Chapter 35 Chapter 35 Wen Shan thought to herself, "As expected, she's a favored

concubine..." Wen Shan thought, "As expected, she's a favored concubine. Her actions are truly remarkable."

She even cheerfully asked Yinzhen and Yinsi what they were up to. From what they'd said that morning, she knew there was definitely something fishy going on.

But neither Yinzhen nor Yinsi would tell her.

In Suzhou and Hangzhou, Kangxi became increasingly busy, meeting with officials and inspecting government affairs, leaving him virtually invisible all day long. The occasional concubines he summoned were usually Consort Mi, and the rest of the time, Consort Mi would come to Wen Shan for free meals. So, from the day of her enthronement, Consort Mi had practically taken over Wen Shan's exclusive favor. For a time, she even lived in a side hall of Kangxi's bedroom. This level of favor left Rong Fei and the others stunned.

If this continued, she'd probably terrify everyone back at the palace.

Wen Shan finally returned to a happy and carefree life. Every day, she took Yinzhen and Yinsi on outings, and the three of them had a blast. While Concubine Mi

was favored, Guaerjia, who had come aboard with her, remained unfavored and unearned.

After waiting for several days, fearing that the Emperor would completely forget her if this continued, Guaerjia gritted her teeth and went to see Concubine Mi, hoping she would help her out of their past friendship.

Concubine Mi wasn't a heartless person and met with her, but she felt somewhat helpless to comply with Guaerjia's request.

Seeing Concubine Mi's expression, Guaerjia felt jealous, assuming she was worried about her vying for favor and therefore unwilling to help, and she quickly left in anger.

Concubine Mi's personal maid, Ruyi, observing her mistress's distress, counseled, "Miss Guaerjia knows nothing of your troubles. You need not grieve."

The imperial carriage had arrived in Suzhou, received by the governor, and now resting in one of his exquisite gardens. Rocky mountains and shadowy trees formed an elegant garden, a scene of graceful beauty.

"I've been here before," Concubine Mi suddenly said, gazing out the window at the beautiful scenery.

Ruyi, assigned to serve Concubine Mi after her enthronement, was unaware of her inner life and could only humbly reply, "I heard you were from Suzhou."

Concubine Mi smiled and said nothing more.

The governor's wife had just paid her a visit, and judging by her appearance, she could no longer recall her identity.

However, she remembered coming here with her father to celebrate the governor's promotion, following the crowd eagerly, eager to see the entire garden.

Back then, she never imagined she'd one day live here, or that the haughty governor's wife would prostrate herself at her feet to greet her.

"Greetings to Consort Mi,"

Liang Jiugong bowed as he entered, smiling, "The Emperor will be arriving shortly. Please prepare it."

Consort Mi winked at Ruyi, who understood and thrust a few ingots of silver at Liang Jiugong.

"Oh, how can I do this? Your Excellency is so polite," Liang Jiugong said, grinning from ear to ear. Consort Mi smiled faintly

, "Please accept this, eunuch. It's been a long journey, so just a little water."

Liang Jiugong accepted the silver and praised Consort Mi before departing.

Ruyi was thrilled: "Consort Mi, the Emperor truly dotes on you. Of all the concubines, he loves to come to our place the most."

Ruyi felt incredibly lucky. She hadn't expected to find such a favor after being assigned a master during her southern tour. With the Emperor's return imminent, she expected even more promotions upon her return to the palace.

Concubine Mi also breathed a sigh of relief, muttering, "I have to thank that sister, but I don't know who she is..."

Outside, the wind picked up, rustling the branches. Ruyi, momentarily unable to hear clearly, asked, "Concubine Mi, what did you say?"

"Nothing," Concubine Mi smiled. "Your Majesty, please come over and make preparations later."

Concubine Mi's exclusive favor naturally irritated the remaining concubines, especially Concubine Rong and Concubine Cheng. They had hoped to take advantage of the quiet southern tour to strengthen their relationship with Kangxi, but they hadn't expected the Emperor to favor Concubine Xuan for the first half of the tour, and now, just as they were about to return, Concubine Mi appeared to dominate the Emperor's reign.

Concubine Xuan was fine; after all, she was an elder in the palace, ranking above them. They could console themselves with Concubine Xuan's favor, but Concubine Mi's immense favor was a source of dismay.

