Emperor Kangxi also asked himself countless times when he had become so wary of Bao Cheng.
When did he learn that those court officials were always secretly contacting the Crown Prince?
Or was it when the crown prince gradually revealed the many henchmen under his wing?
Or is it when one's eyesight gradually fails, one's energy wanes, and one's mind becomes agitated when dealing with state affairs?
Emperor Kangxi was proud of his sons' excellence. He believed that the princes of the Aisin Gioro clan should be so outstanding in order to secure the beautiful land of the Han people.
But as he grew older, he became more and more wary. Was the crown prince he had personally promoted like a wolf, eyeing his throne with predatory intent?
It's like in a dream.
When Kangxi saw that Suo'etu's face was gloomy and he was angrily cursing him, saying that he was unworthy to be a ruler, a husband, and a father, and that he should ensure that Suo'etu could emulate the Xuanwu Gate Incident and rebuild the glory of the Hesheli clan in one fell swoop.
His words were so harsh that he wished he could devour him alive.
Unfortunately, Emperor Kangxi did not hear Bao Cheng's reply in his dream.
However, it doesn't matter anymore.
Kangxi thought he would see Bao Cheng's true colors revealed through his methods. No ambition could escape his control.
As for his other sons, Kangxi did not consider them rivals, but he was extremely disgusted by their covetousness for the throne. The eighth prince, in particular, was always scheming and, as a prince, followed behind the ministers, showing no decorum whatsoever.
Now it seems he's quite bold; knowing he's out of favor with the emperor, he's already trying to serve the new ruler ahead of time.
Kangxi sneered; he wouldn't succeed.
Victory always belongs to you.
Whether it was capturing Oboi or destroying the Three Feudatories, the Dzungar Khanate was the chosen one, and no one could defeat him.
He closed his eyes, pondering the current situation. If he could stabilize the situation for two or three days, there would definitely be news from Boder and Yinzhen's contact with Ujumqin.
Yinzhen, Kangxi knew that this son of his was capable, decisive, intelligent, and knew when to advance and retreat.
What's even more remarkable is that he's ambitious, yet he knows to be loyal to his father, the Emperor. He's a capable person.
After obtaining Emperor Kangxi's permission, Yinzhen specifically selected two trusted cavalrymen with rich military experience. While he was selecting men from the ranks, Chen Zhihuai volunteered, and Yinzhen greatly admired his determined gaze.
He remembered this boy. Not only was he good at hunting wild boars, but he also made significant contributions last night when covering Changning and the children's retreat from the palace. With his long sword, he killed many people; he was a valiant general.
"Chen Zhihuai, have you thought this through? This is an extremely dangerous path, and one that you absolutely cannot afford to fail on."
The young man was terrified by Yinzhen's intimidating gaze, but he did not back down. Instead, he took another step forward. Thinking of the Chen family's ancestral precepts and the glory of his uncle's death on the battlefield, he breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Don't worry, Your Highness!"
Yinzhen patted him on the shoulder, called his name, and told him to prepare to go with two other cavalrymen. Then he called them into the study and gave them detailed instructions on how to plan the route. Just as they were discussing, Su Peisheng crouched down and came in, saying that the Third Prince had arrived.
Hong Yan?
Yinzhen knew his thoughts in that instant, and also knew that Yaoxian must have agreed.
Hongyan stood at the door, his mother's words of advice echoing in his ears: "As long as you've thought it through, then go for it. Your mother supports you. No matter the outcome, your mother will bear it with you."
He will absolutely not let his father and mother down, absolutely not.
Looking at the four people in front of him, Yinzhen lost his usual leniency and gave them a firm order: "Within two days, no matter how many horses you run to death, you must reach Ujumqin and deliver this letter to their leader."
In addition, Yinzhen told Hongyan about Meng Guqing in detail, urging him to see Meng Guqing in person and to make sure she arrived in time.
By the time everything was arranged, it was almost dawn.
Time waits for no one. Before he could even return to Changning, Yinzhen packed their belongings and set off that very night.
When he returned home that evening, the candlelight flickered. Hutuli and Hongzhao were with Changning, the three of them worried about Hongyan's safety.
The children breathed a sigh of relief when they saw Yinzhen return. Yinzhen told them to go back and rest, and he lay down with Changning.
"Are you worried? Don't worry, Hongyan is capable, and Chen Zhihuai is a fierce general. Those two soldiers have received my orders and will protect Hongyan with their lives."
Nestled in Yinzhen's arms, Changning, no matter how carefree she was, knew that this journey would be extremely dangerous.
However, being born into royalty was their destiny.
Moreover, Changning couldn't help but think that if it really worked, the credit for saving the emperor would all go to them.
From then on, no one could resist them.
This is a life-or-death test.
Once you cross that threshold, you'll be adorned in imperial robes, above all others, the ruler of the world.
If you can't overcome this obstacle, you will perish both physically and mentally, and be doomed forever.
One general's success is built on the bones of ten thousand.
At this moment, her father and son were the stakes.
"Yinzhen, if you can succeed..."
Changning spoke somewhat hesitantly, but Yinzhen understood. He patted her reassuringly, his voice firmer than ever before: "No matter what, Lady Fucha is my family."
She felt a sense of relief, and now she just hoped that everything would go smoothly for them.
The next day, Yinzhen left early in the morning. He had to be in charge of guarding the city with the thirteenth and fourteenth princes and adjust the deployment of troops. He probably wouldn't have time to come back. He specially arranged for Zhang Qilin to stay behind and take care of Changning's food, clothing, and accommodation. He was told to make sure Zhang Qilin took good care of his health, or else he would be held accountable.
As for Honghui...
Before leaving, Yinzhen went to see him. The child was still unconscious, probably unable to accept such a huge blow. His body was already weak, and now it was even more dangerous. However, he was unable to attend to him, and Changning was also unwell. He could only ask his subordinates to keep an eye on him and ordered the royal physician to take care of him day and night. He also left the Wang brothers, whom he trusted, to his son.
Fortunately, Hutuli had some courage. Seeing that her father was busy and the country was in danger, she could not go to the battlefield like Hongyan. So she took the initiative to take care of her mother, her young brother, and her unconscious older brother.
With such a capable young master, Yinzhen could rest assured.
After this battle, the children have grown up a lot, shedding the innocence and naivety that they were previously protected by, and gradually revealing their sharp claws.
Even Hongzhao now wears armor and patrols the courtyard every day with a waist knife to ensure the safety of his mother, sisters, and brothers.
Hongmin and Hongchen were still unaware of the situation, but they sensed a serious atmosphere that was different from before. During the day, they played with their wet nurses and nannies without crying or fussing, and they didn't ask to see their mother, which made them very easy to take care of.
Hongyang was still young when his wet nurse, who took care of him, was shot through the heart. Suddenly losing a familiar person, he would cry all the time, so Changning had no choice but to stay with him.
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