Chapter 92 Chapter 92 Yue Zhongqi can be considered

a top military commander during the reigns of Emperor Kangxi and Emperor Qianlong. He is the twenty-first generation grandson of the renowned general Yue Fei. His father, Yue Shenglong, achieved remarkable military success in the Second Battle of the Dzungar Khanate and was appointed Governor-General of Sichuan. Raised in this environment, Yue Zhongqi's bravery surpassed his father's.

During the reign of Emperor Yongzheng, he and Nian Gengyao pacified Lobsang Danjin in Qinghai. Emperor Yinzhen appointed him Governor-General of Sichuan and Shaanxi, a powerful official. He also made significant contributions to the implementation of the policy of "reform of the native system."

Most commendably, he did not, like Nian Gengyao, become complacent. During the Qianlong era, he even led the campaign at the Battle of Jinchuan, becoming a victorious general throughout three dynasties.

Yinzhen was naturally familiar with the name, but Yue Zhongqi was only eleven years old at the time and unable to fight. Before leaving for the expedition, Yue Shenglong had sent his wife and children to his father-in-law's home in Beijing to be cared for, so Yue Zhongqi followed him to Beijing.

Yinsi kept a close eye on all these capable civil and military officials, so he received the news as soon as Yue Zhongqi and his family set off.

As the years passed, those who could be used gradually grew in stature, and it seemed likely that the time would soon come to close the net.

Speaking of Yue Zhongqi, one cannot help but mention Nian Gengyao.

Nian Gengyao was both capable and ambitious, and more importantly, he defied discipline and even showed disdain for the imperial family.

Yinzhen felt a headache whenever he recalled the stories Yinsi and Yinxiang had told him.

However, Kangxi had not yet transferred the Bordered White Banner to Yinzhen's name, and the Nian family had no ties to him.

Once Yinzhen became the leader of the Bordered White Banner, the Nian family, hailing from the Banner, naturally became Yinzhen's subordinates.

According to Yinsi and Yinxiang, Nian Gengyao initially showed no respect for Prince Yong. The fact that Yinzhen, at the time, wrote letters to berate Nian Gengyao for his lack of discipline and Nian Xialing for his poor parenting skills speaks volumes about Nian Gengyao's arrogance.

However, Nian Gengyao enjoyed Kangxi's deep favor, leaving Yinzhen with little power to control him.

After much deliberation, he could only rely on in-law connections, which led him to marry Nian Gengyao's sister as a concubine.

However, Yinzhen had little interest in the Nian family. Even if someone without a monarch or a father possessed some talent, he couldn't be promoted, as that would be a disaster.

With little interest in Nian Gengyao, he naturally had no interest in marrying a woman surnamed Nian into the imperial court.

"In two years, Nian Gengyao will be taking the imperial examinations with Hengchen," Yinzhen said. "He's incredibly ambitious, so we need to keep a close eye on him."

Yinsi nodded, stating that he understood the situation.

Tian Wenjing had come to Beijing to report on his work and take over as prefect of Jingzhao Prefecture, rushing to meet Kangxi before he left for the campaign.

Kangxi remained deeply interested in this minister, the only one in the court with whom Yinzhen had a close relationship. During Tian Wenjing's imperial examination, Kangxi had considered him unfit for important positions, but over the years, he had actually risen through the ranks.

After not seeing him for years, Kangxi's impression of Tian Wenjing had faded somewhat. Only after meeting him did he begin to understand why Yinzhen was so willing to associate with him.

The two men shared a similar temperament: straightforward and unyielding, they acted with swiftness and decisiveness, oblivious to social conventions.

For example, when Tian Wenjing came to Beijing to report on his work, he had brought with him a list of over thirty officials impeached.

These were all officials in Henan who had been found guilty of corruption and dereliction of duty. Tian Wenjing had catalogued them one by one, regardless of their rank.

Even Kangxi, a seasoned politician, was shocked by this.

"I understand all this. We'll discuss it after we return to the capital."

If Tian Wenjing's list was truly dismissed, the entire Henan officialdom would be paralyzed.

Even if it meant overhauling the civil service, such reckless action was unacceptable.

"Your Majesty, this matter concerns the national economy and the people's livelihood. If left unaddressed, I fear there will be endless consequences," Tian Wenjing said with a deep bow.

