didn't want to help his master put out the fire at this time; this job wasn't suitable for him.
Su Peisheng quickly searched for Duofu's shadow in the courtyard outside the gate. It was time to send this little rascal inside.
Anyway, no matter how angry or bad-tempered their master is, he won't do anything to this little darling.
On the contrary, seeing this little darling always brings a smile to my eyes.
Su Peisheng searched around the yard and finally spotted a chubby little thing with its bottom sticking out from a pile of grass, its head hidden among the flowers.
Duofu just saw his pet owner's dark and disappointed face.
But his bright mind hadn't yet come up with any words of comfort.
Duofu was still hiding in the bushes, worrying, when suddenly he felt himself being lifted up, which startled him.
Who else in this yard is so bold as to pick him up?
When he looked up and saw that familiar smile, Duofu gave up struggling.
Su Peisheng, with a beaming smile, was about to escort Duofu into the study.
"My little darling, now is the time when the master needs you. You can't hide here playing around. Hurry up and go inside."
"To save this servant from suffering later, you should calm the master down; that would be saving this servant's life."
Su Peisheng didn't want to serve a master who was always so sarcastic and sullen, constantly giving him the cold shoulder.
He still prefers his master, whose eyes hold a gentle smile.
Despite still having a cold face, his whole being exuded aloofness.
Su Peisheng always felt that the master with a slight smile in his eyes was more approachable and easier to serve.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
