Chapter 45 Chapter 45 Yinsi sensed something was amiss…

Yinsi keenly sensed that the Emperor's visit today might be targeting their Xianfu Palace.

However, he couldn't discern any clues, so he could only answer questions politely, neither exceptional nor mediocre.

Kangxi nodded repeatedly, then addressed the ministers standing by: "My Eighth Prince, Yinsi, has been brilliant since childhood. He mastered everything quickly. Aside from the Crown Prince, he is my favorite. He is also respectful and humble, a role model for all the other princes."

As Kangxi finished speaking, Yinsi felt the eldest prince's disapproving gaze glare at him.

Yinsi ignored him. His eldest brother had a temper like a firecracker, easily ignited by the slightest hint of a response. He was obedient and oblivious to the Emperor's obvious ulterior motives.

The ministers who had reached this position today were all shrewd individuals. From Kangxi's tone, they knew the main character they had been summoned to see was the Eighth Prince.

Although they still couldn't grasp the Emperor's precise intentions, since he had already lauded the Eighth Prince to such a high standard, they could only offer a few compliments.

"Your Majesty, you are too kind. Your brothers' knowledge and character are superior to mine,"

Yinsi offered helplessly.

Kangxi didn't reply, but summoned Yinzhen again.

"Yinzhen, tell me, you and Yinsi were raised together under Concubine Xuan since childhood. What do you think of your Eighth Brother?"

What could Yinzhen think? Kangxi had already set the tone, and he couldn't argue. He could only say, "As Your Majesty has said, Eighth Brother is extremely intelligent and gifted."

"Ever since the Imperial Concubine's health began to falter, Yinzhen has made considerable progress under Concubine Xuan's care. It's clear that Concubine Xuan has taken good care of you."

Kangxi's main point today was unwavering praise, complimenting Yinzhen and Yinsi on everything they said.

Furthermore, because Tong Guowei was present, the reason for taking Yinzhen away from the Imperial Noble Consort was that the Imperial Noble Consort was ill and unable to care for him.

Kangxi's particular attention to the Fourth and Eighth Princes, coupled with his repeated mention of Concubine Xuan, left these shrewd ministers somewhat bewildered.

What did the Emperor mean by this? Was he going to reward Concubine Xuan and honor her three sons?

But the Imperial Noble Consort, though gravely ill, was still alive. According to ancestral family law, there could only be one Imperial Noble Consort; the next higher could only be the Empress.

Upon closer consideration, the few realized Concubine Xuan's family background perfectly qualified.

She was of the Khorchin Mongol clan, one of the most distinguished within that lineage. Concubine Xuan's grandmother was Princess Heshuo, adopted daughter of Emperor Taizong. Concubine Dao of Emperor Shizu was Concubine Xuan's aunt. Her brother married Princess Gulun Duanmin, giving her close in-law ties to the Aisin-Gioro clan.

Her family background was impeccable. Though childless, she had raised three princes. Today, with the exception of the youngest, the Thirteenth Prince, the remaining Fourth and Eighth Princes were being praised to the skies by the Emperor, who repeatedly emphasized the importance of Concubine Xuan's upbringing.

This line of thought suggested that the Emperor intended to crown Concubine Xuan as Empress.

Soetu and the others rarely saw the other princes; after all, they hadn't yet entered the court. Seeing them today, even among the other distinguished princes, the Fourth and Eighth Princes stood out. The Fourth Prince was a man of integrity, and they had heard of his stubborn temper, but now he appeared dignified, upright, and composed.

The Eighth Prince, even more so, possessed a gentle demeanor and a distinguished demeanor. Although he spoke little, his conversations with the Emperor were always well-balanced, displaying the dignity of a true prince.

