Chapter 88 Chapter 88 Even Mingzhu was clearly…

even Mingzhu was clearly shocked by Kangxi's words.

"Your Majesty, you…"

If Soetu rebelled, what could it be for but the Crown Prince? If things really escalated to this point, the Crown Prince would inevitably be dragged into the situation. If Soetu were killed, what would become of him?

Kangxi's order seemed clear and straightforward, but in reality, the crucial issue of the Crown Prince remained unresolved. This set

Mingzhu up for a loop.

Lately, there had been increasing talk in court that the Emperor might depose the Crown Prince, and officials were in a state of panic. Although Mingzhu had faded from the core decision-making circle, it was impossible for him to be unaware of such a major event. However, Mingzhu's view differed slightly from most.

He believed Kangxi would not depose the Crown Prince.

Or at least, Kangxi still had some expectations for the Crown Prince.

After all, he had been demoted from Prime Minister to a palace gate guard under Soetu because he had bet on the eldest prince to oppose the Crown Prince.

Mingzhu was one of those who firsthand understood the depth of Kangxi's love and favoritism for this son.

Kangxi, observing Mingzhu's astonishment, smiled.

"What? You can't bear it after so many years of comrades with Soetu?"

Not really.

He was still sharpening his sword to send Soetu on his way, but this matter was clearly more complex than that.

"Your Majesty, Prime Minister Soetu is now advanced in years. Perhaps you would allow him to retire and return home to enjoy his remaining years. It would be a gesture of grace."

Mingzhu had been at loggerheads with Soetu for decades, never having imagined the day she would have to plead for him.

It was hard to say what the emperor's attitude was towards the crown prince, but Soetu had clearly become a thorn in his side.

However, Mingzhu couldn't ask Kangxi how to deal with the crown prince. Therefore, she could only address the root of the problem: let Soetu return home to enjoy his retirement and stop fussing about it.

As expected, Kangxi leisurely took a sip of his tea and said, "It's rare to hear you say such a thing."

"There are no outsiders in this palace today, so feel free to speak your mind."

Mingzhu bowed and said, "As the ancients said, a single leaf can blind one to Mount Tai. Soetu's loyalty to the Qing Dynasty is evident to all. It's only in recent years, as he's grown older, that his blood ties have blinded him."

"Just in recent years?" Kangxi sneered. "Just because I don't say it doesn't mean I don't know. In the past, he was just a little cautious, and I didn't bother to intervene. Now it's different. For the glory of the Hesheli family, he's risked his life."

Mingzhu thought, "It was because the Crown Prince was still young, and you deliberately allowed Soetu to support him."

But Mingzhu remained silent and could only nod.

"The battle against the Dzungars has been a long time in the making and cannot be delayed for such trivial matters. However, Soetu has long been at court, and his tactics and schemes are beyond the capabilities of Yinzhen and Yinsi. That's why I summoned you."

Kangxi sighed, "I will also instruct Yinzhen to consult you if anything should happen."

Having said this, Mingzhu couldn't help but shoulder the blame, and she had to do it with gratitude.

"I will do my utmost to live up to the emperor's trust."

Kangxi nodded slightly, glancing outside at the imperial guards standing guard, their figures standing erect, their shadows cast on the doorframe, motionless.

"There's another person you'll keep an eye on for me," Kangxi whispered, "Tong Guowei."

Kangxi and Yinzhen were busy, some planning, others preparing for a breakout. Wenshan, however, was unaware of this.

Yinzhen and the others hadn't said a word, fearing she might worry. So, even in this tense situation, Wen Shan was still leisurely pondering how to make cream. Once it was done, she could make ice cream and other desserts for Yinzhen and the others.

"Thank goodness we have this, otherwise we'd all be scorching hot this year,"

Wen Shan said, looking at the fan spinning silently beside her. "I heard there's a Master Su who's even started studying electricity without any prior instruction."

They were currently enjoying the summer heat in Changchun Garden. The weather was so hot that Kangxi, in a rare display of fatherly kindness, had granted the younger students two days off to escape the heat. So Yinzhen, Yinsi, and Yinxiang were all enjoying the cool air with Wen Shan, chatting.

