Chapter 100: Wen Shan hadn't expected that she would actually...

Wen Shan hadn't expected that she would actually have the opportunity to advance further up the rank.

She had always assumed that her next promotion would come when Yinzhen ascended the throne, when she would ascend to the position of Empress Dowager.

Even when the Imperial Noble Consort's auspicious attire arrived, Wen Shan still hadn't understood why Kangxi had promoted her to Imperial Noble Consort.

"Don't worry, Mother. The Empress's position has been vacant for so long, it's time for an Imperial Noble Consort to oversee all palace affairs," Yinsi said with a smile.

Wen Shan: "...Don't lie to me. Don't I know what Imperial Noble Consort represents?"

An Imperial Noble Consort holds the same rank as a Vice Empress, and especially now that the Empress's position is vacant, Kangxi's appointment of her as Imperial Noble Consort has the greater political significance of solidifying Yinzhen's position.

Now, considering Yinzhen's biological mother is listed as an Imperial Noble Consort, and his former adoptive mother was Empress Xiaoyi, Yinzhen is practically the same as a legitimate son.

As expected, the moment the news of the promotion broke, not only the imperial harem but also the imperial court began to fret.

However, the opposing ministers could find no compelling reason to block Wen Shan's promotion to Imperial Noble Consort.

With her qualifications, family background, and lineage, Wen Shan possessed the credentials to truly deserve the title.

Furthermore, Kangxi, faced with such chaotic situations, was known for feigning ignorance, leaving everyone baffled as to his true intentions.

The three Yinzhen brothers, a rare occasion, had all gathered for dinner at Xianfu Palace. Yinxiang, however, had been skipping classes. The tutors at the Shangshufang had completely given up on forcing the Thirteenth Prince to study, as Kangxi had, in a rare move, stated that he was free to skip classes as long as he remained focused on his studies.

Wen Shan and the others understood that Yinxiang's frequent visits to Kangxi, due to Concubine Min's illness, had been the reason for his turning a blind eye.

Yinzhen and Yinsi had been incredibly busy lately, with numerous matters to attend to both within the imperial court and the harem. In particular, Yinsi, Tong Guowei, and Alinga had been repeatedly approaching him to discuss the next steps. Yinsi knew these two old foxes were only interested in reaping the benefits for their family, and dealing with them was no problem. However, with the crown prince's downfall, many officials who had supported him had flocked to the eldest prince and Yinzhen and Yinsi, keeping them exceptionally busy.

Yinzhen's two children had just been born, and he was in a particularly good mood. Yi'an and Hongxi were both well-behaved children, and their nurses often lamented how seldom they had seen such obedient children. They rarely cried or fussed, and smiled in anyone's arms, making Fucha's care much easier.

Yinzhen, as their father, had to see the two children every day. Wen Shan also found time to visit Chonghua Palace and cuddle them. Since Fucha hadn't yet finished her confinement, Wen Shan had temporarily taken over the palace's affairs. Naturally, most of the work was handled by people assigned by Yinsi; she was just a figurehead.

"Yian is growing much faster than Hongxi. She looks a lot bigger now," Wen Shan said with a smile. "Luckily, Hongxi is also healthy."

Yian was already a size larger than Hongxi in the womb, and now she drinks even more milk than Hongxi. The child's daily growth is practically tangible.

Upon hearing this, Yinzhen simply smiled. "Stronger is better. Fucha always worries about the two children's illnesses. If they grow stronger, I'll be relieved."

"But Hongxi looks more like Fourth Brother," Yinsi remarked. "Yi'an looks like Fourth Sister-in-law. Both are beauties."

"If Yi'an looked like your Fourth Brother, it would be troublesome," Wenshan said with a smile.

Yinzhen was naturally handsome, but his features were more hardened, which would have been strange on a girl.

Yinxiang, holding his face, said, "One looks like Father and the other like Mother. Everyone is happy. Fourth Brother is living a very comfortable life."

After some laughter and chatter, Wenshan asked why the Emperor hadn't issued a decree regarding the Crown Prince's fate.

Even as Yi'an and Hongxi were approaching their full-month births, the Crown Prince remained confined to Yuqing Palace, with no further movement.

"The Emperor is waiting for someone to offer him a way out," Yinsi said slowly, picking up a piece of chicken. "It's a pity Li Guangdi didn't respond, leaving the Emperor in a lurch."

