Chapter 107: Kangxi fainted purely out of…

Kangxi fainted purely out of anger. While the ministers' words were somewhat harsh, Kangxi himself was primarily concerned.

Was reinstating Yinreng the right decision? Had

he truly considered the Qing Dynasty's foundation by single-handedly pushing Yinreng to the throne despite the pressure from the entire court? Was

Yinreng… truly worthy of such a position?

It was precisely because Kangxi himself was hesitant that he felt vulnerable when the ministers argued their case, and in a fit of rage, he fainted.

When Wen Shan arrived at the Yangxin Palace, Imperial Concubine Tongjia was guarding it. Lately, Kangxi hadn't known if he'd changed his ways or if he had other plans, but had cast aside his favorite concubines, Concubine Mi and Concubine He, in favor of Imperial Concubine Tongjia.

Upon hearing Wen Shan's arrival, Imperial Concubine Tongjia hurried out to greet her.

"How is the Emperor?"

Wen Shan entered the side hall of the Hall of Mental Cultivation. She didn't rush to the bedroom to visit Kangxi, but first spoke with Concubine Tongjia.

Concubine Tongjia had her personal maid escort all the eunuchs and maids from the hall. Wen Shan sensed something was amiss.

What big deal was Concubine Tongjia planning?

"The imperial physician has already examined him and said it was a case of rage, nothing serious. Acupuncture has already been given, and the Emperor should be awake in a quarter of an hour," Concubine Tongjia said.

Wen Shan nodded. "Thank you for your care."

Concubine Tongjia had rushed to Kangxi's aid the moment he became ill. As a concubine and a recent favorite, her presence was legitimate. Another important factor was that Wen Shan, now a senior official, had ignored the matter.

Kangxi had fainted during the noon court session, and now it was almost dusk. Many concubines had rushed to the Hall of Mental Cultivation to visit, but Concubine Tongjia turned them away, arguing that the Emperor needed to rest.

Only Wen Shan was personally welcomed in by Concubine Tongjia.

Therefore, many within the palace were still unaware of Kangxi's current situation.

"Imperial Concubine, you are the Eighth Prince's adoptive mother, raising him from childhood. I imagine your bond with him is no less than that of a biological child, right?" Concubine Tongjia suddenly spoke.

The Imperial Concubine's devotion to the Eighth Prince was well-known within the palace. Although she hadn't approached the Emperor to plead for mercy after the Eighth Prince's misfortune, the Emperor's furious departure, when he bowed his head and headed for Xianfu Palace, was blocked by the Imperial Concubine. The entire Forbidden City knew of her.

Wen Shan's eyebrows twitched. "Why bring up Yinsi all of a sudden?"

At this point, Concubine Tongjia had nothing left to hide, so she simply spoke frankly.

"My Lady Imperial Consort, the Tongjia clan is completely tied to the Eighth Prince. Since I have no children, I naturally rely on him ascending the throne so I can live out my days in peace. Throughout all these years in the palace, I have held you in high esteem, never exceeding even the slightest degree.

This is naturally why." Tongjia Noble Consort spoke the truth. While Wen Shan was nominally Imperial Consort, it was Tongjia Noble Consort who actually held the Six Palaces in charge. Back when Noble Consort Wenxi was in power, she didn't consult Wenshan before anything was done, as she does now.

"So, is something big happening today?" Wen Shan suddenly asked after listening quietly for a while.

Concubine Tongjia sighed. "You and I both know that the Eighth Prince was merely framed. Yet, Prince Li, a man of questionable moral character, is lavishly favored by the Emperor, who even wishes to reinstate him as Crown Prince. Despite the obstruction of the court

, the Emperor remains unmoved." "It's clear that Prince Li has used some kind of sorcery to bewitch the Emperor. Otherwise, how could such a gifted and wise Emperor commit such a grievous mistake?"

Wen Shan glanced over. So this was Tong Guowei's excuse: to depose the Crown Prince and

place a spell upon Kangxi. It made sense, if you tried to explain it.

After all, Kangxi's behavior had been quite insane recently.

And his illness now only confirmed the spell.

"Then it seems the Emperor won't wake up tonight, right?" Wen Shan raised her head and said calmly.

How could Kangxi possibly wake up under these circumstances?

At this point, Concubine Tongjia had revealed everything.