"We haven't even got a prototype yet," Yinsi said. "This thing is incredibly complex. I wonder when we'll see results." Wenshan's

description of electricity was truly captivating. Yinzhen and the other two took it to heart. The steam engine's power was already impressive enough, but Wenshan's description of electricity, with its wider applications and rapid advancements, made them salivate even more.

So, they brought up the subject with several other masters in the other courtyard. Compared to the steam engine, electricity was a bit elusive, and they had no idea where to begin. However, one master, named Su, became obsessed with it. After racking his brains for over a year, he finally seemed to have a clue, thanks to Wenshan's descriptions.

Wenshan was overjoyed at the news. Could it be that electricity was finally becoming a reality?

But Wenshan knew it was too difficult. Even electricity, let alone electrical appliances, was difficult to implement in the Qing Dynasty.

It was reasonable to assume it would take at least a hundred years.

Although she had this future person who could cheat, she could only provide relatively superficial theoretical knowledge, making practical application difficult.

But Wen Shan was already delighted by this theoretical breakthrough.

Yinzhen and the others knew that such things couldn't be rushed, let alone achieved overnight. However, after witnessing the incredible creativity and practicality of the people in the other courtyard, their view had shifted to: regardless of success or failure, just keep them employed. With only a few dozen people

, supporting them for life wasn't a big deal.

Let them eat well, drink well, and exercise their brains. If they achieved results, it would be best if they didn't, as it would be laying the foundation.

Wen Shan gave them a thumbs-up and explained that this was called investing.

These three brothers were clearly angel investors.

Yinsi had even begun to identify qualified children to send to the other courtyard to apprentice to these masters. This continuous inheritance, passed down from generation to generation, would eventually allow the Qing Dynasty to achieve the convenient life Wen Shan envisioned.

Listening to Yinsi's ambitious words, Wen Shan thought that even without technological advancement, this kind of convenient life would be possible in a few hundred years.

After all, her own era had only been about a century removed from the fall of the Qing Dynasty.

But of course, she couldn't say such things out loud and not dampen the children's confidence.

"The wheel of history keeps on rolling forward; this is the inevitable trend," Wen Shan said with a smile. "If we can catch up or even surpass it even a little bit, it will be enough."

Yinsi lay uncomfortably on the couch, shaking his head.

"Mother, the Empress Dowager's birthday is in a few days. What are you planning to give her?"

If nothing unexpected happened, the Emperor planned to dispatch troops after her birthday, when the weather would be cooler.

Wen Shan sighed at the mention of this.

"The Fifth Prince's wedding is next month. The Empress Dowager is so preoccupied with his wedding that she's making us all pay more attention than her own birthday."

She and Tong Jia had asked several times about the arrangements for the Empress Dowager's birthday this year, but they were always blocked by the Empress Dowager, who told them not to worry about the birthday banquet and to leave it to the Imperial Household Department. She told them to focus solely on the Fifth Prince's wedding.

In such hot weather, the Empress Dowager, at her age, had visited the Fifth Prince's residence several times, leaving the Ministry of Works officials grumbling. Every time she went, they'd complain about it, saying they'd been renovating it over and over again. Even

Rong Fei was jealous. She hadn't even visited the Third Prince's residence once. With the Empress Dowager placing so much importance on the Fifth Prince's residence, who knew how perfunctory the Ministry of Works and the Imperial Household Department would be.

Speaking of the Empress Dowager's devotion to the Fifth Prince, Yinzhen and the others were speechless.

Wen Shan handed her gift to Zhenzhu, washed her hands, and said, "The Empress Dowager said it's not a birthday celebration this year, so there's no need for a grand one. But your father

wants a grand celebration, which is a hassle." The only two happy events before the expedition were the Empress Dowager's birthday and the Fifth Prince's wedding, so Kangxi naturally wanted to make it auspicious.

Yinsi smiled and said, "Don't worry, Mother. The Imperial Household Department is watching over us. At worst, we still have our son."

Wen Shan patted his head and said, "You're already so busy all day, don't worry about these palace affairs."

