Yinzhen has been in the palace for a month now, and there has been no news from him. Changning is getting anxious.
The fortune tellers she had been keeping an eye on have been becoming increasingly active lately, not only frequently reading the fortunes of high-ranking officials but also issuing predictions that the Qing Dynasty would soon face changes.
Moreover, on this very day, the guards in the capital suddenly became stricter, and anyone wandering around the streets was arrested. Anyone who disobeyed was executed on the spot, and no one dared to make a sound.
Such a spectacle naturally alarmed the entire capital.
Just as Changning was pondering what had happened, Changhua sent word that someone from his year of study at the Imperial Observatory had reported unusual celestial phenomena yesterday, with a meteor entering the Purple Palace, suggesting that the person in the Qianqing Palace had likely passed away.
The messenger was Changhua's personal servant. Changning recognized him; he was her elder brother's confidant. This was a matter of great importance, and writing it down on a piece of paper would inevitably lead to mistakes.
Upon hearing the news, Changning "stood up" on the spot, feeling both shocked and excited as if it were an expected event.
Emperor Kangxi has passed away!
Changning seemed to hear her own heartbeat like a drumbeat. She forced herself to suppress her emotions and instructed Zhao Fuhai to call Zhang Qilin.
After Yinzhen left the mansion, he left Zhang Qilin in the front courtyard to oversee all matters, big and small.
Zhang Qilin also received news of the martial law in the capital. He was very perceptive and immediately went to the main courtyard, where he bumped into Zhao Fuhai, who had just come out.
"Fujin." Zhang Qilin bowed to receive the instruction. Changning didn't have time to waste words with him. She quickly explained the matter, instructing him to immediately guard all parts of the mansion, close the main gates, and not allow anyone to enter or leave. Only the side gates of the mansion should be opened for the vegetable carts and chamber pots to enter and exit. All other matters should be postponed.
At this time, it is most important to avoid creating chaos.
Barring any unforeseen circumstances, today is the day Yinzhen receives the imperial edict of ascension to the throne. We absolutely cannot allow anyone to take advantage of the chaos to gather information or cause trouble at Prince Yong's residence.
In addition, Changning's eyelids started twitching violently, which made her look very bad.
Is there anything else?
Where else could trouble arise?
The mansion is already under surveillance, and she can't interfere in the palace. She can only wait and see how Yinzhen and Lady Fucha handle things.
ah!
Those masters!
Changning trusted her premonition. Her mind was exceptionally clear at that moment. Almost instantly, she thought of the celestial phenomenon of "a meteor entering the Purple Palace".
People in ancient times were very superstitious.
Besides the Imperial Observatory, the master's words were also particularly convincing.
What if, just as Yinzhen receives the imperial edict and is about to ascend the throne, those masters step forward and make some seductive prophetic pronouncements? Wouldn't that be bad luck?
Almost instantly, Changning jumped up and ordered someone to bring Hongyan over.
Hongyan was still studying with his brothers in the study, unaware of the situation outside the mansion. His father had taught him that studying required a calm mind. He should be oblivious to what was happening outside and focus solely on his studies.
But then Zhao Fuhai, the eunuch who served Mother, came running up breathlessly, saying that Mother had something to ask him.
Hong Yan was startled, wondering what was wrong. Seeing that the eunuch looked unwell, he didn't say anything and immediately got up and followed him.
Hongzhao, Hongmin, and Hongchen wanted to go back too, but he stopped them with a look.
"Nonsense! While you're studying here, don't forget what your father and mother said. When you come back later, I'll test you too."
Upon hearing their third brother's stern reprimand, the three younger brothers obediently sat still and dared not move.
How scary! Waaaaaah! My brother is so scary, he looks like my father!
Hongyan turned and left, and soon arrived at the main courtyard.
"Mother, what happened?" Hongyan saw his usually calm and composed mother looking flustered, gripping his arm tightly, and whispered, "Hongyan, I need you to arrest a few people. This must be done discreetly and cleanly, and no one can recognize you. Do you understand how serious this is?"
Hongyan composed himself and quickly nodded: "Your son understands."
Changning felt somewhat helpless. She didn't want her son to be in danger, but she didn't have any better options.
At this critical juncture, she only trusted Hongyan, so she had to send her son on this trip, along with his bodyguards, to disguise themselves and capture the person as quickly as possible.
As early as when Hongyan entered the palace to study, Yinzhen assigned both him and Honghui to bodyguards with swords, who were considered their own trusted confidants and core group.
Hongyan had a good relationship with his Haha Pearl and his guards, and they were all trustworthy brothers. At this time, they needed to be loyal to him, and each of them was duty-bound to do so.
In particular, Alina held Hongyan in the highest esteem, and would rather die than regret it if Hongyan gave the order.
Only after her son left the mansion with his men and Zhang Qilin closed all four gates did Changning feel a little more at ease.
That's all she can do for now; she doesn't know how things are on Yinzhen's side.
Yinzhen's situation was actually quite smooth.
In his final moments before his death, Emperor Kangxi summoned him to his bedside and carefully instructed him: "Fourth Prince, I know you are a man of action, but everything is too rigid and easily breaks. If you only focus on the law and principles and don't understand human feelings, there will inevitably be resentment. You must learn to use people and know how to maintain balance."
Yinzhen knew these were his father's instructions, so he dared not be perfunctory and kept them in mind.
"Your elder brother is ambitious, but too infatuated. Don't let him indulge in this for too long, or it will harm his health and his heart."
The third prince is old-fashioned and somewhat ambitious, but timid and dares not cause trouble. After I reprimanded him, he became much more obedient, except for his muddle-headedness in the inner court. If he can be used in the future, then use him; if not, let's see when he comes to his senses.
The fifth prince is honest and kind-hearted. He might bother you with the matter of Consort Yi and the ninth prince in the future. However, he is kind-hearted and has deep brotherly feelings for you. You can let him control the situation in Mongolia to a certain extent.
The seventh, thirteenth, and fourteenth brothers are all following you, so use them sparingly.
The only thing to watch out for is Yinreng... You should treat Hongxi and the others well and give them a wealthy and stable life.
well……"
At this point, Kangxi seemed unwilling to continue. He waved his hand, dismissing the speaker, and then closed his eyes.
Seeing his once majestic father now so dejected, Yinzhen held back his tears and respectfully withdrew from the hall.
Then several ministers trusted by Emperor Kangxi were summoned in.
All the princes were waiting at the entrance of Qianqing Palace. When they saw Yinzhen's appearance, they knew that their father was in trouble, and they were all filled with indescribable grief.
Even this big, strong man, Prince Zhi, couldn't hold back his tears, murmuring, "Father...Father...Do you still remember Baoqing...Baoqing is your eldest son, your Baturu..."
The third brother huddled to one side, also looking dejected.
The other princes all looked sad, but they were all thinking to themselves that it seemed their father preferred their fourth brother to succeed to the throne.
Not long after, Liang Jiugong's deep, sorrowful cry could be heard from inside: "Your Majesty! He has passed away!"
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