Chapter 50 Chapter 50 "Fourth brother, let's go together...

" "Fourth brother, let's go together. I heard from my uncle that there is a hot spring on the mountain opposite. It is best to go there in autumn and winter to nourish your body." Yinsi was trying to persuade Yinzhen to accompany him to take a hot spring bath.

Yinzhen felt that it was too ostentatious and did not want to go. Yinsi kept trying to persuade him: "This is my uncle's own hot spring pool. It is quiet and there are not many people. It's okay." "

We are going hunting tomorrow, so it's a good time for us to relax. "

Yinzhen couldn't persuade Yinsi and finally had to compromise and go with him.

Bandi had indeed made proper arrangements, and the two of them didn't meet anyone along the way.

The reason why Yinsi forced Yinzhen to take a hot spring bath was because he saw Yinzhen exhausted from riding on horses every day these days, so he couldn't help but want him to relax.

The hot spring pool is not big, but the water quality is very good, and there are flowers everywhere around it. A mountain spring has been led down to the side to collect water for making tea.

Xiao Shunzi and Yinzhen's personal eunuch Jinbao were serving on the side. It was indeed quiet here with few people. In order to avoid suspicion, Bandi had sent everyone out of the hot spring villa long ago.

With no outsiders around, Yinsi talked about what he noticed today that the emperor had doubts about them.

"The prince told me a lot today, nothing more than saying that you are a traitor and asked me to stay away from you. "Yinzhen was actually in the mood to joke with Yinsi.

Yinsi smiled and obviously didn't care much about the matter.

"The prince's words are not wrong, but he is not very accurate."

The three of them were now traitors and none of them could escape.

The reason why Yinzhen and Yinsi accepted Kangxi's suspicion calmly was that once the arrow was shot, there was no turning back; sooner or later Kangxi would find out.

Moreover, with age as a shield, many things were easy to shirk.

"Having said that, let's keep quiet for the time being and don't make any moves." Yinzhen said after a moment's thought.

They were still far from the point of being able to confront the emperor head-on.

At least they had to wait until the prince fell.

But waiting another twenty or thirty years was definitely impossible. Yinsi had been thinking every day recently about how to make the prince's bomb explode as soon as possible.

"After we left this morning, the emperor sent people to keep an eye on Concubine Mi," Yinsi said, "fortunately, we were prepared. "

Mipin genuinely knew nothing. Even if she wanted to pass on the information, she wouldn't know who to pass it

on to. Besides, they had no bad intentions in supporting Mipin to gain favor at that time. It was simply because Wen Shan was too lazy to serve Kangxi and wanted to get rid of him quickly, so Yinsi found Mipin to take his place.

Later, he didn't expect Mipin to repay him for anything. It was just a good deed he did every day.

So Kangxi couldn't find out anything even if he tried to investigate. He couldn't figure out that Mipin had indeed been taught something on purpose, but the reason turned out to be Wen Shan to avoid favor.

From the day they decided to fight for the throne, Yinzhen and the others knew that such things would only happen more often in the future, so they were mentally prepared.

The temperature of this hot spring is just right and the water is especially clear. Yinsi squinted his eyes and sighed that he must bring his mother and thirteenth brother to take a bath next year.

After soaking for a while, Yinsi suddenly said: "I wonder what my thirteenth brother and mother are doing now? "

Now that he has the chance to monopolize mother, he will surely act tyrannically in Xianfu Palace.

Yinzhen also closed his eyes to rest, and when he mentioned his thirteenth brother, he slightly opened his eyes and said: "I think thirteenth brother has been led astray

by you, and he just knows how to stick to mother all day long." In the past, it was Yinsi who stuck to Wenshan every day, but when Yinsi's schoolwork became heavy, this little plaster became Yinxiang.

"Thirteenth brother has worked hard too, let him relax. "Yinsi said with a slight smile.

What he said was of course the hardship of Yinxiang in his previous life.

Yinzhen was speechless. In fact, his two younger brothers had indeed had a hard time in their previous lives. Yinsi did not say anything. Although Yinxiang no longer had to worry about intrigue and deception after he ascended the throne, he had been imprisoned for so many years in his youth, and he had an ugly quarrel with the emperor.

Yinsi did not like to mention the things of his previous life in front of Yinzhen for fear that Yinzhen would think too much.

