Late marriage and late childbirth bring good health
Shujia became wary of Kangxi again, but after a month of being on guard, she found herself like a cat with its fur standing on end, whimpering in vain, while Kangxi did not move at all.
If you don't bring up the past and don't want future changes, this nemesis is pretty good to Donggong now!
Oh my god! What the hell are you doing? Shujia was furious. She was wrong, she was really wrong. The reason why Kangxi became the nemesis of the Qing Dynasty women was probably not because of his realism and his insistence on maintaining order, but because of his crazy behavior!
The old man truly treated the Eastern Palace with kindness to a certain degree. For the past two years, he had always taken the Crown Prince with him on every trip, and more recently, he had even brought the Crown Princess along to build momentum. This was all about promoting the Crown Prince and his wife, grooming the future successor, and getting the nation acquainted with this future master as quickly as possible. Furthermore, the Crown Prince's grandson had his own residence in the Eastern Palace, and the Emperor would bring him along for personal instruction. At the end of October, the old man went on an inspection tour along the Yongding River, bringing the Crown Prince and his grandson with him, along with the Fourth and Thirteenth Princes.
Kangxi had been cultivating the people around Yinreng, not only letting important officials serve as Chancellors, but also promoting Chancellors and Junior Chancellors of the Chancellery to important positions in the central government after a period of time, from cabinet scholars to the first and second in command of the six ministries, and even lecturers at the Imperial Lecture Hall...
With a long sigh, Shujia began to take inventory. Time flew by so quickly; her youngest son was almost ready for his first birthday. The Eastern Palace often held celebrations like the first birthday celebration, many of which were gifts from above. However, the Eastern Palace was responsible for preparing the banquet that followed, and that was the Crown Princess's responsibility.
This year's birthday party was a little unsettled because there was a solar eclipse on the first day of November!
On the day of the solar eclipse, Kangxi was still out, and many people were panicking. Shujia, unfazed, began by rebuking the unrest in the Eastern Palace: "I'm still here! You're already in disarray! Do you even behave like the Eastern Palace? Don't run around if there's nothing to worry about. If you're scared, just pray a few more times! Gao Sanxie, go check on the Second and Fourth Princes and take them over after class. Xiuniu, check on the new arrivals and tell them not to panic. Yunu, Qiao'er, take your people and follow me to Ningshou Palace to pay my respects. Hongxiu, Qingjin, you and the maids, take the Fifth and Sixth Princes with you and come with me!"
Halfway along the way, he remembered something and separated Hongxiu and Qingjin from each other: "Go and see the princesses and geges. If they are doing well, invite them to the Ningshou Palace." The geges he was referring to were Kangxi's daughters who had not yet been given titles. The two hurried off.
In Ningshou Palace, the Empress Dowager had already run to the Buddhist temple, and Shujia went straight to the temple. The Empress Dowager had already prostrated herself before the Buddha, muttering something to herself. The order in Ningshou Palace was a little chaotic, and some people had already resorted to folk methods, banging pots and pans. Shujia frowned at this and said to Lu Yun, "Tell them to be quiet and don't scare the ancestors! The ancestors are already respectful of heaven and fear the gods, and they can't stand their shouting like this. When the concubines come and see, they won't know what's going on! Send someone to light the lamp! Be careful not to leak water!"
Honggui, already somewhat sensible, watched the sky slowly darken, feeling a little frightened. The sixth child was soundly asleep in the arms of his wet nurse. The Empress Dowager, noticing Shujia's arrival, quickly called out, "Come quickly, come with me and pray to the Bodhisattva for protection. Oh, the Emperor and the Crown Prince are still outside! I'm so worried..."
Shujia forced a smile. She had almost forgotten about it and knelt down as well. She stood up again to check on the children, holding the sixth child in her arms. She looked at Honggui and wondered if Hongxi and Hongtong were afraid. And what about Hongdan? She wondered how he was doing in front of the emperor...
Just as she was thinking, people from Chengqian Palace and then from all the other palaces came to greet her with lanterns. Not long after, Concubine Tong came over with a pale face. Seeing Shujia had arrived, she greeted her, "You're here."
"I just arrived too."
The Empress Dowager said, "Be silent. Come and worship the Buddha."
Under the candlelight, the small Buddhist temple looked a bit eerie.