Last year, the Eighth Prince had also successfully received the smallpox vaccination, and they were practically grown. With two such outstanding princes being raised by Concubine Xuan, if she were to be crowned Empress, they would again have the status of semi-

legitimate children. Furthermore, it was rumored that the Emperor had even agreed with the Grand Empress Dowager to transfer the imperial genealogy of one of the princes to Concubine Xuan's name, effectively making him legitimate rather than semi-legitimate.

Soetu and Mingzhu exchanged a glance, both feeling a sense of foreboding.

If Concubine Xuan were indeed crowned Empress, it would be bad news for both the Crown Prince and the Eldest Prince.

Aside from a few ministers, the other princes present, with the exception of the Fifth and Tenth Princes, who were naturally slow to react, also grasped Kangxi's intentions.

Suddenly, undercurrents surged throughout the Shangshufang. Kangxi, having stirred the pot, said nothing further, but cheerfully led the ministers away, reassuring them that it wouldn't interfere with their lessons.

"Eighth brother, what did the Emperor mean by what he said today..." After the class at noon, the Ninth Prince and the Tenth Prince could leave school. Before leaving, the Ninth Prince secretly ran over to talk to Yinsi.

Yinsi was packing up his writing brush and saw him coming and just smiled: "The Emperor was just in a good mood today and said it casually. When you and Tenth Brother grow up, the Emperor will find that the talents of all the younger brothers are better than mine."

The Ninth Prince touched his head and left first when he saw Yinsi didn't want to say more.

Not long after, Zhenzhu came with a food box to deliver lunch to Yinzhen and Yinsi. Before leaving, Yinzhen said: "Sister Zhenzhu, go back and tell mother that we will find a random excuse to close the door to visitors this afternoon and not see anyone."

Although Zhenzhu didn't know why, since the princes were getting older, Yinzhen and Yinsi basically had the final say in Xianfu Palace, so she agreed directly.

Today the sun came out from the west, and the Crown Prince actually sat down with the eldest prince to eat. The fifth prince came over as usual to eat for free. Wen Shan knew that the fifth prince would come to eat for free, so she usually made portions for three people. But today Yinzhen and Yinsi had something to talk about, so she separated the fifth prince's portion and asked him to eat aside.

The fifth prince grumbled that they were both stingy, then turned around and happily went to find the seventh prince as his partner for dinner.

Yinzhen glanced at the Crown Prince and the eldest prince in the distance who were chatting happily, and said in a deep voice: "Is the emperor coming here today to say these things to make enemies for my mother and us?"

This is too obvious flattery.

The Emperor's desire to make his mother Empress was absurd. After Yinsi and Yinxiang explained how his father single-handedly secured the crown prince's reinstatement in his previous life, even after deposing the crown prince and all the court officials and military officials nominated his eighth brother as the new crown prince, Yinzhen understood that the crown prince was not only his father's own son, but also his greatest political achievement.

Even when the crown prince had shown signs of incompetence, his father, despite the ministers' opposition, even cited the absurd claim that the Grand Empress Dowager had appeared in his dream to restore him, reinstating Yinreng. This was even more so for the crown prince, who was now considered flawless and flawless.

Making his mother Empress Empress would have severely threatened the crown prince's position, something the Emperor would have to be insane to do.

The problem was that while they knew the Emperor's protectiveness towards the crown prince, the ministers and the other princes, and perhaps even the crown prince himself, were unaware.

Judging by the expressions of Soetu and the others today, they must have thought that the Emperor was going to make E'niang the Empress, and this was a heads-up.

Yinsi poked at the vegetables on his plate and thought for a moment.

"The Emperor is trying to use the former court and the harem to prevent our imperial edict from being transferred to E'niang's name."

Yinzhen understood instantly as soon as Yinsi said this.

With the Emperor's actions today, no one, whether in the court or in the harem, would want the Emperor to follow the Empress Dowager's wishes and assign a prince to E'niang.

E'niang being Empress was one thing, but having an extra legitimate prince was another.

