The new emperor buried his head
To this day, Shujia was still a bit confused. It had been her dream for years, for her family to live freely, unaffected by Kangxi's deposed crown prince. Now that this dream had come true so suddenly, she was bewildered again—everything seemed so unreal. These days, she was living in a state of confusion.
Her long-standing habits meant that she hadn't made any mistakes, but she was still at a loss: what should she do next? This was a really good question.
All along, she felt like she had found a manual. While it didn't tell her how to clear a level, it did indicate when a boss would appear. Even though the author of this manual was unreliable, with as many loopholes as the sky in the clear world, and so many flaws that she cursed, at least she had the material in her hands and was not worried.
Now, my hand feels lighter, the manual has been taken away, and even this reminder is gone. How should I live the rest of my life?
This question made Shujia feel particularly strong when Yinreng avoided talking about the affairs of Kunning Palace.
"After the mountain mausoleum is moved, the concubines will begin moving to the palace. You will all stay here for now. When the Kunning Palace is renovated next year, we can move in with great fanfare."
This statement sounded perfectly reasonable. She could temporarily live in the Eastern Palace, and it was also because Kunning Palace hadn't been completed. If Shujia didn't move out, even if the previous emperor's concubines had moved out, Li Jiashi and the others wouldn't be able to escape first. It made perfect sense and gave Shujia face.
However, one advantage of face-to-face communication is that you can truly feel the other person's emotions. When Yinreng said the three words "Kunning Palace", he did not grit his teeth, hesitate, or feel lost. He simply spoke faster, and the three words took a very short time, three times the normal speaking speed.
If she still says there is no problem with this, then Shujia has wasted all these years.
If they couldn't get past this, all their previous efforts would be for naught. After overcoming countless obstacles, how could they possibly face such a setback? Unspoken grudges had arisen between husband and wife. In this world where concubines are legal, this melodramatic plot was so familiar that Shujia was truly grateful for the thousands of romance novels she had read in her previous life as a lolita.
Shujia narrowed her eyes. You can't shrink from this kind of thing, especially when you have a bunch of underage children. You have to carry on! You've worked so hard to grow wheat and bake bread. If anyone dares to pounce, I'll chop them off and feed them to the dogs!
Although he was cruel, he asked, "Where will the concubines live?"
Yinreng smiled slyly: "The hermit has a clever plan."
Since Kangxi's death, Yinreng missed his father, but his words and actions had become more relaxed. Shujia sighed inwardly and rolled her eyes, "Don't be so stupid and say that on purpose."
Yinreng had already noticed her eyes rolling around, and raised his neck: "I can tell you, but can you not tell others?"
"What did I say about the rumors?" Shujia was not convinced. What embarrassing things had she not seen these men in the family do? When people outside talked about them, didn't they always say they were wise and brave? This was because she kept it a secret.
"It's not a difficult thing." Yinreng put his hand on his neck and turned it. "I asked around, and there are similar cases outside the palace. Tell the Third Brother and the others to take the child home and take care of him, then take him out."
This seemed to be the only solution, and Shujia was no stranger to it. This situation also happened in families outside the palace: a bastard's son had become successful, and his father had died, so he separated from the family and lived on his own. Life was relatively good, so they would find a way to bring his biological mother out to live. Although in the old house she might be a concubine, or even not a concubine at all, in the outer house, behind closed doors, she was openly an old lady.
Generally speaking, when encountering such a situation, the main family would not make things too difficult, but would make three rules, mainly to restrain the behavior of the concubine and the illegitimate son.
"That will be much easier. The mothers of the imperial concubines and imperial concubines can be taken away, and the rest of the nobles of the late emperor can also be accommodated." Those with higher salaries have left, and the rest can squeeze in.
Yinreng shook his head: "You forgot, the ninth prince and below haven't moved out yet. Even if they did, there are concubines under the age of fifty who can't move out either."
Shujia calculated that the four concubines were all fifty years old, but Huifei... and Liangpin. The eighth concubine had a residence, but Liangpin was not old enough and had to live in the palace for another three years. The younger the ranking, the younger the mother's age.
"That--"
"Um?"
"What about Concubine Hui's mother?"
