A devastating father and son
A devastating father and son
The emperor's absences always led to a multitude of problems. Even during the first month of the lunar year, he was still in Jizhou, remembering to dispatch people to offer sacrifices to heaven, earth, and the human tomb. Yinreng, upon receiving the decree, was again busy. Kangxi himself wasn't idle either; he happened to be out of town, so he conveniently made his way to the Temporary Resting Hall and the Xiaoling Mausoleum.
After all this busyness, it was time to deal with the real core military issues. He once again inquired about the issue of grain transportation for the Central Army, and answered the question from the Heilongjiang General, and then... he actually came back!
After coming back, he ran to Ningshou Palace to visit the Empress Dowager!
Shujia was dazzled. She understood Yinreng's explanation—it was psychological warfare before a fight. She had no idea what Galdan was like, but if his IQ was on par with hers, then that classmate's eyes would surely be pierced by mosquito coils.
Yinreng was extremely busy at the moment, so Shujia didn't want to distract him from his thoughts, so she seldom discussed trivial matters with him. When it came to the affairs of Yuqing Palace, she always said, "Everything is fine. Just focus on your business. No matter how big the family affairs are, they are small matters. No matter how small the court affairs are, they are big matters. If you do well in the court, everything will be fine in our family."
Yinreng had betrayed Yarjiang'a after all. Kangxi had initially agreed to let Yarjiang'a take him with him, but now the emperor was still wandering around the capital and surrounding areas and hadn't left far. Yinreng reminded Kangxi of this incident. He didn't mention Yarjiang'a directly, but instead asked about logistics: "For example, the food and fodder for the central army and the food for the ordinary soldiers are already prepared. I think there must be many relatives and nobles accompanying Khan Ama. How many are they? What rations will each of them have? Khan Ama, please tell me."
Kangxi pondered briefly. The Manchus had conquered the world on the brink of war, and it had been years since a major war. Naturally, the Holy Lord desired peace. Kangxi also wanted the Manchus to maintain their martial spirit. He feared such opportunities would be rare in the future, so he might as well take this opportunity to train everyone. With a flourish, he issued an order: Recruit the guards of the three upper banners, as well as the princes, beile, and other willing subjects.
Yinreng then proposed: "Since the guards are capable of doing their job well, they will certainly be able to serve. My son is only worried that among the princes, beile, beizi, etc., some are old and frail and have difficulty in moving. If something goes wrong, it would be bad."
Kangxi said, "You are right. Tell your subordinates to draw up a set of rules. Only those who can mount a horse and draw a bow can accompany you."
Then, contrary to common practice, Kangxi directly specified the departure date, starting and ending points, fearing that Galdan would learn of the situation and set an ambush. Galdan surprisingly failed to seize this golden opportunity. Kangxi also ordered the dispatch of three Chongtian Cannons, ten Shenwei Cannons, twenty-four Jingshan-made mother-and-child cannons, and fifty-five Jiangnan Cannons to Datong for use in the Western Route. He instructed the Ministry of War to select eight of the forty-eight newly manufactured cannons and assign one artilleryman from each banner to serve as a reinforcement for General Fei Yanggu's army.
Who said the Qing army didn't use firearms? Looking at this vast array of artillery, their continued development couldn't possibly weaken them. What went wrong? In the end, they were forced to let their powerful ships and artillery force their way through the country? Shujia was completely baffled.
What puzzled her even more was yet to come. Kangxi assigned responsibilities to everyone in his family (whom he could remember), and then assigned positions to the various generals. What rank would lead how many men, and which prince would be assigned to which battalion. Shujia's uncle, Shi Wenying, was assigned to the first battalion, and her brother, Fu Dali, though a guard, was also assigned to the second battalion for training. Her father, Shi Wenbing, however, remained with Kangxi, assisting in military affairs and remained in his position.
Suo Etu was assigned to partner with Yinzhi, leading the Eight Banners vanguard, the Four Chahar Banners, the Han Army, and the Green Banner troops in the center, and supervising the Firearms Battalion. Fortunately, under Kangxi's watch, the two of them couldn't get into a fight. It wouldn't be like the last time, when the eldest prince and the prince were at odds, with Kangxi having to clean up the mess.
Prince Yu, who had been at odds with Yinzhi the previous time, joined Prince Jian Yabu and Prince Gong Changning in the expedition to the rear of the camp. This was probably Kangxi's assessment of Fuquan and Changning's previous expedition: it wasn't a good fight.