"And the genius of the Emperor's move is that even if Mother is never made Empress, the court officials won't be willing to change the Imperial Book of Records. Today, the Emperor has reminded everyone that there's still a Noble Consort Xuan in the harem. She has a family background, an adopted son, and has been in the harem for many years without any mistakes. She could be made Empress."

The more Yinsi thought about it, the angrier he got. The Emperor was cutting off the source of the trouble. Since he was trapped by filial piety and had no other options, he could ask the court officials to help him figure out how to change the Imperial Book of Records to Mother's name.

Sure enough, the Emperor was still a master at manipulating people's hearts.

Yinzhen rubbed his forehead and said, "We're still so inexperienced that we can't stand up to the Emperor."

Yinsi thought for a moment and said firmly, "No, brother, you must get your imperial certificate transferred to Mother's name. If

we can't even do it with Mother Wuku's last wish, it will be even more impossible in the future." "Let's think of another way. Let's go back to Old Thirteen tonight and discuss it with us brothers."

Wenshan was also a little confused when she received the news from Zhenzhu.

"Did anything happen in the Shangshufang today?" Wenshan asked.

Zhenzhu said, "I don't know, but it seems that the Emperor brought Soetu and several other adults to the Shangshufang to visit the princes today."

Although she didn't know what happened, it was always right to listen to Yinzhen.

Wen Shan continued to fiddle with the pots of peonies just delivered from the greenhouse. She waved her hand and said, "Then I'll listen to Yinzhen. He said I'm not feeling well today and won't see anyone."

Before her nap, Wen Shan had taken a moment to ponder who might be coming to see her: Concubine Niohuru, Concubine Rong, or Concubine Hui?

Unexpectedly, when she woke up, she saw a long list of names presented by Zhenzhu.

From Concubine Niohuru to several noble ladies and maids, half the palace staff had arrived, and they were all in groups.

Wen Shan felt like a monkey at a zoo, being lined up for a tour.

"I said the Empress was feeling unwell and was resting, so the other ladies went back. However, a few brought a lot of gifts, and I couldn't refuse, so I had to accept them for now and leave them in the palace."

When Yinzhen and Yinsi returned from the Shangshufang that evening, they saw a nearly mountain of boxes piled on the table in the main hall.

"Wow, Mother, I thought someone would give you a gift, but I didn't expect the Empresses to be so generous." Yinsi, hands behind his back, stepped forward and casually flipped through the items.

"The ruby that Concubine Rong gave me is so big. This jade and pearl hairpin is lovely. It must be to your liking. It was given by Concubine Dong..."

"My dear brother, please stop flipping through the items." Yinxiang waited anxiously. "Is it true that the Emperor intends to make you Empress?"

This news reached Xianfu Palace that afternoon. Wenshan and Yinxiang were both shocked, but they didn't know the details. They could only wait until Yinzhen and Yinsi returned.

Yinzhen had already taken a seat across from Yinxiang. Yinsi rubbed Yinxiang's head and lifted his skirt to sit beside him.

Wen Shan also looked at them eagerly: "What happened today?"

"Don't worry, mother," Yinzhen soothed. "It's nothing serious. Let Eighth Brother tell you."

Yinsi told Wen Shan about what happened in the Shangshufang today and his and Yinzhen's speculations, and Wen Shan immediately became furious.

"Isn't this a big deal?" Wen Shan asked hurriedly. "Isn't the Emperor starting to be wary of you two?"

How could putting Yinzhen and Yinsi in opposition to the Crown Prince be a good thing?

"Mother, it's not that serious. The Emperor probably just doesn't want to change the Imperial Book of Imperial Supplement for either of us. How can my fourth brother and I, who haven't even entered the court, shake the Crown Prince's position?" Yinsi said.

The Emperor was just using the Emperor's power to gain advantage.

Yinxiang, listening for a long time, suddenly blurted out: "Since the Emperor doesn't want to change the Imperial Book of Imperial Supplement, then why wouldn't he have sent me away?"