He collected evidence but also alerted the enemy. Many people knew that he had the list to report to Kangxi. If Yinzhen and Yinsi had not sent people to escort him secretly, he would not have been able to reach the capital.

If he waited until he returned from the expedition to deal with it, it would be too late.

Kangxi had a headache seeing him like this. In the past few years, Yinzhen had not been so stubborn and confronted him.

It was really... worthy of being the person Yinzhen had chosen.

Kangxi had no way to deal with him. He could only drive him away and let Yinzhen clean up the mess.

Looking at the figure of Tian Wenjing who was still leaving with his back straight, Kangxi shook his head helplessly.

"Your Majesty, you have to go to the expedition tomorrow. You should rest early today." Liang Jiugong stepped forward and said at the right time.

Preparations for the expedition were nearly complete, and Kangxi had no interest in reading the memorials. He glanced at the time, paused, and said, "Has Concubine Xuan returned from Changchun Garden?" "

Your Majesty, she just returned the day before yesterday."

Liang Jiugong thought, as expected, the Emperor always visited Concubine Xuan before leaving for battle.

It had become an unwritten rule that the Emperor always

visited Xianfu Palace the day before a long journey. This time was no exception, and upon learning of Wen Shan's return, Kangxi headed for Xianfu Palace.

Wen Shan had just returned from Changchun Garden, and Xianfu Palace had already been tidied up. Upon entering the courtyard, Wen Shan noticed new flower seedlings planted beneath the east wall.

"When were these planted? Why didn't anyone tell me?"

Wen Shan enjoyed growing flowers and had planted many in Xianfu Palace, but this particular flowerbed was hers to meticulously tend. She had carefully selected the flowers she would plant for the fall, and seeing them already planted, she frowned, thinking that Zhenzhu, Baoquan, and the others would never act so presumptuously.

Baoquan, who stayed at Xianfu Palace to look after the house, also looked embarrassed: "Master, this is a new variety of flower that the emperor has given me. He specifically ordered that it be planted before you return to the palace. He said that it will bloom in a few days."

Wen Shan: "..."

I am really impressed by him. What is he doing?

Wen Shan was just wondering how he could have moved these flowers away without anyone noticing and replaced them with the ones she had chosen when Kangxi swaggered in.

He also asked her very proudly if she liked these flowers.

"..."

Now the flowers haven't even bloomed, there are only green leaves, and she doesn't even know what these flowers look like.

Kangxi coughed twice and said: "It will be flowering season in a few days. These flower seeds were transported from the northwest. It is said that the flowers are huge and fragrant when they bloom. They are not often seen in the capital. I know you like to grow flowers, so I specially transplanted them to your palace."

At this point, Wen Shan could only thank him.

Kangxi took her hand with satisfaction and walked into the inner hall.

The hall was filled with wedding favors, a somewhat cluttered affair that looked festive.

"Yinsi's wedding is next year," Kangxi sighed. "It's so fast these children have all started families."

Wen Shan had the items removed and served Kangxi tea.

"The princes and princesses will have families and careers, giving the Emperor many more grandchildren."

Kangxi drank his tea, asked her to sit down, and asked, "What have Concubine Rong and Concubine Hui been up to

lately?" The two had been arguing again.

Though it was a minor quarrel, it had caused Concubine Tong considerable distress, as their target this time was Concubine Qin, who was pregnant.

Kangxi had heard about it, but he was too busy with matters at court to bother. It wasn't until Concubine Hui sent someone to invite him over for dinner that he remembered the matter.

"Noble Concubine Qin is pregnant, but Jingyang Palace currently has no master, so Concubine Hui and Concubine Rong both want to take Noble Concubine Qin to their own palaces to care for her," Wen Shan briefly explained the situation.

Noble Concubine Qin was also Kangxi's new favorite in recent years, sharing equal status with Concubine Mi, both of them from the Han Army Banner. She became pregnant shortly after gaining favor.

Although Concubine Hui and Concubine Rong no longer cared much about the favor, Kangxi would visit more often if a favorite concubine lived in his palace. As the saying goes, a meeting brings a little affection, so even a few words would be good.

So both of them set their sights on Noble Concubine Qin.

"Nonsense!" Kangxi put down his tea and scolded, "How can Concubine Qin be moved around so easily while she's pregnant? Concubine Hui and Concubine Rong have been acting more and more recklessly these past two years."

"Don't be angry, Your Majesty. They're just trying to take care of Concubine Qin and help you relieve your worries."