Kangxi also made arrangements for the personnel remaining in the capital and for government affairs during the expedition. He instructed the Grand Secretary and other ministries and agencies to suspend their reports on this chapter. All matters were to be heard by the Crown Prince. Important matters were to be discussed and reported to the Crown Prince by the ministers. He also instructed Grand Secretary Alantai and Minister of State Mazifulun that after I depart, you and the ministers from the various ministries and agencies should be divided into three shifts to stay overnight in the Forbidden City.
Shujia knew this because Yinreng had a serious expression that day, yet he couldn't suppress the excitement in his eyes. Naturally, Shujia had to ask about it, and Yinreng told her himself. Shujia was amazed. Kangxi really did trust Yinreng...!
Just like that, Kangxi arranged everything, but he still didn't leave. He even invited the Empress Dowager to Changchun Garden to play. After playing, she returned to the palace, but he still didn't leave!
Not to mention Galdan, even Shujia was suspicious: Is this imperial expedition fake? Is it fake?
After all, personally leading an army was no joke, and Kangxi finally set out at the end of February. This time, it wasn't just a few-day tour of the suburbs of Beijing; he truly journeyed north, never to return. He was accompanied, of course, by numerous princes, nobles, and other officials, as well as numerous Eight Banners officers and soldiers stationed in Beijing, and a large amount of food, fodder, and baggage.
Yinreng was left staring at the sky full of dust, feeling overwhelmed. I want to go too!!!
Okay, now that you've expressed your feelings, go do whatever you need to do. Your father has asked you to look after the house.
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With the crown prince regent once again freshly appointed, Yinreng rolled up his sleeves and vowed to help his father take care of the family. The first step, of course, was to relieve his worries. First, at home, his wife's belly was getting bigger and bigger, and the due date was approaching, so he had to pay attention.
He first said to his wife, "Put aside whatever you have to say. The Emperor is away, so it's better to have less trouble than more. Pass the order down, and everything will go on as usual."
Shujia was very cooperative: "I know about this. There are not many things to do now. Liu Jia from the fifth room is already pregnant, and the due date is approaching. I just asked about it. As for my eldest sister-in-law, their mothers-in-law are both the heads of the palaces. If there is anything, just ask the Yikun Palace and Zhongcui Palace. But Ning Hui is also pregnant, so I sent some things over. [1]"
Yinreng said, "We don't need to worry too much about the eldest son, but we can ask more about the fifth son. I wrote to Khan Ama, saying...with the concubine mother here, we can't ask about their bedroom affairs. It's the fifth and seventh sons' weddings that need careful preparation. Khan Ama said it will be done when he returns. I have to worry about all the preparations - you don't need to ask about this, it's all a matter of etiquette. I still need to ask Khan Ama for instructions. But Yarjiang's wife, please arrange for the imperial physician to take their pulse on time."
Shujia said, "Even if I want to worry, it's not at this time." The due date is at the end of March or the beginning of April. Now that it is March, she would not joke about this matter.
"That's good. You just take a rest. Just tell me what you want to eat or use. It's just right that I can ask for permission to ask my mother-in-law to come and stay and look after you," Yinreng scratched his head. He had no biological mother and she had no mother-in-law, so they had no experience. "There are maids in the Imperial Household Department. It's not right to do such things without an elder to supervise. The Empress Dowager is old and it's not easy for her to work." He was not too confident about the concubines, and Yuqing Palace was not a place they could come to.
"Is this... okay?" Shujia was a little hesitant. She was very tempted by Yinreng's proposal, but she hesitated reluctantly because of the palace rules and fear of gossip.
Yinreng was very determined: "Didn't I ask Khan Ama? Don't worry."
"Since that's the case, let's make a two-pronged plan. The maids from the Ministry of Internal Affairs have been prepared, and we'll also ask them to prepare some for the one in the Fifth Brother's family, as well as a wet nurse and a nanny. I'm not in a hurry here, but I still want to take care of her. That one isn't of high status, and the Fifth Brother's wife hasn't married yet, so she needs someone to take care of her."
"I save it."
Yinreng went back to write a memorial. Kangxi was busy with official business first. Then, Kangxi came with an order: "Send 3,000 horses. Also, how is the Empress Dowager? How are you? How is the Crown Princess? Are all the people in the palace well?" He specified that they must set off at least on the 20th.
