"Your Majesty, this servant has discovered that the nanny serving the Second Princess's mother has been making many trips to the capital these past few days, meeting with numerous people and spending a considerable amount of money."
Emperor Kangxi was not particularly surprised when he heard this.
Those who spread such rumors are either "beneficial" to themselves or "detrimental" to Youqing.
In recent years, no one would dare to use such clumsy methods to deal with Youqing, so the main purpose of these rumors is not to deal with Youqing, but more for the marriage of the two princesses.
Only Consort Rong and Noble Lady Bu had such motives.
The only person with both the motive and the ability to carry it out was Consort Rong, so Kangxi was not surprised that the investigation led to her.
Emperor Kangxi was very displeased with this.
He could punish Consort Rong, but the rumors had already spread.
This matter is unlikely to be resolved peacefully.
Youqing found out a little later than Kangxi, but not by much. After finding out, Youqing investigated, but she could roughly guess what the situation was.
"Master, shall I send someone to investigate?"
"No need, you don't need to worry about it."
To put it bluntly, this whole thing used her, but it wasn't aimed at her.
Furthermore, since the families of the two princesses' husbands will not be prominent by then, no one will dare to say anything, and in time, no one will remember these things.
Emperor Kangxi said to Princess Youqing, "I intend to choose a new consort for the Second Princess."
Youqing was taken aback for a moment, then said, "There's no need. These rumors don't matter to me."
Kangxi said, "I can't bear to see you suffer. Besides, I'll let the Second Princess choose for herself. She can't blame anyone else for her choice."
Youqing frowned: "What difference does it make if you let the Second Princess choose for herself?"
Youqing didn't know much about the Second Princess before, but she's learned quite a bit about her recently. She's a bit like Consort Rong in temperament, with a touch of arrogance in her bones. She's competitive and always wants the best of everything.
They tend to believe the Third Prince's words.
Instead of letting her choose, it would be more accurate to say let the Third Prince choose.
Emperor Kangxi sighed: "Never mind, children and grandchildren have their own blessings. With me here, my daughter will not be bullied. Let it be!"
Kangxi genuinely cared for his daughters, but in terms of the depth of their relationship, it couldn't compare to that of his sons. This was mainly because they didn't spend much time together, so their bond wasn't as strong.
Therefore, Emperor Kangxi would plan for his daughters and protect them, but compared to Youqing, his heart was always biased. However, he would give the second princess a choice.
Kangxi had already made up his mind to do so, so Youqing didn't continue. To put it bluntly, she felt more of a sense of duty towards the two princesses than any affection for them.
She'd have to be crazy to like two princesses who harbored a subtle hostility towards her.
The next day, Kangxi first met with the Third Princess.
"Your daughter greets Your Majesty."
This was the first time the Third Princess had been summoned by Emperor Kangxi alone in the study. At this moment, it was just the father and daughter. The Third Princess seemed a little reserved. She was too nervous, even though the person in front of her was her own father. From childhood to adulthood, the number of times the father and daughter met each year could be counted on one hand.
"Get up and sit down to talk."
"Thank you, Father Emperor."
Looking at the Third Princess, Kangxi's impression of this daughter was that she was timid and had no presence.
He had many children, and many of them loved to show off. He was impartial in important matters, but she herself didn't like to get close to him, so Kangxi didn't pay much attention to her.
What are your own thoughts on your marriage?
Emperor Kangxi had nothing sentimental to say, so he went straight to the point and got to the heart of the matter.
The third princess was not surprised. She actually had plans and considerations regarding the marriage.
She lowered her head, seemingly shy, and said, "Your daughter will leave everything to Father Emperor."
The Third Princess had also heard the recent rumors, but she did not intend to take advantage of the situation to do anything.
Emperor Kangxi was pleased with his daughter's obedience.
"I do have a few candidates, but their family backgrounds aren't particularly good. Would you be willing to accept them?"
Upon hearing this, the Third Princess realized it was true and was not surprised.
Unlike the competitive Second Princess, the Third Princess had her own plans. She was a princess with little presence, and if she were to marry into a powerful family, she couldn't guarantee that the royal family would steadfastly choose to protect her over the other party.
Even if she lives in a humble family, at least she can be at ease, and no one dares to bully her.
"Father's choice is excellent, and I will leave the decision entirely to Father."
The Third Princess didn't say anything unnecessary; her face was completely at ease and she didn't seem to be forcing anything, which pleased Kangxi.
"Alright, I understand. After you get married, if there is anything you are unhappy about, you can come to the palace at any time to find your Imperial Grandmother, your Imperial Mother, or me. Royal princesses are not to be bullied. You must remember that."
Upon hearing this, the Third Princess couldn't help but tear up.
She wasn't as ambitious as the second princess; she just wanted a good life. Hearing these words, her future was assured.
"Your daughter will remember this. Your daughter thanks Your Majesty."
After the Third Princess left, Kangxi met with the Second Princess.
When the second princess was young, Emperor Kangxi spent a lot of time with her, but as she grew older, he could only see her a few times a year, and the father and daughter were not very familiar with each other.
Therefore, the second princess felt just as awkward as the third princess when she met Emperor Kangxi.
After the second princess paid her respects, Emperor Kangxi got straight to the point.
"I summoned you here today to discuss your marriage. Do you have any thoughts on this?"
The second princess could not bring herself to say something like, "It's all up to Father Emperor to decide."
"My daughter doesn't have any particular thoughts."
Kangxi asked again, "Really not?"
The second princess hesitated and shook her head: "No."
"How about I betroth you to the third son of Langxi, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue?"
Kangxi had investigated the man. His family background wasn't particularly good, but it wasn't exceptionally wealthy either. He had seen the family's situation. Although he was of Manchu descent, he didn't have any complicated family connections. Most importantly, Langxi's wife was very easy to get along with.
Her easy-going nature was evident in the fact that when her second daughter-in-law entered the family, she did not allow her son to take a concubine even though the daughter had not given birth for three years. Later, when the daughter was born, she did not blame her. She took good care of raising her granddaughter and got along very well with both daughters-in-law, resulting in a harmonious family.
Emperor Kangxi also did his best.
However, the second princess did not appreciate it.
She only heard that Langxi was suitable for a doctor, and a doctor was actually a fairly high-ranking official, but for the Second Princess, that meant a family of low social standing.
She wanted to marry into a family that was at least a first-rank official's family, or at the very least a second-rank official's family. What was a mere doctor?
"Father, your daughter...your daughter..."
"You disagree?"
The second princess lowered her head, clearly indicating her disagreement.
"So, who do you want to marry? Tell me."
Upon hearing this, the second princess looked up at Kangxi's serious expression and said a name.
Disappointment flashed in Kangxi's eyes.
Emperor Kangxi naturally knew the person the Second Princess was referring to.
Yes, he comes from a prominent family, is the eldest son, and has a title to inherit. However, he is also a womanizer. Although he hasn't caused any major trouble, he has made quite a few minor mistakes. Moreover, he has a formidable mother, and his father is also a womanizer. His family is in complete disarray.
This is clearly not a good option.
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