How could a mere young girl have the Emperor become so obsessed with her?

Concubine Rong, Concubine Cheng, and Concubine Duan took turns complaining to Wen Shan, saying that the Emperor's favor for a woman from the Han Chinese region of Jiangnan would damage his reputation if word got out, and that Concubine Mi was just trying to win favor through seduction.

Wen Shan's ears were

practically callused after a few days. "What's wrong with Jiangnan women? I just think they're wonderful." After they left, Wen Shan and Zhenzhu chatted casually on Concubine Mi's behalf.

Regional discrimination is truly unpleasant to hear, no matter the situation.

Especially when it's insulting.

Zhenzhu smiled and said, "You ladies are just jealous and looking for an excuse."

You couldn't have Concubine Rong crying and shouting that she was jealous of the Emperor's favor and wanted to punish Concubine Mi.

Wen Shan stretched lazily. "If they keep going like this, the Emperor will get upset and offer Concubine Mi a banner, and she'll behave herself."

Although Concubine Mi was Han Chinese, she was also under the Han army banner; otherwise, she wouldn't have been sent to the palace. If Kangxi, in a fit of rage, had promoted her to a Manchu banner, those people would have been furious.

She'd better hurry back to the palace; she simply couldn't handle this situation.

Kangxi was often at Concubine Mi's, so Concubine Min came to Wen Shan's place more often. She

'd come over to chat with Wen Shan every few days. Concubine Min was particularly fond of Yinsi, and even Wen Shan could see the fondness in her eyes. She always brought gifts for the two children when she came.

Yinsi hadn't expected the Thirteenth Prince's biological mother to be so fond of him, and for a moment, he was speechless.

It was really absurd to think about it.

One day, Concubine Min came to visit again, and Yinzhen and Yinsi were about to go out for a stroll. Remembering Yinsi's previous absence, Yinzhen had found an opportunity to ask Kangxi to take Yinsi out for a stroll before returning to the capital.

The two brothers began changing their clothes early in the morning, and Wen Shan packed them and, along with a few young eunuchs, let them go.

Watching Yinsi and Yinzhen leave, Concubine Min said enviously, "Your Majesty is so blessed! Who wouldn't be jealous of two such outstanding princes?"

Wen Shan poured her tea and said, "You've said that many times these days. Don't be jealous. You will surely have a brilliant and outstanding prince in the future."

Concubine Min smiled and said, "Then I'll take your blessing, Your Majesty."

Wen Shan calculated that the Thirteenth Prince would be born in two years, meaning Concubine Min would be pregnant soon after returning to the palace.

The Thirteenth Prince's birth would surely be even more exciting.

Yinzhen and Yinsi left the villa and headed out onto the street. While the ancients said fireworks were a common sight in Yangzhou in March, the Jiangnan region, now in autumn, was also beautiful. The cool breeze blew, maple leaves fluttered crimson, the gurgling water swayed,

and the fragrance of osmanthus wafted through the air. The streets were filled with vendors, and the two wandered around the busiest streets, buying quite a few small trinkets. They stopped to rest until the eunuch following them was nearly covered in them. There was a famous dim sum place in Suzhou, and Yinzhen sent the eunuch off to buy some. The two chatted while waiting for the cakes to arrive.

Yinzhen and Yinsi were dressed in exquisite clothes and looked good. They were accompanied by many servants, and they looked like the sons of wealthy families. From time to time, there were bold merchants who took the initiative to recommend their own products.

Yinsi was in a good mood today, and he smiled and asked for everything he saw. Yinzhen was responsible for paying for it as his purse.

"Brother, you try it. It's not bad." Yinsi held up a piece of glutinous rice cake and strongly recommended it to Yinzhen: "Although it's not as delicious as the one made by mother, it has its own unique flavor."

Yinzhen took a bite from his hand and said it was not bad.

"Jiangnan is such a good place." Yinsi squinted his eyes and sighed, wondering in his heart if it would be possible for him to bring mother to live in Jiangnan after his fourth brother ascended the throne.

His fourth brother would definitely not let him, but he could run away with mother secretly.

As they were admiring the small bridges of Jiangnan, a group of soldiers suddenly approached from the end of the street. A young man in the uniform of a county magistrate, with a solemn expression on his face, led the soldiers and marched forward. People on the street made way, whispering to each other about what was happening.