Wen Shan stared at the teacup Kangxi had dropped. It was the one Yinxiang had just sent her a few days ago. Don't let him break it.

Concubine Qin was now five months pregnant, and it was indeed a critical time. Kangxi had been too busy to attend to these matters recently, but now that he was about to go to war, he couldn't help but think about Concubine Qin and her unborn child.

"You have a point. It's indeed inconvenient to have no main seat in Jingyang Palace." Kangxi pondered for a moment and said, "Let Concubine Cheng move into Jingyang Palace."

Wen Shan: "..."

It's always been the case that concubines of lower rank were moved to the palaces of higher-ranking concubines. I've never seen a main seat moved.

This decree would surely make Concubine Qin jealous.

However, Wen Shan thought that Kangxi's choice made some sense. Concubine Cheng had been out of favor for many years and had a very calm temperament. She devoted herself to the Seventh Prince, but as an old official in the palace, she could at least help Concubine Qin ward off some of his schemes.

Wen Shan knew her well

enough that if she were moved to Jingyang Palace, she would not do anything to Concubine Qin and would even take good care of her. Kangxi, for once, did not nag her today. He spoke to her for a while and then went to bed. When Wen Shan woke up the next morning, Kangxi was gone.

"My Lord, the Emperor left half an hour ago and told us not to disturb you," Zhenzhu said as she stepped forward and drew the curtain.

Wen Shan woke up for a moment and saw that it was just dawn outside. She yawned and asked, "What time will the Emperor leave for the battle today?"

They had to go and see Kangxi off.

"One quarter past four," Zhenzhu said, "You still have time to get up and have some breakfast."

Wen Shan washed up and ate a little, but it wasn't even time yet. Not wanting to go early, she waited in Xianfu Palace. Concubine Yi arrived.

"I knew the Imperial Concubine wouldn't go up to the tower early." Concubine Yi smiled as she entered the room, waving off the formalities.

Wen Shan pulled her to sit down. "Why are you out there in the sun and wind? It's not even time yet."

"The Rong Concubine and the others went early, and Concubine Ping even spent the night in Baohua Hall praying."

Concubine Yi helped herself to a snack, enjoying it.

Wen Shan glanced at her. "You're here without breakfast?"

Concubine Yi grinned. "Your Highness's food is famous in the palace for its deliciousness. I can't treat myself badly when I come here."

"You make it sound like you don't eat much on a normal day," Wen Shan scolded with a smile.

Concubine Yi had become somewhat chubbier in recent years, though only slightly plumper, making her look even more graceful.

She herself had said she had lost interest in competing for favor, leaving the younger concubines to their own devices. The Fifth Prince

had just married a few days ago, and Concubine Yi was delighted. Seeing some wedding trappings in Xianfu Palace, she knew Wen Shan had prepared them for Yinsi's wedding.

"Since his wedding, Yinqi has been so focused on his wife that he's even been visiting the palace less often," Concubine Yi chided.

Wen Shan smiled and said, "That's good! It'll allow you to have a grandson soon."

Concubine Yi was also very fond of the Fifth Concubine, carefully chosen by the Empress Dowager. She was naturally pleased to see the Fifth Prince and his wife's loving relationship. However, the Fifth Prince was different from the others. He only had one legitimate wife, not even a concubine, which made Concubine Yi a little dissatisfied. It was

the Empress Dowager who decided this matter. Kangxi had originally intended to appoint a concubine for the Fifth Prince, as per tradition, but

the Empress Dowager stopped her. She said it would be enough time to appoint two concubines after the first wife had given birth in two years. The Empress

Dowager's point was that the Fifth Prince and his first wife had just married and were both young people of similar age, so it was time to cultivate their affection and wait until the first wife became pregnant before bringing in a new wife. The Empress

Dowager wanted her precious grandson to have a harmonious and happy marriage. Furthermore, the Empress Dowager doted on the Fifth Prince and had secretly allowed him to meet his first wife before his wedding. The Fifth Prince was very fond of his future wife, so the Empress Dowager stopped him from taking a concubine at the same time.

However, Concubine Yi, the biological mother, was somewhat dissatisfied. Every other prince had married with both a first wife and a concubine, but the Fifth Prince was left with only his first wife. Those who didn't know would think that the Fifth Prince was truly disfavored!