Kangxi had originally hoped to use Li Guangdi, a pillar of Han Chinese entourage, to liaise with other Han officials to speak to the Crown Prince. However, Li Guangdi mastered the art of playing dumb, pretending not to understand unless Kangxi addressed him directly.

Promoting Wenshan also served to stabilize Yinzhen's faction.

Anyone could see that the Crown Prince had to be deposed, so wouldn't speaking up for him at this point in time offend the next Crown Prince?

Such actions were naturally best avoided, and Li Guangdi was no fool.

Kangxi was furious, but there was nothing he could do about it.

Wen Shan suddenly realized: "No wonder the Emperor has been so grumpy lately. I met with Concubine Mi a few days ago, and she said she's been feeling a lot more nervous about attending to him lately."

Since Kangxi couldn't direct his anger at Li Guangdi, he naturally had to vent it elsewhere. At that point, it all depended on luck.

Consequently, Kangxi had been constantly reprimanding the concubines and eunuchs lately, making everyone feel uneasy.

Wen Shan thought, no wonder Kangxi's mood was so unstable lately; it was Li Guangdi's anger that was causing him.

After washing his hands with his soup, Yinzhen said, "It's not a good idea to keep dragging it out like this. We need to find a way to get the Emperor to make a decision soon."

With such a major matter hanging in the balance, the court was inevitably in a state of panic.

Yinxiang said drily, "It's almost there. The Emperor won't be able to delay for much longer."

"That's right. There's no need for us to think of a solution. The Emperor is probably close to figuring it out," Yinsi remarked.

After hearing what they both said, Yinzhen put the matter aside for the time being and turned to Yinxiang and asked, "Thirteenth brother, how is Concubine Min now?"

"My mother's situation is stable now, right?" Yinxiang couldn't help feeling sad when he mentioned Concubine Min. He forced a smile and said, "The Emperor wants to arrange a marriage for my fifth sister. Although my mother only raised her for less than a year, she is worried about her and her spirits have improved a lot."

However, Yinxiang and Yinzhen all knew that this was Concubine Min's attempt to make some arrangements for the fifth princess.

Speaking of the fifth princess's marriage, Yinxiang rarely mentioned that he wanted to ask Wenshan and Yinzhen and Yinsi for something.

"Do you still want my fifth sister to marry in Beijing?"

Yinsi guessed it before Yinxiang even said it.

"Yes, my mother is not in good health now, and she really loves my fifth sister. If my fifth sister married in Mongolia, thousands of miles away, I am worried that my mother would not be able to bear it." Yinxiang said with pursed lips.

Although Concubine Min and the Fifth Princess were only half-married mother and daughter, she inexplicably loved her as much as her own two daughters. This was evident in her willingness to search the palaces for help on that turbulent night for the Fifth Princess.

Wen Shan understood Yinxiang's intentions, but Kangxi had already discussed the Fifth Princess's marriage with her a few days earlier and seemed to have chosen a Mongolian prince as his heir.

Wen Shan hadn't initially considered the matter of great importance to Yinzhen and the others, so she kept it to herself. But when Yinxiang mentioned Wen Shan, she honestly informed him that Kangxi had already chosen a candidate.

"As long as there's no official decree, it can be changed," Yinxiang said. "That's not a big deal. But right now, I don't know how to get the Emperor to marry my Fifth Sister to Beijing."

When Yinxiang recently visited Concubine Min, she was also agonizing over the Fifth Princess's distant marriage. She knew that the previous princesses had married far away to Mongolia, and the Fifth Princess would be no exception. She could only do her best to prepare her wedding belongings.

Yinxiang saw this and asked Concubine Min casually if she would be happier if the Fifth Princess could marry in Beijing.

Concubine Min smiled and said he was a silly boy, and that the Emperor would never make such an exception.

What Concubine Min said was also true. The Fifth Princess's biological mother and brother were now considered criminals, and those princesses who were better-born and more favored than her were also sent to be raised, not to mention the Fifth Princess.

After that, she continued to busy herself with preparing the dowry for the Fifth Princess despite her illness.

Yinxiang made a decision at that time, even for Concubine Min, he had to let the Fifth Princess continue to marry in Beijing.

