Chapter 75 Chapter 75 By this time, Kangxi had indeed begun...

By this time, Kangxi had indeed begun formal preparations for his second personal expedition against Galdan, this time vowing to annihilate him once and for all.

The steelmaking method and muskets presented by Yinzhen were naturally paramount in these preparations.

Although Wang Chongyu and Dai Zi were busy, they could not conceal their excitement as they watched their ideas gradually materialize. Kangxi also attached great importance to the project, visiting frequently to check on the progress.

With Kangxi's strong support, steel and muskets were quickly produced in large quantities. As Yinzhen was now in charge of the Ministry of Revenue's grain and fodder allocations, he naturally assumed responsibility. Consequently, Kangxi had frequently summoned Yinzhen to discuss important matters.

This had not only unnerved the Crown Prince and Soetu, but also Tong Guowei, who had rarely met with Yinsi, had made a rare private appearance with him.

"Eighth Prince, are you aware that the Emperor intends to have the Eldest and Fourth Princes accompany him on this expedition against Galdan?" Tong Guowei and Yinsi met in a secret location outside the palace. As soon as Yinsi arrived, Tong

Guowei laid it all out. Yinsi smiled casually, fiddling with his fan. The Emperor's recent actions, which had even caused Tong Guowei to panic, were truly unbelievable.

"I've heard about it. Lord Tong, don't worry." Yinsi sat down, took a sip of tea, raised an eyebrow, and said, "The tea is good. Is it this year's new tea?"

Even the palace's new tea had only been delivered a few days ago.

This tasted like the Taiping Houkui tea, and it was of exceptional quality, likely the finest from Longmen. Being able to enjoy it so freshly harvested this spring season spoke volumes about the Tong family's influence.

Tong Guowei didn't know whether to be pleased or anxious as he watched Yinsi, so calm and collected, sipping his tea. Even if Yinsi was calm, he shouldn't have shown any reaction now that he was watching the Fourth Prince's rise to prominence.

"Eighth Prince, if you like, I'll have a servant bring you some later. But I'm afraid a little tea isn't enough right now."

Yinsi smiled faintly. "Lord Tong, please be patient. We have the situation under control."

Yinzhen didn't associate with court officials. Despite Kangxi's recent favor, he didn't have any close confidants at court. He even rejected some officials who approached him. Naturally, the court officials hoped the next emperor would be more gentle, or more approachable. The Crown Prince's temper was arrogant, and Yinzhen's temper was cold and hard, neither seemed likely to yield to the court officials after ascending the throne. Therefore, seeing Yinsi as gentle and sensible, he became a popular candidate for friendship.

Especially those among the military nobility, who still adhered to the principle of the emperor being chosen by the ministers. Kangxi's favored prince was certainly important, but the orthodox principle of the Eight Princes and the ministers selecting the successor was the right one. Therefore, their support for Yinsi stemmed from a desire to restore their former power—perhaps even to supremacy over the imperial authority.

Tong Guowei, while agreeing with Yinsi's statement, frowned. "But the Fourth Prince has already presented the musket and steelmaking methods, and now he's in charge of the Ministry of Revenue's grain and fodder, and will soon accompany the Emperor on a personal expedition. This..." "

Speaking of which, I'd like to ask Master Tong. I heard that Fourth Prince's followers are being kept in the garden that came with Empress Xiaoyi's dowry. Master Tong, haven't you received any information?" Yinsi glanced at him and casually threw the question back to Tong Guowei.

Tong Guowei felt ashamed when he mentioned this: "This... Empress Xiaoyi had more than a dozen gardens when she got married, and they have been empty for more than ten years since she entered the palace. It's true that this old minister was negligent in taking precautions."

Yinsi naturally knew that Tong Guowei didn't have the ability to investigate the matter in the gardens, otherwise he wouldn't have invited him here in such a hurry.

It's just that this old guy always wanted to rely on his seniority to suppress him. He was really tired of hearing that preachy tone. He had to teach him a lesson or two, so that he wouldn't think he was really the reincarnation of Zhuge Liang, who could single-handedly turn the tide.

But he was not Liu Chan, and Tong Guowei was far from Zhuge Liang.

"Didn't the Fourth Prince mention this to you?" Tong Guowei asked cautiously after thinking for a moment.