"Your Majesty, we're all here for the Eighth Prince. You don't want to see him confined to the Imperial Clan Court for life, do you? When the deposed Crown Prince ascends the throne, the Eighth Prince will never be able to rise again. He might even lose his life, and even the child in Eighth Lady's womb will likely die," Concubine Tong Jia continued.

Wen Shan said slowly, "So, what do you want to do?"

"Nothing ventures, no gain. Tonight, under the pretext of purging the imperial court, your father will arrest Prince Li and his allies. Then, of course, the Eighth Prince's grievances will be vindicated. The Emperor is already unconscious from rage today, and upon hearing that the deposed Crown Prince is practicing witchcraft, he must be heartbroken and ill." Concubine

Tong Jia glanced outside. Half the guards in the Hall of Mental Cultivation had already been withdrawn by Tong Guowei, acting under the guise of Longkodo's appointment as the Nine Gates Commander. The arrow was on the string, and it had to be launched.

"Why should I help you?" Wen Shan asked. "This is treason, and..."

"And if Prince Yong ascends the throne, he'll naturally treat the Eighth Prince well, won't he, Imperial Noble Consort?" Concubine Tong Jia's mission tonight was clearly to act as a lobbyist.

Wen Shan's position within the palace was crucial; she must be kept in check; she might even be relied upon to reassure

the Empress Dowager. Tong Guowei's message was that Concubine Tong Jia must persuade Wen Shan, thus also restraining Yinzhen and Yinxiang.

"Your Majesty, the Fourth Prince and the Eighth Prince have been raised by you since they were young. You know their temperaments best. Although they are brothers, they are now political enemies. After the Eighth Prince got into trouble, did the Fourth Prince ever beg for mercy?" "

Even if the Fourth Prince defeats the deposed Crown Prince and ascends the throne in the future, he will never let the Eighth Prince go with his cold-blooded and ruthless nature." Concubine Tong Jia said: "The Eighth Prince is different. You know him best. The Eighth Prince is kind and gentle, and the Fourth Prince has not committed any major mistakes. The Eighth Prince will naturally treat him well."

"In this way, as a mother, you don't have to be embarrassed. Isn't this the best arrangement?"

Wen Shan always thought that Concubine Tong Jia was not a person who could speak well, but today she realized that she was quite good at talking, and her ability to move people with emotion and reason was really convincing.

Wen Shan also feigned a look of profound realization, sighing, "These two children are truly giving me a headache."

Concubine Tong Jia breathed a sigh of relief. Her father was right. The Imperial Concubine was soft-hearted and loved her children; this angle would surely persuade her.

"Your Majesty, the Emperor has awakened." As she spoke, Concubine Tong Jia's personal maid entered to report.

"I understand,"

Concubine Tong Jia pulled a porcelain bottle from a small sandalwood box nearby.

Wen Shan's eyelids jumped. Could this be poison?

Was Tong Guowei playing such a big game, planning to poison Kangxi directly?

Thinking about it, such a surprise attack seemed quite likely to succeed.

"Don't worry, Imperial Concubine! This isn't poison. It's just medicine to help the Emperor recuperate a little longer," Concubine Tong Jia said.

Tong Guowei no longer dared to let Kangxi die easily. It's fair to say that at first, he did consider going all out and taking advantage of the chaos to make a big move.

Even if Kangxi had been wary of him, it was hard to imagine they would take direct action at this moment.

But after much deliberation, Tong Guowei still felt it was inappropriate. They didn't know what other tricks Kangxi had in store, and this was

a bit reckless. So, he simply switched to a medicine that would weaken Kangxi's body for a while longer. Wen Shan felt a pity.

It would be better to just... ahem.

"Didn't the imperial physician just say that the emperor was fine? Now you're..."

Wouldn't that just leave something to be desired?

Imperial Concubine Tong Jia smiled and said, "Don't worry, your majesty. These matters have naturally been taken care of."

Longkodo's position as the Nine-Gate Commander was still quite useful. The area around the Yangxin Palace was slowly being replaced by their men, and Tong Guowei didn't want to make a big fuss. His plan was for Imperial Concubine Tong Jia to control Kangxi in the Yangxin Palace, then spread the news that he was in a coma due to a nightmare. Then, someone planted in the palace would capture the deposed crown prince and put an end to him with a swift and decisive blow.

