Chapter 74 Chapter 74 Wenshan, Yinsi, and Yinxiang...

Wenshan, Yinsi, and Yinxiang finished their dinner shortly before Yinzhen returned.

"Fourth brother, how is it?" Yinxiang asked impatiently.

As the weather warmed, Zhenzhu brought a bowl of cold tea. Yinzhen took it and drank it in one gulp. He wiped his hands with a handkerchief before saying, "Wang Chongyu and Dai Zi have been detained by the Emperor at the palace. The Ministry of Works and the Firearms Battalion also entered the palace overnight."

Steelmaking and musketry were both important matters of state, and Kangxi, a man of insight, naturally attached great importance to them.

As for the steam engine, they had kept a secret and didn't reveal it too soon.

Yinsi sat cross-legged on the couch, resting his chin on his hand, and asked, "Did the Emperor give Ma Qi any reward?"

Yinzhen smiled, then shook his head.

Yinxiang's eyes shifted, and he caught on to their thoughts. He smiled and said, "That's the best of both worlds. "

Wenshan was the only one in the room, bewildered. She wondered why not giving Ma Qi any reward was a good thing.

While the steelmaking method was theoretically developed by Yinzhen's retainers, according to Yinzhen and Ma Qi's accounts, Ma Qi was solely responsible for all matters outside the palace, and it was he who reported to Kangxi, so a reward was naturally in order.

Yinsi smiled and said, "Mother, if the Emperor rewards Ma Qi, it would clearly separate Ma Qi from my fourth brother. He would receive the reward in silver and goods."

As the person in charge, Kangxi clearly had no intention of rewarding Yinzhen. If he didn't reward Yinzhen but instead rewarded Ma Qi, it would be more of a warning to Ma Qi to stay out of the emperor's affairs.

Not rewarding him would be tacit approval of Yinzhen and Ma Qi's private dealings.

Wen Shan, after hearing this, felt that the court was indeed more complex than the harem, and Yinzhen and Yinsi wouldn't be at a disadvantage in such matters, so Wen Shan didn't ask further questions and simply talked about another matter.

"Noble Concubine Niohuru fell ill yesterday. She said it was because of her anger over the Niohuru clan." Wen Shan sighed and said, "I just calculated it because Noble Concubine Niohuru is ill, and it seems to be true..." Noble

Concubine Niohuru died this year in her previous life, but she had always been in good health and full of energy, so Wen Shan had forgotten about it for a while.

"Was it always like this?" Wen Shan asked.

Yinsi nodded. "Alinga's dismissal coincided with the most turbulent times for the Niohuru clan. Ebilun's choice of Alinga as the next head of the Niohuru clan wasn't simply a favoritism towards his youngest son. Although Alinga wasn't particularly bright, he was still much better than his brothers."

Especially Noble Concubine Niohuru's younger brother, Faka, was only suitable for a life of wealth and leisure. He was far too unqualified to shoulder the responsibilities of the Niohuru clan.

Yinxiang put his hands behind his head and lay back and said: "If Concubine Niohuru was a little stupid, it would not be a big deal. But Concubine Niohuru was not confused. After that impulse passed, she figured it out herself. In fact, to overthrow Alinga was to overthrow the Niohuru family."

This kind of family feud between brothers should have been suppressed as much as possible and not caused a big uproar, otherwise it would only damage the foundation of the Niohuru family. As a result, Concubine Niohuru did not turn back because of her impulse. It was only after the Niohuru family started to have some troubles that Concubine Niohuru regretted her decision.

"Ever since she was made to kneel all night on New Year's Eve, Concubine Niuhulu's legs seem to be ailing," Wen Shan said, frowning. "And Concubine Tong is constantly provoking her, so Concubine Niuhulu has had a very difficult time these past six months."

This combination of factors led to Concubine Niuhulu's illness, which was severe. The imperial physician explained it as a result of emotional distress, compounded by a recurring leg ailment, making treatment difficult.

Upon learning of this, the Empress Dowager personally prayed repeatedly for Concubine Niuhulu before the Buddha.

During Wen Shan's visits, the Empress Dowager frequently inquired about Concubine Niuhulu's condition.

"Amitabha, this is actually my fault," the Empress Dowager said, feeling somewhat uneasy. "In my momentary anger that day, I didn't expect to cause Concubine Nianhulu to become ill."