Finally, the sun began to rise a little, but the Empress Dowager's face remained pale. Consort De, Consort Rong, Consort Yi, Consort Hui, Consort He, Consort Liang, and other concubines and members of the harem also arrived. There were those who lived far away, Consort De, and pregnant daughters-in-law who needed to be warned. If the weather was a little late, they would have to grope for candles in the dark, which made them a little late.
At this time, the princes who stayed behind a little further away also sent people to express their condolences, and the princesses and ladies also arrived.
The Empress Dowager patted her chest with lingering fear: "How frightening!" She continued to mutter that she didn't know what had happened to the Emperor. Everyone was still in shock and wanted to comfort the old lady. Shujia glanced at Concubine Tong, placed her right hand on her left and made a gesture. Concubine Tong quickly understood: "Go to the Imperial Hospital and call the imperial physician to take the old man's pulse. Don't frighten him."
The imperial physician rushed over and concluded that the old lady was old and frightened. He prescribed a prescription to calm her nerves. After the simmering medicine was finished and the Empress Dowager took the medicine and went to bed, Concubine Tong and the others did not dare to leave. Shujia looked after her for a while, then went over to ask how Concubine De and Concubine Yi were doing. Then she saw the Fourteenth Concubine standing nearby, still heavily pregnant and looking very sad.
After thinking about it, Shujia said something more: "Mother, fourteenth brother's wife seems to be a little uneasy. Let's ask her to go back and call an imperial physician." Defei turned around and saw that her daughter-in-law did not look well. After hesitating for a moment, she nodded.
At this time, Gao Sanxie sent someone to report to the Crown Princess: "All the princes in the Qianqing Palace are safe. We were afraid that something might happen on the way, so we didn't send them home in a hurry. Now they have calmed down, and we are waiting for news."
Shujia thought for a moment and said to Concubine Tong, "Concubine mother, we've been through a major change, and I'm afraid the palace will be in a panic. I'm sure the ancestors know how filial you are. But now that Khan Ama is away, everyone in the palace must serve you first and maintain order second. Now that all the concubines are gathered here, there's no one in charge of the six palaces, and I'm afraid the people below are without a leader. Today is a solar eclipse, and Khan Ama will definitely rush back when he finds out. What if the palace is in chaos then..."
While Concubine Tong was pondering, Concubine Yi spoke up, "Your Highness, the Crown Princess is quite right." Everyone nodded in agreement. Of course, nothing could happen to the Empress Dowager. However, now that the old lady was alright, once Kangxi returned and saw that the Empress Dowager was alright, he would focus on maintaining order within the palace. If order wasn't restored by then, it would be a slap in the face.
Concubine Tong discussed with the four concubines and decided to split into two groups to take turns attending to the emperor. The wives of the emperor's concubines also split into two groups. While they were dividing the groups, the wives of the emperor's concubines from the palace outside came to pay their respects. After re-arranging the groups, Concubine Tong said to Shujia, "You still have two children to take care of and two princes who are studying. When the emperor returns, the crown prince will also come back. You can't let things get out of hand. You should go back today and appease the emperor. Come back tomorrow."
Since the Fourth and Thirteenth Concubines were also accompanying their husbands, they didn't need to come today. The Fourth Concubine had sent a notice, and the Thirteenth Concubine was already there, so she just happened to go back with the Crown Princess. The underage princesses and princesses were also sent back by Concubine Tong.
Shujia returned to the Eastern Palace, but Hongxi and Hongtong had not yet returned. After a while, as the sun set in the west, the two students finally returned. Gao Sanxie personally led the eunuchs to escort the two princes back to the Eastern Palace. Shujia nodded secretly, knowing that Gao Sanxie was a prudent man. She said to her sons, "Are you all scared too? Let's have dinner together tonight."
Praising Gao Sanxie: "You have done a very good job. Now that the Crown Prince is away with the Emperor, the first priority in the Eastern Palace is these princes, and then the others."
Gao Sanxie remained unfazed by praise or criticism: "It's my duty as a servant."
Shujia smiled and ordered rewards to calm everyone down. She also ordered an increase in food allowances for the day. She especially rewarded a few leaders who remained calm in the face of danger, and then explained the details to her sons.