"There is a way to let the Fifth Sister stay in Beijing, but I may have to trouble my mother to ask the Queen Mother for mercy." Yinsi thought about it and felt that this was the only way.

The marriage of the princess can only be handled by the Queen Mother.

Yinxiang looked at Wenshan, who patted his head and said, "Mother, give it your all. Don't worry."

"Then let the fifth sister marry the Tonggiya clan?" Yinsi finished his dinner and waved for the palace maids to come in and clear up.

Yinzhen and Wenshan sat on the couch in the main hall to talk, while Yinxiang pulled up a chair and sat down below.

"It doesn't really matter who she marries. What family would dare treat a princess married into the palace with disrespect?" Yinxiang said.

Which family married the fifth princess would be honored at home. How could anyone dare disrespect a princess beneath the emperor's feet?

Yinzhen nodded, agreeing that Yinxiang was right, but the mention of the Tong family reminded him of something else.

Tong Guowei's plan to have Tian Wenjing file a petition to severely punish the crown prince, thus making Kangxi dislike Yinzhen, had failed.

Yinsi didn't even need to remind Tian Wenjing that he was no longer the reckless, charging forward. Provoking him no longer had any effect.

Tong Guowei pondered over it, unable to understand how Tian Wenjing, after only four or five years as an official in Henan, had become such a different person.

Yinzhen was even somewhat surprised by this, and privately approached Tian Wenjing to inquire about it.

Tian Wenjing gave a rare, rather naive smile: "My wife told me that since I'm serving in the capital, I must not act impulsively and must always consider the prince before doing anything."

Madam Tian was a classic example of a bold but careful person. While seemingly carefree, she was actually incredibly meticulous, and far superior to Tian Wenjing in her interpersonal skills. If it weren't for Madam Tian's mediation, Tian Wenjing would have faced considerable trouble in Henan.

Yinzhen smiled, too, "It seems you've truly found a good wife."

Tian Wenjing was now content with a wife and daughter, and following a like-minded lord, he felt he had nothing more to desire. Therefore, he found his position as Jingzhao prefecture governor particularly comfortable.

Yinzhen recalled this and shared it with Yinsi and the others, praising Madam Tian for her exemplary character and saying that Tian Wenjing was truly fortunate to marry her.

Wenshan said, "I remember Tian Wenjing's family has a new daughter, only a few months older than Yi'an and Hongxi. In a few months, when the child is older, if there's time, Madam Tian could bring her into the palace to play with Yi'an and her." Wenshan

adored Madam Tian, and since she hadn't seen her daughter yet, she was curious.

Yinzhen nodded in agreement, believing it was no big deal. Madam Tian was an inner court lady, and Fucha could invite her anytime.

The next day, Wenshan went to Ningshou Palace to tell the Empress Dowager about the Fifth Princess.

The Empress Dowager paused, twirling her Buddhist beads, and looked up at her.

"For Yinxiang?"

Wenshan replied, "Exactly. Your Majesty, you don't know how much Concubine Min loved the Fifth Princess. Sometimes I wonder if they were mother and daughter in a previous life." The Empress Dowager

put down her beads and sipped her tea.

"I've heard about what happened that night. Concubine Min, with her indifferent nature, went to such lengths for the Fifth Princess. She truly loves her. It's a pity for Yinzhen... well, let's not talk about it anymore."

It was all a fluke, after all. Kangxi hadn't pursued the matter, so naturally, this old woman wouldn't say anything.

Wen Shan took off her shoes and climbed onto the couch. She walked around behind the Empress Dowager, half-knelt, and massaged her shoulders. "So, I'm asking you for help. Concubine Min's illness is a heart attack. If the Fifth Princess could marry into the palace, it would at least ease her feelings."

The Empress Dowager narrowed her eyes and nodded. "That's true. Yinxiang grew up by my side. Although he's been raised in your palace, he and Concubine Min have a deep bond. It would be heartbreaking for him to lose his mother so young." "

Well, I'll give it a try,"

Wen Shan said with a smile. "Your words put my mind at ease."

As she spoke, Aunt Ruyu entered.

"Empress Dowager, the Fourteenth Prince has finished school and wants to pay his respects to you."

Wen Shan was stunned for a moment before she remembered that Kangxi had released the Fourteenth Prince from the Imperial Clan Court and placed him under the Empress Dowager's supervision. The Empress Dowager

was also troubled by this troublesome grandson.