Although Wen Shan was usually lazy, after all, she had been in the palace for so many years that she was familiar with such things as birthday banquets and weddings.

Yinxiang suddenly cried out, "Mother, mother, the ice is melting!"

Yinxiang was extremely sensitive to heat. He had been comfortably chatting with Yinzhen on the couch in the breeze, but he immediately felt the slightest rise in temperature.

Wen Shan, amused and helpless, quickly asked the palace servants to bring fresh ice.

Given the palace's usage, the Imperial Household Department's allocation was indeed somewhat tight. Fortunately, Yinzhen and Yinsi had brought in a considerable amount from outside the palace, allowing Yinxiang to be so extravagant.

Watching the palace maids exchange ice, Yinxiang suddenly said, "Eighth Brother, I heard you sent quite a bit of ice to Mingzhu's residence a few days ago."

Yinsi glanced at him sideways. "How did you hear that when you can't even leave the palace?"

Yinxiang promptly betrayed Yinzhen.

Yinzhen clenched his fist and coughed. "It was just a casual conversation."

"Kuixu is Eighth Brother's right-hand man. Are you worried about him being unable to withstand the summer heat?" Yinxiang teased.

Mingzhu's second son was a core member of Eighth Brother's faction. Although he was eventually purged after Fourth Brother ascended the throne, he remained loyal to Eighth Brother until his death.

"Could Mingzhu's family be short of ice?" Wen Shan was puzzled.

Ice was indeed a rare commodity in this scorching summer, but that was only for ordinary families. How could the Yehenara clan, a century-old prestigious family, be short of such a commodity?

"It's not for the Yehenara family," Yinsi said. "Don't listen to what the Thirteenth Prince says. He's just sitting around gossiping."

"Who said I'm just sitting around?" Yinxiang objected.

He had clearly single-handedly arranged the defenses of the capital a few days ago!

Wenshan smiled helplessly, then turned to look at Yinzhen.

"Don't be too busy these days. Spend some time with your wife. She looked a little pale when she came the other day. Maybe she's got some heatstroke."

Even in the heat, Fucha insisted on visiting Wenshan every morning and evening. When Yinzhen wasn't at the palace much, Fucha would usually stay for half the day, chatting with Wenshan.

Wenshan had noticed she wasn't feeling well the other day, so she told her not to come every day. Just come on the first and fifteenth day of the month, to avoid overheating herself.

At the time, Fucha simply smiled and said she'd been like this since she was a child, feeling a little lethargic once summer arrived, and that a little sleep would clear her up.

Yinzhen was a pure careerist, and even after his wedding, he hadn't been seen indulging in romantic affairs. He was practically the same as before. While Fucha and the others weren't exactly alone, their relationship was somewhat bland. Fucha understood the current tense situation, so it was normal for Yinzhen to be unconcerned, not to mention Yinzhen's naturally aloof nature.

On a normal day, he only revealed his true feelings to Wenshan, Yinsi, and Yinxiang.

Wenshan simply liked Fucha and wanted Yinzhen to have someone who understood his feelings. A good relationship between them would allow Yinzhen more time to relax and breathe.

Yinzhen nodded and said, "I've sent for Imperial Physician Zhang to see Fu Jin today."

Though Yinzhen possessed a distant demeanor, he was by no means careless. On the contrary, he was extremely attentive. While he didn't spend much time with the women in the backyard, he saw Fu Cha at least daily.

He'd noticed Fu Cha's lack of energy in recent days, so before leaving the house today, he'd sent for Imperial Physician Zhang. He

looked like there wasn't anything serious going on.

As they were talking, Amber entered excitedly, bowed quickly, and said, "Congratulations, Master, congratulations, Fourth Prince. Fu Jin has just been diagnosed with a one-month pregnancy."

Wen Shan nearly dropped the cup she was holding. "What did you say?"

Yinzhen was also a little surprised. After all, this was his first time being a father, and joy quickly spread throughout his heart.

Yinsi and Yinxiang were also delighted for Yinzhen. Yinsi patted Yinzhen on the shoulder and said, "Congratulations, Fourth Brother! I didn't expect we'd have a nephew so soon."