Yinreng smiled cunningly: "Since the Eighth Brother has nothing to do, why not ask them, mother and son, if they are willing to get together." It was really a good idea. If Hui Fei was given to the Eighth Brother and he couldn't take good care of her, it would be his fault.
When Concubine Liang is old enough, things will get exciting!
Yinreng became a little excited as he spoke, and then he talked about the future arrangements, which not only included the arrangements for the concubines of the previous emperor, but also included his own backyard. Li Jiashi and Li Jiashi were a little bit of a backdrop, but Yinreng did not ignore them. When talking about the concubine's move to the palace, he also talked about how to live in the vacated space.
It's normal to discuss household matters with his wife, but he can't discuss this matter with the ministers, right?
Shujia thought, here it comes! She can do whatever she wants in the Eastern Palace, no one will see. But once it spreads to the harem, problems will arise.
Yinreng had already said this. His point was that Li Jia had given birth to two sons. Although Hongyang was dead, he was still his eldest son. Hongxi had grown up and married, so Li Jia must be the first empress. Li Jia, on the other hand, had served him from a long time ago and had given birth to two daughters. Although they were not raised, they were still born and could not be ignored. Yinreng had not yet decided on the specific position to be given to them.
Shujia smiled and said, "If you ask me, Mother Hongxi, even if she becomes a concubine, your son is already that old, and it will still be a good thing for the child. As for the other one, I have always treated them equally. We all came into the family to serve you together, but she has had a bit of bad luck. How about she become a concubine? At least she should be able to make some decisions for herself, so that she can live a more comfortable life in the future."
Yinreng smiled and said, "As you wish." This was also a subconscious test of his wife, perhaps he hadn't realized it yet, or perhaps it was a hurdle that Shujia faced. If they discussed it frankly, as they were doing now, it would be a matter of husband and wife discussing family matters, but it would be a trivial matter, like the master and his wife discussing the treatment of the concubine. If Shujia behaved inappropriately, it would probably sow a thorn in Yinreng's heart. Or perhaps, the emperor had a very good memory.
Shujia was also very satisfied with the result.
At this time, she didn't know that her black-hearted husband had already laid a series of clues while discussing his father's concubine and his concubine with her.
Soon, the string was picked up!
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Yunyu's son's full moon was celebrated with a modest ceremony, as the child's grandfather had not yet been buried. A banquet was held in the family courtyard, and relatives were invited to come and sit down. Yunyu was still in deep mourning, and despite his joy at having a firstborn son, he had to restrain himself.
First of all, we can't have wine, so let's just be quiet. The filial second brother is very picky, so let's have tea instead of wine.
Secondly, we can’t perform operas. It’s not allowed during a national mourning. And since it’s my father who has died, everyone should just be quiet.
The new father was grinning so hard that his mouth was almost reaching his ears, but he had to try hard to restrain himself.
"Haha~" I couldn't help laughing.
Shuhui couldn't stand it any longer: "Go out, the elder brothers are here, go greet them, why are you grinning like an idiot?"
Shuhui was also happy, but not as exaggerated as Yunyu. Of course, Yunyu had his reasons for being so. He got the news that his second brother had asked the Ministry of Internal Affairs to use his mother's work permit!
If you can obtain a certificate from the emperor while he's still alive, that's ideal. If not, don't be discouraged. If you, or your son, have a good relationship with the new emperor, you can also be promoted. Not only can you be promoted while you're alive, but you can also be promoted after you die!
As everyone knows, the imperial family was a meticulous and meticulous one, requiring everything to be more elaborate and ostentatious than others. This necessitated preparing all necessary supplies long in advance. If someone was to be conferred a title, they had to write an imperial edict, make clothing, craft ceremonial equipment, and, finally, issue a certificate. Upon reaching the rank of concubine, one could receive a golden certificate (albeit a relatively simple one).
The Imperial Household Department knew the dimensions of the royal concubines, so they didn't need to ask anyone for permission to make the ceremonial processions. However, engraving the golden book would reveal a problem: the name had to be written on it. Yunyu also got the news, so he was very happy.
Since the emperor's idea of allowing the prince to support his biological mother had not been told to everyone, in Yunyu's view, giving Wangpin an official "concubine" title was to treat his mother well and give her better treatment, so of course he would be happy.