"You only care about your own interests." Yinsi tapped Yinxiang's head.

Yinxiang was unconvinced: "Well, at least we're not completely defeated."

There's still some good news, isn't there?

Unexpectedly, Yinzhen's face turned grave: "Since the Emperor has already started to take action against us, it's likely he'll do more than just that."

"I think it's more likely he'll send Thirteenth Brother away."

Yinsi nodded in agreement: "My fourth brother and I agree. If the Emperor wants to punish Mother and the three of us, he can't just keep stirring the fire; he needs to remove the root cause. So I'm afraid he'll soon bring up Thirteenth Brother."

The issue ultimately stemmed from Wenshan's high family background and the number of princes she controlled. After leveraging the influence of so many people in the imperial court to temporarily postpone the revision of the imperial genealogy, Kangxi freed himself to resolve the issue fundamentally.

Wenshan's lineage couldn't be changed, and the Khorchin family's long-standing friendship with the imperial family made that impossible. So, the only option was to move on from these children.

As Yinzhen and the others thought, Yinzhen and Yinsi were already grown up, and the best option was to find someone else to raise Yinxiang.

Yinxiang's expression changed drastically, and before he could even finish his happiness, he was back to looking sad.

Wen Shan also frowned and said, "Well, how about returning these things first?"

"Why return them after they've already been given to me?" Yinsi said with a smile, "Mother, I haven't even met them, let alone said anything. The concubines all had their own valid reasons for sending these things. Mother, just keep them for fun."

Wen Shan: "..."

What a top-notch trick!

Yinzhen also said, "Mother, just continue to pretend you don't know about this. If you find it too troublesome, just stay in the palace for a few days. I'm sure there will be a result soon."

Yinxiang raised his hand, jumping up and down in front of his two brothers: "What should I do, Fourth Brother, Eighth Brother, think of a solution!"

Yinzhen pushed him down and said, "Just stay here and accompany Mother. These matters are none of your business."

Yinsi was explaining to Wenshan what to do if the Emperor mentioned taking the Thirteenth Prince away. Wenshan was a Noble Consort after all, and unless she had committed a grave mistake like the previous Imperial Noble Consort, Kangxi would definitely have to discuss the matter with her in person.

Before he could finish his instructions, Liang Jiugong arrived, saying that Kangxi would be coming to Xianfu Palace shortly.

It turned out to be completely predicted.

With Kangxi's arrival, Yinzhen and Yinsi couldn't stay there any longer. They went to the Ganxi Wusuo together, saying they had some matters to discuss.

Not long after the two of them left, Kangxi arrived.

After entering the hall and calling them casually, Kangxi sat down on the couch and asked: "Where are Yinzhen and Yinsi? Why don't you see them?" "

It's late, Yinzhen is inconvenient to stay in the inner palace, so he has returned to the Ganxiwu House. Yinsi had some academic questions in the Shangshufang today, so he went with Yinzhen." Wen Shan served tea to Kangxi.

Kangxi nodded.

Yinxiang was placed in the small bed. When he entered the room, he asked Kangxi how he was. Kangxi picked him up and let him sit in his arms.

Now, while teasing Yinxiang, he said: "I went to the Shangshufang today to see them studying. They are doing well and have made great progress."

Yinzhen and Yinsi had told her that no matter how intense the rumors, the Emperor would never mention them in front of her. This was the Emperor's shrewdness, leaving some room for interpretation, so that whatever got out wouldn't be linked to him. After all, today, he had simply praised his son's academic performance in the Shangshufang and, incidentally, praised Wenshan's careful upbringing.

So, since Kangxi wouldn't mention Wenshan, she could just play dumb.

Kangxi picked up Yinxiang, weighed him, and said, "I feel he's heavier than when Yinzhen and Yinsi were little."

Wenshan smiled, thinking that Yinzhen didn't know, and he hadn't held Yinsi much at his age.