Wenshan was also beaming with joy. She instructed Zhenzhu and the others to prepare some nourishing foods, then turned and said, "It doesn't matter whether it's a boy or a girl. If it's a well-behaved girl, Mother will be fine too."

Yinzhen nodded in agreement, "You're right, Mother, both boys and girls are fine."

Yinzhen and Fucha had been married for over a year, and the birth of this child wasn't too early or too late. Although Fucha seemed a little young to Wenshan, having just turned nineteen, Wenshan could only take extra care of her.

At least she wasn't expecting a child at fourteen or fifteen, so with careful care, it shouldn't be a problem.

When Fucha became pregnant, Yinzhen wanted to go back to be with her, and Wenshan hastily prepared a bunch of things for Yinzhen to take back.

Yinsi smiled at Wenshan's frantic expression. "Mother, don't worry! It's still a long time before the birth. The servants at Fourth Brother's will take good care of her."

Wenshan glared at him. This was Yinzhen's first child and her first grandchild; how could she not be worried?

"Next year, when you're getting married, I want to tell you that you and Guo Luoluo should hold off on having children. Guo Luoluo is still young, and giving birth too soon will harm her health," Wenshan warned.

Yinsi needed to marry early; he would only be sixteen next year, and Guo Luoluo was a little over a year younger, barely fifteen. If they had a child within a year like Yinzhen, it would be troublesome.

Yinsi and Guo Luoluo were both young. Besides worrying about a weak child, Wenshan was more concerned about Guo Luoluo's health if she gave birth too early.

"Mother has been saying this since last year." Yinsi smiled and said, "I have remembered it all, don't worry, mother."

Mother had been angry with the emperor for a long time because the emperor had arranged a marriage for him too early.

He wasn't in a rush to have children. In his previous life, he and Guo Luoluo had never had any children either. However, he didn't care, preferring instead to cherish their bond, so he married Guo Luoluo in this life.

Yinxiang joined in the fun: "Mother, don't worry about my brother. He can't have a child even if he wants to... Ugh!"

Yinsi pushed him down and said sinisterly, "What are you talking about?" He

almost forgot there was someone who knew about his past life.

...

When Mingzhu returned to the mansion, he found his wife and daughter in the front hall, grumbling over several large boxes.

"Master, you're finally back! These were sent by Prince Li. It's strange; our family has never had any dealings with him."

Lady Yehenara came forward and said, "You've given me such a valuable gift! I don't know whether I should accept it."

Mingzhu took a look and, with a calm expression, walked to the front and sat down.

"What did the visitor say?"

"They said Prince Li was here to congratulate Yu'er on the birth of her son, so I called her back."

The daughter beside him added, "Father, I've never met Prince Li, and my husband's family has no dealings with him either."

"The person who brought the gift just dropped it and left. The way he looked..." Lady Yehenara said with a bitter face, "I've never seen anyone give gifts like that."

Prince Li was a royal relative, but he was only a member of the royal family. In the past, he wouldn't have dared to be so rude, presenting a gift like a threat.

It was because Mingzhu was no longer the same person she once was.

So Lady Yehenara wasn't angry.

"How about I send someone to Prince Li to return her?"

Mingzhu's daughter, standing by, poured her tea. "Father, it's hot, please have a cup of cold tea first."

Mingzhu patted her daughter's hand and said, "You just gave birth, and your mother called you back in this scorching heat. Go back and get some rest."

The daughter replied gently, "Mother is worried about me. Besides, I rode in a sedan all the way back, so I'm not hot."

Lady Yehenara felt a little embarrassed watching the father and daughter chatting away while ignoring

her. Yu'er was Mingzhu's most beloved daughter. Mingzhu meticulously arranged everything from food, clothing, housing, transportation, and marriage to having children. Although Lady Yehenara was Mingzhu's biological mother, she sometimes found it difficult to understand why Mingzhu loved Yu'er so much. It wasn't out of jealousy, but rather a concern for her remaining children

. Neither the eldest son nor the youngest daughter was as favored as Yu'er.

