44. Chapter 44
"none"
Kangxi's expression became complicated, he actually couldn't make up his mind.
He knew that Qi You was the one who started this matter, and he could see the prince's thoughts clearly.
Even if Kangxi was blinded by his heart and eyes, he had to admit that the prince was no match for Qi You in terms of their abilities and personalities.
To Kangxi, the crown prince was still the crown prince. Personally, he naturally showed a certain amount of favoritism towards the son he had raised.
From a public perspective, the Crown Prince is the heir apparent. Suppressing Soetu inevitably creates turmoil. While the Crown Prince appears to be handling the situation appropriately, he's actually losing his temper and making frequent mistakes.
Soetu's ambition was too great. It was not uncommon in history books for foreign relatives to interfere in politics. Kangxi would never allow such a situation to happen.
But if Soetu was eliminated, even if the crown prince was appeased, given his inherently suspicious and unstable character, the rift between father and son, and between the emperor and the crown prince, would never be mended.
Kangxi wanted to find a good balance and let Qiyou assist the prince just like Fuquan assisted him.
Qi You was able to make the Crown Prince and the eldest prince live in harmony in Shunyi, drink and chat together, and even tricked them into foolishly carrying half a pig into the imperial kitchen.
Not to mention anything else, just based on his ability, as long as he stands by the prince, even if Soetu is gone, the prince will not be so anxious.
What worried Kangxi was that he himself seemed unable to understand his son Qi You.
In order for Qi You to assist the prince, he must first be willing.
If he were to be forced to do so, the assistant might become a mere formality, and the prince would become a mere lackey who could do whatever he wanted.
"Oh!" Kangxi sighed heavily.
He had originally prepared some heartfelt words, but swallowed them back when they reached his lips. Facing this son was more difficult than facing the entire court.
At that time, I tried to compete with Qi You in learning mathematics, geometry, and Latin, but he left me far behind. The feeling of depression and pride came back.
I can’t bear to hit him, nor can I bear to scold him.
Why isn't he a little dumber than Fuquan?
Kangxi hesitated for a long time, and finally said gently: "It's too late, this matter is not urgent. You have been traveling all day, go back and rest early. Mr. Nan is not in good health, you can go out of the palace to see him when the time comes. If you need any gifts, ask Liang Jiugong for them."
Qi You had no idea of Kangxi's complex thoughts; he only knew that his numerous concerns were solely about the interests of the court and the country. Seeing that Kangxi kept silent about the matter, Qi You simply ignored the conversation and smiled, "Yes."
When they arrived at the Qianqing Gate, Qi You greeted him respectfully and said goodbye. Kangxi waved his hand and turned to go in.
Qi You respectfully saw Kangxi off, and only after he disappeared did he return to the prince's residence. Kangxi stood by the door, paused slightly, turned around, and looked in the direction Qi You had left.
Two small palace lanterns illuminated the path ahead of Qi You. Perhaps due to excessive fatigue, he walked slower than he had during the day, and the trembling of his left leg was more noticeable.
His thin little body swayed from side to side, but he never asked for anyone's support and walked firmly step by step.
Kangxi suddenly felt a pang of sadness for no reason. He closed his eyes slightly, exhaled, and turned away after a moment.
The next day, Qi You got up early in the morning, finished his studies as usual, and then went to the palace of Concubine Cheng Daijia to pay his respects.
As usual, Dai Jia was waiting at the door. When she saw Qi You from afar, she became excited and almost ran towards him.
Qi You felt warm in his heart and quickly quickened his pace. He stretched out his hand and placed it in Dai Jia's palm, smiling and calling out "Enie".
Dai Jia held Qi You's calloused hand, her eyes reddening with heartache. She turned his hand over and examined it carefully, choking with sobs as she said, "Look at you. You're working harder than in the horseback archery lessons before. Your palms are covered in calluses. You've grown taller, but you're thinner than when you last came back. Why is your face so dry? Didn't you put on some cream to moisturize it this morning?"
I was afraid that the more I watched, the sadder Dai Jia would be. Qi You quickly said with a smile: "Enie, I'm hungry. After dinner, come and help me wipe it."
Kangxi assigned Qi You the task of accompanying and serving the Empress Dowager, as he had many things to do during the day. Qi You was unable to spare the time, so he asked De Gao to come and tell him that he would accompany Dai Jiashi for dinner in the morning.
Upon hearing this, Dai Jia hurriedly took Qi You into the house and repeatedly instructed Ju Shi to prepare food and snacks.
Qi You saw Dai Jia ordering the palace servants around. Compared to when she was at the West Second Residence, her whole spirit and energy were completely different. The vague sadness between her eyebrows and eyes had long since disappeared. Her back was straight, and her whole body exuded a confident glow.
Jingren Palace was located slightly out of the way, not as close to Qianqing Palace as Yongshou Palace and other palaces. Dai Jia was promoted to concubine, eligible to become the head of a palace, and moved into the main hall. Several lower-ranking noble ladies lived in the east and west side halls.
