Chapter 54: The Fifth Princess Consort

Chapter 54: The Fifth Princess Consort

The Deb family of four were all bewildered and at a loss, not understanding what was happening with the subtle exchanges among the people present.

Yideri was even more puzzled. He had been dark-skinned his whole life, yet no one had reacted so strongly before. Could it be that... in the Forbidden City, fair skin was now considered the standard of beauty for men?

Yideri was slightly shocked by this thought. How absurd! After all, the Manchus were a horse-riding nation, always valuing bravery and strength. He had never seen a brave warrior who was also a pretty boy!

He decided he would ask his little sister about it another day, he silently thought to himself.

For the Deb family of four, this situation was bewildering, but for Yinqi, it was a bit of an ordeal.

Facing the teasing glances from his brothers, Yinqi could still face them calmly. However, when the Deb family occasionally looked at him with puzzled eyes seeking answers, he could only avoid their gaze.

After all, the misunderstanding about the "dark-skinned princess consort" was something he truly didn't know how to explain, especially when he recalled how he had actually been affected on his wedding night, which made him feel embarrassed and ashamed.

Yinqi helplessly looked at his father, hoping he could quickly change the topic and help him escape this awkward situation.

Emperor Kangxi, upon receiving his son's pleading look, felt amused inside. He felt no guilt and even had a bit of malicious pleasure in seeing his son in this predicament.

Of course, he knew the occasion called for restraint, so he promptly returned to the main topic and asked Huang Mao and others to give their reports, similar to a modern performance review.

As the leader of the officials dispatched to teach farming techniques to various Mongolian tribes, Huang Mao naturally took charge. Being a former Grand Secretary, he was skilled at such bureaucratic tasks and began his detailed report.

"Your Majesty, I hereby report on behalf of our team regarding the matters we have undertaken. We were ordered to go to Horqin and other Mongolian tribes last August..."

Although Huang Mao's report was lengthy, it highlighted the achievements of the past year, the problems encountered, and the difficulties faced during the mission. He provided concrete solutions for each issue, making his report substantial and practical.

From Emperor Kangxi's reaction, it was clear that he was very satisfied with their performance on this mission.

Seeing this, Huang Mao felt relieved and became increasingly confident as he continued his report.

In fact, over the past year, he had gained a lot while traveling through the Mongolian tribes. Initially, he was assigned this task because he had offended someone in the court and was sent away as a scapegoat.

While Emperor Kangxi always emphasized the importance of farming in Mongolian territories, it was a good assignment only if done well.

However, anyone with experience in the court knew that this was a thankless job for Huang Mao. As a Grand Secretary, his knowledge of farming was mostly theoretical, and the Mongolian tribes traditionally did not value agriculture. It seemed almost impossible to excel in this task.

To make matters worse, Emperor Kangxi suddenly assigned two people from the Zha Saik Doroi Prince's family of Horqin Left-wing Rear Banner, the brother of the current Fifth Princess Consort. Clearly, they were just there to fill numbers.

It was obvious that these nobles' children knew nothing about farming, let alone the nomadic Mongolian tribes.

So where did this mission of "teaching farming techniques to the Mongolian tribes" come from? It was indeed quite amusing.

Faced with this additional burden, Huang Mao felt utterly hopeless. He had to manage the mission while dealing with these two Mongolian princes, fearing his career might be over.

But unexpectedly, over the next year, he learned a lot from Robzang Lash and Yideri. Without their involvement, the mission would not have been as successful.

Initially, Huang Mao did not take them seriously, even after they actively participated and offered suggestions. Instead, he relied more on the officials who understood farming. However, reality proved him wrong.

These officials knew some farming techniques but did not understand the local conditions or the needs of the nomads. They immediately tried to cultivate fertile grasslands, which led to opposition from the locals and the Mongolian nobility, as these areas were essential for grazing.

In contrast, Robzang Lash and Yideri's suggestions were more practical, encouraging the cultivation of smaller, scattered plots or areas near mountains instead of large, lush grasslands.