He mentioned it today because he met Longkodo. He was just about to tell Yinzhen about his encounter with Longkodo today, Yinsi Another of Yinsi's personal eunuchs suddenly came in to report that Concubine Min had given birth the day before yesterday, a princess, and the news had just arrived.

Kangxi must have known by now.

This was expected, and Yinzhen and Yinsi weren't too surprised. Only Yinsi kept muttering to himself that it was a shame that their 13th brother, a stinky brat, had a well-behaved sister.

Yinzhen also had two sisters, born to the same mother. Upon hearing Yinsi's words, he recalled how he hadn't seen them much, aside from a few encounters at banquets like the full moon and first birthday celebrations.

"If only Mother could give us a sister, I could raise her in our Xianfu Palace and play with her every day." Yinsi began to dream.

He had mentioned this to Wenshan before, goading her into giving them a sister, which nearly got her to hit him with a rolling pin.

"Mother's already worked hard enough, so let's just forget it. "Yinzhen was the most considerate of Wenshan and said, "If you like, you can go to Jingren Palace with your thirteenth brother more often."

"No need. I don't like every sister." Yinsi was not interested. There was nothing interesting about any child who was not born by his mother or raised in their palace.

Wenshan, who was in the palace on the day when Concubine Min gave birth, was also caught off guard by the uninvited guest, the Imperial Noble Consort.

Although the Imperial Noble Consort had put on makeup to improve her complexion when she came in, Wenshan could still see the sickness and weakness in her body. After asking about her well-being, she said, "Your Highness, why did you come here if you are not feeling well? You should rest well."

Wenshan was sincerely urging her to take care of herself, and the Imperial Noble Consort naturally understood, so she just smiled and said, "I heard that Concubine Min was giving birth, and now Concubine Niohuru has gone to Mulan to hunt with her entourage. I was afraid that you would be too busy to handle it alone, so I came to see you. "

Now it is indeed only Wen Shan who is guarding Jingren Palace. Except for Concubine De, all the concubines above her rank have gone to Mulan Paddock. Concubine De has just come out of confinement and has to take care of the Fourteenth Prince.

It's just that the reason that she is afraid that she will be too busy is a bit far-fetched. Wen Shan can't help much. The midwife and all the supplies for delivery have been prepared early in the morning. As long as there is no problem during delivery, Wen Shan only needs to sit here and wait for the baby to be born.

Serve as a witness.

But since the Imperial Noble Concubine said so, Wen Shan couldn't refuse her face. After saying a word of thanks, she hurriedly led her to sit down.

The Imperial Noble Concubine's body is not necessarily stronger than Concubine Min who is giving birth inside.

"The Thirteenth Prince has grown so big." The Imperial Noble Concubine looked at Yinxiang beside her with a kind smile, "Come here, let the Empress Dowager see you. "

Yinxiang came forward obediently. The Imperial Noble Concubine looked at him carefully and then turned to Wenshan and said, "This is the first time I have seen the Thirteenth Prince. Now it seems that he looks more like the Emperor."

The Imperial Noble Concubine was ill and did not come to Yinxiang's full moon and one year old. She missed these two grand banquets and naturally had no chance to see Yinxiang again.

However, just as the Imperial Noble Consort had said, Yinxiang was indeed growing more and more like Kangxi. While not a striking resemblance, a certain resemblance was rare. His features, in particular, were unmistakable, a striking resemblance to Kangxi's, unique among all the other princes. Consequently, Kangxi had recently grown fonder of him.

Yinxiang said he looked like this in his previous life, and indeed, because of this resemblance, Kangxi had always doted on him and had deliberately made him a close friend of the Crown Prince.

"Yinxiang is the Emperor's bloodline, so some resemblance is natural," Wen Shan said.

The Imperial Noble Consort nodded, patted Yinxiang's head, and said, "Good boy, don't be afraid. A brother or sister will be brought out for you soon."

In the delivery room, Concubine Min suddenly cried out in pain, followed by the resounding cry of a baby.

Wen Shan's heart was finally at ease; the baby had finally been born.

Soon, the midwife emerged, carrying the baby, cleaned and wrapped in a bright red quilt.

"Reporting to the Imperial Concubine, Concubine Xuan, Concubine Min has given birth to a princess. She's healthy and well, and both mother and daughter are safe."

Wen Shan beamed, leaning over to take a look at the little princess. Though a little wrinkled at first, she looked strong and cried vigorously, a healthy child.