Yinzhen looked over and said, "Looks like they're investigating a case at the government office. Let's get back quickly."

Since there was a case, this place was a hive of scum and a scoundrel, making it unsafe.

Yinsi also looked over, pausing his glutinous rice cake once he could clearly see the county magistrate's face.

Wasn't this Tian Wenjing?

One of his fourth brother's trusted advisors after he ascended the throne, a true late bloomer. During the Kangxi era, he remained a fourth-rank cabinet scholar until he was sixty. Later, under his fourth brother's guidance, he rose through the ranks to become the Governor-General of Henan, one of the most powerful provincial governors.

He had never expected to encounter him at this moment.

Recognizing Tian Wenjing, Yinsi didn't want to leave immediately, dragging Yinzhen along to see what was going on.

Yinzhen had always doted on Yinsi, so seeing this, he had no choice but to go along with him. Tian

Wenjing had just taken office the previous year and was now the magistrate of Changle County, which happened to be Kangxi's temporary residence during his southern tour. With the emperor personally visiting, Tian Wenjing had been incredibly busy and couldn't afford to make any mistakes. Unexpectedly, early this morning, someone went to the county government office, beating drums to complain about the seizure of private property by the Zuixianlou, the largest restaurant in Suzhou. A family of seven, young and old, all stood at the gate crying and making quite a commotion.

Tian Wenjing learned about the situation and learned that the family made a living by stewing mutton. Their fame in Suzhou and their well-being were due to a secret recipe passed down through generations. Unexpectedly, the owner of Zuixianlou had taken a fancy to it and wanted to buy it, but the owner naturally refused. Zuixianlou actually sent people to smash and rob the shop, stealing the recipe.

With witnesses and physical evidence, and a clear account of the entire incident, Tian Wenjing immediately sent for the Zuixianlou residents to be questioned. However, they were unable to summon them. Instead, the yamen runners returned with a message stating that the owner of Zuixianlou was the brother-in-law of the Suzhou governor, and that Tian Wenjing could handle the matter at his discretion.

Tian Wenjing sneered at this and immediately led his men to arrest the suspects.

How dare the current emperor commit such illegal acts under the emperor's nose, and even attempt to bend the law for personal gain?

Tian Wenjing, with the yamen runners, blocked the Zuixianlou entrance. Someone soon emerged, smiling, and said, "Sir Tian, you are an honored guest. Let's go inside and talk. I'll have someone prepare an elegant private room for you so we can sit down and talk."

"No need for that. Where is Zhao Ying? I'm here to summon him to the government office for questioning." Tian Wenjing looked straight ahead, ignoring the man's advances.

"The boss is not here today. If you have anything to say, just tell me. My name is Wang Li, and I'm the manager here." Wang Li naturally knew that Tian Wenjing came here because of the trivial matter in the morning. Although he still had a smile on his face, he was already cursing Tian Wenjing in his heart for not knowing how to be an official and being a fool. He made such a big fuss about such a small matter.

Wang Li stepped forward and reminded Tian Wenjing in a low voice: "Sir Tian, this is the property of the brother-in-law of Sir Gao, the governor of Suzhou. You and our master are officials in the same dynasty. Why don't you give us a

favor?" Tian Wenjing glanced at him and said: "Give us a favor? I'm afraid you can't make the decision yet."

After that, he looked at the Zuixianlou in front of him: "In this case, let's seal off the Zuixianlou according to the rules. We can talk about other things when Zhao Ying comes back."

"Come on, seal off the Zuixianlou for me!"

Wang Li panicked and shouted: "Sir Tian, what are you doing!"

Seeing that the yamen runners were about to rush in, a man in brocade and silk came out of the Zuixianlou. The man walked out quickly, pointed at Tian Wenjing's nose and cursed: "Tian Wenjing! You, a seventh-rank official, dare to seal off the property of our Zhao family!"

Tian Wenjing waved his hand to let the yamen runners withdraw for the time being.

"Zhao Ying, someone has accused you of seizing private property. Come with me to the county yamen."

Zhao Ying, unconcerned, approached Tian Wenjing and said emphatically, "Are you crazy? Do you know who my brother-in-law is? He's your immediate superior. He can remove your official hat with just one word!"

