Is it that the Crown Princess is unable to give birth to a legitimate son, or that the Emperor does not want the Crown Princess to give birth to a legitimate son?
This is where things get very subtle.
The Emperor always valued his principal wife; otherwise, he wouldn't have made Yinreng the Crown Prince right after Empress Hesheli gave birth to him, even though the child was still known as a mother-killer.
Because this was originally a Han Chinese territory, and the Han Chinese value legitimacy and direct lineage the most, and the Han Chinese population was the largest in the entire Qing Dynasty, the emperor could not ignore it.
Therefore, the status of a legitimate son determines the difference in the status of the crown prince, and also puts him above all his brothers.
Similarly, if the crown prince has a legitimate son, his position will be more secure. In other words, even if something happens to the crown prince, with his legitimate son still around, he can still become the crown prince's grandson!
Emperor Yongle (Zhu Di) of the Ming Dynasty established his grandson Zhu Zhanji as the crown prince.
Overthrow the Qing and restore the Ming; overthrow the Qing and restore the Ming.
Yinzhen read two lines in a low voice.
He certainly wouldn't naively believe that the Emperor's different treatment of the Crown Prince was entirely because he was the son of his beloved wife.
This is the royal family. The Emperor is the Son of Heaven, the master of the world. He would not disregard the well-being of the people for the sake of just one woman.
But now, has Father Emperor begun to fear the Crown Prince?
Even the crown prince's offspring have begun to feel wary?
The Emperor doesn't want the Crown Prince to have a legitimate son, isn't it because he's afraid the Crown Prince's position will become more secure and harder to shake, threatening his throne?
But he still loved Yinreng the most. After all, he was the son he personally took care of in the Qianqing Palace, raising him with great care and love. So he didn't care about his illegitimate son, but instead gave him great honor.
Among the imperial grandsons, who can compare to Hongxi's glory?
Yinzhen sighed.
The Emperor had originally planned for him to be a capable minister to the Crown Prince and eventually become a wise prince. But now that even the Crown Prince was being feared, what about him, the Crown Prince's attendant?
Wouldn't Father Emperor be wary of his unwavering support for the Crown Prince?
But if I were to distance myself from the Crown Prince, would my father be willing to see this? Probably not, because then I would appear to be a heartless and ungrateful person.
Therefore, Yinzhen cannot distance himself from the Crown Prince now, and should continue as before, but he must be careful not to get too involved in politics. Moreover, his most urgent task is to show his loyalty to the Emperor.
He needed to let his father know that he was first and foremost his son, and only secondly the Crown Prince's brother.
Having figured all this out, Yinzhen no longer felt worried and turned to go to the bedside to keep Changning company.
Little did I know that she was eating grapes.
After a long day of travel, Changning was a bit tired and didn't eat much for dinner. Her mouth was tasteless, so Granny Zhang and Chuixue washed some grapes and melons to sweeten her mouth.
Do you like grapes?
Yinzhen sat down next to her and tasted one from her hand.
As Changning fed him, she nodded and said, "I like it. Grapes are so delicious."
"When we get back, let them transplant a grape trellis in the yard, right? It'll be a good place to escape the summer heat."
It's possible, but Changning thought about how her yard was full of pomegranates and grapes, both symbolizing many children and many blessings. Did she really have to keep having children one after another?
Changning couldn't help but tell Yinzhen what was on her mind. To her surprise, Yinzhen nodded and said, "It's for this meaning. Having children is a blessing. If you are healthy, having several children will be a blessing. In the future, they will be able to take care of you."
Changning felt that as long as they weren't unruly children, it was fine.
She wasn't against having children because after giving birth, a large group of people would help her take care of the baby! It wouldn't tire her out.
The child's daily life and education are all handled by professionals. Compared to modern times, having this child is incredibly worry-free.
Moreover, there really is a throne to inherit!
Therefore, on this trip, Granny Zhang brought along several newly promoted second-class maids whom she had trained. Changning thought for a moment and named them: Pomegranate, Grape, Cherry, and Winter Jujube.
When Yinzhen heard this, his lips twitched. Goodness, Yaoxian really likes children.
The days in the carriage were hard to pass, especially since Yinzhen wasn't always in the carriage with her; he also needed to go to the front to obey Kangxi's orders.
At this time, Wanhe would come to keep her company.
Since giving birth to Hongchun, Wanhe has become increasingly favored. Although the Fourteenth Prince is impulsive, he is willing to show some special affection to the woman who gave birth to his eldest son.
Therefore, Wanhe is now riding high.
Only the two concubines accompanied the Prince of Mulan on this hunting trip. The rest of the attendees from the other residences were princesses. No one from the Prince of Zhi's residence came; the First Princess's health was deteriorating.
Compared to the less favored Fifth Prince's wife, Tatarai Shufen, and the Thirteenth Prince's wife, Zhaojia Yunchun, who lived a respectful and harmonious life with her husband, Wanhe was considered to be nourished by love.
However, it still can't compare to Changning.
Wanhe touched Changning's belly with envy, "I really want to share in my sister's good fortune! I wonder if this is twins again."
Changning picked up a piece of jujube paste pastry while retorting, "How could that be? Giving birth once is already quite an achievement."
Wanhe nodded. "That's true. But seeing how good Hongyan and Jiayuan's children are, I imagine this child won't be any less."
As Changning ate her snacks, Granny Zhang handed her a cup of Biluochun tea. She lowered her head and kissed it, savoring the lingering fragrance. She praised, "This tea is excellent; you should try it."
Wanhe wasn't used to drinking tea; she preferred the fruit tea that Changning had made before, and Zhang Mama thoughtfully prepared some for her as well.
Wanhe smiled gently, "Thank you for remembering, Granny Zhang."
Granny Zhang was somewhat flattered. "This is what I should do."
Changning said with great pride, "Granny Zhang is the one I trust most; she's my right-hand woman!"
"I know my sister is a good person, it's something to be envied."
"By the way, did you leave Hongchun with the Fujin when you came out this time?" Changning asked, remembering the child.
Wanhe's expression remained unchanged, and she calmly nodded. "Yes, she is the legal mother, so it is only right that she takes care of the child. She is a person of integrity and uprightness, so I feel at ease leaving the child in her care."
This is truly a rare act of trust.
Changning wasn't entirely at ease with Consort De either, and specifically instructed Yulan and Yuqiu not to let the children out of their sight under any circumstances. Moreover, Tuantuan was also there; she was a clever cat and usually very protective of the two little ones.
“This time when I go back, my sister needs to rest during her pregnancy, so I’ll take Hongchun with me. It’ll be a good opportunity for the three of them to play together, including Hongyan and Jiayuan. I’ll keep an eye on them so my sister won’t have to worry about taking care of the children.”
Changning understood her meaning; the suggestion was certainly good.
The excuse of taking care of the children is just that—an excuse. The real purpose is to help the children develop a bond.
As it stands, the relationship between the Fourteenth Prince's wife, Lady Wanyan, and the Fourteenth Prince is strained, and they don't have a child yet.
Hongchun is the eldest son, and barring any unforeseen circumstances, he will become the heir apparent.
Feng Sheng'e and Hong Chun have a good relationship, which is entirely beneficial.
Changning nodded, accepting Wanhe's affection.
The two chatted for a while, looked at the storybook Wanhe had brought, and then called Chunni over to tell the story.
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