Huang Mao then remembered Emperor Kangxi's words in the Palace of Heavenly Purity about the semi-agricultural model in Horqin Left-wing Rear Banner. He adopted their suggestions and later realized that their understanding of farming far exceeded everyone else's, leading to impressive results.

Their mission was initially to teach farming and irrigation techniques, but with Robzang Lash and Yideri taking the lead, they also addressed issues like sustainable land use, preventing desertification, and resolving conflicts between farmers and nomads.

They completed their mission exceptionally well and received multiple commendations from Emperor Kangxi.

Huang Mao knew these achievements were due to the efforts of Robzang Lash and Yideri. He dared not claim credit for their work, given their noble status and familial connections. Moreover, he was an upright person and not one to steal credit.

Therefore, in every report to Emperor Kangxi, he truthfully acknowledged their contributions.

Thus, Emperor Kangxi was already aware of their accomplishments, which was why he was particularly pleased with Robzang Lash and Yideri's work.

Over the years, Emperor Kangxi had struggled with the issue of agricultural development in Mongolia. While the Great Qing had encouraged farming in Mongolian territories since entering the capital, many problems arose, including conflicts between farmers and nomads and the degradation of fertile lands into barren wastelands.

Before seeing the success in Horqin Left-wing Rear Banner, Emperor Kangxi had even considered banning farming in Mongolia.

Moreover, the benefits of farming initiatives often went to the Mongolian nobility rather than the common nomads, contrary to his original intentions.

However, following the Horqin Left-wing Rear Banner model would ultimately benefit the nomads, though the nobility would gain less but more sustainably.

The officials present, most from the Ministry of Finance and the Agricultural Administration Department, recognized the excellence of their mission and anticipated commendations.

Especially those who knew the origins of Huang Mao's assignment envied him for encountering a family skilled in farming, benefiting greatly from their expertise.

However, what they were most concerned about was how the winter wheat in Horqin, Ao Han, Nai Man, and Karaqin banners avoided frost damage last year!

This question had been troubling them, as many officials had tried various methods without success.

Huang Mao turned to Robzang Lash and Yideri, indicating that he did not understand the solution.

Robzang Lash stepped forward and replied, "Your Majesty, last winter was extremely cold, and the wheat suffered some frost damage. However, we implemented measures before winter, such as fertilizing and pressing the wheat, which mitigated the damage."

After spring, they took timely remedial actions, salvaging many wheat plants and avoiding significant yield losses.

Everyone was stunned, understanding fertilization but confused about "pressing the wheat."

"What does 'pressing the wheat' mean?" Emperor Kangxi asked, echoing everyone's thoughts.

Robzang Lash replied, "Your Majesty, pressing the wheat means rolling stones over the wheat fields to suppress its growth."

Everyone was taken aback. Suppressing the growth of wheat?

Press the wheat!

This statement overturned everyone's understanding in the Ministry of Finance and the Agricultural Administration Department, or rather, everyone present except Yinqi, who had been educated by An Qing earlier.

"Why is that?" Ma Qi asked, puzzled. "Good crops yield good harvests; this has always been the case."

However, Robzang Lash shook his head and replied, "My sister taught me this method. I just followed her instructions. If you want to know more, you should ask her."

Upon hearing this, everyone present was taken aback. His sister? That would be the Fifth Princess Consort!

So, the method to reduce frost damage in wheat was also devised by the Fifth Princess Consort?!

Yinqi looked at Robzang Lash, feeling a slight stir in his heart.

Others might not know, but he did. An Qing had clearly explained the reasoning behind pressing wheat in her letter. Therefore, Robzang Lash wasn't ignorant; he simply didn't want to take credit for An Qing's work.

When Kangxi heard it was An Qing's idea, he was initially stunned but then felt a sense of "as expected."

He had underestimated the girl's talent in farming.

Suddenly, Kangxi turned to Yinqi, "Fifth Prince, how much wheat did your Princess Consort's field yield last year?"

He finally remembered what he had forgotten!

Yinqi paused before replying, "About three and a half bushels."