但是太后的意思连康熙都只能顺从，更不用说宜妃了。

幸好宜妃虽然做事爱恨分明，风风火火但是人不糊涂也不会迁怒于五福晋，进宫请安的时候也是和颜悦色嘘寒问暖，还送了不少东西过去。

“不聊这些孩子们的事了。”宜妃摆摆手说道:“都是些来讨债的。”

文珊:“胤禩大婚完可就轮到九阿哥了，你也别想躲懒。”

不提还好，一提宜妃就唉声叹气。

九阿哥的财迷属性和从商天赋已经初见端倪，最近也是不怎么着家，一门心思地往外跑扬言要赚大钱，做阿哥里最有钱的一个。

气地宜妃想揍他。

"Yin'er is even more difficult. Well, I'm too lazy to bother with him. Let him do whatever he wants."

The Ninth Prince's marriage hadn't been scheduled yet. Concubine Yi had privately seen several, but Kangxi hadn't spoken yet, so the matter was still undecided.

"That's the trouble with having too many children," Concubine Yi said with a wry smile. "Every one of them is growing up, and it's just a hassle."

Wen Shan thought for a moment before asking about the Eleventh Prince's recent situation.

If her previous life had been like that, the Eleventh Prince would have died next year.

"I haven't seen the Eleventh Prince much lately. What's he been up to?"

Concubine Yi felt distressed at the thought of her youngest son.

"He's sick. The imperial physicians at the Imperial Hospital have seen him, but they can't diagnose anything. They say it's a case of evil spirits entering his system and a shock, so he needs to be carefully cared for."

Wen Shan was shocked. "Why didn't you tell me the Eleventh Prince was sick?"

Concubine Yi and Wen Shan were good friends, and they also had a good relationship with the other children. The Eleventh Prince had been raised by Wen Shan, so she felt the urge to check on him.

"The Empress Dowager celebrated her birthday a while ago, followed by Yinqi's wedding. Yinzhen is a very sensible child and didn't want to spoil everyone's fun." Concubine Yi said, "But fortunately, his illness is not serious, just a little dizziness and coughing. I also asked the Emperor to excuse Yinzhen from the Shangshufang and let him rest for a while."

Wen Shan nodded repeatedly. "It's my duty. Take good care of the Eleventh Prince and don't let this minor illness become a serious one."

Concubine Yi pursed her lips and smiled, a hint of resignation in her voice. "Yinzhen has been timid since he was a child and can't stand being frightened. I don't know what frightened him. I thought we'd ask the monks in Baohua Palace to set up an altar and perform a ritual. Maybe he's been contaminated by something unclean."

Although the Eleventh Prince's illness didn't appear serious, the remedies prescribed by the imperial physicians were ineffective, leading Concubine Yi to suspect something foul had come into contact with him.

However, Kangxi always disliked the idea of ghosts and spirits, so she didn't dare mention it. It just so happened that after Kangxi left for this campaign, she took advantage of the situation to take care of it.

Wen Shan thought about it and agreed, saying that she would have the monks visit the Yikun Palace and the Ganxi Five Residences after Kangxi left Beijing.

After their conversation, the time was almost up. After tidying up their clothes, they ascended the city wall to see Kangxi off.

Yinzhen and the Third Prince led the other princes at the city gate to bid farewell to the army. Kangxi gave Yinzhen and Yinsi a few words before departing.

Wen Shan sighed as she watched Kangxi leave, wondering how chaotic things would be when he returned.

Concubine Hui and Concubine Rong, who had been feuding over Concubine Qin, were naturally unhappy today. With Kangxi gone, they turned their attention to Wen Shan.

Concubine Qin, pregnant, hadn't come to see him off.

"Your Highness, the Emperor is not in the palace now, so you are naturally the most respected person in the harem. Concubine Qin is getting older now, and it is not right for the palace to have no one to take care of her." Rong Fei spoke first, "Now my palace is empty, so I would like to volunteer to take care of Concubine Qin and ensure a safe delivery."

Hui Fei was no less enthusiastic, and glared at Rong Fei and said, "Sister Rong Fei, there are too many things to do in the palace, so you don't have to bother her. It just so happens that Yinzhen's concubine is pregnant, so you can bring Sister Qin to my palace so that we can take care of her together."

Rong Fei: "In that case, Sister Hui Fei will be even busier taking care of two people..."