Lady Yehenara's recent lack of interest in her youngest daughter's marriage further irritated Mingzhu.

"It's hot today. Are you and your grandson doing well? If you feel uncomfortable, send someone to tell Father. Don't worry about the rules of the Sebutu family, such as not using ice after giving birth."

"Father sent a lot of ice, enough."

Mingzhu nodded: "That's good."

But thinking about the source of the ice made Mingzhu even more worried. After

Mingzhu finished talking to her daughter, she looked at Lady Yehenara and said: "No need to send it back. Let Yu'er take it back later, as it is a gift from Prince Li to Yu'er."

Lady Yehenara had no choice but to agree and ordered people to carry all the things to the carriage.

Then she left with her daughter.

Soon, Mingzhu's second son, Kuixu, came over.

"Father, you're back."

Mingzhu hummed a sigh of relief and then said, "Prince Li sent a gift to your sister. Since it's in our home, we have to return the favor. Your mother is a bit confused, so you'll have to keep an eye on her."

Kuixu said, "Prince Li... he's from the Crown Prince and Soetu's lineage. Although we don't interact much on a daily basis, we shouldn't underestimate him."

Mingzhu said, "I know he's the Crown Prince's man. The Emperor summoned me today because of the Crown Prince's affairs." Kuixu had

come to inquire about this matter. As soon as Mingzhu mentioned it and saw his father's expression, he knew it wasn't a good thing.

"Father, is the Emperor going to take action against the Crown Prince and Soetu?"

Mingzhu was somewhat relieved. "It seems you've made great progress in the past few years, but it's just Soetu's relationship that has nothing to do with the Crown Prince."

Kuixu curled his lips. Anyone could break off ties with the Crown Prince except Soetu. The Emperor's words were a bit of a cover-up.

"My father and Soetu have been fighting for years, and I never thought it would end like this." Mingzhu sighed, "It's a pity that this old man is so stubborn. Thinking that he will end up in a disgraceful way in his later years, and the Hesheli family might even be destroyed, I just..."

Mingzhu's expression changed.

"I'm so happy. You must accompany me for a few drinks today."

Kuixu said helplessly, "Father, in that case, what did the Eighth Prince say to you that day..."

"Today, we won't talk about anything else. We're just celebrating the impending death of that old man Soetu." Mingzhu smiled and said, "Go and call your eldest brother, so he won't have to read those sour poems all day."

Seeing that Mingzhu still didn't want to talk about it, Kuixu had no choice but to obey the order and call his eldest brother to accompany Father for a drink.

Mingzhu felt a sense of relief and a little uneasy as she watched Kuixu leave.

He had only three sons. The eldest, Nalan Xingde, was a reincarnation of the immortal poet, absorbed in poetry and prose, seemingly useless in his career. The youngest was still young, and Mingzhu saw in his temperament that he was only concerned with avoiding future trouble for the Yehenara clan.

The second son, Nalan Kuixu, had indeed grown rapidly in the years following his demotion, and the future of the Yehenara clan rested in his hands.

However, Mingzhu had not expected Kuixu to align himself with the Eighth Prince so quickly, even with a certain air of unwavering devotion.

Mingzhu shook her head at this thought, unsure whether this decision was right or wrong.

Kangxi soon learned of Fucha's pregnancy and was overjoyed. After rewarding Yinzhen and Fucha with numerous gifts, he even made a special trip to Wenshan's place.

"Now that Yinzhen has a child, a legitimate one, I am much more relieved," Kangxi said with a smile.

Wen Shan served him tea: "The imperial physician said that Fu Cha is in good health and will surely give birth to a child smoothly."

"Yes." Kangxi held Wen Shan's hand and asked her to sit down, "Now that Fu Cha is pregnant and lives in the palace, you should take better care of her."

"That's what my daughter-in-law should take care of." Wen Shan felt strange. What was there to specifically remind her of this?

Kangxi smiled and said nothing.

But obviously the news that Yin Zhen's wife was pregnant was not good news for many people.

Especially the prince who had been under house arrest for many days.