Chapter 87

Chapter 87

Because sneaking into the lady's chamber at night was quite troublesome, Yinzhen only managed to sleep for a little over two hours in the chapel before getting up to attend the court.

However, Su Peisheng noticed at the Golden Luan Palace that their master was in better condition than when he had been unable to sleep for nights on end.

Today, the court was still filled with arguments.

The highest-ranking official of the Bordered Yellow Banner was Song Zhu, the Grand Scholar of the Wenhua Hall and Minister of Rites.

He was from the Hesheli clan, having moved from the Bordered White Banner to become the commander of the Plain Yellow Banner. After the abdication of the previous emperor, he became the commander of the Bordered Yellow Banner.

The elder of the Nara clan from Mukden (Shengjing) was staying at Song Zhu's residence, and by relation, he was Song Zhu's great-uncle.

Even by Emperor Kangxi's standards, he was considered an elder.

Regarding the case of the Duke of Wu's mansion, even though Song Zhu did not want to get involved in something that would clearly displease the emperor, he had no choice but to speak up.

"Your Majesty, the First-Class Duke of Grace, Boshanca, once assisted Emperor Taizong in conquering the empire, with outstanding military achievements, and is enshrined in the Imperial Ancestral Temple. His son, Feiyangu, also made significant contributions during the suppression of the Revolt of the Three Feudatories. Please, Your Majesty, consider their merits and show leniency towards the Duke of Wu!"

"I concur!" Wang Zehong, the Vice Minister of Works, who loved to quote classics, recited a litany of ritual laws before trembling as he knelt behind Song Zhu.

"The Duke of Wu's mother is the daughter of Murhu, a direct descendant of Emperor Taizu, and a legitimate member of the imperial clan. Even for the sake of Emperor Taizu, it is not appropriate to abolish the Duke of Wu's title and reduce him to a commoner, Your Majesty!"

Another official from the Sotoro clan stepped forward: "I also find it inappropriate..."

...

Su Peisheng's ears were nearly calloused from hearing the same useless arguments over and over.

Intermarriage between Manchus and Han was not allowed, and in the early years, even marriages between Manchu and Han military banners were rare. With such a small pool of people, over time, everyone became relatives.

If we were to follow the generation of Emperor Taizu, executing the nine familial exterminations would probably leave no one in the Qing Dynasty.

In the struggle for power, who remembers who is whose great-grandson or great-uncle?

But now they suddenly remember.

While silently criticizing, he glanced at his master's expression and was not surprised to find him lazily leaning on the dragon throne, not paying attention to the old clichés being spouted below.

The current court arguments, ostensibly about pleading for leniency for the Duke of Wu's mansion and the Sotoro mansion, were actually about competing for the interests represented by these two mansions.

Once the quarrels subsided and the other six banners or families from the Bordered Yellow and Plain White Banners seized the spoils, this farce, complete with evidence, would come to an end.

Normally, Yinzhen would occasionally make sarcastic remarks in the Golden Luan Palace to stir up more heated debates, but today he was lost in thought about last night's events.

He was in a good mood, and it was already a feat that he didn't smile, let alone make any sarcastic comments.

*

As a prince, when he left the palace to establish his own residence, he was just a prince without a formal title. Yinzhen had earned his way to the position of prince and even became the emperor entirely on his own.

Neither Tong Siya nor Lady Wu Ya had given him any assistance.

His wife's brothers from the Ula Nara clan either died early or were incompetent, offering him no help and sometimes even requiring him to clean up their messes.

The hardships he faced need not be elaborated; anyone who knew Yinzhen, such as Emperor Kangxi and Yunxiang, never underestimated him.

Even Emperor Duane, while using Yinzhen, also secretly feared him.

So Yinzhen truly didn't understand why the little fox always thought he was... fragile, as if he were made of paper.

At this thought, Yinzhen wanted to laugh again.

The officials below were still arguing fiercely, spittle flying in all directions. He picked up his teacup and took a sip, hiding the slight curve of his thin lips.

Upon learning that the Ula Nara woman had taken action against his heirs, and to better grasp the situation in the capital while managing official duties, Yinzhen established the Imperial Guard.

He had never relaxed his control over the inner court and the harem, ensuring that no major disturbances would arise.