"Alright, stop arguing." Tong Fei stepped forward to stop the two, "Since the Emperor didn't say anything, he should let Concubine Qin take good care of her baby in Jingyang Palace, and you two sisters should stop arguing."

Although Tong Fei was also a concubine, she had the power to assist in managing the six palaces, so Rong Fei and Hui Fei had to avoid her.

Rong Fei, still unwilling to give up, turned to Wen Shan and asked, "Noble Concubine, what do you have to say?"

"The Emperor did mention this matter to me yesterday. His intention was that Concubine Qin was too advanced in pregnancy to move, and that she should remain in Jingyang Palace to care for Concubine Qin." Wen Shan was just about to convey Kangxi's intention for Concubine Cheng to move into Jingyang Palace when Liang Jiugong arrived with the imperial edict.

Kangxi's decision to leave Liang Jiugong behind during this expedition surprised everyone.

"Your servant greets the ladies. Before leaving, the Emperor left a decree for the Noble Concubine."

Wen Shan was about to bow and receive the decree, but Liang Jiugong quickly helped her up and said, "No need to bow, Your Majesty. The Emperor's instructions do not require clarification. Just read it."

Wen Shan took it, opened it, and saw that it was exactly what Kangxi had told her yesterday, that Concubine Cheng should be moved to Jingyang Palace to care for Concubine Qin.

As expected, Wen Shan's explanation of Kangxi's intention caused an uproar among the concubines. Concubine Cheng was only briefly surprised before accepting the decree.

Rong Fei and Hui Fei were in a turmoil for a long time, but the Emperor ordered Concubine Cheng to move to Jingyang Palace, which only made Concubine Qin appear even more favored.

Both of them, embarrassed, hurried away.

Concubine Tong glanced at Concubine Cheng and said, "In that case, I'll trouble you to take care of Concubine Qin."

"I will do my best, Your Majesty Tong and Your Majesty Guifei, please rest assured."

Wen Shan said nothing more, and sent Concubine Cheng back to the palace to pack up.

Concubine Tong yawned and said, "I'm really tired after getting up so early in the morning.

I'll go back to the palace to rest." After saying this, she bowed to Wen Shan and left.

Soon, only Wen Shan and Concubine Yi were left.

Concubine Yi wanted to talk to Wen Shan for a while, so they walked back to Xianfu Palace together.

"The Emperor's decree is really interesting."

Passing through the Imperial Garden, Concubine Yi was intrigued by the chrysanthemums that were already beginning to bloom, and she pulled Wen Shan to sit in the pavilion.

The palace maids quickly laid out cushions and placed fruits and vegetables on the table. Concubine Yi asked them to step aside and continued, "It's one thing to have Concubine Cheng move to Jingyang Palace, but it's strange that Liang Jiugong didn't come with the Emperor." "

Perhaps the Emperor has other plans," Wen Shan said.

The two sat for a while before they happened to see the Fourteenth Prince passing by. He hurried in and out, not noticing them, and quickly passed through the Imperial Garden.

"What's the Fourteenth Prince rushing about for?" Concubine Yi raised an eyebrow. "From this direction, it looks like he's heading to Yonghe Palace."

"Uya agreed to stay under house arrest, and she hasn't seen the Fourteenth Prince for a while. Let's let them meet," Wen Shan said softly.

Kangxi had finally left the capital, so it was natural for the Fourteenth Prince to want to sneak in a visit with his mother.

Concubine Yi clearly had no desire to argue with the Fourteenth Prince or Uya, and didn't take the matter seriously. However, Concubine Yi's personal maid sensed something was amiss.

"Your Majesty, it seems that the direction Fourteenth Prince is coming from is the Yanxi Palace."

From which direction, through the Imperial Garden, the only way is to the Yanxi Palace.

Concubine Yi didn't take it to heart: "The Fifth Princess is with Concubine Min, isn't it normal for the Fourteenth Prince to go and see her."

Wen Shan and Concubine Yi sat for a while and then went back to the palace.

As soon as Wen Shan returned to Xianfu Palace, she saw Yinsi waiting for her in the hall.

"Why are you here? Don't you need to go find your fourth brother?"

Wen Shan felt a little strange when she saw Yinsi teasing Lai Fu.

"Fourth brother and Tian Wenjing are talking, so I won't join in the fun." Yinsi said lazily.

"Mother, things may not be very peaceful recently. If you find it troublesome, just stay at Xianfu Palace and don't see anyone who comes to see you."