Yinxiang also pulled Wen Shan to see his sister, and Wen Shan lifted him up to let him see her.

Yinxiang looked at his monkey-like sister and whispered, "Don't worry, little sister! You'll grow up to be a beauty!

" The Imperial Concubine, aided by a palace maid, stood up and took a look at the little princess.

Seeing the newborn princess, the Imperial Concubine couldn't help but think of her own daughter, who had died shortly after birth, and a touch of pity filled her eyes.

"Concubine Min is blessed! Hurry

and take the princess inside to prevent her from catching a cold." The Imperial Concubine gently touched the princess's delicate face before quickly sending her back.

Concubine Min's delivery was safe, and Wen Shan and the Imperial Concubine stayed for a while until everything was completed and Concubine Min retired before they left.

During this time, Wenshan also let Yinxiang sneak in to take a look at Concubine Min, and the mother and son had a conversation. This was actually against the rules, but fortunately, the Imperial Noble Concubine turned a blind eye and pretended not to see it.

Jingren Palace and Chengqian Palace are adjacent to each other. Wenshan wanted to separate from the Imperial Noble Concubine at the door, but the Imperial Noble Concubine walked back to Chengqian Palace in just a few steps.

Unexpectedly, the Imperial Noble Concubine suddenly stopped her and said that the weather was nice today and she wanted to go for a walk in the Imperial Garden with her.

It was not that Wenshan did not want to take a walk with her, but she was really worried about the Imperial Noble Concubine's health.

However, the Imperial Noble Concubine insisted that Wenshan had to accompany her, and asked someone to call a sedan chair to follow, so that if the Imperial Noble Concubine was tired, she could go back to the palace to rest.

Naturally, Yinxiang followed Wenshan to the Imperial Garden.

When they arrived at Jiangxuexuan, they went in and sat for a while.

The Imperial Noble Consort was clearly exhausted; walking such a distance had already taken up most of her energy. So, after settling down, she didn't bother to exchange pleasantries with Wen Shan. Instead, she asked directly, "I heard that before the Empress Dowager passed away, she asked the Emperor to transfer the imperial certificate of a prince to your name. Is that true?"

Although rumors had been circulating, Kangxi's attitude was ambiguous, neither denying nor mentioning it. Furthermore, thanks to the efforts of the Hesheli family, the matter was suppressed until at least next year, so it gradually became less common.

Although Yinxiang was nearby, a child under two couldn't understand much, so the Imperial Noble Consort didn't avoid him.

So, Yinxiang gently nudged Wen Shan from below.

"That's true," Wen Shan admitted frankly after receiving Yinxiang's hint.

The Imperial Noble Consort breathed a sigh of relief when she heard the truth.

Then he added, "I'm willing to help you make this happen, but I have one condition: I want Yinzhen to register the title under your name."

Yinzhen

and Yinsi were chatting about the sudden news that Min Guiren had given birth to a daughter, when Yinsi continued the conversation and told Yinzhen about his encounter with Longkodo in the main camp today.

"Longkodo?" Yinzhen tilted his head.

He had never met Longkodo, but he had heard Yinzhen and Yinxiang mention him.

Longkodo was the son of Tong Guowei, the younger brother of the Imperial Noble Consort, and the nephew of Kangxi's mother, Empress Xiaokang Zhang. This made him both Kangxi's cousin and brother-in-law, a close relationship.

Yinzhen speculated that, according to what Yinsi and Yinxiang had said, Longkodo would one day become the Governor-General of the Nine Gates, in charge of the capital's defenses. He had delivered the Emperor's oral decree on the night of his father's death, and he and his thirteenth brother had led the troops to escort him to the throne.

According to Yinsi, Longkodo was a thorn in Yinzhen's side, so deeply embedded was it not until Kangxi's death at Changchun Garden that Yinzhen discovered that Longkodo, the seemingly loyal governor of the Nine Gates, was actually a member of the Fourth Prince's faction.

After all, Longkodo's father, Tong Guowei, the previous leader of the Tonggiya clan, was a core member of Yinsi's Eighth Prince's faction.

Yinsi had expected Longkodo to be a loyal and unyielding minister, but he unexpectedly turned against Tong Guowei, with the father and son each serving their own master.

Fortunately, Yinxiang, who had always sided with Yinzhen, could provide additional information.

A reconciliation between Yinxiang and Yinsi revealed something amiss.