When Dai Jia was canonized as a concubine, Qi You had already gone to Shunyi. It was his first time to visit Jingren Palace, and he turned around and looked around.
The main hall is tall and spacious, with simple furnishings inside, but according to custom, the desks and chairs are all made of the finest huanghuali wood.
It is cold in winter. In addition to the kang, the red charcoal basin is burning brightly in the house, making you feel warm as soon as you enter.
Dai Jia prepared a large amount of porridge, rice and snacks. Qi You was amazed at the sight and said with a smile: "Looks like we have to open our stomachs and eat a lot."
"My allowance is not the same as before, and these are all the meals that are included in the allotment." Dai Jia couldn't stop smiling and said, "Normally, I don't need many of them, but today is different. I was promoted to the position of concubine, and it's all thanks to you. I have to ask them to bring them all up. So that you can see that I am living a good life now, and you don't have to worry about me while you are away."
Qi You smiled and said, "I'm doing fine outside, so you don't need to worry about me."
Dai Jiashi refused to be served. She personally poured a small bowl of shredded chicken porridge and placed it in front of Qi You, saying, "I know you can take care of yourself. I know that, but I am still worried about you. You run around in the fields and hills all day long, and you work really hard. I met your Guo Luomafa and he told me a lot about what happened in Shunyi. It's good to work hard physically, but it's also hard on your heart."
Another benefit of being promoted to the rank of concubine was that one could often see their natal family. If a concubine gave birth, her natal parents would come to the palace to serve her for a month.
When Qi You heard that Zhuo Qi had met Dai Jiashi, he smiled and asked, "Is Guo Luomafa okay?"
Dai Jia said, "Don't worry, he's fine. Let's eat first, and then we can talk."
Qi You smiled and agreed, eating his meal seriously. He usually only ate until he was 80% full. Being able to eat with Dai Jiashi and enjoy the meal was more real than any other comfort. Qi You put down his chopsticks only when he could eat no more.
Dai Jia watched Qi You eat with a smile on her face. He ate slowly and politely, not being picky about food. He ate a small bowl of shredded chicken porridge, a small bowl of milk, a milk cake, a boiled egg, and two mutton buns.
Thinking of the little princes in the palace, they usually had to have their wet nurses begging them to feed them when they ate. Even the Third Prince and the others could not eat as much as he did.
Being able to eat is a blessing. Only by eating can you grow well and have the strength to do things. Dai Jia looked at Qi You, and the smile on her face became more and more intense.
After dinner, Qi You sat with Dai Jia and drank tea. He said, "Enie, I'm going to leave the palace to visit Mr. Nan later. Khan Ama said he's not in good health, and Ukuma Ma is also not doing well. I have to accompany him on weekdays, so I probably won't be able to come and pay my respects often. If you need anything, please let Jushi come to me."
Dai Jia said, "I know you're busy. Besides, I'm fine. How could anything happen to me? But you, please be careful when you're out there."
She turned and looked around, then lowered her voice and said, "You, Guo Luomafa, told me earlier that when you were in Shunyi, Ni Man from the stolen goods and fines warehouse was arrested. The emperor was furious, and my great-uncle was severely reprimanded."
The great-great-uncle mentioned by Dai Jia was Garu, the chief steward of the Imperial Household Department, who could be considered a close minister of Kangxi.
Qi You was stunned for a moment and asked, "Did Guo Luomafa get angry?"
Dai Jia said with a mocking expression, "The two families separated a long time ago, and the split wasn't pleasant. Over the years, he hasn't benefited from being the chief steward. I made a mistake in my assignment, so I can't blame you, Guo Luomafa. Besides, he's profited a lot from it. As you, Guo Luomafa, said, Niman alone doesn't have that much ability."
Thinking of the cold stares and hardships she had endured in the palace over the years, if Garu could have helped her a little, she wouldn't have been in such a state. She didn't mind, but it was hard for Qi You.
Fortunately, he's better now. It's better to rely on oneself than on others. Things change over time. Dai Jia smiled faintly and said, "He's sick at home now, truly ill. From what you, Guo Luomafa, said, he probably won't live long. Once he's gone, his descendants won't be able to inherit his kindness, and their branch will be doomed. Who knows if it will rise and fall in the future? We won't worry about it."
The new chief steward and treasurer were merely following in the footsteps of Garu and his colleagues. The environment and habits were the same, the substance remained the same.
The Imperial Household Department was considered Kangxi's private treasury, so Qi You didn't ask any more questions. After talking with Dai Jia for a while, he left the palace to visit Nan Huairen.
Nan Huairen and the Empress Dowager were in similar physical conditions and did not survive the New Year. They died one day apart from each other.
Kangxi lost his teacher, friend, and grandmother one after another, and was deeply shocked and extremely sad.