"Your Majesty, you didn't mean to do it. Besides, you sent quite a few gifts, so I'm sure Concubine Nianhulu understands your intentions," Aunt Heyu advised.

It wasn't the Empress Dowager's fault; it was all a series of twists and turns.

Seeing the Empress Dowager's still-concerned expression, Wen Shan said, "If you're still worried, why don't I accompany you to Yongshou Palace to see Concubine Nianhulu?"

"That's not necessary," the Empress Dowager sighed. "If I actually see her, I'll be terribly worried."

In recent years, the Empress Dowager has become increasingly convinced of the Buddhist doctrine of karma and reincarnation, and she's especially mindful of matters that could damage her good karma.

Ultimately, Wen Shan, entrusted by the Empress Dowager, brought a collection of rare medicinal herbs to Yongshou Palace.

Wen Shan felt a sense of daze upon entering Yongshou Palace. It was as if she had been transported back to Chengqian Palace, where Empress Tongjia had been gravely ill . The palace inhabitants hurried in and out, their heads bowed. The stench of medicine wafted through the air.

Concubine Niuhulu's personal maid led Wen Shan into the inner hall, where the odor of medicine intensified and the curtains were drawn, creating a dim glow.

Niuhulu, in her nightgown, was helped to a sitting position by a maid. Seeing Wen Shan enter, she weakly said, "My sister is here."

Wen Shan felt a pang of pain at the sight of Niuhulu. After all, the two had been together in the palace for over a decade. While their relationship wasn't close, it was certainly not hostile. Furthermore, when Niuhulu gave birth to the Tenth Prince, they had a brief, intimate friendship with Concubine Yi.

Wen Shan knew that Concubine Niuhulu wasn't a sinister person, but rather that the burdens she carried were finally wearing her down.

Wen Shan had visited Concubine Niuhulu when she first fell ill. At the time, she was still okay, just a little frail, unable to walk due to a leg injury.

Unexpectedly, her condition had worsened just a dozen days later.

"The Empress Dowager asked me to come and see her, and she brought a lot of gifts." Wen Shan approached and sat by Concubine Niuhulu's bedside. Pearl and Amber followed behind, holding the gifts the Empress Dowager had sent.

Noble Concubine Niuhulu took a look, forced a smile and said: "The Empress Dowager has sent a lot of things over a few days ago. Sister, please help comfort the Empress Dowager. My illness has nothing to do with the Empress Dowager."

Wen Shan tucked the corner of the quilt for her and asked softly: "What did the imperial physician say? Did he say what medicine to take?"

"Heart disease needs heart medicine." Noble Concubine Niuhulu raised her head and looked at the curtain with a rather disheartened look: "I know what I'm doing. Even for Yin'e, I will hold on for a while longer."

"Yes." Wen Shan could only force a smile, "You haven't seen the Tenth Prince get married and have children yet?"

Noble Concubine Niuhulu held Wen Shan's hand, coughed lightly twice and said: "My illness came suddenly and I haven't congratulated my sister yet. The Fourth Prince has made great contributions. I heard that the Emperor allowed the Fourth Prince to enter the court early."

Usually the princes enter the court after the wedding. Naturally, the crown prince is an exception, but now Yinzhen has also become the exception.

The Third Prince, who preceded Yinzhen, was still studying in the Shangshufang. Yinzhen's early entry into the imperial court was evidently due to the astonishing achievements of the talented individuals in the imperial gardens.

Yinzhen and his companions would sometimes lament in casual conversation that Wen Shan had told them about the afterlife; otherwise, they wouldn't have been so interested in these things and actually accomplished them.

This, in turn, helped them establish their position in the court much more quickly.

Wen Shan knew Yinzhen was becoming increasingly important these days; she could tell by the frequent gifts the concubines had begun showering her with.

"Sister Xuan, we've been together in the palace for many years." Concubine Nianhulu squeezed Wen Shan's hand and pleaded, "If, if anything happens to me, I'll have to ask you to look after Yin'e."

"Tenth Prince and Yinsi are already on good terms, don't worry," Wen Shan reassured her. "Tenth Prince is grown up, you don't have to worry."

Concubine Nianhulu could feel a little more at ease for now because Yinsi had always loved the Tenth Prince. Whether it was the Fourth Prince or the Eighth Prince who ascended the throne, as long as Wen Shan was there, the brothers wouldn't fight to the death. As long as Yinsi was around, he would at least protect the Tenth Prince.