"But Xiaojiu is still the chubbiest. Now that he's a little older, he's feeling better." Kangxi put Yinxiang down and casually fed him a grape.

Wenshan was a little confused by Kangxi's sudden casual talk. What did he mean?

There must be some hidden trap.

But she couldn't just smile and not say anything, so she could only say: "Ninth Prince was born stronger than other children, so he hasn't been sick so far."

Kangxi nodded: "That's right, Yin'e has been sick and in pain every other day. No matter how attentive Concubine Niohuru is, he is still born with some deficiencies. The princess died some time ago, and I saw Concubine Niohuru lose weight. It's really hard for her to take care of Yin'e."

Wen Shan: "All mothers are like this."

Kangxi had been chatting for so long and finally got to the point with this incident.

"Noble Consort Niuhulu is heartbroken over the death of the princess. I see you've worked so hard for the Grand Empress Dowager's funeral, and you've become quite haggard."

Speaking of the Grand Empress Dowager, Wen Shan became somewhat melancholy, saying only, "The Grand Empress Dowager has taken such great care of me. This is not enough to repay even a fraction."

Wen Shan's grief and her sincere mourning over the past few days were undeniable, and Kangxi couldn't help but be moved. He took her hand and said, "Now that the Grand Empress Dowager's mourning period is over, you can rest a bit. If you find it tiring, why not send Yinxiang to Noble Consort Min first?"

Being moved was certainly moving, but involving political matters was another matter.

Kangxi hadn't forgotten the primary purpose of his visit today, and he took the opportunity to bring up the matter of raising Yinxiang.

Yinxiang's ears perked up at this. He knew Kangxi well. The Emperor had doted on him, especially after his mother's death, and he showed great compassion, often taking only him and the Crown Prince with him on hunting trips. Later, he had done his utmost to cultivate him into a strong supporter of the Crown Prince. Sadly, the outcome wasn't as his Emperor had envisioned, a harmonious relationship between brothers, a loving father, and a filial son. Ultimately, their relationship ended in severance.

This made him realize even more that the Emperor was the most ruthless and heartless person in the world when it came to matters of state.

Wenshan, too, felt a sense of foreboding. Now, if Yinxiang were to be sent back to Concubine Min, they would find a reason to hand him over to someone else for upbringing.

The four of them had already analyzed these circumstances, and Kangxi's plans had been anticipated.

Yinxiang innocently said, "Father, my mother has been grieving for Huang Wuku lately. Fourth and Eighth Brothers are in the Shangshufang all day, so I must stay with her. Otherwise, she will be so distressed."

This was something Yinxiang, still just a year old, could only say. Innocent children

speak without restraint.

Yinxiang's implication was that Wenshan was mourning for the Grand Empress Dowager, and now, just after the mourning period ended, they were taking away her only son who could be by her side. It seemed excessive no matter how you looked at it.

But Yinxiang's words were too blunt for Kangxi to refute, and he could only praise him with a bit of embarrassment: "Yinxiang is very filial."

Wenshan also said softly: "Thank you for your understanding, Your Majesty. Some time ago, I was keeping vigil for the Empress Dowager in the Cining Palace, and Concubine Min often came to the Xianfu Palace to help me look after the Thirteenth Prince. Now that the mourning period is over, it would be good for Concubine Min to have a rest."

"Now that Yinzhen and Yinsi are grown up, I can't worry about them much. They were all taught by the Emperor. Only Yinxiang can I still take care of him without much effort."

The mother and son sang the same tune. Wenshan was filial, Yinxiang was filial, so who was not filial?

Filial piety weighed heavily on Kangxi, so he couldn't say anything. He could only end the topic hastily. After sitting for a while, he said that he had something to do in the Yangxin Palace and left.

As soon as Kangxi left, Wen Shan breathed a sigh of relief, clutching her chest and saying, "I was so scared! Luckily, I prepared all these words in advance."