Yinsi feigned, "Although Fourth Brother and I have been acting as usual in front of Mother over the past two years, he naturally won't tell me everything about state affairs."

Tong Guowei reflected, and agreed. The Fourth Prince was no fool. The only people who could challenge him at court now were Yinsi, the legitimate Crown Prince, and the courtiers' support. No

matter how close they were in childhood, they seemed distant now.

The struggle for the throne was always like this.

Tong Guowei sighed, "I only learned about this from Longkodo. If he hadn't accompanied the Emperor and Fourth Brother that day, we wouldn't have known about this place."

"Then why hasn't Lord Tong considered why the Emperor sent Longkodo along?" Yinsi asked.

"..."

Tong Guowei was rarely stumped by a question. After a moment, he said awkwardly, "I understand what you mean. As the saying goes, those involved are often confused, while those observing from the sidelines can see clearly. I didn't expect the Eighth Prince to be so sharp-witted."

Tong Guowei, having spent years in officialdom, boasted that he could discern Kangxi's thoughts to some degree. Yinsi's simple guidance had him understanding. They

were visiting the Tong family's dowry garden. The Emperor had deliberately brought Longkodo along to tip him off.

"Eighth Prince, are you saying that the Emperor knows of our private dealings?"

Tong Guowei's heart sank. The Emperor must have sensed something if he could probe like this.

Yinsi, observing Tong Guowei's expression, tilted his head, thinking that Tong Guowei was overconfident. Even if they were secretly interacting, it was impossible for the Emperor to be unaware of the situation.

Tong Guowei sighed, his mind suddenly clearing.

"The Emperor allowed the Fourth Prince to live in Chonghua Palace after his wedding, which was a gesture of respect for the Crown Prince..."

Yinsi nodded. The old man wasn't too confused.

Kangxi's style was like that. Suspicious, he loved to test people's hearts and minds repeatedly. Once he had a handle on them, they'd be held captive.

Tong Guowei nodded repeatedly, finally understanding why Yinsi was so complacent.

"The Emperor is testing us while testing the Crown Prince. This is to see if anyone is selfishly pursuing their own interests and disregarding the greater good."

If anyone was wary of the Fourth Prince, they could only start with the expedition against Galdan. Tampering with supplies, whether it was rations or weapons, would be a grave offense against Kangxi.

"The Emperor is truly ruthless, even resorting to such a major issue to test them." Tong Guowei felt he still knew Kangxi too little; he hadn't expected him to resort to such a drastic measure.

However, this also indirectly demonstrated Kangxi's confidence in his control over Luohan.

"So, everything Fourth Brother has endured this time must have been backed by the Emperor. Anyone who tampered would be violating a taboo," Yinsi said.

Although Tong Guowei had figured out the situation, he was still a little worried.

"That being said, I'm still worried that the Fourth Prince is on such a roll..."

"Master Tong, there's no point in overthinking. We can't act now," Yinsi interrupted.

Tong Guowei nodded, knowing that Yinsi was right and that he couldn't possibly contradict him at this point.

Yinsi fiddled with his folding fan and continued, "But if we don't act, we can use this opportunity to get the Crown Prince to act."

Even before Kangxi's second personal expedition against Galdan came the wedding of Yinzhen and the Third Prince.

The weddings of the two princes were grand, with the Fourth Prince, favored by the Emperor and destined for Chonghua Palace, a top priority. The Imperial Household Department was kept busy, and Wen Shan had been busy since she was a child. Fortunately, the young Tong Jia family was incredibly interested in palace affairs. Upon hearing Wen Shan's explanation that she was overwhelmed with preparations for Yinzhen's wedding, she happily took over all the responsibilities.

The Empress Dowager also assisted Wen Shan in the preparations. Yinzhen had been raised under the Empress Dowager's care. While he certainly didn't hold the same status in the Empress Dowager's heart as the Fifth Prince, Wen Shan had often taken Yinzhen to the Cining Palace since he was a child, and the Empress Dowager was deeply fond of him. She prepared numerous gifts for Yinzhen's wife and concubines, and she also specially added many items to the Chonghua Palace.

Privately, the Empress Dowager also reminded Wen Shan that she needed to pay more attention to Yinzhen, who was attracting attention.

Wen Shan agreed, wondering why she should worry about it, as Yinsi and Yinxiang had already made clear arrangements for their beloved fourth brother.