As for the Crown Prince ascending the throne... Concubine Nianhulu already felt that the possibility of the Crown Prince ascending the throne was extremely small.

Kangxi's attitude towards the Crown Prince had changed dramatically over the years.

Seeing that Concubine Nianhulu was not in good spirits, Wen Shan didn't bother her for long. She sat for a while and then left.

As she emerged, she happened upon Imperial Physician Zhang, who had arrived to examine Concubine Nianhulu's pulse.

Concubine Nianhulu's illness had come on with such urgency and severity that Emperor Kangxi personally appointed Imperial Physician Zhang, now the head of the Imperial Medical Bureau, to take care of her.

Zhang greeted Wen Shan, who then inquired about Concubine Nianhulu's condition.

"Although Concubine Nianhulu is somewhat uneasy, her leg is the most serious problem," Zhang whispered. "Your Majesty, you know that New Year's Eve was freezing cold and snowy. Kneeling all night in Baohua Hall, where there wasn't even a brazier, has damaged her health. The cold wind will irritate her." With the Empress Dowager

so enraged, no one dared to let Concubine Nianhulu off. She knelt relentlessly all night.

Wen Shan's eyes widened slightly. This was indeed the result of the punishment she had received that night.

"It's just that this matter involves the Empress Dowager, so it's difficult to disclose." Imperial Physician Zhang explained to Wen Shan the truth. If the Empress Dowager were to reveal the true cause of Concubine Niuhulu's illness, how would she react?

"Does Concubine Niuhulu know it herself?" Wen Shan asked after a moment's thought.

Imperial Physician Zhang shook his head. "I only reported it to the Emperor, and the Emperor ordered it not to be spread."

Wen Shan nodded and said nothing more, sending him inside.

After leaving Yongshou Palace, Wen Shan asked Zhenzhu, "Has the Emperor visited Concubine Niuhulu these days?" "

I have, but lately, it seems he's been busy with matters at the front court and hasn't been in the harem much," Zhenzhu replied.

A few days later, Concubine Niuhulu's illness worsened. Upon learning of this, Kangxi remained silent for a long time before reinstating Alinga from his position as Minister of the Lifan Yuan.

This, of course, was what Concubine Niuhulu had begged Kangxi to do when she was seriously ill.

She now understood that Niohuru would still rely on Alinga in the future, and she only hoped that he would, in return, support the Tenth Prince.

Kangxi naturally understood Niohuru's intentions. Alinga's crimes were not truly unforgivable, and the Niohuru clan could not truly fall. So, after careful consideration, Kangxi agreed.

"If I had known this, why didn't I listen to my advice?" It was clear that

Niohuru was now beyond redemption, and Kangxi was frank with her.

If Niohuru had followed Kangxi's instructions and stopped the infighting between Alinga and Faka, she would not have stood idly by while Concubine Tong framed Kangxi on New Year's Eve. After all,

Niohuru had been in charge of palace affairs for many years, and Kangxi had no recourse to protect the Empress Dowager. He would most likely have simply reprimanded her, and she would not have been forced to kneel in Baohua Palace, which would have prevented her from suffering a serious illness.

Concubine Nianhulu leaned against the headboard, remained silent for a long moment, then uttered a few polite words: "This is all my own fault."

Kangxi sat quietly for a while, saying nothing more than to take good care of

herself before leaving. This was practically her final comfort. Concubine Nianhulu

eventually passed away in late autumn. Kangxi posthumously bestowed upon her the title of Concubine Wenxi, and her coffin was temporarily placed in the funeral palace outside Chaoyang Gate. Princes, ministers, and wives of princesses were to attend the ceremony.

The Tenth Prince wept until he fainted several times. Yinsi and the Ninth Prince stayed by his side day and night, taking turns bringing him water and food. Only after Concubine Wenxi was buried in the imperial mausoleum did the Tenth Prince finally recover from the grief of his mother's death.

By then, autumn had already turned to early summer.

"This year has flown by so quickly."

With the arrival of summer, Kangxi took his concubines to Changchun Garden to escape the heat, and Wenshan was naturally among them. Once there, Yinzhen, Yinsi, and Yinxiang were busy and unseen, so Wenshan and Zhenzhu strolled around the gardens.