Previously, he and An Qing had discussed not mentioning the wheat yield from her field unless asked directly by Kangxi. After all, hiding it would be considered treason.

Hearing it was only three and a half bushels, no one was particularly surprised; instead, they thought it was quite low. With a yield of only about 60 pounds per mu, it was clearly a poor harvest. Thus, they began to doubt the effectiveness of pressing wheat.

Unexpectedly, Ma Qi suddenly exclaimed, "What, three and a half bushels?!"

He looked at Yinqi in surprise, "Fifth Beile, are you sure the small plot of land belonging to the Fifth Princess Consort yielded three and a half bushels?"

Yinqi nodded, "I was there when the wheat was harvested and weighed it myself."

Kangxi seemed to have figured out something and stood up from his chair, "Liang Jiugong, quickly invite the Fifth Princess Consort here!"

Liang Jiugong hurriedly agreed and left.

However, when he arrived at An Qing's tent, she was not there. He was informed that the Fifth Princess Consort and her mother had gone to pay respects to the Empress Dowager. Liang Jiugong immediately headed towards the Empress Dowager's tent.

Inside the Empress Dowager's tent, coincidentally, An Qing and her mother arrived at the same time as Xianfu and her mother. There were also several unfamiliar noblewomen from Kezuo Zhong Banner, presumably relatives of the Empress Dowager.

They were all from Horqin, though from different banners, still related. Moreover, the Mongolian tribes and Manchu nobles in the Imperial City were often intermarried, making An Qing's mother and Xianfu's mother-in-law distant relatives.

Everyone quickly became familiar with each other.

An Qing watched her mother socialize silently, feeling useless herself.

Her mother was a natural socialite, thriving in such settings. An Qing, despite being used to seeing her mother excel in social situations, couldn't help but marvel at it every time.

Feeling stuffy inside the tent, An Qing decided to step outside for some fresh air, planning to return shortly. After all, she wasn't needed inside for the moment.

Unexpectedly, as soon as she stepped out, Xianfu also followed and approached her.

An Qing: "..."

Why did she forget about her? She should have stayed inside.

As An Qing regretted her decision, Xianfu had already reached her.

An Qing resignedly bowed.

Xianfu waved her hand dismissively, seeming impatient.

An Qing barely restrained herself from rolling her eyes.

Just as she prepared for Xianfu's criticism, Xianfu unexpectedly stood beside her without saying anything, as if she too had come out for fresh air.

Though confused, An Qing felt relieved, not wanting any conflict, especially here.

They stood silently for a while.

Estimating it was time to go back, An Qing prepared to leave, "Your Highness, I'll return now."

She bowed and started to leave.

"Wait," Xianfu stopped her, "I need to talk to you."

Hearing this familiar opening, An Qing silently mourned, thinking she couldn't avoid it.

"Your Highness, please speak," she said respectfully.

No matter what, as long as she maintained proper etiquette, she would be in the right even if Xianfu found fault.

Just as she braced herself for Xianfu's criticism, Xianfu hesitated for a moment before saying, "That... thank you for those mint candies. They were very useful."

An Qing was momentarily stunned. This was not what she had expected.

Wasn't she supposed to find fault? Why the sudden gratitude?

Or was this a tactic to mess with her mind?

Seeing An Qing's surprise, Xianfu looked slightly uncomfortable and said irritably, "Rest assured, I won't trouble you anymore."

With that, she stormed off.

An Qing stood there in confusion, turning to look at Perilla after a moment: "What did she just say?"

Perilla replied truthfully, "The lady from Xianfu Palace said she won't cause you any trouble anymore."

An Qing blinked. She seemed to have taken the wrong medicine; why had she suddenly changed her attitude?

But who cared if she had changed or not, as long as she didn't cause trouble. Maybe it was simply because she was in a good mood after seeing her family.

An Qing understood this feeling. Today, after seeing her parents, she felt great too. Even if her most hated person were standing before her now, she might even manage a smile.

However, the reality was that the lady from Xianfu Palace wasn't in a good mood at all. Her statement about not causing trouble wasn't due to this either.