Yinxiang sat down beside Wen Shan and rubbed her arm affectionately, saying, "Don't worry, mother. The Emperor won't mention this matter for a while. Fourth and Eighth Brothers have plans for the future."

When Yinzhen and Yinsi were mentioned, Wen Shan hurriedly summoned Zhenzhu and told her to take some soup to the Ganxi Wuso, to see that they had it, and then to bring Yinsi back.

Yinzhen and Yinsi, who were in the Ganxi Wuso, also looked solemn. Meanwhile, the eldest prince had even stopped by. "Why are you here today, Eighth Brother?" The eldest prince entered with a young eunuch. Seeing Yinzhen and Yinsi there, he raised an eyebrow in surprise.

"I didn't understand something the teacher was talking about today, so I came to discuss it with Fourth Brother," Yinsi said.

The eldest prince, not at all a stranger, found a chair and sat down, beckoning the eunuch to open the food box he was carrying, revealing several plates of snacks.

"I originally wanted to chat with my fourth brother, but I couldn't come empty-handed, so I brought some midnight snacks. They certainly can't compare to what Noble Concubine Xuan makes, so please bear with me."

The eldest prince's attitude was very humble, unlike his usual self. Yinzhen and Yinsi exchanged glances and knew what was going on. It was probably Mingzhu's private advice.

Yinsi smiled and said, "You're too polite, brother. There's no need for compromise between us brothers. It's a great honor for you to come."

The eldest prince had probably come here to get some information from Yinzhen, but unfortunately, Yinsi was also there. Although Yinsi was a few years younger, the eldest prince knew that he was a slippery man and could be tricked into revealing things, so he left without saying a word.

"Counting the days, Mingzhu will be dismissed and investigated next year." Yinsi said leisurely as he watched the eldest prince leave.

After Soetu's downfall, Mingzhu not only took over his position as Prime Minister, but also learned his skills of forming cliques and pursuing personal interests. Even worse, he started selling official positions and titles. It seemed that he was about to be liquidated by Kangxi.

After Mingzhu's downfall, the eldest prince became much more honest. The next time he jumped up again, it would be to join Kangxi in the expedition against Galdan and make military achievements.

"We have to start preparing as we discussed before." Yinzhen pondered for a while, "We must protect the thirteenth brother, but be careful in everything."

"Don't worry, fourth brother, everything is ready. With the list given by Mother Wuku, many things will be much easier to do." Yinsi said with a slight smile.

He looked very confident.

Compared to Yinzhen and Yinxiang, Yinsi was more suitable for handling the affairs of the inner palace, so now this part of the affairs and people were handled by Yinsi, with Yinzhen assisting. Ministers from the court and the public contacted Yinsi and began to deliberately let Yinzhen take over slowly.

"Fourth Prince, Eighth Prince, the Imperial Concubine sent a servant to bring you two some midnight snacks." Zhenzhu's voice sounded outside the door.

Yinzhen and Yinsi smiled at each other, knowing in their hearts that this was their mother reminding them not to be busy too late and to rest quickly.

Wenshan prepared yam and pork rib soup and taro and sweet potato cakes. Yinzhen and Yinsi ate together before Yinsi prepared to leave with Zhenzhu.

Yinzhen rubbed his forehead as he watched Yinsi leave and prepared to wash and rest. However, just as he was about to call someone in to serve Yinsi, she sneaked back.

"Fourth brother, I have something else to tell you."

Yinzhen pulled him in. Although summer was approaching, it was very cold outside because of the rain today: "What's the matter?"

"Brother, I have thought about this for a long time and finally made up my mind today." Yinsi said slowly, raised his head and said firmly and forcefully: "I have made up my mind. From now on, you and Thirteenth Brother will still pretend to stand on the side of the prince, and I will continue to be the Eighth Wise Prince and compete with the prince as before."