But it doesn't matter, with Qiu Fen, the "intelligence expert," Yin Zhi also has his own dedicated intelligence agents.
Before long, the couple had a general understanding of the situation. It must have been Emperor Kangxi who gave the order. They hadn't found much, but it was definitely related to the Crown Prince, so it must be quite a big deal.
"Does the Princess Consort seem somewhat sentimental?" Yinzhi noticed Hezhuo sighing.
"Yes, I remember when Hongyu was a month old, the Crown Prince sent him a jade pendant, saying it was from his father. The Crown Prince wasn't like that back then."
When Yinzhi heard Hezhuo say this, he was also somewhat dazed. At that time, he and the Crown Prince were not so estranged. It was just that the two sons were vying for their father's favor and, being of similar age, they were always competing with each other.
Afterwards, the two became irreconcilable enemies, and then he gave up his ambition to seize the throne, eventually becoming estranged from the crown prince.
I felt a little uncomfortable after hearing my subordinates' report, but when I thought back to what happened back then, that discomfort disappeared.
Yinzhi's discomfort was not due to the struggle for the throne, but rather related to his father's favor. After all, it was the same old routine and the same old formula. As Kangxi's second most favored son, he could tell at a glance that the crown prince had made a mistake and Kangxi was intentionally covering it up.
However, these discomforts were only minor and would dissipate in a while. Now, my family is happy, the third generation is about to be born, and my mother is doing well in the palace. There's nothing wrong with me.
On the other hand, the Crown Prince is having difficulty conceiving. His younger brothers are growing up, and Emperor Kangxi's favor towards the Crown Prince is increasingly turning into suspicion, making his life difficult.
"The young prince at that time was successful and accomplished in both literature and martial arts, and could be described as full of vigor. Although he had some disputes with the master, they were just childish squabbles and nothing serious."
After realizing his own feelings in the past two years, Hezhuo has become more open and sometimes talks to Yinzhi about his views on members of the royal family. Because it involves politics, Hezhuo usually wouldn't talk to Yinzhi about these things before.
"Oh? What does the Princess Consort think?" Having broken free from the vicious cycle of vying for the throne, Yinzhi was now able to view things calmly. He was straightforward, but not entirely without guile. How could a child raised in the royal family be so naive and innocent?
"This crown prince looks glamorous, just one step away from the throne, but in reality, that one step is separated by an abyss."
Yinzhi nodded in agreement: "Father Emperor ruled when he was young. After defeating Ao Bai, he held great power and could be said to have absolute authority. As the Crown Prince grows up year by year, it is difficult to maintain a balance between the Crown Prince and the imperial power."
"Father Emperor is a wise ruler who is diligent in governing, loves his people, and treats them kindly."
"My lord, I'm actually quite glad that I was able to marry you." He Zhuo suddenly changed the subject, and Yin Zhi felt very happy to hear this. He put his arm around He Zhuo's shoulder and let He Zhuo lean on him.
"Actually, the prince may not know how hard the crown princess works. Every time I see the crown princess, I feel grateful and thankful that the emperor betrothed me to the prince. If I were to live like the crown princess, my life would be truly miserable."
"Hmm? What do you mean by that, Madam? The Crown Princess is doing very well in the palace. Father Emperor is very satisfied with her, and Grandmother Emperor also likes her very much."
"Actually, what's so great about it? Does Your Highness still remember the age when the Crown Prince got married?"
When this was mentioned, Yinzhi fell silent. The Crown Prince was already 21 years old when he got married. He didn't understand before, but now, after being brainwashed by Hezhuo, he could see it clearly. There was indeed Kangxi's genuine fatherly affection, but there was also the power struggle between the emperor and the crown prince, and there was scheming everywhere.
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