Prince Li had been guarding the Yangxin Palace since Kangxi fell into a coma.

Naturally, this was Tong Guowei's deliberate attempt to keep him inside the palace to facilitate his actions.

As for the excuse, resisting arrest and attempting to kidnap the emperor was a reasonable possibility.

Afterward, Kangxi

would have to issue an abdication decree, placing the Eighth Prince on the throne. However, this series of actions required swift action. Not only were the deposed Crown Prince's men watching, but Prince Yong and the Thirteenth Prince were also watching, so convincing Wen Shan was crucial.

While Prince Yong was aloof toward his ministers and brothers, he was deeply filial. If anyone could restrain him, it would be the Imperial Noble Consort.

Therefore, speed was paramount.

"Prince Li is inside, and the Emperor is probably wary of me. I'll have to trouble you to accompany me."

A palace maid brought the prepared medicine. Concubine Tong Jia opened the small porcelain bottle, poured a small amount into the potion, and then gently stirred it with a spoon.

Wen Shan, who had come today to see Kangxi, immediately agreed.

The palace maids who entered the bedroom all stood solemnly with their heads bowed. Kangxi had already woken up and was now leaning against the head of the bed. Prince Li was beside him, carefully wiping Kangxi's face with a handkerchief.

Wen Shan and Concubine Tong Jia greeted Kangxi, and Prince Li also politely saluted them.

Liang Jiugong took the tray from the palace maid and brought the medicine to Kangxi.

"Your Majesty, this is a prescription for clearing away heat and reducing fire prescribed by the imperial physician. It is said that you should drink a bowl of it after you wake up to relieve the depression in your heart." Concubine Tong Jia said.

Kangxi glanced at the bowl of medicine and did not touch it.

"No hurry, use it later."

Kangxi was of course not stupid. In the current situation, he naturally had to be wary of the people of the Tong Jia family.

Prince Li came to his senses and felt that the atmosphere was a little strange.

"The imperial concubine is here too?" Kangxi raised his eyes to look at Wen Shan.

Wen Shan: "I heard the Emperor was ill, so I came to visit."

Kangxi, still visibly shaken, lay back, catching his breath. "All of you, leave now. I want to speak to the Imperial Concubine."

Concubine Tong Jia glanced at Wen Shan, then winked at the bowl of medicine beside her, urging her to have Kangxi drink it quickly.

This step couldn't go wrong.

Prince Li hesitated, and Kangxi coughed and said, "Yinsi, wait in the side hall. I'll summon you if anything's wrong."

"Yes."

Concubine Tong Jia and Prince Li withdrew. Liang Jiugong also left with the palace attendants, leaving Wen Shan and Kangxi alone in the bedroom.

"You've been in the palace for thirty years, haven't you?" Kangxi thought for a moment, suddenly reminiscing with her.

Wen Shan hadn't given it much thought, but when Kangxi mentioned her, he realized it was indeed over thirty years.

Wen Shan said, "There aren't many old people in the palace these days. If the Emperor didn't mention me, I'd hardly remember how many years it's been since I entered the palace."

"Today, at the morning court, I proposed reinstating Crown Prince Yinreng, but most of the ministers opposed it." Kangxi straightened up and tried to sit up.

Wen Shan stepped forward and placed another cushion under him. Kangxi took her hand and asked, "What do you think?"

"The harem shouldn't interfere in politics."

"I allow you to speak,"

Wen Shan said helplessly. "Whether to appoint a crown prince, and who to appoint, was a matter for the previous dynasty. As a woman in the harem, I simply don't understand such matters."

It was useless for her to say anything; at this point, Wen Shan didn't bother to try to figure out Kangxi's intentions.

"Don't you want Yinzhen to be crown prince?" Kangxi said, staring into her eyes. "In recent years, I've relied heavily on Yinzhen. Haven't you ever considered this?"

"Doesn't the Emperor rely on Yinsi as well?" Wen Shan asked calmly.

Kangxi sighed slightly: "I know you still resent me for Yinsi's matter."

Wen Shan: "..."

That can't be called resentment, she is a little numb.

Kangxi has always been such a mean and ungrateful character, and he is used to it.