Yunyou was just as happy as he was. His mother was now only a concubine. A concubine, if she was doing well, could be more powerful than a concubine, but if she was not, she was worse off than a noble, with no security in her life. He also received news that his biological mother, Dai Jia, would also be honored as a concubine of the previous emperor by the new monarch, and he was overjoyed.
Yunlu and Yunli also had this intention. The few remarks that the new emperor made a while ago about being unfair to the two empresses of the previous emperor were suppressed just like that. The emperor was not dissatisfied with his father's women. He was very kind to his concubine mother. The two empresses were implicated because someone in their natal family was not up to the standard. The emperor did this because he had deep feelings for the previous emperor! Besides, didn't the emperor allow the two empresses to be enshrined in the temple after the prince's repeated persuasion? It can be seen that he is not an unreasonable person!
Amidst this harmonious atmosphere, the new emperor even showed some humanity by attending his nephew's full-month banquet and cordially meeting the child's grandmother. As for the child's grandmother, since the legitimate daughter had died and the biological daughter was under fifty, she could not see the emperor. Therefore, he had no choice but to meet the grandmother.
It was at this full-moon banquet that Shujia discovered: her father wasn't there, and neither was her brother Qingde. She wasn't sure about the future, but she was clear on these things. When she had questions, she asked again, and they finally revealed the truth.
Being questioned by the Crown Princess was already scary enough, but now being questioned by the Queen, the person being questioned thought, "The Queen is concerned about her father, so what can't she say?" As soon as the pressure came, she confessed.
Shujia was horrified: "What happened?!"
"Master, Master's wife, Madam... The master is fine. His Majesty has sent the imperial physician to check his pulse. He just needs to rest. If anything really happens, no one can get past you."
Shujia waved her hand and said, "You go ahead."
Finding an opportunity, Shujia sent a message to Yinreng, saying that she had something to ask.
Yinreng naturally took time out to meet with his wife. After hearing Shujia's question, Yinreng said, "I was wondering what it was. So it's this. He's not in serious trouble, but it's just his age. If you're really worried, I'll take the initiative to bring him over tomorrow so you can take a look for yourself."
Shujia was startled. "Even if there's nothing wrong, something must have happened." That's right. If it was really a serious illness, they would have informed me. Then she sighed, "Why hide it from me? Alas, none of my sisters can serve their old father at his bedside. This one is like this, and Prince Yu's mansion can't do without that one either."
"Why is that so difficult? Why not just transfer Jiang Ting back to Beijing tomorrow?"
"Again, are you talking nonsense? How can you just transfer officials for something like this?"
"Whether it's casual or not, it's up to me!" Yinreng said casually.
"..." Shujia was speechless for a moment, but Shuxian's return was indeed beneficial to her father, so she didn't try to stop him. "Don't miss the important things. You can do whatever you want with the rest."
"Pfft." Yinreng couldn't help laughing.
"What are you laughing at?"
"No, no, absolutely not."
The two chatted for a while longer, rambling and incoherent, creating just the right atmosphere. Yinreng's nerves were on edge. The grief over Kangxi's death had consumed him greatly. The mess Kangxi had left behind was also a mess, so let's talk about family matters first. The number of concubines alone was enough to overwhelm him, and what was to be done with these brothers?
Now, we can still say that we are observing the mourning period and not making any changes. If we bury Kangxi and wait until the New Year, and then there is no further action, then there will be bad words spread. Even if it is not spread now, a hundred years later, future generations will talk about it.
As for the imperial court, since its accession to the throne, it can be said that it has achieved a smooth transition of power, but there are still many problems.
Once in power, you can't immediately do whatever you want. Governing a large country is like cooking a small fish; you can't mess around with it. No matter how many problems the country has, you can't move on until you get the people in order. Yes, officials obey the emperor, and those who form cliques don't have the courage to oppose him, but the emperor has too few trusted confidants!
These people were left behind by the previous emperor and are suitable for use, but they are not particularly close to the former crown prince and current emperor.
In response to the above problems, Yinreng has been thinking about solutions.
It was a coincidence that today, he encountered a happy event and was called by his wife, so Yinreng had "a little leisure time in his life". It was really just "a little leisure time". He had to rush back to the Qianqing Palace to continue mourning before the key was handed down.