"Look at your looks, are you scared? Why are you panicking? This kind of thing has happened in previous years. Your father and uncle have even followed your Mafa's order to measure the time of waning of the full moon. As long as the Imperial Astronomical Observatory uses the right algorithm, the date and time of the solar eclipse can be calculated." If it can be calculated, it means it can be controlled. There is nothing to be afraid of.
The children were frightened at first, believing the celestial phenomena reflected changes underground. But after seeing their mother's composure, they gradually relaxed. With a globe already available, what astronomical phenomenon could be difficult to understand? Shujia didn't dwell on this. Remember, the Vatican only exonerated some of those they had condemned as heretics centuries later, and Shujia was now part of the imperial family.
However, what she didn't expect was that the children showed a little more interest in these scientific studies.
Before dinner began, Shujia sent someone to check on the Empress Dowager. She came back with the news, "The Empress Dowager has woken up. The Imperial Concubine served her dinner and has since returned. Now she is serving Master Hui, Master Rong, and Master Liang..."
Concubine Tong wouldn't be plotting against her, Shujia thought. She'd already sent someone to explain, and the Empress Dowager had already filed a case. Night watch was tough work, and the three people doing it looked like they were in a bit of a tough spot. After they finished their work, tomorrow would be Concubine Tong's turn, along with Concubine De, Concubine Yi, and Concubine He. And tomorrow... Kangxi would be back. Of course, the Crown Princess was just as much of a taker as Concubine Tong.
Shujia's guess was correct. As soon as the Empress Dowager woke up, Concubine Tong softly reported the situation: "The Crown Princess has a child who is less than a year old. I will send her back after she finishes taking your medicine. The Crown Prince is still outside, so we must take good care of the Eastern Palace."
The Empress Dowager nodded repeatedly: "That's right. I know the Crown Princess's filial piety."
Concubine Tong certainly couldn't erase the contributions of those who weren't present, so she explained the division of labor and shift plan, explaining that those who didn't stay had gone to visit the palace and would return in the evening. The Empress Dowager also said that everyone had worked hard. A short while later, news arrived from the Imperial Court, saying that the Emperor was doing well, as were the Crown Prince, his son, and the two princes. She also asked about the Empress Dowager's well-being.
The Empress Dowager sent word back that all was well in the palace and that the Emperor should not worry. Armed with this news, both the Emperor and the Empress Dowager slept soundly.
————————————————————————————————
The next day, Kangxi rushed back to the palace to pay his respects to the Empress Dowager. Concubine Tong and the Crown Princess, the heads of their respective generations, were both present. However, upon hearing Kangxi's arrival, the Crown Princess hurriedly bowed with her sisters-in-law and then withdrew. The princesses and noble ladies were all present, surrounding the Empress Dowager.
Kangxi comforted the Empress Dowager, first admitting that he had frightened her by not being in her presence, and then asking about her health, etc. Concubine Tong replied to her arrangements one by one, and during the period, she did not take credit for it, and mentioned the Crown Princess's suggestions, etc.
Kangxi looked around and saw that the Crown Princess had already left with the other princes' wives, and his opinion of his daughter-in-law became even higher. Little did he know that his daughter-in-law didn't think very highly of him.
Although Kangxi viewed the solar eclipse as a normal natural phenomenon to a certain extent, he deliberately ignored it due to its metaphorical significance. The emperor simply said that the Imperial Astronomical Bureau's arithmetic was poor and that they had miscalculated the solar eclipse.
Then, Kangxi began to name the Sixth Prince of the Eastern Palace. He seemed to be using this birthday banquet to at least help the royal family forget the unlucky event of the solar eclipse. Kangxi showed unusual concern for the Eastern Palace. Anyway, he attended the birthday banquet.
After the one-year-old ceremony, the Sixth Prince of the Eastern Palace was given a name: Hongchen.
"..." Shujia had given up hope for her son's name. At least he had a name.
The emperor seemed determined to cultivate the prince. From October to November, there were at least three high-level transfer orders related to the Eastern Palace: "Appoint Cai Shengyuan, the Chancellor of the Chancellery, as the lecturer of the Imperial Lectures", "Promote Cao Jianlun, the Cabinet Scholar, to the position of Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of War", and "Promote Wang Jin, the Junior Chancellor of the Chancellery, to the position of Chancellor".
To explain, Cao Jianlun also worked in the Imperial Household Department before becoming a Cabinet Scholar.