Concubine Yi also helped Wen Shan a lot, coming to Xianfu Palace for several days to help her prepare things.

"This is just a little practice for me. Yinqi will be getting married in less than two years." Concubine Yi was happy to think her son would soon marry and have children, but she said with a hint of disappointment, "I just don't know if I can prepare for Yinqi's wedding."

Wen Shan understood that Concubine Yi meant she was worried that the Empress Dowager would have to handle everything herself, leaving her, her own mother, to watch.

"Ever since Noble Concubine Wenxi passed away, the Empress Dowager has become more calm and has been fasting and chanting Buddhist scriptures all day. I don't think it will be too difficult," Wen Shan reassured her.

Speaking of Noble Concubine Wenxi, Concubine Yi sighed.

"Sister Niohuru passed away so suddenly. She looked so healthy, yet she was gone just like that."

The passing of Concubine Niohuru truly caught many off guard. Empress Tongjia had been ill for four or five years before her death, and just two months before her death, Concubine Niohuru had been hosting the first birthday banquet for the fifteenth prince, born the previous year by Concubine Mi.

Her sudden death was unexpected.

"Life is unpredictable. Now that our children are getting married, and we're older, we should focus on maintaining our health," Wen Shan said. "Have the imperial physician take her pulse more often."

While they were still under forty, a period of youth and strength in modern times, in ancient times, where the average age was under fifty, they certainly had to be more cautious.

Concubine Yi shared the same sentiment: "Last year, Concubine Hui wasn't feeling well either, saying she had a headache. Concubine Rong seemed fine, but Concubine Duan also fell ill a while ago."

These were all veteran members of the palace; perhaps they schemed and feuded with each other, but they had also lived together for nearly twenty years. Seeing them all plagued by illness was quite heartbreaking.

Wen Shan and Concubine Yi had always been in good health, never suffering any serious illnesses or much injustice, so their attitudes were good.

"I heard the Seventh Princess is also ill?" Wen Shan suddenly asked as she packed her things.

It's the transition period between winter and spring, with fluctuating temperatures, making children most susceptible to illness.

Therefore, Concubine De had barely left the house recently, focusing on caring for the Seventh Princess in Yonghe Palace.

"The Seventh Princess has had a weak constitution since she was a child," Concubine Yi said helplessly. "Fortunately, Concubine De has taken good care of herself, otherwise the epidemic three or four years ago would have killed her."

"But as long as Fourteenth Prince is well, Concubine De will surely be well too,"

Concubine Yi said as Amber entered.

"Master, Concubine De has sent some gifts to congratulate the Fourth Prince on his wedding."

As Yinzhen was getting ready for his wedding, the concubines had more or less sent gifts. However, Concubine De's status was so special that Wen Shan hadn't been active for the past few days, so she assumed she wouldn't go through the formalities.

Wen Shan and Concubine Yi exchanged a glance, and Wen Shan asked, "Concubine De is here?"

"The Seventh Princess is ill, and Concubine De is too busy to come and congratulate in person,"

Wen Shan nodded in understanding. A moment later, Concubine De's personal maid, Xia Yun, arrived with several other maids.

"Greetings to Consort Xuan, and Consort Yi."

Consort Yi propped up her chin and smiled, "It's remarkable that your master, in his busy schedule, remembered the Fourth Prince. How's the Seventh Princess?"

Faced with the obvious sting in Consort Yi's words, Xia Yun simply lowered her head and replied, "Consort De is naturally concerned about the Fourth Prince's marriage. She spent several days searching for the gifts and immediately sent them here."

"The Seventh Princess's condition has improved significantly. Thank you, Consort Yi, for your concern."

Wen Shan glanced at the gifts Consort De had sent. They were indeed quite a lot; it was a token of her appreciation for Yinzhen.

"Here are two old ginseng seeds for you to take back with you, as a small token of my appreciation for the Seventh Princess," Wen Shan said with a smile.

Xia Yun thanked her, but knowing that Xianfu Palace wasn't particularly welcoming to people from Yonghe Palace, she didn't linger much longer and quickly left.

"Amber, bring them up so I can see what you have," Consort Yi beckoned.

Wen Shan said helplessly, "You, after all these years, I've noticed you and Concubine De are still the biggest rivals."