"I don't know which high-ranking official your brother-in-law is, but I know you, Zhao Ying, are a commoner. How dare you insult an official? Your crime is even greater. Take him away!"

Tian Wenjing waved his hand, and the yamen runners behind him swarmed over and arrested Zhao Ying.

Zhao Ying hadn't expected Tian Wenjing to actually attack him, and was momentarily panicked.

Yinzhen watched for a moment, approving, "This Tian Wenjing seems like an official unmoved by power or wealth."

Yinsi didn't respond, thinking, "Otherwise, Fourth Brother, you wouldn't have trusted him so highly.

" "Alright, there's nothing more to see." Yinzhen saw Zhao Ying about to be taken away by Tian Wenjing. The eunuch who had been sent to buy cakes returned, and he beckoned Yinsi back. It certainly looked like there wouldn't be much excitement. No matter how distinguished Zhao Ying's family was, as Tian Wenjing had said, he was a commoner, powerless to resist. He'd probably have to wait for his brother-in-law to rescue him from the prison

. Whether he could even get him out was uncertain. He was unlucky to have run into someone as ruthless as Tian Wenjing. Just as the two were about to leave, an official on horseback hurried over and immediately ordered Zhao Ying to be released.

"Hey, what are you doing? Why have you arrested Young Master Zhao?"

Yinzhen paused, scrutinizing the official uniform. He knew he must be the local prefect.

Tian Wenjing thought he was a step too late, but he didn't ask the guards to release Zhao Ying. He simply bowed, "Master Tong."

Prefect Tong helped Tian Wenjing up, saying, "Master Tian, you're welcome. What's going on?"

Zhao Ying was relieved to see Prefect Tong arrive. Fortunately, he had just sent word, otherwise he would have had to make a trip to that unlucky prison.

Now, let's see how arrogant Tian Wenjing was.

Tian Wenjing reported the matter in detail.

"Master Tong, the accuser is still waiting at the county yamen. According to Qing law, I must bring Zhao Ying back for questioning."

Prefect Tong lowered his voice, "Wenjing, why are you so stubborn? This man is the brother-in-law of Suzhou Governor Gao. Even if he goes to the yamen, he'll still be released. I think less is more. Please be kind and let him go. Otherwise, what if the governor comes to question you personally?"

Tian Wenjing remained steadfast and retorted, "Then let Master Gao come to me."

"You're confused! The emperor is in Suzhou now. Why bother to stir up trouble? What if Master Gao reports you directly to the emperor? Wouldn't your official career be ruined?" Prefect Tong was furious at his intransigence. This was the

problem with young officials. They were always so passionate about making decisions for the people, but there weren't so many decisions for them to make.

"The concubine favored by the emperor was also presented by Lord Gao. Aren't you courting death?" Prefect Tong tried to persuade him earnestly.

Zhao Ying, standing aside, also shouted arrogantly, "Tian Wenjing, if you kowtow and admit your mistakes to me now, I will forgive you this time. Otherwise, you will be in trouble!"

Tian Wenjing was too lazy to argue with them anymore and immediately ordered the yamen runners to escort the people back to the county government office.

Prefect Tong shouted, "Let's see who dares!"

The yamen runners were also in a dilemma. Lord Tian was their direct superior, but Prefect Tong was Lord Tian's superior. Who should they listen to?

Yinzhen looked at the tense scene in front of him and waved to the eunuch beside him to listen closer.

"Yes, I'll do it right away."

Prefect Tong and Tian Wenjing were puzzled by the sudden appearance of this young man. It wasn't until the eunuch produced a waist badge that their expressions changed. They exchanged glances and fell silent.

This badge was unique to the princes, and it bore the name of the Fourth Prince, Yinzhen.

The Fourth Prince had arrived?

The two men reconsidered, thinking that with the Emperor in Suzhou, it seemed natural for the Fourth Prince to be there.

Yinzhen didn't want to make a scene, so the eunuch signaled them to skip the formalities.

"My Lords, our Master has said that since there are laws, we must follow them. Let

Lord Tian take the men away." Prefect Tong's heart sank. With the Fourth Prince's presence, whether Zhao Ying could be saved or not was irrelevant. What mattered now was that the Fourth Prince had witnessed everything he had just done, and Lord Gao was also present...