Mainly, the Empress Dowager had repeatedly warned her not to provoke An Qing, threatening that she would no longer protect her if she did. The lady from Xianfu Palace couldn't help but be wary, knowing that without the Empress Dowager's protection, she might be confined to Xianfu Palace by Kangxi forever.

Moreover, the Empress Dowager had informed her parents about this matter, leading to another scolding.

The lady from Xianfu Palace wasn't stupid. She knew that tribes on the grasslands were interconnected, and making enemies wouldn't benefit anyone. This was precisely why she believed An Qing should stand with her.

Though she couldn't understand the reason, she took this caution to heart.

Well, if she couldn't avoid trouble, she could at least avoid An Qing. This was what the lady from Xianfu Palace thought as she left.

An Qing had no idea about these thoughts. If she did, she would definitely cry foul. Who was provoking whom? Who was avoiding whom?

As for the mint candy mentioned earlier, it was indeed a coincidence. Previously, when An Qing heard that Wu Lan suffered from motion sickness during carriage rides, she and Perilla made some mint candies and plums to alleviate the discomfort, hoping to make her journey more comfortable.

Later, on the Empress Dowager's carriage, they overheard a palace maid from Xianfu Palace complaining about severe motion sickness. Out of respect for the Empress Dowager, An Qing had Perilla give her a box of mint candies.

She assumed the lady from Xianfu Palace would throw them away, but apparently, she actually ate them.

When Liang Jiugong arrived, An Qing had just returned to her tent and had a cup of tea.

"The servant greets the Empress Dowager. May the Empress Dowager be well," Liang Jiugong bowed and said.

The Empress Dowager waved her hand, signaling him to rise. "Why are you here now? Is there something the Emperor needs?"

Liang Jiugong replied, "The servant has come to find the Fifth Princess Consort. The Emperor summoned the Fifth Princess Consort to the main tent."

Upon hearing that Kangxi wanted to see An Qing, the women present were surprised.

They had heard rumors that the daughter of the Deb family was highly favored by Kangxi in the Forbidden City. It seemed those rumors were true.

An Qing looked at the Empress Dowager and said, "Grandma, shall I go over now?"

After saying this, she looked at her mother with concern. Although she knew her mother wouldn't suffer much due to her temper, leaving her alone still worried her.

The Empress Dowager waved her hand, giving her a reassuring look. "Go. The Emperor must have important matters. Don't delay."

An Qing nodded and left with Liang Jiugong.

In fact, she was quite curious about why Kangxi had summoned her. Could something have happened with her father or eldest brother?

On the way, An Qing couldn't help but ask, "Eunuch Liang, can you tell me why the Emperor summoned me?"

Liang Jiugong thought for a moment and replied, "Fifth Princess Consort, your second brother and third brother are currently in audience with His Majesty."

An Qing paused, guessing something but still unsure.

But when she entered the tent and met Yinqi's gaze, she instantly confirmed her suspicions and sighed inwardly.

Her second and third brothers hadn't listened to her after all. It seemed all those letters she had written were in vain.

Over the past year, An Qing had been aware of her second and third brothers' progress in teaching farming techniques to the Mongolian tribes, including their planting of winter wheat in Horqin.

Initially, she intended to attribute all the credit except for the seed cultivation to them, as these were easily noticeable achievements. This way, when the wheat yields increased next year, Kangxi would reward them accordingly.

Then, combined with their tribe's previous contributions, perhaps her father's wish for another title of Prince of the State could be fulfilled.

But her stubborn second and third brothers refused to agree. Despite her numerous letters appealing to their emotions and logic, they remained unmoved.

If it weren't for the occasion, she would have loved to punch them both right now. What use was the credit to her? The last time, with Qingfeng's illness, the credit was significant, yet nothing came of it.

Hmph! Lao Kang could be stingy with his harem, but how could he be stingy with her, his own daughter-in-law? An Qing thought resentfully.

Of course, she would soon realize she had been mistaken, but that was a story for later.