"Let Yinzhen go back to his room and rest. There's no need to come over,"

Aunt Heyu replied, lifting the curtain and leaving.

"Of all the children of the Uya clan, only Yinzhen has completely emulated her viciousness and cruelty," the Empress Dowager lamented. "Yinzuo was also spoiled by the Uya clan, but he was a much better person than this one."

The Fourteenth Prince's intention to murder Wen Shan alone was enough to prevent the Empress Dowager from having a favorable impression of him.

As the person involved, Wen Shan naturally found it difficult to have a favorable impression of someone who wanted to kill her, especially such a young child.

The Empress Dowager patted Wen Shan's hand and said, "Before her passing, the Empress Dowager insisted that the Emperor register Yinzhen under your name. It seems the Empress Dowager was indeed a discerning and far-sighted person."

If Yinzhen's biological mother was still listed as Uya on the imperial edict, the situation would have been far more complex.

Wen Shan pursed her lips and said, "Next year is the final memorial for the Grand Empress Dowager's twelfth year, and I'm thinking of going there myself to pay my respects." "

Of course I should. If I hadn't been feeling unwell lately, I would have gone with you," the Empress Dowager sighed.

Kangxi had to give the Empress Dowager a favor. Besides, the Empress Dowager hadn't made any requests to Kangxi in years, making it difficult for him to refuse. Furthermore, Concubine Min had been relatively obedient over the years, and Yinxiang looked like Kangxi, so Kangxi loved this son. So, without much hesitation, he agreed to the Empress Dowager's request.

As for the choice, just as in his previous life, Shun Anyan, the son of Tong Guowei, was chosen as the son-in-law.

Yinxiang brought this good news to Concubine Min, who was indeed much more cheerful after hearing it.

"Yinxiang, did you ask the Imperial Noble Concubine to do this?"

Concubine Min was sitting by the window in a crescent-white Manchu dress. A light snow was falling outside. Yinxiang went forward to close the window but was stopped by Concubine Min.

"This little snow won't be a problem. It's a good opportunity to enjoy the snowy scenery," Concubine Min said with a smile.

Yinxiang sat beside Concubine Min and said, "My son only mentioned it to the Empress Dowager. The Empress Dowager was also worried about me, so she asked the Empress Dowager for help."

"The Imperial Noble Concubine is a broad-minded person. She won't implicate Wen Xian because of the Fourteenth Prince and the Uya family. I knew this a long time ago." Concubine Min said, "I just didn't expect the Imperial Noble Concubine to go to such lengths." "

So, Mother, you have to get better soon. Fifth Sister won't get married for another two years. You have to see her off," Yinxiang said with a smile.

Concubine Min nodded: "Yes, we must cheer up. Wen Xian is married in the capital, so I can see her off."

Yinxiang poured Concubine Min a cup of warm tea. Remembering that he hadn't seen Wen Ke and Dun Ke for a while, he asked where the two girls had gone.

"They must have gone to play in Concubine Mi's palace. These days, Concubine Mi saw that I was busy, so she helped me look after them," Concubine Min said. Yinxiang

nodded. Yunlan came in at this time, bowed, and said: "Your Majesty, the Fifth Princess is here."

Upon hearing the Fifth Princess had arrived, Yinxiang excused himself. On his way out, he happened to run into the Fifth Princess taking off her cloak in the outer room. The

Fifth Princess was still a little uncomfortable seeing Yinxiang, but Yinxiang openly called her "Fifth Sister".

"Mother is waiting for you inside, Fifth Sister. I have something else to do, so I'll leave first."

The Fifth Princess nodded, sighed as she watched Yinxiang leave, and entered the inner room.

Kangxi, however, was inspired by the Empress Dowager's intercession on behalf of the Fifth Princess. Seeing that Li Guangdi wasn't prepared to take the initiative, and with New Year approaching, and the Crown Prince's issue refusing to be delayed any longer, Kangxi was left with no choice but to announce at court that the Grand Empress Dowager had appeared in his dream the previous night, stating that the Crown Prince wasn't such a heartless and rebellious person, but had been deceived and instigated by Soetu. The Grand Empress Dowager couldn't rest in peace seeing the Crown Prince in such a state.

