In recent years, the thirteenth prince and the younger prince Yunli, who were younger than Yuntao, have both been highly valued by Yongzheng, becoming princes and dukes respectively, and are currently very popular.
However, in the second year of Yongzheng's reign, Yuntao's rank continued to decline, and he eventually fell to the point where he was not even a Beizi (a lower-ranking prince), a truly tragic situation.
Based on He Yue's understanding, Yun Tao was not an indiscreet person. How could he have made mistakes in these trivial matters time and time again, and been demoted again and again by Yongzheng on various pretexts?
Where did Yongzheng get such deep hostility towards Yuntao?
Aside from being the oldest of the late emperor's sons and being highly valued by the late emperor at the end of the Kangxi era, in charge of the affairs of the Plain White Banner and the three banners, there was nothing about Yuntao that made Yongzheng hostile.
According to He Yue's guess, the reason why Yun Tao ended up in this situation was probably because he did it on his own initiative, in order to prevent the new emperor from settling scores with him like he did with his other brothers. He made a mistake first and gained Yongzheng's dislike.
Secondly, it would be impossible for Yongzheng not to have any fear of Yuntao, otherwise he would not have been so serious about these trivial matters. Yongzheng himself probably wanted to deal with Yuntao a long time ago.
Upon hearing that Yuxiu had arrived, Heyue guessed that Yuxiu was probably there because of Hongchang's matter, since it also involved Yuxiu's niece, Fucha Yiyun. So she sent someone to invite her to the main house in the backyard.
Heyue and Shisan parted ways to see Yuxiu.
"How is Hongchang?" Yuxiu asked anxiously as she entered, bowed.
"He just got a beating. He's a man, his skin is thick, this little injury is nothing." He Yue quickly comforted her, afraid that she would worry.
"How could you do this? I heard that Hongchang was carried back and bled a lot." Yuxiu frowned and scolded, her face full of worry.
He Yue pulled her to sit on the tatami mat in the side room. Hai Lan served tea and then stepped aside.
"The imperial physician said it's just a superficial injury, and he'll be fine after some rest. He's so old; if he can't even handle this little injury, what kind of man is he? By the way, how is Yiyun?"
"Yiyun is fine. She's just worried about Hongchang. In fact, today's events were caused by Yiyun. My second brother asked me to apologize to you and Prince Yi."
Heyue shook her head: "Isn't this just being too formal? Why apologize? Yiyun is a girl, and Hongchang, as her older brother, should protect her."
"In short, both the Fucha family and I will remember this kindness." Yuxiu expressed her sincere gratitude.
Afterwards, Heyue took Yuxiu to see Hongchang.
Seeing that Hongchang was in good spirits despite not being able to get up, Yuxiu was somewhat relieved and then took her leave.
The following day, Thirteen indeed requested at the morning court session that the position of Crown Prince Hongchang be abolished, and also said that he had failed in his duty of disciplining the prince, requesting punishment for the same offense.
Emperor Yongzheng issued an edict to strip Hongchang of his title as heir apparent and to punish Prince Yi with a six-month salary reduction.
None of the court officials uttered another word.
After the morning court session, Emperor Yongzheng ordered someone to invite Prince Yi to the Hall of Mental Cultivation for a talk.
"Don't worry, I'm reserving the position of heir apparent for Hongchang. Once things have calmed down, I will make him the heir apparent again."
Thirteen rose and gave a loud bow: "Your Majesty, I thank you for your grace."
Yongzheng personally helped him up and sat him back on the couch, speaking gently: "I know you did this for me. Now, the Eighth Prince and his ilk are still plotting against me. Many people in the court say that I am harsh and ungrateful, making things difficult for the late emperor's children, not even sparing my own brothers, and even practicing nepotism. This matter will establish my authority and make them submit to me. They will not dare to have any thoughts of opposing me. It's just that I've wronged you and Hongchang."
Thirteen shook his head: "Your Majesty is too harsh. In truth, this matter is also Hongchang's fault. Hongchang did something wrong and should be punished. It can also temper his temper and prevent him from causing trouble again."
Yongzheng's face immediately darkened: "Speaking of Hongchang, it's all Hongshi's fault for not knowing what's important. I originally thought he was sensible and could help me with my affairs, but who would have thought he would do such a disgraceful thing? I am extremely disappointed in him!"
Thirteen lowered his eyes and advised, "Your Majesty, Hongshi is, after all, your eldest son. A few words of advice and finding a good teacher to instruct him will surely make things better."
"Hmph! Have I not sought out good teachers to instruct him? Zhu Shi, Xu Yuanmeng, and others, who among them were not learned and talented, full of knowledge? Yet, how have they made any progress? I have no expectations for him. Now, the ministers are advising me to establish a crown prince as soon as possible, but judging from Hongshi's character, how can I be at ease? If the Qing dynasty falls into his hands, it will be destroyed sooner or later!"
It's clear that Emperor Yongzheng was truly enraged, as he even uttered such words.
Thirteen remained silent for a moment.
Seeing his silence, Yongzheng frowned in displeasure: "Why aren't you saying anything? You are my own brother, and I want to hear your opinion."
Thirteen sighed and said frankly, "Your Majesty, in my opinion, you are in the prime of your life and it is not appropriate to establish a crown prince too early."
Yongzheng breathed a sigh of relief: "You're right. I don't want to establish a crown prince too early either. How much trouble did my brothers cause in the struggle for the throne back then? Now, some are dead and some are imprisoned. I really can't bear to let my son go through that again, but the ministers won't give up."
At this point, Yongzheng's face darkened again, and he gritted his teeth: "Hmph, how could I not understand? This is all the work of Yinzhi and the others. They just won't let me rest easy, they just want to make my princes run wild! I heard that Yintang is also restless in the Northwest, causing trouble everywhere, and even trying to communicate with Yinzhi, Yinzhi and the others, saying quite disrespectful things."
I want to consider brotherly affection, but each of them forces me to suppress them time and time again. I have reached my limit of tolerance for them!
Thirteen's heart skipped a beat, and he opened his mouth, but said nothing.
Yongzheng suddenly looked at the thirteenth brother, his anger gradually subsiding: "Fortunately, I still have you. You are the only brother I can trust."
"Your Majesty is overthinking it. Isn't there still the Seventeenth Brother?" Thirteenth Brother smiled faintly.
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