Prefect Tong felt the word "over" echo in his head.

Fortunately, Yinzhen had no intention of making an appearance, and Prefect Tong quickly departed, leaving Zhao Ying unaware of what had transpired.

Why did Lord Tong run away as if he had seen a ghost, and who was that young man who just came over?

With Yinzhen's support, Tian Wenjing was no longer afraid of him. He simply waved his hand and asked the yamen runners to take Zhao Ying away.

But Tian Wenjing did not rush to leave. He waited until the onlookers had dispersed before he quickly walked to a small pavilion by the lake.

"Your humble servant greets the Fourth Prince!"

Yinzhen nodded slightly, not surprised that Tian Wenjing recognized them.

The two children Yinzhen and Yinsi were actually very conspicuous with several servants. In addition, the nobility of Yinzhen and Yinsi was too prominent. Tian Wenjing took a glance and found that these two children were not raised by ordinary families. They must have been pampered for many years to have such a demeanor.

"Today's matter must be handled impartially, and no one will make things difficult for you again." Yinzhen said.

Tian Wenjing said gratefully, "Thank you, Fourth Prince. I will enforce the law impartially."

Yinsi, looking at Tian Wenjing from the side, half-smiled, said, "Now that the Emperor is in Suzhou, an official like Lord Tian, who serves the country and the people, deserves to be commended by the Emperor."

It sounded like a compliment, but Tian Wenjing felt a chill run down his spine.

From Yinsi's address to the Emperor, Tian Wenjing knew he was also a prince. Considering his age and the fact that he was with the Fourth Prince, he must be the Eighth Prince, raised alongside him by Concubine Xuan. While

the Eighth Prince's words were purportedly a compliment, they were also a warning to him about whether they were deliberately being done to impress the Emperor.

Tian Wenjing sighed, truly a prince. Even at his young age, his intelligence was unparalleled.

"This is all within my responsibility. I dare not ask for anything more. Eighth Prince, thank you for your kind words," Tian Wenjing said respectfully, cupping his hands.

With his affairs complete, Yinzhen prepared to return home with Yinsi. Tian Wenjing watched the two princes depart, thinking that since being sent to Suzhou to serve as an official, he had assumed he would never return to the capital. Unexpectedly, he'd encountered the Fourth and Eighth Princes today.

On the way back, Yinsi asked, "Does Fourth Brother like Tian Wenjing?"

"He's a useful person," Yinzhen replied.

Yinzhen truly had a special fondness for officials who refused to bow to the powerful, formed no cliques, and were dedicated to serving the people with unwavering integrity.

Yinsi nodded, figuring that since they'd met in this lifetime, he shouldn't let Tian Wenjing wait until he was sixty to realize his ambitions.

Wenshan

was still chatting with Concubine Min. Their discussion of Concubine Mi, a recent favorite, had even Concubine Min, who usually paid little attention to such matters, curious about why Kangxi favored her so much.

Kangxi was always very stingy with harem ranks. Aside from those from prominent families who were granted high positions upon entering the palace, almost all other concubines had to start as concubines. For example, Concubine Min had to wait seven or eight years before receiving two grand titles to the Six Concubines before reaching the rank of Concubine. Meanwhile, Concubine Wang was granted the title of Concubine from her first appointment.

This was unheard of.

Wen Shan naturally had no idea; matters of the heart were inherently unpredictable. Perhaps Concubine Mi just happened to be Kangxi's type. Tours were already relaxing, and the company of beautiful women and beautiful women was even more rewarding.

However, there was likely some involvement from Yinzhen and Yinsi, but that was something she couldn't discuss with Concubine Min.

"I once met Concubine Mi when I went to pay my respects to the Emperor. She is indeed very pretty, with a temperament as elegant as an orchid." Concubine Min said, "But if

it comes to appearance alone, there are still some who can compare to her." Speaking of appearance, Concubine Niuhulu is bright and charming, Concubine Liang has delicate eyebrows and eyes, and Concubine De is also a beauty with bright eyes and white teeth. Each of them has their own merits and is no worse than Concubine Mi. The Emperor should not be fascinated by appearance.

Wen Shan didn't care much and said with a smile: "We are not the worms in the Emperor's stomach and cannot guess his intentions." They

are still on a southern tour now, and there will definitely be more excitement when they return to the palace.