According to Yinxiang, Longkodo had indeed had no dealings with them before Kangxi's death.

The first time we talked about this was one summer evening after dinner while still in the palace. Wen Shan was bathing and trimming Laifu and Fuqi's hair in the courtyard. Fuqi was more obedient than Laifu, remaining motionless even during his bath and nail clipping. Laifu, on the other hand, was like a firecracker in a pond, drenching everyone around him like they'd just been rained on.

Even Yinsi had politely declined a bath, leaving the task to the hardworking Xiao Shunzi.

Today, while enjoying the cool breeze, Wen Shan saw Fuqi and Laifu lolling their tongues from the heat, and she thought about giving them a bath and trimming their hair. While Wen Shan knew dogs dissipate heat through their tongues, their fur had little to do with their coats, but the scorching heat made her feel suffocated by the sight of their thick fur. Furthermore, they felt uncomfortable rolling around on the bluestone slabs to cool off.

So Wen Shan rolled up her sleeves and took charge.

Fuqi finished washing easily, shaking his fur obediently. Laifu, however, was a different story. He darted around the yard, nearly missing the treasures. Finally, Xiao Shunzi, an experienced dog-washer, caught him with his quick eyes and hands, then shoved him into the basin with lightning speed.

Wen Shan, hands on her hips, watched Laifu, still thrashing about, and, unable to bear it any longer, shouted into the house, "Yinsi, come and take care of your dog!"

Yinsi, oblivious to the noise outside, sat cross-legged on a low couch by the window, chatting with Yinzhen and Yinxiang.

The table was covered with chilled fruit. Yinxiang, too young to eat for fear of irritating his stomach, could only watch helplessly as his fourth and eighth brothers each ate a half-grown watermelon with a spoon.

Hearing the commotion outside, Yinsi calmly opened the window and said, "Mother, Fuqi is right here. Let him take care of his daughter." "

..."

He quickly closed the window.

Yinzhen held his forehead helplessly. Yinxiang, bored, ate a room-temperature plum with his still-grown teeth. After a long struggle, he couldn't even break the skin, leaving behind only a trail of saliva.

"My dear brother, you're so mean! How could Fuqi possibly control Laifu? You'd be more of a fool to say Laifu is Fuqi's mother," Yinxiang grumbled.

Ever since Yinzhen and Yinxiang started going to school early and late, the dog-walking job fell to Wenshan. Yinxiang always tagged along, Wenshan holding the two dogs in one hand and pushing him with the other, galloping through the Imperial Gardens.

Fuqi was obedient, but Laifu was a complete jerk. Once in the Imperial Gardens, he'd run into Yinqi, who was also walking his dogs, and Laifu would brutally beat up his father and brother, leaving Yinqi stunned.

What kind of dog is this?

Yinqi, tearfully saying this was probably the price he paid for skipping school to walk the dogs, returned home sobbing, holding the two dogs, bruised and battered by Laifu. He stopped skipping school every morning to walk the dogs. He'd have to

quietly ask Yinzhen and Yinsi before school each day if Empress Xuan would take Fuqi out for a walk the next day. If not, he'd definitely skip school the next day to walk the dogs.

Yinzhen and Yinsi would relay this story back, leaving Wenshan in a state of confusion.

Unfortunately, Laifu had become the most powerful of the palace dogs, daring to kick anyone who approached him.

Yinxiang suspected his old friend had taught him this, and was then given a stern lecture by Yinsi.

Yinsi didn't want to dwell on the matter, lest it escalate into a case of him failing to teach his dog well.

So he immediately returned to the topic they had been discussing: Longkodo.

Coincidentally, that day was the first time Longkodo had appeared at a palace banquet with Tong Guowei. Seeing them brought back memories for Yinsi, and upon returning, he confronted Yinxiang and demanded to know when Longkodo had become involved with them.

Yinsi's impression of Longkodo was profound. When Kangxi suddenly passed away in Changchun Garden, only nine people were present. Besides the eight princes, Longkodo was the only remaining minister.

It's safe to say that without Longkodo's support, Yinzhen's ascension to the throne, despite his military and military contributions, would have been far less effortless.

Yinzhen had heard Yinxiang and Yinsi mention Longkodo long ago. In his previous life, he had been raised by the Imperial Noble Consort until his teens, and only returned to Yonghe Palace after her death. So it made sense for him to call Longkodo "uncle."