Ministers: "..."

The Emperor would indeed say anything for the Crown Prince.

Yinzhen, now the only prince, stood at the front. He glanced at Yinsi, who twitched his lips helplessly.

He then said that his father was almost unable to contain himself and was going to find a solution himself.

However, this tactic wasn't entirely new. In his previous life, his father had also used the Grand Empress Dowager's dream as an excuse to reinstate the Crown Prince. He was indeed quite adept at it.

Everyone knew that Kangxi was being completely scoundrel. Those implicated, such as Soetu and Togaci, had long been executed, leaving no evidence. Kangxi's rhetoric of coercion was a complete lie.

Fortunately, Kangxi wasn't completely mad. He continued, "Although Yinreng is frivolous and unworthy of the crown prince position, considering he was coerced by the villains like Soetu, and is the legitimate son of Empress Yuan, I will only depose him from the crown prince position and make him a Prince of Li. He will continue to be confined to reflect on his actions."

Kangxi's decision was impeccable. For a month, he hadn't mentioned the crown prince at all, which had annoyed all the ministers. They were all on the verge of urging Kangxi to deal with the crown prince quickly. At this point, Kangxi took the initiative to depose the crown prince, but instead of imprisoning him, he gave him the title of Prince of Li. If he had done so upon returning to the capital, many ministers would have objected.

The Crown Prince had already rebelled, so how could he simply be deposed and given the title of a Prince of a County?

However, by this point, most ministers were of the opinion that at least the Crown Prince should be deposed.

Whether he became a Prince of a County or a Beile was irrelevant, given his lack of potential for recovery.

Compared to remaining Crown Prince, it was nothing.

The proposal was swiftly adopted.

The Crown Prince was officially deposed, becoming Prince of Li. Kangxi still hadn't given any indication of when he would be released.

However, he had ordered the Imperial Household Department to select a residence in Beijing for Prince of Li, presumably to move the newly crowned Prince of Li out of Yuqing Palace.

With the dust finally settled at court, the harem began to stir once again.

The harem was surprisingly calm regarding the grand conferment of titles on the six concubines. Everyone seemed unmoved by the event, and congratulatory gifts were distributed to the newly promoted concubines in a routine manner. Naturally, Xianfu Palace received the most gifts.

Next up was Consort Tong Jia, now only one rank below Wen Shan, who had been promoted to Noble Consort, surpassing the many older concubines. Lately, she'd been enjoying a surge of success, even more enthusiastic about managing palace affairs.

Only Consort Hui felt somewhat resigned, feeling that the eldest prince's meritorious service in the expedition meant she deserved a promotion as well. There were two Noble Consort positions, but Kangxi had only conferred the title on Consort Tong Jia. Having only been in the palace for a few years and still childless, it was thanks to her that she was able to assist in the management of the six harems upon her arrival. Now, she'd been given the title of Noble Consort, surpassing the older consorts.

They say that at their age, mothers should be honored by their sons, but why didn't she feel the slightest bit of it?

Consort Hui had merely vented her temper within her own palace, but it didn't escalate. Consort Tong Jia, knowing Consort Hui's temper, didn't take it personally; there was no need to clash with the other concubines at this moment.

The most celebrated of all was Concubine Mi, who had just given birth to two princes and been promoted to a consort. Concubine Mi had been close friends with Concubine Min for the past two years, often visiting her even when she was ill, so she was unfazed by the promotion.

Just when everyone thought the harem structure was settled, Kangxi suddenly held a long-awaited selection to enrich his harem. He brought in Guaerjia, the daughter of the third-rank assistant minister Human, and immediately gave her the rank of concubine, the title "He."

Along with Guaerjia, the daughter of the Sehetu family was also promoted to a noble lady, the title "Jin."

These two were the most prominent candidates in the selection, followed by several concubines, totaling nearly ten.

As Imperial Noble Concubine, Wen Shan was naturally present for the entire selection, and watching the many young women enter the palace, she could only sigh inwardly.

During this selection, Kangxi also appointed two concubines for Prince Li, and told Wen Shan and Consort Tong Jia that although the Crown Prince was deposed as a Prince, the wedding would go on as planned.

Wen Shan: "..."

Poor Guaerjia still couldn't escape.

And she was even promoted from Crown Princess to Princess of a County.