"Yinreng has sworn to me that if he ascends the throne in the future, he will definitely treat his brothers well, and Yinsi will release him."

Wen Shan counted the auspicious cloud patterns on the bed curtains in her mind. Hearing this, she looked up at Kangxi. Is he making promises for her?

"The princes are naturally friendly and respectful to the emperor. Who can predict the future? If that day really comes, the emperor would have passed away long ago. Naturally, the prince will have the final say."

Kangxi choked: "...Only you can say that."

As he grew older, he gradually cared more about these matters of life and death. Wen Shan was the first one to speak so frankly in front of him.

"Your Majesty, you're still ill, so don't dwell on this." Wen Shan took the medicine from the side and said, "Drink it first and get some rest."

Kangxi glanced at the bowl of medicine. "Is this really a tranquilizing medicine?"

"Yes, Imperial Physician Zhang prescribed it and it's brewed right here in the Yangxin Palace," Wen Shan said calmly.

Kangxi took it and, before drinking, said, "I trust only you."

Wen Shan smiled.

Kangxi drank the medicine. In his heart, Wen Shan was the most innocent and wouldn't lie. He could see through her at a glance. Now that he had suddenly fallen ill, there were many things he couldn't plan without taking the medicine. He had no choice but to trust Wen Shan.

Wen Shan took the bowl of medicine and set it aside. She took out a handkerchief and wiped Kangxi's mouth.

"Your Majesty, please sleep a little longer. The Imperial Physician said you need more rest, too."

Kangxi shook his head. "Call in Yinreng and Liang Jiugong."

Wen Shan readily agreed, wondering when Concubine Tongjia's medicine would take effect. Kangxi seemed quite energetic.

The medicine prepared by Concubine Tongjia proved to be quite effective. As soon as Wen Shan stood up, Kangxi felt dizzy. He rested his hand on his forehead and shook his head.

"You..."

Wen Shan paused, turned around, and tilted her head to look at Kangxi.

Kangxi's vision gradually blurred, and he fainted before he could finish his words.

Wen Shan stepped forward to check Kangxi's breath.

He was still alive, so he should be fine.

Wen Shan left the bedroom door and found Liang Jiugong waiting outside.

"Noble Consort, Prince Yong has sent someone to escort you back to Xianfu Palace."

Wen Shan wasn't sure when Liang Jiugong had been recruited by Yinzhen, but she wasn't surprised.

After all, in his previous life, Liang Jiugong had also been involved in the struggle for the throne, though he'd served the Crown Prince. It was no surprise

that Yinzhen was now in charge.

Tong Guowei and Concubine Tong Jia's smooth operation likely stemmed from Yinzhen's behind-the-scenes assistance.

"The Emperor has taken his medicine and is now asleep, saying he'll see Prince Li when he wakes up," Wen Shan said. "Please, Eunuch Liang, have Prince Li wait in the side hall."

"Your Majesty is too polite. This is my duty."

Concubine Tong Jia, still in the Yangxin Palace, glanced anxiously at Wen Shan upon her emergence. Wen Shan nodded and left.

It was now Yinzhen and Yinxiang's turn to do what was next.

On her way back to Xianfu Palace, Wen Shan happened upon the Ninth and Tenth Princes, who appeared to have just returned from outside the palace and were heading to the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

They greeted Wen Shan respectfully, and the Ninth Prince subtly hinted that Yinsi might be coming out soon. Wen Shan pretended not to understand, chatted with them for a few moments, and then took her leave.

As night fell and the wind began to pick up, Zhenzhu tied her cloak around Wen Shan and said, "My Lord, it's getting cold. Let's hurry back to the palace."

Wen Shan tightened her cloak and looked up at the full moon.

"Let's go, get some sleep. I'm afraid we won't be able to sleep the rest of the night."

After receiving word that Concubine Tong Jia had successfully drugged Prince Li, Tong Guowei set to work. Entering the palace, reaching the Hall of Mental Cultivation, and apprehending Prince Li, everything went incredibly smoothly, as if the heavens were on their side.

The journey was uneventful. Prince Li had just returned to court and hadn't cultivated any close confidants. Once Kangxi was controlled, he wouldn't have been able to fight back, and Tong Guowei's men easily subdued him.

Then, they thrust the long-prepared evidence of witchcraft into Prince Li's hands, and the scheme was complete.