Shujia also had things to do here, so she wanted to tell Hongxiu immediately to take someone home to see Shi Wenbing tomorrow and then come back to report.
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Soon after Shujia's nephew and niece's full moon banquet, the work of moving the mountain mausoleum began.
First, the mausoleum, or burial ground, must be prepared. Then, a series of procedures require the preparation of carriages, personnel, ceremonial guards, offerings, and so on.
Then, everyone continued to quarrel upwards!
That’s right, quarrel!
The argument revolved around one issue: Should the emperor personally escort the coffin?
Kangxi wanted to attend Shunzhi's funeral, but was stopped by the then-empress dowager. With this precedent in place, and a pre-existing Grand Empress Dowager, Emperor, will you go? The cemetery is far away! And transporting the coffin won't be quick, and it's freezing cold. You're so important.
Yinreng had to go. He still remembered that he had to release Yinzhi. Now that Yinzhi showed up, how could he not go?
Yinreng's argument was: Kangxi was young at the time, and the Empress Dowager protected him. Now I am an adult, I must go!
As if it wasn't lively enough, the Empress said she wanted to go too, and so did the Grand Empress Dowager. Shujia did this because she was used to the idea that funerals were always attended by the entire family. The Grand Empress Dowager wanted to see Kangxi off for the last time.
The Imperial Household Department wanted to cry: We have worked so hard to make your clothes, shoes, socks, jewelry and utensils, and not only that, you are causing trouble again!
The Imperial Household Department first prepared something for the emperor, something that was urgently needed. Most of the skilled workers worked on this first. Now that this part was completed, the emperor's trip was safe. Funeral supplies for the deceased emperor were also being prepared and ready.
Then there were the Crown Prince's things, as he was more likely to make an appearance. As for the Empress Dowager, who usually didn't take charge of things, and the rather quiet Empress, daily necessities could be prepared first, as could the palace's sedan chairs. More ceremonial items could be completed before the New Year and used for New Year's Day.
While the court officials were arguing, the Imperial Household Department remained calm. They thought, "Regardless of whether the Emperor went or not, we had already completed our mission." Now that two women had interfered, they were ready to die.
The emperor actually agreed!
Oh my god! Hurry up and grab your stuff and work overtime!
Finally, the Imperial Household Department completed the task before the deadline, and the two powerful figures in the harem followed the funeral procession to Jingling.
Yinreng walked a short distance before riding in the imperial carriage. Everyone else followed suit, walking a short distance before riding horses or taking carriages. In the freezing cold, they arrived at the cemetery.
At first, everything went smoothly. The emperor was obedient, following the procedures laid out by the Ministry of Rites, including the toast and the kneeling. The Empress Dowager was also obedient, following the rules of gender equality, and remained obediently at the side, served by the Empress.
When the coffin was about to be buried, the two started to quarrel.
Yinreng couldn't hold back any more and wept bitterly on the coffin, looking as if he would climb on top of it and stop it from being buried. His brothers also cried bitterly. With their father gone and their elder brother in charge, it was unclear whether they would have a good life.
The one who cried the most miserably was Yinreng's brother, Yunti.
The released Yunti was in good spirits. Of course, he was a little less mad than the Prince of Zhi who had gone mad and wanted to kill the Crown Prince, but he was still much better than the average person. He was not treated unfairly in material terms, had many wives and concubines, and a large number of children. Even if he was heartless or even a little heartbroken, he would still have no problem surviving.
Being released to attend the funeral was a pleasant surprise for him. After all these years, the hatred and resentment he'd felt had become more abstract than they could be. Being able to get out and relax was a welcome relief.
As soon as he emerged, he was targeted by his two powerful younger brothers. He was the eldest son, but because of his guilt, he could not sit before Yunzhi, but was placed further back. That was fine, as long as he could get out. But when Kangxi's coffin was actually placed in the tomb, Yunzhi's nerves were touched, and he burst into tears: "Khan Ama, your unfilial son has come to apologize to you. Please take me away!"
With these two leading the charge, the crowd wailed, their brothers eager to drown out the eldest brother's voice. The prince, at first, tried to persuade his father, but then, remembering his grandfather, who had always loved him, he dropped his hands from his father's shoulders and placed them on the coffin, weeping bitterly.