As for Yinsi and Yinxiang's teasing about how, after ascending the throne, they had instructed all officials to write "Uncle Longkodo" in all future memorials referring to Longkodo, even he felt his toes twitching.

But from another perspective, Longkodo must have done something truly remarkable to deserve such a reward.

It was just that, still unaware of the true nature of the situation, he felt a bit embarrassed.

Yet, Yinxiang kept on saying that his fourth brother was such a genuine man.

He had never treated anyone loyal to him unfairly.

Yinsi, observing Yinzhen's stern expression and apparent bewilderment, feigned a nod and said, "Actually, it's still a bit behind the Thirteenth Prince's 'Greatest Man in the Universe.'"

This

silenced both Yinzhen and Yinxiang.

"Ahem, let's get back to Longkodo," Yinzhen put his hand to his lips, trying to steer the meeting back on track.

Yinxiang, who was so close to Yinzhen, had no idea what Longkodo had done in his previous life to earn his fourth brother's affection. It was clear they had crossed paths before that night at Changchun Garden, perhaps even secretly allying themselves with him. Yinzhen and Yinxiang had arrived at Changchun Garden together, and upon arrival, Longkodo had already informed Yinzhen of what had transpired there and had already summoned troops to guard the ministers in the capital.

This clearly indicated acquaintance.

But since his fourth brother hadn't told him, he didn't ask.

Moreover, from that day on, his fourth brother was no longer just his fourth brother; he was also the emperor he would always be wary of.

So even with Yinsi and Yinxiang, two reborn beings present, the exact moment Longkodo joined the Fourth Master's faction remained a mystery.

The only person who might know was Yinzhen himself in his previous life.

Since they couldn't figure out how they were connected, it was fine. After all, Longkodo was just like Nian Gengyao, spoiled by his favor. The more Yinzhen treated him, the more arrogant he became. In just three years, he went from being the emperor's most favored minister to a prisoner.

Speaking of this, Yinsi couldn't help but sigh that when it came to killing people and ruthlessly destroying their hearts, it was his fourth brother. After Longkodo's conviction, Yinzhen imprisoned him in a small house Yinzhen had built for him, right next to Changchun Garden, where he had risen to prominence after his meritorious service.

This was truly detrimental...

I wonder if, in his later years, the impoverished Longkodo, seeing Changchun Garden every day, would recall that night when he had so proudly escorted Yinzhen to the throne, thus ascending to the throne as a powerful official second only to the emperor.

This mental torture was so devastating that within a year, Longkodo became insane and died.

"Although he may easily become spoiled by favor, he is indeed a capable person," Yinxiang concluded his speech. "Furthermore, he has not yet entered the officialdom and is full of ambitions to realize, making it an opportune time to win him over."

Furthermore, he had the support of the Tonggiya clan. Although Tong Guowei was still the current leader of the Tonggiya clan, Tong Guowei was a seasoned figure. The last time he sided with Yinsi, he waited until it seemed the outcome was certain and Yinsi was about to ascend to the crown prince.

But it was still too early. The only prince who could challenge the crown prince was the eldest prince. His brothers were still young and inexperienced, making it difficult to win Longkodo over.

So, the group decided to take things slow and steady. Yinsi had secretly cultivated a network of contacts over the past few years, but fearing discovery by Kangxi, whose grip on the court was now exceptionally strong, he recruited officials in Beijing who were no higher than the third rank. He didn't even dare touch Ma Qi or Tong Guowei.

One wrong move and everything would be lost.

Returning to the present, Yinzhen had clearly recalled these events, and after a quick calculation, he noticed something was amiss.

"Longkodo seems to have entered the officialdom a little too early in this life."

This was precisely why Yinsi had been so shocked when he met Longkodo today.

"I've been thinking about this, too. Perhaps the court is much more chaotic now than before, and the Tong family can't sit still any longer, so they let Longkodo enter the court earlier," Yinsi said.

Yinzhen still said cautiously: "In short, be careful about everything. Now that things have changed, don't rely too much on your previous life, otherwise there will be trouble."

This is also what Yinzhen is most worried about. Obviously, this life has changed so much. He is a little worried that Yinsi and Yinxiang will underestimate the enemy and make mistakes.

"Don't worry about these brothers. It's hard to say about the Thirteenth Brother. I am the most cautious person in doing things."

Yinsi did not forget to secretly step on the Thirteenth Brother who was not here.

"..."