The Crown Prince took advantage of the situation and said, "On the twelfth of this month, I told Grand Secretary Alantai: Horses are essential for a large army. If we don't keep them in reserve, we won't be able to dispatch them when they are needed. We should feed the horses in the inner stables as much as possible and make sure they are fat and strong. We should also have the ministers discuss how to allocate horses from the Imperial Household Department's pastures to the Ministry of War for feeding.
The ministers of state have agreed to consult with the Imperial Household Department's Junior Secretary, Fobao. According to him, there are over 29,000 horses on the pastures. Of these... this spring, the horses are not yet fattened... Wait until April, when the grass begins to grow and the horses are strong enough, and send a capable official from the Imperial Household Department to select additional horses from these 2,000... ensuring they are fattened and strong. Furthermore, horses raised by the Chahar Banners of the Eight Banners will also be selected if they are suitable for riding...
I have ordered the Imperial Household's Junior Secretary, Fo Bao, to go and select the horses, carefully feed them until they are fat, and wait for their deployment. The rest is as you have suggested. Since horse breeding is of great importance, I respectfully report this to the Emperor."
Then he wrote about his brothers' wedding dates in another book: "...choose an auspicious date..."
Finally, he wrote a small request, written with great emotion: "Everyone in the palace, I will read Khan Ama's letter to the Empress Dowager... Everyone is delighted. The Crown Princess is also well, and her due date is approaching... The Empress Dowager is old, and I cannot bear to work hard. The concubines and mothers in the palace each have their own children and daughters-in-law who are about to give birth, and it is inconvenient for them to travel to the Eastern Palace..."
The memorial and letter were sent first. Because they were urgent military matters, they were sent express at an 800-li express rate. Kangxi received them the next day. After unfolding them and reading them, he commented on the military affairs, saying, "This is very good." He also rejected the memorial about the wedding date and asked for a new plan.
After reading the letter, Kangxi's face grew serious. He granted the Crown Prince's request, "Yes. Also, before I set out, I instructed the Imperial Household Department to carefully select a reliable woman. The Advisor is aware of this matter, so you can ask him. Childbirth is a matter of life and death, so I have ordered the Imperial Hospital to select skilled physicians to be on call at all times."
Yinreng was delighted to receive the instructions and took them back to show Shujia: "How is it? Is it approved? You can rest assured. It just so happens that my mother-in-law is here. I will tell you and your mother what happened before, so that you don't have to worry."
So Xiluo Te packed up her things and came to take care of her daughter. Because Kangxi was away, although all the rules in the palace remained the same, no one dared to cause trouble at this time. Except for playing with the old lady, everyone lived their lives behind closed doors.
Since the due date arrived, the Empress Dowager ordered: "The Crown Princess does not need to pay respects every day. The most important thing is to keep the pregnancy safe." Shujia was no longer stubborn this time. She had insisted before because it did not conflict with the knowledge she knew about maternal and child health. Now, she didn't know when the baby would come. If the amniotic fluid broke halfway through, it would be a disaster.
Therefore, Xiluo Te's entry into the palace this time was free of many troubles and saved her a lot of headaches. Except for the first day she went to pay her respects to the palace, she spent the rest of her time wholeheartedly taking care of her daughter.
Perhaps because she was also pregnant and about to give birth, Shujia felt particularly close to Xiluo Te and always wanted to snuggle into her mother's arms. Even if they were just leaning on each other, she felt a lot more at ease.
With his wife and mother-in-law together, the Crown Prince felt reassured and rolled up his sleeves to attend to business. Once the request for horses was approved, he would immediately prepare them and send them over. These days, horses are absolutely crucial for marching across the grasslands; no mistakes can be made. Furthermore, before the army moves, fodder must go first. Now that the army is moving, the fodder cannot be neglected; it must be properly distributed.
The horses were immediately escorted back. While the horses were still on the road, another letter arrived from Kangxi, this time addressed to his son: "During this expedition, everything went well with me, and I was very pleased. Therefore, my health and appearance are both good. Moreover, the climate and water are both good, and the camp work is simple, so I have plenty of leisure time. I hope that Heaven will bless me and grant me tacit support. This letter was written on the 14th. We set out early on the 15th. Halfway through the journey, a southeast wind suddenly arose, and heavy rain poured down. The snow continued, and the cold air stopped that night. On the morning of the 16th, I checked that the horses and livestock were all safe. Fortunately, we made careful preparations, and the rain and snow did not last long. This is known only to the Crown Prince."