The Crown Princess knew all this because the Crown Prince often told her about these transfers. If someone who had been an official in the Eastern Palace, or was currently working there, was promoted or transferred, their former master would at least offer a word of comfort.
Shujia was even more confused by Kangxi. It seemed as if he was incredibly kind to the Crown Prince. Clearly, he first placed talented individuals in the Eastern Palace for training and familiarity. Then, they were promoted to key positions within the central government, or even placed by the Emperor's side to strengthen the bond between them. As the older generation ascended, the younger generation took their place, like silk thread, first dyed in the Eastern Palace's dye vats before being sent to the imperial court to be made into clothing.
The Yangtze River's waves behind push the waves in front, and the emperor helps the prince to build his kingdom.
Shujia was speechless. Was Kangxi really good to Yinreng or was he just pretending to be good to him?
Another time, Yinreng saw Shujia looking at a globe and casually said, "Why are you staring at such a vast expanse of sea? You think the same thing as Khan Ama."
"Huh?" Shujia was stunned and didn't come back to her senses.
Yinreng said, "Since the Governor-General of Sichuan and Shaanxi, Bo Ji, has complained about the aging of Wei Xun, the General-in-Chief of Liang Province, Khan Ama has expressed regret and commented on the decline of military talent. Speaking of naval warfare, he said, 'The number of ministers with military experience has gradually decreased, and naval warfare is no longer comparable to that of the rivers and lakes. Few people now know the art of naval warfare. Shouldn't we pay attention to this?'"
He had a very good memory and recited Kangxi's original words word for word. Hearing this, Shujia wanted to bang her head against the wall. How did the policy of closing the country to the outside world come about?
Shujia hesitated for a moment. "I was just taking a look around, and I think this sea is really huge. Also, I remember that in the story, the King of the East Sea was the richest. I wonder if there really are treasures in this sea?"
Yinreng pointed at her and said, "You are so imaginative. Are you reading a storybook again?"
"You know what? We've been getting a lot more financially comfortable these past few years just from dealing in those Western things. Aren't these things from the sea? So, storybooks do have their merits."
Yinreng smiled and said, "If you like this, you can't go into the sea. Next spring, when the emperor goes on a southern tour, we will follow him. Would you like to take another boat ride?"
Shujia: "...Speaking of which, why not take Hongxi with you this time? He's almost grown up, and it's time to take him out and broaden his horizons."
Yinreng said, "This time, Khan Ama only brought my family and my thirteenth brother with him. He didn't bring many people with him. I'll go and ask for permission first, and then tell Hongxi when it's done."
Shujia smiled and said, "I can save myself the trouble of this."
In the days that followed, Yinreng's mood was not good. Shujia's indirect inquiries revealed that the administration was in a state of disarray. Corruption had reached a point that even Kangxi could no longer tolerate. Despite the approaching end of the year, he dealt with three major cases. Fortunately, by December, the river project, which had plagued the Qing court for years, was finally completed. Kangxi commended and rewarded over a hundred people in one fell swoop. The low pressure at court finally eased somewhat.
Finally, taking advantage of Kangxi's happiness before the New Year, Yinreng slowly ground ink for Kangxi and watched Kangxi write the word "Fu". After Kangxi finished writing one, he took the opportunity to make a request: "Khan Ama, your son has something to ask of you."
Kangxi put down his pen and rubbed his wrist: "Oh? What's the matter? Tell me."
Yinreng also wanted to bring Hongxi along, and preferably Hongtong as well, to showcase the prince's many sons and the harmonious family. To increase his chances of success, Yinreng brought up his wife: "It's the crown princess. Women are always nosy. She said that Hongxi is the eldest of the imperial grandchildren, and she forced her son to come and ask for permission, hoping to bring this eldest son to see the world."
The Crown Princess "immediately forced" the Crown Prince to do this and that, but Kangxi was not angry at all. He even agreed: "What's the difficulty? But Hongxi's homework, you have to be careful on the road."
Yinreng answered readily: "As a father, I have no shirking my responsibilities. Besides, if there are things I don't understand, I still have my Khan."
Kangxi was completely flattered by this seamless flattery, and then he remembered something else: "Shi Wenbing's family has long been free from mourning. His wife will enter the palace this year. Tell them to bring their fourth daughter to show the Empress Dowager. I remember that the Empress Dowager liked the Crown Princess very much."