It was a cold winter, the weather was gloomy and the wind was howling. Even in the tent set up in front of the Cining Palace for the vigil, even with the charcoal brazier, people were still shivering with cold.
We had to go to mourn every hour. The mourning hall was as cold as outside, and was filled with the scent of incense, candles, and paper money.
Kneeling on the mat, the chill spread from the knees to the whole body. Everyone's face was numb, not knowing whether it was because of grief or because it was too cold.
Because of Kangxi's grief, even if someone was sick and coughed, they would hold it in, covering their mouths and coughing silently, for fear of provoking Kangxi's anger.
The Crown Prince and the eldest prince also calmed down, not even daring to argue. They knelt obediently behind Kangxi, kowtowed and wept bitterly.
After crying for a while, everyone supported themselves on their knees, stood up, and staggered out. Night gradually fell, and the wind mixed with fine snowflakes, blowing straight into their faces.
His face was already blue from the cold, but he couldn't feel the cold anymore. He dragged his legs, which were almost unconscious, towards the mourning shed. At this time, Liang Jiugong came over and whispered, "Seventh Prince, the emperor is calling you over."
Qi You nodded in thanks, then turned and followed Liang Jiugong into the mourning hall, kneeling on the mat beside Kangxi. Paper money was burning in the brazier in front of them, and as they got closer, they could finally feel the warmth.
Kangxi was wearing coarse linen mourning clothes, his lips peeling, and he looked emaciated. He looked up at Qi You and said, "Mr. Nan's inscription is written in three languages: Manchu, Chinese, and Latin. Please pay attention to it and make sure there are no mistakes."
Qi You bowed and replied, "Don't worry, Khan Ama, Mr. Nan is also my teacher, I will keep it in mind."
Kangxi slowly threw paper money into the brazier without saying a word.
Qi You thought for a moment and said, "Khan Ama, it's snowing outside."
Kangxi paused for a moment, turned his head and looked outside. After a moment's pause, he said, "It's snowing."
Qi You said, "Yes, it's snowing. It has been snowing on the grassland for a long time. They must be here to take Ukuma Ma home."
Kangxi stared outside blankly and let out a long breath.
Qi You said earnestly: "Khan Ama, you must take care of yourself. I heard that many people have caught a cold and have passed the disease on to you."
Kangxi withdrew his gaze and looked at Qi You, his eyes dark and expressionless. After a moment, he called Liang Jiugong over and instructed, "Place more charcoal basins in the mourning shed and boil some hot medicinal soup. After the mourning, have them drink a few bowls. Elderly people who are in poor health do not need to come to the palace. Those who are truly ill should stay at home and recuperate. Also, the mourning period will be changed to every two hours."
Liang Jiugong agreed and couldn't help but look at Qi You. A flash of admiration flashed across his eyes, and he turned and walked out.
Kangxi took some paper money and put it into the brazier little by little. Qi You also took some gold ingots and put them into the brazier.
"Are you feeling well?" Kangxi asked slowly.
"Thank you, Khan Ama, for your concern. My body can still hold on. Khan Ama, you also need to take care of yourself." Qi You replied.
He wasn't lying; he had developed this skill while in Shunyi. Otherwise, if he had continued mourning and crying like this, he would have definitely fallen seriously ill.
Kangxi hummed, raised his eyes to look at Qi You, and said softly: "I will take care of myself. But you are young and weak, so you must be more careful. There is nothing better than a whole family. You brothers must live in harmony."
Qi You listened carefully, his heart secretly tightening.
Kangxi sighed and said, "You are intelligent and studious. Whether studying or working, you are quick and effective. I have you as a son, and the Crown Prince has you as a brother. It is a blessing for the Qing Dynasty. Seventh Brother, you are still young after all. The third, fourth, and fifth brothers, who are older than you, are still attending school. The Crown Prince is older than you after all. How about you brothers work together in harmony and run the school well? Would you like that?"
It's finally here.
At this critical moment, Qi You couldn't explain his feelings. But he couldn't cry or make a fuss, and he couldn't be ignorant.
Qi You raised his head, met Kangxi's gaze, and said calmly: "Khan Ama, I have never been a child, and I really don't know how to be a child."
Whether in the past life or this life, Qi You has never been a child.
Being able to be an innocent child is a blessing from God. For example, in a previous life, there were other healthy children. In this life, there are other healthy, loved and cared-for brothers.
Qi You was nearly adopted out. Prince Chun wanted to adopt a son, and the clan had no shortage of males. However, because of Qi You's disability, the adoption was ultimately unsuccessful.
Kangxi looked at Qi You's calm and clear eyes. The paper money in his hand fell into the brazier and burst into flames.
The firelight reflected on his face, which was burning hot. His dry eyes hurt and he turned his head away in panic.
He felt sorry for this son who had been neglected and almost abandoned. Those high-sounding words were stuck in his throat, and he could no longer speak them.
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