This is so corny! But there's more corny stuff to come. Kangxi's birthday is on March 18th. Yinreng has a good relationship with his father, and seeing the deep affection between his wife and mother-in-law, he was also touched. He discussed with Shujia: "We should celebrate Khan Ama's birthday, but it's not convenient with the army away. What should we bring in?"
Shujia said, "Normally, I should bring in some clothes and needlework, and you should bring in some rare treasures and paintings. But now we're away... I wonder how many clothes Khan Ama has brought? I'm afraid rare treasures wouldn't be appropriate. Didn't you say the other day that soldiers only get one meal a day? You'd better focus on supervising the transportation of food and fodder."
Yinreng said, "Khan Ama is suffering on his own! Why is there such a need?"
"Instead of complaining to me, why not write a letter to Khan Ama and let him know you're thinking of him? By the way, since the food outside isn't good, why not eat something in? Something that won't spoil easily and tastes good? Well, there are more cattle and sheep on the grasslands than pork, and there are also fruits and vegetables..."
This remark reminded Yinreng, and he put his mind to this, which was naturally more in line with Kangxi's wishes than Shujia's arrangements. He first asked the consultant how many clothes Kangxi had taken with him before leaving. When he returned, he ordered his men to hurry up and make a few light, breathable pieces. He also said that there were many mosquitoes on the grasslands and that they needed to prepare some spices. He even prepared mosquito nets and poles to support them, complaining, "I should have prepared them sooner."
Shujia said, "I've been preparing for it since the New Year, but it seems too complicated now and not suitable for use now."
Yinreng stopped talking just now and went to supervise the fruits and vegetables. Apples were the most common, and there were also some oranges, all of which were saved from the previous year. He sealed a few baskets of each. Green leafy vegetables would wilt easily if not stored properly, so he sent less. Melons and vegetables were easier to store, so he also sealed a lot of them.
Then he wrote a letter of apology, complaint, and heartache to his father: "... This is my fault. I couldn't let Khan-Ama go hungry... Khan-Ama has been suffering too much... I am offering you some clothes, some pork jerky, a set of tents with poles, four baskets of apples, and four baskets of tangerines and oranges..." Finally, he specifically urged him to keep some for himself! Don't give it all to others and starve yourself. If they want food, I'll find a way to get it to them. Don't be so hard on yourself.
This is what his wife said to his mother-in-law: "What's the value of this little tribute fruit? I have all I have here. I give it to you, and it will go bad if I leave it there. I give it to Guanyin to protect them, and you want to save it from your own food. Isn't this making me worry?"
On the other hand, Kangxi received the least valuable gift ever given by a crown prince while at the front. Yinreng had been less than conscientious in his gifts before, but considering the collection of Yuqing Palace, even the ones he casually took out were valuable. This time, however, due to financial constraints, he only sent some food and clothing. Kangxi thought it was very thoughtful, and when he opened the letter, his eyes moistened: "I won't give it to anyone else."
Kangxi was worried. He was at the front and had nothing to give his son in return. (Hey, what do you want in return for your son's birthday gift? It's not his birthday!)
After worrying for a long time, he finally thought of it!
Yinreng also received a rather strange and inexpensive gift: a pile of beautiful stones. Kangxi explained: "Your father couldn't find anything outside, but the stones here are quite beautiful. I picked out a few beautiful ones, washed them, and brought them to you."
Yinreng got the stone and happily brought it back to admire it with his wife.
Shujia collapsed: "What on earth are you and your son doing? ! ! ! ! Do you remember that you have something to do?"
Of course there was serious business to be done. The horses that were to be escorted were also on the road, because Kangxi had designated someone to escort them and had a series of meticulous requirements, so they did not arrive until the second half of the month.
Kangxi inspected the horses and was very satisfied: "The three thousand horses delivered on the 20th were all fat and healthy. Only the horses from the Ministry of War were not as good as them." At the end of the imperial edict, he added: "How is the Crown Princess these days?" It was estimated that she was about to give birth.
Yinreng was not in the mood to read his letter at the moment because... Kangxi's calculations were quite accurate. When the letter arrived, Shujia would be giving birth.
The author has something to say: [1] Yarjiang’a’s eldest son was born in the 33rd year of the reign of Emperor Kangxi, which means he got married earlier than the crown prince. Well, I have moved the date of his marriage back here.
Today... only the shadow of the buns appeared, and the steamer lid was opened...
Well, Xia Xiaoshou massaged me too hard, and my shoulders are a little sore. I'll take a break tomorrow and get up and continue coding.
Sigh, from now on the king will not hold court early in the morning~~~
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