"Yes, summer is almost here again," Zhenzhu said, holding Wenshan's hand. "When autumn arrives, it'll be time for the Thirteenth Prince to move into the Ganxi Wushe when we return to the palace."

Yinxiang was old enough, and Wenshan had already begun arranging his move there before arriving at Changchun Garden.

With the children all gone, Wenshan felt a sense of emptiness. Yinzhen and Yinsi also grew increasingly busy, spending most of their time running back and forth between the palace and the countryside.

After the death of Concubine Niohuru, palace affairs were handed over to Wenshan and Concubine Tong. Concubine Tong was less overbearing than Concubine Niohuru, managing everything without Wenshan's interference. However, she still possessed a certain strength, though the difference in rank between her and Wenshan prevented her from being overly aggressive.

Wenshan, however, didn't mind. Yinsi had long maintained a firm control over all matters within the palace. Yinsi's message was that Wenshan could do as she pleased, interfering as she pleased.

Wenshan was perfectly content with this early life of self-reliance.

However, with Concubine Niohuru's passing and Wenshan alone as the only concubine in the palace, things felt different.

Given that Yinzhen was quite favored by Kangxi, Wenshan could clearly sense a change in the harem's attitude towards her. Previously, Wenshan was the harem's mascot, a casual hanger-on in the Imperial Garden, not keen on socializing. The other concubines didn't take this idle concubine seriously, but things were different now. It now seemed as if Concubine Xuan would have the last laugh.

In the middle of the day, Yinzhen and Yinsi braved the scorching sun to return to Wenshan's place. Wenshan was just retrieving a chilled watermelon from the ice cellar and eating it with Yinxiang. Yinzhen and Yinsi wiped their sweat off their faces and sat down, each picking up a piece.

"Yinsi, your marriage is almost set," Wen Shan said with a smile. "Yesterday, I mentioned Guo Luoluo to your father, and he was impressed. He even suggested Yehenara as your concubine. She seems to be Mingzhu's niece."

While Mingzhu's niece, she wasn't a close relative. Wen Shan sent someone to investigate, and found out she was the daughter of a cousin of Mingzhu's. In Kangxi's eyes, she was a perfect match for a legitimate wife, though not quite qualified. Concubine status was just right.

Yinsi nodded. "There's no rush for my marriage, mother. Fourth brother's wedding is coming soon. You should worry about him first."

The Imperial Astronomical Observatory had already set a date for Yinzhen and the Third Prince's wedding, for next spring, leaving only half a year to go.

Concubine Rong had been busy with the Third Prince's wedding since the beginning of the year, and Wen Shan, with Yinsi's help, was proceeding with the preparations step by step.

Yinzhen didn't think much of it and said, "These matters are handled by the Ministry of Rites and the Imperial Household Department. Mother, you don't have to worry too much."

"How can Mother not worry about your wedding? What are you talking about?" Wen Shan glared at him.

Yinsi and Yinxiang were both amused. Yinsi even deliberately teased, "Other people marry one legitimate wife and at most one concubine, but you, Fourth Brother, are marrying three at once. You're going to be even more busy."

"..."

"It seems you've been too idle lately," Yinzhen glanced over. "Hurry up and finish your watermelon, then come with me to the garden to see how the steam engine is doing."

Yinsi: "..."

Going to see this in this hot weather is simply torture.

Yinsi immediately started to act coquettishly with Wenshan, saying it was too hot and he couldn't move. Wenshan poked his forehead and said, "Come on, let's rest for a while."

Yinzhen was also teasing him; even if he really wanted to see it, there was no need to go in the middle of the day.

Yinxiang silently nibbled three or four pieces of watermelon beside him, almost finishing them. Fortunately, Yinsi spotted him, snatched the last two pieces, and shared them with Yinzhen.

"There's more in the ice cellar, so someone can get more. What's there to fight about?" Wenshan watched with a mixture of laughter as Yinsi and Yinxiang were about to start another quarrel.

But naturally, this thing tasted best when you fought over it. Yinzhen took advantage of the quarrel and quietly ate both pieces of watermelon.

Yinsi turned around and saw: "..."

Heartbroken, in the end, he was the only one hurt.

Wen Shan quickly asked someone to get some more iced fruits.

After a while, Yinsi shook his braid and asked again: "Mother, has the Emperor mentioned the palace and mansion to you?"