Concubine Yi had many rivals, but some were no longer around, others had settled down and stopped arguing. Concubine De, however, remained unwavering. Even the mention of Concubine Yi was met with a veiled sarcasm.

"Let's not even mention the departed among us elders. Concubine Hui was a bit frivolous, but she wasn't as treacherous as Concubine De. She's harmed countless people, both openly and covertly, over the years." Concubine Yi flipped through the gifts Concubine De had sent her. "I think you should pay close attention to these things she sent, to make sure there's nothing wrong with them."

Wen Shan saw a point in this and stepped forward to examine them. They were all ordinary silk and jade items. Among them was a white jade statue of the Goddess of Childbirth, not large, but carved from a single piece of jade, and the workmanship was exquisite.

"This Goddess of Childbirth is quite nice," Concubine Yi remarked. "But why does this jade look so familiar? I've seen it somewhere before."

After a moment's reflection, a sudden realization dawned on her.

"I was wondering, wasn't this the gift Empress Xiaoyi gave to Concubine De after she gave birth to the Fourth Prince?"

Wen Shan leaned forward to examine it. She had no recollection of it. She had only recently entered the palace when Yinzhen was born, and was unfamiliar with many aspects of the palace.

Concubine Yi, after comparing it for a moment, felt something was amiss. "That day, Empress Xiaoyi, Noble Concubine Wenxi, and I went to visit Concubine De, who had just given birth. Empress Xiaoyi brought many gifts, but this piece of seamless white jade stood out the most. I remembered it instantly."

"It just seems a little small. I remember it must have been larger."

At the time, Empress Xiaoyi was delighted to be adopting Yinzhen and had been very generous with Concubine De. This piece of jade was a valuable part of her dowry, and the fact that she had gifted it to Concubine De impressed Concubine Yi.

"Perhaps it's normal to have some wear and tear from the carving," Wen Shan suggested.

Concubine Yi nodded, agreeing, but still urged Wen Shan to carefully examine the items; after all, one should always be cautious.

Especially Defei, who, in Concubine Yi's heart, was the most thoughtful person in the palace.

For some reason, Concubine Yi was still eager to talk today, and she told Wenshan a lot of old gossip.

For example, Rongfei had been pregnant once in the fifteenth year of Kangxi's reign, but had a miscarriage at four months, and Defei was also involved in this. Then there was the matter of Concubine Mi, who had been in the palace for many years without children, and Defei had also played a role. It was after Concubine Tong took over the palace for two years that Defei became a little unsure of Tong's style of work, so she temporarily stopped. Unexpectedly, Concubine Mi was so lucky that she got pregnant during this period.

Wen Shan had been guzzling gossip all afternoon, and when Yinzhen and the other two returned that evening, she asked Yinsi if the story was true. Yinsi

replied in the affirmative, explaining why the jade Buddha gifted by Concubine De seemed a little small.

"Queen Xiaoyi had just delivered it, and soon after, Concubine De seemed angry and threw it, so it's smaller." "

..."

This gift from Concubine De was truly...

Fortunately, Yinzhen didn't care. He glanced at the pile and said he'd just put it away and put it in the storage room with the other gifts from the concubines. He wouldn't use it anyway, and would probably give it to others later.

On the day of the wedding, the palace was bustling with activity. Yinzhen, Yinxiang, and the Fifth Prince were the most active. Even Yinzhen's cold face couldn't dampen their excitement in the bridal chamber. In the end, Wen Shan couldn't bear to watch and took each one away.

"Mother, this is the only chance in my life, why are you stopping us?" Yinxiang rubbed his ears and pouted, "It's so funny to see Fourth Brother so flustered."

Wenshan nodded his head and said, "Mother, this is for your two good. Wait until your wedding and see how Fourth Brother will deal with you."

"..."

Thinking about it, it seemed to be true. Fourth Brother still holds a grudge!

Yinsi and Yinxiang huddled together, mumbling something incoherently, then went arm in arm back to the Ganxi Wusuo to provoke Third Prince.

The next morning, Yinzhen and Fucha arrived at Xianfu Palace. Kangxi had rested there the previous night, so the young couple didn't have to make another trip to the Yangxin Palace.

When Wenshan and Kangxi emerged from the inner hall, Yinzhen and Fucha had been there for a quarter of an hour. She had just finished packing, but Kangxi suddenly got so mad that he insisted on making Yinzhen wait.