The ministers beside him thought it was unbelievable and they could not miss the auspicious time, so they stubbornly advised: "Your Majesty, please don't miss the auspicious time."
Yinreng raised his hazy eyes and was about to say, "Bury slowly," when he saw Empress Renxiao's coffin. That's right, the emperor and empress were to be buried together. This sight was unbearable, and he was overwhelmed with grief. Both his parents were gone! He rushed to Empress Renxiao's coffin again, hugged it and cried, "Mother! Mother! Mother!!!" His voice trembled with sobs.
Even among the women, things were not peaceful. Few women were qualified to attend. The Grand Empress Dowager arrived, the Empress arrived, and the Empress's sisters-in-law arrived, all of them legitimate wives. Even so, with the Grand Empress Dowager around, things became lively.
The Empress Dowager kept muttering, "What are they doing over there now?"
When she heard that the auspicious time had almost arrived and the procedure was about to end, she refused to continue: "I have to go see the emperor." The emperor she was referring to was Kangxi.
This whole commotion ended with Shujia sending someone to ask for permission, and Yinreng agreed to let the Empress Dowager go and take a look.
Finally, the Emperor and Empress dragged the Grand Empress Dowager out, and the door closed behind them.
If you thought that was the end of it, you were wrong.
————————————————————————————————————————
Return to the capital.
Palace of Heavenly Purity, East Side Hall.
There was an emperor, a prince, a handful of sons of the previous emperor, a bunch of royal family members, and a group of ministers, filling the house to the brim.
The brothers urged the emperor to mourn, but Yunzhi's words were the most coherent: "The late emperor has passed away, and no son is unsad. I beg Your Majesty to take care of the country, the Empress Dowager, and the Khan."
Everyone followed and said, yes, yes, you are the most important now, you have to lead everyone to a well-off life, uh, wrong, you have to build a beautiful feudal communist country.
Yinreng said dejectedly: "I know this truth very well. But, when the time comes, it is beyond our control! Today I saw Khan Amalong being buried in the underground palace, and we will be separated forever. I couldn't help but feel sad. And I saw... Empress Renxiao..." and cried again.
There was no way to persuade him at this point. Yun'e and Yunxiang stepped forward and said that they had experience in this matter. Brother Emperor, you have to live a good life so that your mother won't worry.
Yinreng glanced at his two younger brothers with a look of pity, then sighed to his other brothers, "It is the most torturous thing for a son to want to support his parents when they are no longer around. I have already suffered so much, how can I let you suffer any more? The mothers of concubines and imperial concubines who are over fifty and have sons who have established residences outside, if you are willing, you can take them away to support them. If anything happens, I will take care of it!"
After this was said, who would say that he didn't want to support his biological mother?
Those who are still alive have expressed that the emperor is so great and has brought us complete family happiness.
Yunsi was ecstatic for a moment, then wilted. He was not old enough.
Prince Yong thought worriedly: I just hope that I can be allowed to bring my mother out soon, before the fourteenth prince moves out...
The two caring and good brothers, the Tenth and the Thirteenth, were sad.
The royal family and ministers hurriedly said, "The emperor is a truly good man, putting himself in others' shoes and protecting all flesh and blood. There is no one more wise than you." Among them, Hai Zhang praised them most sincerely: "Go quickly, go quickly. If you leave, I won't have to worry about their decoration problems in the palace."
Then the emperor said something that made people break out in a cold sweat: "Seeing Yunti today, my heart was moved. It's a pity that Concubine Hui's mother has such a son, but it seems as if she didn't have one."
Outsiders dare not say too much, and even brothers dare not say too much.
Yaerjiang'a was quite courageous and asked, "What does the emperor mean?"
Yinreng looked at his brothers kindly and asked, "Who among you is willing to take care of Concubine Hui's mother?" Having said that, the target person had been locked.
Yunsi quickly stood up and said, "When I was young, I was raised by Concubine Hui. Now that Yunti has committed evil, I am willing to serve her." He had no choice but to agree! Everyone knew that Concubine Hui had raised him.
Yinreng said happily, "I am grateful to you for your kindness."