Look at each other, keep looking at each other, to build momentum.
————————————————————————————————
After Yinreng returned, he told Shujia about both things: "Hongxi's matter is confirmed. When he comes, tell him later. As for Fourth Sister's matter, you have an idea in your mind. Even though everyone knows that he is Fifteenth Brother, you still need to be careful about what you say. You must teach him well."
"I'll do as you say."
Hongxi came over and was told that they would go south together. His eyes lit up. He looked at Hongtong and then at the Crown Princess. Hongtong was a little depressed, but the Crown Princess still had a kind face and looked at Hongtong with a look of heartache. Hongxi's heart moved: "Mother, what about my fourth brother?"
Hongtong's eyes also lit up, and he looked at Shujia eagerly: "He..." With a sigh, the light in Hongtong's eyes dimmed again. Shujia felt sorry for him, "When you Mafa go on an imperial tour to the frontier, he can go with you."
Hongtong pouted, and Shujia said to Hongxi, "I've already arranged everything you need to prepare. Go and see your mother to see if she has anything prepared for you."
Hong Xi took his leave and reported to Li Jiashi excitedly. Li Jiashi was also surprised: "This is good news!"
Hongtong was not happy. Shujia waved her hand, and he reluctantly moved forward. Then he threw himself into his mother's arms, hugged Shujia's arm and said coquettishly: "Mother~"
Shujia caressed his face lovingly. "My dear, I know you want to go out and play, but your brothers are still young, so someone has to look after the house. Honggui is about to start school, so can you teach him? I promise that when I come back, I will persuade your father to take you with me when we go to the frontier this year, okay?"
It had to be good, so Hongtong had no choice but to agree. This was an era where even the real "little emperor" had to be obedient, and the emperor's grandson and the like had to be obedient.
Shujia sighed. It was really hard for the children because even adults had to be careful at this time.
In comparison, the news brought by Sirut was much easier to deal with.
Xiluo Te brought her daughters-in-law and daughters to the palace. Shuyi, a married woman, could no longer leave the house easily. She stayed at home, sewing and making her own purses to honor her elders, showing her sincerity. She continued to ponder the precautions her sister had given her, and she also read the "secret book", wishing she could use it for two days in one day.
Xiluotai presented the imperial edict to the Empress Dowager first. All three daughters-in-law now held imperial decrees. The eldest and second daughters-in-law held high ranks, while the youngest daughter-in-law held a lower rank due to her husband's youth. Xiluotai felt reassured, her only regret being that there was still no news from Nalan. Thinking that news from the eldest daughter-in-law wouldn't come so quickly, and that Shuxian had also made people wait a bit anxiously, Xiluotai felt there was no need to worry just yet.
Of her three sons and four daughters, six already had bright futures and a nearly perfect life. Even her youngest daughter, as long as she didn't have to worry about running errands, would surely be a prince's wife. Xiluo Te's mentality became increasingly peaceful.
The fact that Shuxian and Shujia disliked their parents lowering their status to deal with the first wife's family was nothing to Shi Wenbing and Xiluo, just a formality. They first let Fu Dali come forward to test the waters before appearing themselves.
Since the emperor had already made his decision, it was best to accept it honestly. The more she behaved in accordance with the rules, the more the emperor would like her, and her daughter's future life would be easier. Besides, the fourth daughter's marriage hadn't been confirmed yet, and now the third daughter felt wronged as a successor. How would people view the Shi family?
Well, it's enough to get the benefits. Especially for the Xiluo family, Shuyi is not her biological daughter, and cultivating her to this point is enough. Doing this last little bit is nothing.
Shuhui received quite a bit of praise in Ningshou Palace, and Concubine Tong said, "Look at this, she really has some of the qualities of our Crown Princess."
The Queen Mother was also very pleased: "That's right," she said to Xiluo Te, "You are very good at teaching children."
Sirut said a few humble words.
Her biggest worry now was her youngest daughter, Shuhui. She had modeled her education on her second daughter, imbuing her fourth daughter with the lessons learned from her second daughter, ensuring she wouldn't develop any of the same aspirations the Crown Princess had once harbored, unwilling to marry the Crown Prince. Shuhui was becoming increasingly attractive, even somewhat resembling her sister. However, Xiluotai still had another concern. Shuhui was young, and the process of marrying her into a wife was complicated. Given Kangxi's style, a concubine would undoubtedly be accepted first, and it wouldn't be surprising if she had illegitimate sons and daughters first.