After the two of them paid their respects to Wenshan and Kangxi, Wenshan hurried everyone to get up.

Fucha's face was rosy. Despite the elaborate wedding process yesterday, she seemed in good spirits today. Yinzhen also seemed a bit more subdued than usual.

Kangxi offered only a few polite words about marital harmony and urged Yinzhen to remain vigilant about state affairs even after the wedding. Then he left Xianfu Palace for court. The atmosphere immediately eased as Kangxi left.

"Le Jin, Mother has prepared gifts for you, Ma Jia, and Ulanara. You should take them back later."

Wen Shan waved, and Zhenzhu arrived with the gifts.

Wen Shan prepared a pair of gemstone-inlaid silk ruyi bracelets for Ma Jia and Ulanara, one for each of them. For Fucha, she presented a pair of Hetian jade lotus flower hairpins, a gift from Kangxi when Wen Shan was promoted to Imperial Concubine. They were both precious and elegant.

"Such fine Hetian jade is rare these days. I haven't worn these hairpins much since the Emperor gave them to me. They're perfect for you," Wen Shan said with a smile.

Fucha's temperament was indeed elegant, like a lotus, which suited her well to these refined jewels.

After accepting them personally, Fucha smiled and said, "My daughter-in-law will certainly pass on mother's kindness to my two younger sisters."

Yinsi and Yinxiang arrived a few words later.

As the eldest sister-in-law, Fucha also prepared gifts for her two younger brothers-in-law. Because Yinxiang was young and still studying, she gave him the formal four treasures of the study, and a set of warm jade chess pieces for Yinsi, both carefully selected fine items.

"Thank you, fourth sister-in-law. Fourth brother has never prepared any gifts for me and my thirteenth brother. It's all thanks to your kindness," Yinsi said with a smile.

Yinzhen rolled his eyes at him. It was always Yinsi who took away whatever he liked, so why did he need to give any gifts?

Fucha smiled and glanced at Yinzhen, then said gently: "Eighth brother and thirteenth brother grew up with Fourth Master, so they have a very close friendship. Yesterday, Fourth Master specifically told me to be filial to mother and take care of my two younger brothers."

Yinxiang flipped through the four treasures of the study. The things were indeed good things, but he was really not interested in them. He started to make requests directly: "Fourth sister-in-law, please give me some food and toys in the future. These things give me a headache just looking at them."

"If you don't want them, just return them. Why are you talking so much?"

Fucha didn't quite understand how the brothers got along with each other in daily life. Thirteenth Master was just joking, but Yinsi saw Fucha's smile froze. This made it easy for her to think that she had given the wrong gift and made Thirteenth Master unhappy, so Yinsi hurried to speak.

Yinzhen also looked up and said, "I asked your fourth sister-in-law to pick this for you. Don't you like it?"

Wen Shan said helplessly, "Yinxiang has always been close to Yinzhen, but he loves to joke around. Lejin, don't worry about it. Yinxiang, why don't you apologize to your fourth sister-in-law?"

Yinxiang was also quick-witted, especially in recent years, doted on by Yinzhen and Yinsi. He spent his days eating, drinking, playing, studying, and sleeping, rarely having to do anything troublesome. Now, in Xianfu Palace, he wasn't as cautious about his words.

"It's my fault. I was just joking. Don't be angry, fourth sister-in-law. I like it. I'll take it to the Shangshufang tomorrow."

Fucha thought to herself that her father had indeed given her good instructions before the wedding. The Eighth Prince and the Thirteenth Prince both had a good personal relationship with the Fourth Master, but the Eighth Prince was more thoughtful, while the Thirteenth Prince was more straightforward.

"What are you talking about, Thirteenth Brother? I will personally prepare a gift that Thirteenth Brother will like someday," Fucha smiled slightly.

Yinzhen and Fucha didn't sit for a while, as they had to go to the Empress Dowager's palace to pay their respects, so they couldn't have breakfast together.

After the two left, Yinxiang drank his porridge and said, "It's only the first day of the wedding and my fourth brother has already protected me. It seems that he is quite satisfied with this fourth sister-in-law."

Yinsi glanced at him and said, "Sorry for talking nonsense. On the first day of the wedding, I have to give the bride some face."

Wenshan also nodded, but Fucha was a very generous girl and didn't take it to heart.