When the late emperor was alive, Consort Yi and Noble Lady Guoluo were sisters. However, when the princess was betrothed, one of them had to be sent to the dangerous and impoverished Outer Mongolia.
The region was not only harsh and cold, but also unstable. Even a princess could be in danger of losing her life if she wasn't careful.
Although Consort Guoluo was the elder sister, she was not favored and could not help her daughter. She could only place her hopes on her favored younger sister.
If Consort Yi had simply agreed on the surface and gotten away with it, she wouldn't have been so hated.
However, for her own benefit, she agreed readily on the surface, but secretly she was determined to push Ke Jing to marry far away.
Consort Guo Luoluo deeply regretted her actions, crying until she went blind, but she still couldn't stop her daughter from marrying far away.
If it weren't for Ke Jing's resolute character, ruthless methods, and resemblance to the late emperor, he would have been different.
She not only fulfilled her duties as a princess sent for a political marriage, but also maintained the stability of the border.
He also formulated the Outer Mongolia Khalkha Law, improved land and water conservancy, and benefited the people under his jurisdiction. He was deeply loved by the locals and held real power.
She probably wouldn't even be able to save her life, and like most princesses who were married off to Mongolia, she would pass away at a young age.
Sun Miaoqing was unaware that Da Pangju had already imagined and elaborated on the complex relationship between them time and time again.
And they firmly believe that this is the truth.
The chubby orange-haired girl said, "It's not that I'm biased, but Consort Yu is too young, and there's too much of an age gap between her and the Fourth Prince. How can she be the Fourth Prince's mother and take on the responsibility of raising a prince?"
"Moreover, Consort Yu comes from a humble background. Although she has been diligent and studious in the past two years, she is still not as well-read as Consort Wan."
"Didn't you just say that I should think about the Fourth Prince? Isn't this exactly what I'm thinking about for him?"
"Besides, Consort Yu and Consort Wan are both your good sisters. It doesn't matter who raises the Fourth Prince, doesn't it?"
Sun Miaoqing raised an eyebrow. "Weren't all those people in Lingrong's group trained by you? Does Your Majesty have so little confidence in yourself?"
"I've already said it, your idea of having Sister Huan raise the Fourth Prince is purely wishful thinking. She only wants to be with you every day, how could she have the mind to raise a child?"
Hearing this, Big Fat Orange didn't know whether to be happy or unhappy.
It seems that Consort Wan really doesn't want to raise the Fourth Prince. His plans for Consort Wan are not only pointless but also resulted in him being criticized by Sun Miaoqing.
Putting in effort only to be thankless and disliked for being presumptuous.
But when he thought that Consort Wan didn't want to raise the Fourth Prince because she didn't want anyone to disturb their time together, Fatty Orange felt relieved.
Huanhuan's feelings for him were just as Chun Yuan had been back then. Although Yun Changzai resembled her more, he couldn't quite put his finger on what was wrong; he always felt something was amiss.
He sighed inwardly. Although Consort Yu could not compare to Zhen Huan in terms of their relationship, which was influenced by Chun Yuan, she still held his affections.
"Let me think about it first. Such a matter should be discussed with the Empress Dowager before a decision can be made."
"Before coming to the Yuanmingyuan, the Empress Dowager had mentioned this matter, wanting to find a dignified and steady foster mother to take care of the Fourth Prince."
"If you can charm the Empress Dowager into agreeing, I will immediately issue an edict to have Consort Yu raise the Fourth Prince."
The ownership of a prince is of paramount importance in the imperial harem; whoever gets a prince becomes the one with the most power and influence.
The Empress Dowager's favorite was Meizhuang, so if she were to arrange a foster mother for the Fourth Prince, she would definitely not consider anything else.
I had told him before, but he rejected the idea because he didn't care about his son.
If we arrange things without consulting the Empress Dowager now, where will that leave her face?
I won't help you with this without any benefit in return. If you have the ability to argue, beg, and plead to get the Empress Dowager's approval, then do it yourself.
Sun Miaoqing sneered; this was a direct challenge to her. Making empty promises was something anyone could do!
"The Empress Dowager is bedridden. How could we, the younger generation, dare to trouble her with things we can handle ourselves? She is your own mother, and I feel sorry for her."
Big Fat Orange: "......"
Feeling sorry for the Empress Dowager?
I think you're just worried she won't die from the pain...
Sun Miaoqing's words kept falling like pearls, "In the past, when there were any good things, I didn't think of you, yet you still hold these things against me."
After saying that, Xing'er barked twice.
Sun Miaoqing said, "Look, even the dog son can't stand it anymore; he knows his mother is wronged."
The chubby orange dog said, "What else can a Pekingese know besides stealing food? Whining? Feigning distress?"
"Xing'er is very smart; it can understand you. Aren't you afraid it will hold a grudge and pee on you next time you say these things in front of it?"
Big Fat Orange: "......(︶︿︶)"
Sun Miaoqing said coquettishly, "I have some great news to congratulate Your Majesty."
Big Fat Orange's heart skipped a beat, but he pretended not to care and said casually, "Tell me, what kind of thing is this that can be called a great joy?"
Sun Miaoqing said, "Silver mines, countless silver mines. Your Majesty, isn't this a great joy?"
Big Fat Orange got serious. "Sun Zhuhe discovered a silver mine in Tongzhou?"
Why doesn't he believe that Zhejiang has countless silver mines?
If such terrain truly existed, how could it have remained undiscovered for thousands of years?
Sun Miaoqing said, "What are you thinking? If my brother had really discovered a silver mine, he would have reported it to you long ago. It's not my place to tell you."
"Because of the maritime ban, those who used to smuggle goods at sea are now spending a lot of time in the capital giving gifts, making quite a scene."
"I have some influence with you, so some people have sent me a lot of things, hoping that I will get some praise from you."
“Some people had close ties with the Japanese, married and had children there, and acquired property. They discovered by chance that Japan actually had many silver mines.”
"It just so happens that this opportunity has come up, and I'm thinking of using it as a stepping stone for advancement. Hasn't His Majesty been constantly worried about the empty treasury? This is a windfall, practically handed to him by God. Isn't His Majesty tempted?"
Of course he was tempted!
Cutting expenses is not easy; even with the entire harem living on meager rations, he couldn't save much. With such a large and prosperous household, finding ways to increase revenue was the right thing to do.
Especially in healthcare reform, it's burning through a lot of money! The money spent on wool is like a flood, and it's still in the preparation stage, so it won't be available for sale for another month.
Not to mention shipbuilding, although each family was responsible for building the ships they were allocated, half of them were under the jurisdiction of the Imperial Household Department.
And not everyone in the imperial harem came from a noble family. Even among the imperial clan, some had poor relatives in the court.
There were also a few trusted ministers who had meager means of support, and the emperor himself would provide them with some financial assistance.
Although it's considered a loan, it still needs to be returned eventually.
These problems can be patched up with cobbled-together funds for now. But according to his plan, there will be countless other places where money will be needed in the future.
However, Japan was a vassal state of the Qing Dynasty, paying tribute annually. If war were to break out, three years of preparation and naval training would suffice.
But this action lacks a legitimate reason...
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