Shuhui grew up in a better environment than Shujia. Can she hold on?
After leaving Ningshou Palace and arriving at the Eastern Palace, Xiluo Te and Shujia's eyes met. Shujia had her son brought over. Little Hongchen could talk, amusing his grandmother and aunts. Shuhui also loved this nephew. Shujia let Shuhui play with her nephew while she spoke with her mother, sister-in-law, and younger brother's wife.
Xiluo Te wanted the Crown Princess to enlighten her sister: "You have done a good job with the Second Prince. I will also enlighten her at home. However, you know more about the affairs of the royal family, so your words are more credible."
The Crown Princess embraced him generously: "Leave it to me."
Xiluo Te was a little uneasy. The Crown Princess was like this at home. She usually did things without saying a word, but when she really started to fight... "Please don't do anything stupid."
"rest assured."
Wen Du and the other three sisters-in-law didn't say a word. At times like this, they just acted as background.
————————————————————————————————
This New Year wasn't much different from previous years; at most, the emperor fell ill again. The empire's body was already beginning to fray, and while not seriously ill, Kangxi, as emperor, was acutely aware of it, and it consumed him even more.
For the Eastern Palace, the only things that mattered to them were the following: the emperor had been ill for a few days and coughed during court sessions; the fourth sister-in-law of the Eastern Palace had been visiting the palace more frequently; the emperor was about to go on a southern tour; the emperor was laying the foundation for the crown prince...
After the first month of the year, Kangxi watched Yinsi marry his concubine, and then he was satisfied and led a large group of troops to march south of the Yangtze River.
The emperor's memory has always been terrible.
This time, the Thirteenth Prince did bring his legitimate wife, Zhao Jia, along with him, but in the eyes of the Crown Princess, the two of them really treated each other with respect. After enduring several times, Shu Jia still didn't say anything.
This time, Mingzhu and Suo'etu were not present during the southern tour, but Li Guangdi still came to pay homage. Seeing another unfamiliar young man in front of Kangxi, Li Guangdi looked at his clothes and compared his age, thinking about the news he had received before: Is this the second prince of the Eastern Palace?
Mingzhu didn't come along, but his son Kuixu did. The rule of the Eastern Palace was that if the father was too embarrassed to associate with someone, the son would be allowed to be cute. Kuixu was in charge of the Hanlin Academy—er, maybe calling him Teacher Kuixu would be more appropriate. The Hanlin Academy was full of talented people, so it made sense that the Crown Prince would seek out Teacher Kuixu and ask him to help him find a Hanlin with good calligraphy to write a post for him after returning to Beijing.
If Kuixu didn't respond positively to such overtures, he wouldn't be Mingzhu's son. Yinreng gave Hongdan a look that said "well done."
Kangxi was a diligent emperor, a fact Shujia never denied. The scenes of gratitude from the people of Shandong during his travels were truly moving. When Shandong suffered a disaster, Kangxi intercepted grain transport to provide relief, and the people of Shandong were deeply grateful. Objectively speaking, Kangxi achieved the best he could within the historical context in terms of domestic, foreign, and military affairs.
Shujia had something she had been thinking about for a long time, and she was finally able to speak about it when the emperor stopped in Jiangning again.
When they arrived in Jiangning, it would have been unusual for the Cao family not to meet the emperor. Cao Yin met with Emperor Kangxi and was questioned by him about many government matters. After finishing his business, Emperor Kangxi couldn't help but ask about Cao Yin's family situation. Cao Yin's mother was asked about her health, and Cao Yin naturally replied, "Good."
Cao Yin's first wife was childless, as were his concubines. He later married a second wife, who fathered one son and two daughters. Naturally, the children of a second wife would be younger. Kangxi expressed concern about Cao Yin's future, and Cao Yin honestly replied, "I have two daughters and one son. My son is still studying, and my eldest daughter is growing up and will soon be old enough to serve the masters in the palace. My second daughter is three years younger than the eldest. Two years ago, during the emperor's southern tour, my second daughter, unlucky, became ill."
Kangxi pondered for a moment and said, "I understand."