In the spring, the eldest prince had moved out of the Ganxi Wusuo and officially opened a mansion in the capital, which also showed that he was an adult prince.

Wen Shan shook her head: "I asked, and the emperor said that Yinzhen was still young and there was no rush to wait and see."

What's so good about this? When they get married, it will not be comfortable to squeeze into the Ganxi Wusuo. I don't know what Kangxi is thinking.

As a result, when Kangxi came over in the evening, he happened to mention this to Wenshan.

"I have been thinking about it for a few days. There is no suitable mansion outside the palace for Yinzhen to live in. It is a bit too late to speed up the construction."

Wen Shan: "..."

Yinzhen didn't decide to get married today. Why didn't he start building it two years ago? Why did he have to wait until now?

Kangxi, receiving Wen Shan's resentful glance, quickly sipped his tea and continued, "It's a shame for Yinzhen to have one legitimate wife and two concubines living in the Ganxi Wuhu. So, I'm thinking we should clean up Chonghua Palace and let Yinzhen and his family move in first."

Wen Shan frowned upon hearing this. "Your Majesty, this isn't customary." The Crown

Prince had always lived in Yuqing Palace, while the other princes lived in the Ganxi Wuhu. Even the eldest prince had spent over two years crammed into the Ganxi Wuhu with his wife and concubines after his wedding. Allocating a palace directly to Yinzhen would have been too conspicuous.

It felt like the two palaces were in opposition to the Crown Prince.

"What's against the rules? My word is the rule," Kangxi said casually. "Yinzhen's wives are all of high status. To appease the old ministers, some grace should be shown."

Wen Shan was speechless. This man had clearly already made up his excuses. Kangxi's decision was unlikely to change. Wen Shan didn't understand these court affairs and dared not speak out. She could only tell Yinzhen and the others the news the next day.

Yinzhen and the other two were also shocked. "Although I had some suspicions because the emperor had been reluctant to mention the establishment of a palace, I still didn't expect him to actually do it," Yinsi said. Yinxiang

nodded frantically.

"How will the crown prince cope with this? Given his temperament, he'll be extremely anxious."

Yinzhen pondered silently for a moment before saying, "Since the emperor has such intentions, we have no choice but to face the challenge head-on."

Backing down was absolutely impossible.

For the past two years, the Crown Prince had long considered him his primary rival, and so had the eldest prince. Whether Kangxi was genuinely or feigning support for Yinzhen, he was now entrenched in a difficult position.

Despite this, Yinzhen maintained a reclusive role, maintaining minimal contact with other court officials, aside from the unavoidable interactions with Ma Qi, his father-in-law.

After his arrival at court, Yinzhen continued to oversee the Ministry of Revenue, gradually earning the nickname "The Cold-Faced King" for his ruthless and impartial nature.

So, while Kangxi clearly favored Yinzhen, the more diplomatic Yinsi commanded greater respect among the court officials. The emergence of two younger brothers, each with their own reliance, created a real dilemma for the Crown Prince and the eldest prince. As

expected, Kangxi acted decisively. Just days after informing Wen Shan, he issued a formal decree, ordering the Imperial Household Department to swiftly clear Chonghua Palace for the Fourth Prince to reside in before his wedding.

The decree didn't specify whether this was a temporary residence or permanent residence, like the Crown Prince.

Yinzhen, Yinsi, and Yinxiang discussed this and concluded that Kangxi would likely not allow Yinzhen to remain in the palace for long. He would most likely move out and establish his own residence, as having two palaces would be detrimental to the stability of the government. However, no one could predict Kangxi's intentions; after all, allowing Yinzhen to temporarily reside was already quite extraordinary. The

Crown Prince was naturally the most alarmed, and he immediately rushed to Soetu's residence to discuss countermeasures.

Soetu's heart sank upon hearing the news.

Everyone knew that the Fourth Prince had a team of craftsmen who had developed muskets and steelmaking methods, which had been implemented over the past year with promising results. These were significant initiatives that benefited the nation and the people, and the crown prince's fame had immediately overshadowed him.

Now, the Emperor had allowed the Fourth Prince to remain in the palace after his wedding, seemingly receiving the same treatment as the Crown Prince...

even the seasoned Soetu was somewhat shocked.

"Your Highness, the methods of developing firearms and steelmaking have been implemented and are progressing very smoothly. In my opinion, the Emperor will likely send troops to attack Galdan again soon."