"How is the Emperor?"

Tong Guowei had Prince Li under strict guard, then went to the inner hall to ask Concubine Tong Jia.

"He's still asleep. The dose we gave him will wake him with acupuncture."

Tong Guowei had also brought a trusted physician with him.

Concubine Tong Jia glanced outside and saw that many more guards were present.

"Is everything under control, Father?"

"Don't worry." Tong Guowei and Concubine Tong Jia walked towards the bedroom. "The Ninth and Tenth Princes have arrived and are handling matters outside. We can't keep this a secret for long. The Eldest and Fourth Princes could arrive at any moment. We must obtain the Emperor's will before they react."

As he spoke, a guard hurried over.

"Master Tong, I went to the clan affairs office, and the Eighth Prince is no longer there."

Tong Guowei: "What?"

They naturally had to use Kangxi's name to fetch the Eighth Prince first so that Kangxi's transfer of the throne to Yinsi would be legitimate.

"How could he be missing?" Tong Guowei frowned, sensing something was wrong.

The man replied: "We've sent people to look for him, but there's no news yet."

Tong Guowei gritted his teeth: "Send more people, but don't make a fuss. Let's settle this matter first."

Kangxi had already been awakened by acupuncture from the doctor inside.

"Ahem...it's you, Tong Guowei, how dare you!"

Tong Guowei lifted his robe and bowed deeply.

"Your Majesty, why do you say that? I've come to your aid. Prince Li is using witchcraft to bewitch Your Majesty in the palace, which is why Your Majesty is so obsessed with reinstating Prince Li as Crown Prince."

Kangxi was amused by his words: "You're willing to go to such lengths for Yinsi. I truly underestimated you."

"Your Majesty is hell-bent on reinstating the deposed Crown Prince. I, your minister, cannot bear to see the foundation of the Qing Dynasty destroyed."

Kangxi sat up and sneered: "Do you really think I'm unaware of your rebellious intentions? Longkodo, a mere Governor of the Nine Gates, is simply dreaming of controlling the Forbidden City."

With the example of Soetu before him, how could Kangxi not be wary of Tong Guowei?

Kangxi had long since secretly drained away many of Longkodo's men, and they were no longer a threat. The Fengtai camp had even sent word long ago.

Tong Guowei thought to himself, this is no wonder the journey was so smooth. Was it because the Emperor was deliberately letting them go?

Impossible! How could the Emperor drink that bowl of medicine?

Tong Guowei didn't have time to dwell on this now. He could only hurry and cut the Gordian knot by having Kangxi write the imperial edict of succession.

Kangxi stood still, waiting for the appointed person to come in. However, after a standoff between the two, no movement was seen. Kangxi frowned: "Liang Jiugong!"

Tong Guowei also sensed something was amiss. His years of court experience allowed him to quickly understand the situation. He

was probably being stalked by someone else.

In that case, Kangxi had to write the imperial edict of abdication and the enthronement of the Eighth Prince immediately.

"Your Majesty, now that things have come to this, you should write the edict."

Tong Guowei laid out the paper and pen. The flickering candlelight cast a shadow. Kangxi looked out the window and could clearly see the guards, but they were all motionless, as if deaf.

Tong Guowei didn't have the ability to do that, absolutely not.

There must have been a mistake somewhere.

Kangxi naturally would not write this edict. Tong Guowei became more and more anxious as time passed by. He wanted to hold Kangxi's hand and let him finish writing.

When the emperor and his minister were in a stalemate, there was a sudden movement outside.

The footsteps came from far away and sounded like the sound of a large group of people.

Tong Guowei thought to himself that it was not good. He was afraid that he would be made a wedding dress for someone else.

Kangxi obviously understood the current situation and was in the mood to chat with Tong Guowei leisurely.

"Guess who will come in later, Yinzhen, Yinzhi, or Yinsi."

Tong Guowei gritted his teeth. The sound of hand-to-hand combat was heard outside. This meant fighting had begun.

He pushed the door open and went out. A group of soldiers had already poured into the Yangxin Palace. All his people had been captured.

The ninth and tenth princes stopped outside the palace and cursed Yinzhen and Yinxiang who were surrounded.

"Fourth brother, breaking into the Yangxin Palace with a large army late at night, are you going to rebel?"