Turning back, he announced that he would raise the banner and arrange a marriage for Cao's daughter. Of course, the decree was not issued; he simply told the Crown Prince about his plan. As Kangxi's health gradually declined, he was worried about what might happen. He told the Crown Prince, and the Crown Prince insisted that this matter be carried out, so that his relationship with Cao Yin would not be in vain.
Yinreng turned around and said to Shujia: "Khan Ama wants to raise the status of Cao Yin's daughter and marry her to Nersu. The decree will be issued after returning to Beijing." She curled her lips and made no comment.
Shujia wasn't surprised by the marriage; she was surprised by, "Get it done in Beijing? This year? Is the girl already thirteen?" She seemed to remember seeing her two years ago when she was still young? Around ten, perhaps? Well, that was about right.
A thought struck him, and he took the opportunity to talk about the serious matter. So he said to Yinreng, "There's something, do you remember? I said that time that I wanted the children to get married later."
Of course Yinreng remembered it. This was a big deal. “Why?”
"Hongxi has grown up, and the next year will be the year for the big selection. The daughter of the Cao family will be thirteen next year? Nersu is not that old, and Khan Ama has arranged this marriage right away. I am afraid that Khan Ama will get interested and arrange another marriage for Hongxi along the way, so I have to rush to get it done."
Yinreng understood and said, "I'll talk to Khan Ama." Even a prince with an iron hat can have a father-in-law who is a bondservant. So what else is impossible in this matter?
Yinreng first brought up the theoretical basis that people who are too young do not have enough blood and energy and their bodies have not yet fully developed, saying that this is bad for the body and that children are more likely to die prematurely.
Kangxi was not a fool, and he was shocked after hearing what Yinreng said - it sounded quite like that.
"According to you, Hongxi has to wait another three years after the next big challenge? How did you come up with that?"
Yinreng paused. "If Hongxi hadn't been getting older, I wouldn't have thought of coming here. Khan Ama knows about these things, but I, ahem, don't take them too seriously. Hongxi was almost grown up, and the Crown Princess was preparing everything for him. From the people and things for the wedding, she was thinking about how to take care of the children after marriage, and what rules to follow for the firstborn. She couldn't make up her mind, so she came to ask me. We thought he'd be inferior to his uncles' children, but after a while, the names we came up with were all... those of children who had already passed away. That was a shock..."
Don't even think about it. When you were young, a string of sons died. Your older brothers and younger brothers also lost their children in infancy. Among the princes, except for Yinzhi, Yinreng's eldest son and daughter, Yinzhi's eldest son and daughter, and Yinzhen's eldest son and daughter... all died. Further down the line, it was a series of deaths. The fifth and seventh sons were a bit better, but starting with the tenth, the eldest son also died.
The loss rate exceeds 60%.
If Shujia was not sure, she would not have instigated Yinreng to say this.
"That year, when Hongyang passed away, we couldn't eat or sleep well. For days, each day felt like a year. As parents, we don't want our children to go through the same hardships we've endured. Hongxi will only be fourteen by the next time he's chosen, and his body won't even fully develop. If there's a suitable match, it wouldn't be a big deal to keep him. We can find him early, train him well, and marry him off later. We can then have him have children and raise them well, so they don't have to suffer as much." — The Crown Princess's own words. The Crown Prince made a slight change and reported it to Kangxi.
Kangxi took Yinreng's words to heart. Regardless of whether they made sense or not, they were based on facts. Moreover, he had also found some medical reasons.
Yinreng came back and breathed a sigh of relief: "It's done."
"real?"
"If not ten points, it's at least seven or eight points."
"That's good. Hongxi is a good boy. He should be well behaved."
Besides, his fifteenth uncle was only a year older than him... The prince's primary goal was to have children, but it was difficult to have children when one was too young, so one had to take care of one's health and wait. Once the time came, one had to rush to get married and have children. If one was older, one would marry a legitimate wife. Even if, due to the strange rules of the royal family, a concubine was taken in first, it would not be much earlier than the legitimate wife, and the couple's happiness index would be much higher.
In any case, as a sister, the Crown Princess really tried her best.
Thinking in the long term, if it was first implemented by Kangxi and became a routine by Yinreng, Shujia would also be confident that she could influence Hongdan, which would truly benefit everyone.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