He then dismissed the meeting and kept Yunsi. "I know this is difficult for you. But don't worry, my mother is in the palace, and I and the Empress are taking care of her. You and your wife can come and pay your respects to my mother. After my fiftieth birthday, you can take her out and take care of her as usual. By then, I will have other arrangements for Concubine Hui's mother, and I will not make it difficult for you."
Yun Si thought to himself, "You're really wicked!" Okay, I believe you can come up with a solution. Now that things have come to this, I have no choice but to believe it.
Yunti said sincerely, "Mother Huifei has been very kind to me. Now that the Emperor has shown unprecedented favor, all the concubines and imperial concubines in the palace have left, leaving only Mother Huifei. It is truly desolate. The Emperor did not implicate Mother Huifei because of Yunti's evil deeds, but instead made plans for her. I, your brother, should... follow his example."
Yinreng laughed happily: "Good brother."
Is it over?
No!
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After the burial of the late emperor, most of the traces left by Kangxi have been cleared. It will take another New Year, and what remains is the formal mourning and sacrifice on certain statutory days.
The harem became lively at this time.
The harem was still occupied by the late emperor's concubines, who had not yet moved out. They had originally planned to wait until the widows' quarters were ready to be moved in. But now, the news announced by the empress herself stirred up a wave of turmoil in her heart, which had been as stagnant as water.
The emperor allowed those who had sons to live with their sons! Even if they went out, they were still the ancestors of the palace!
I thought it would be all quiet and peaceful from now on, but unexpectedly, there was light at the end of the tunnel! Is there anything more joyful than this?
Concubine Yi said, "The Empress Dowager is still in the palace, how can we go out?" Hey, don't laugh.
De Fei also said: "If we do that, we will be unfilial." Now she is living with the fourth child? Mother and son have nothing in common.
Before Concubine Rong could say anything, Concubine Tong had already said, "The Queen is here, and so am I." Not everyone can go out, so don't act like a good kid after getting the advantage, and don't treat others as dead.
In the whole matter, the one person who cannot be avoided is the Grand Empress Dowager. But she never interferes in matters. Yinreng's words in the Qianqing Palace have been passed on to the ears of the people in the harem through various channels. The Grand Empress Dowager has also been educated and she sympathizes with the poor current emperor.
The old lady was a sentimental person, and had always been kind to Yinreng. This time, she was even more moved and decided to support Yinreng. Incidentally, when Yinreng's mother was alive, she was quite respectful of the Empress Dowager, who was then a background figure. Giving the child to the concubines' sons to raise would not offend the late emperor. The Grand Empress Dowager acquiesced to the development of the situation.
Shujia glanced at them and asked Huifei with a smile, "The Emperor asked my eighth brother if he was willing to take care of me, the Concubine. I'm happy to do so. I wonder what my mother thinks?"
Concubine Hui was very happy about it. Although the Queen asked a question, she was actually issuing a notice.
Amidst the jubilation, some people became disloyal. For the palace maids, following the concubines out to the prince's palace was considered leaving the palace. Then... they could contact their families, get married, and a wonderful life lay ahead! Staying in the palace was much more miserable. By the time they reached thirty, they were already old maids, and leaving would only allow them to become concubines. Otherwise, they would never marry.
For eunuchs, the palace is a place of fame and fortune, but being the eunuch of the previous emperor's concubine? It's better to go out. If you meet a prince and serve him well, it's also a good way out.
At this moment, everyone showed their skills. Some wanted to bribe the supervisor, some wanted to please the master, and some wanted to step on others so that they could naturally take over. Several public security incidents occurred. Fortunately, the masters were not easy to deal with. Especially the masters of the various palaces, they did not want these people to cause any setbacks in their plans to leave the palace at this critical juncture, and they also suppressed them with an iron fist.
Shujia happily brought her daughter along, and when she had time, she would call her sons over to let them listen to the ins and outs of this. Today, a maid in one palace fell ill, tomorrow, a eunuch in another palace was exposed for having dirty hands, and the day after tomorrow, someone in another palace was rumored to have a certain skill.
She just wanted to let her sons know that men shouldn't take things in the backyard too lightly. Of course, she also wanted to let her daughter learn from her.
The author has something to say:
Today is International Sleep Day, good sleep everyone~
Escape to sleep~
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