He had long since given up on the Ula Nara woman. The only surprise was that she was even more ruthless and cunning than he had imagined, which had caused him to stumble.

But Yinzhen wasn’t entirely surprised.

In his own climb to power, he had done things that were even colder and more ruthless.

That day in Yongshou Palace, he had indeed felt a sense of melancholy, after all, they had been husband and wife for over a decade.

He had never invested much energy in matters of romantic love. Towards the Ula Nara woman and Honghui, he acknowledged he hadn’t been thorough enough, leaving behind many regrets.

But for Yinzhen, the emperor, it was merely a fleeting sense of melancholy. More than anything, it was caution—caution against placing too much importance on that woman, and fear of sinking too deep.

When he said those words in Yongshou Palace that angered Geng Shuning, it was a test, but also a restraint on himself. He would not allow himself to become an emperor who jeopardized the empire for the sake of a woman.

For nearly two months, he hadn’t visited Geng Shuning, waiting to see how the little fox would react, so he could consider how to keep her under control and prevent her from becoming the next surprise.

But unexpectedly... Yinzhen’s gaze flickered for a moment.

The jealousy he had expected didn’t appear in that little creature. The sweet, comforting words he had anticipated didn’t come from the fox’s mouth. Instead, she had lashed out at him with sharp, biting words.

It was as if... she were scolding her own unruly child.

She took his vulnerability as the emperor in stride—harsh in speech but soft at heart. Though her face showed no kindness, every word seemed to be coaxing him.

Just as he had once hoped for in his childhood—blunt scolding and unwavering favoritism. How could he not be drawn in?

Though he was the emperor, he was still flesh and blood. Emotions were simply unreasonable.

With Yinzhen’s calm reasoning, he realized that protecting this little fox while ensuring the stability of both the court and the harem... would likely be no easier than governing the empire.

*

The ministers below, seemingly arguing with red faces, were actually secretly paying attention to the expression of His Majesty above.

Soon, someone noticed a clear trace of irritation in the emperor’s brow. Immediately, someone subtly signaled with their eyes, quietly stepping back from the argument.

Hearing the commotion below quiet down, Yinzhen set his teacup down heavily.

“Finished arguing?”

Songzhu stepped forward, bracing himself. “Your Majesty, although the Duke of Wu has made mistakes, no major disaster has occurred...”

“Must we wait until someone incites Hong Xi to commit patricide and usurp the throne before it’s considered a major disaster?” Yinzhen sneered, his sharp tongue returning.

“Do you want me to wait until I’m underground to punish those scoundrels, or do you think a different emperor would be easier to deal with?”

The civil and military officials quickly knelt, shouting in unison, “This servant does not dare!”

Yinzhen pinched the bridge of his nose, stood up, and his expression turned particularly cold and severe.

“The spy colluding with the Dzungars was personally brought back from Shanxi by the Duke of Wu’s heir. The testimonies from the Imperial Clan Court and the Ministry of Justice are right there. How do you expect me to handle this?”

“Now, the Qing Dynasty is facing internal and external troubles. Instead of thinking about how to bring prosperity to the people, you’re all squabbling over petty gains. Do you deserve the trust of me and my late father, the emperor?”

The civil and military officials once again cried out in unison—

"Your Majesty, please calm your anger, we are filled with fear and trepidation!"

Yinzhen thought the timing was just about right. Although the little fox was somewhat... uncontrollable, she would soon manage the palace affairs as he wished.

The matters of the previous dynasty should also be settled as soon as possible.

Thus, even if they were to engage in battle with the Dzungars after the new year, with him leading the campaign in person and the old man holding the fort, the court would remain stable.

He stood up, "Enough, I have made up my mind on this matter. Zhang Tingyu, stay behind to draft the edict. The court is adjourned!"

Zhang Tingyu's heart tightened. Could the edict to be drafted be the one he had already prepared?

After arguing in the court for so long, it seemed as though the Emperor was going to deal severely with the matter... If the Emperor intended to show mercy, sparing the Duke of Wu's mansion and Lady Sotoro's mansion to appease the Bordered Yellow Banner and the Plain White Banner, then the timing to depose the Empress was ripe.

*

As Zhang Tingyu pondered the pros and cons of deposing the Empress and walked out absentmindedly, he saw Zhao Song waiting outside the hall as soon as he stepped out.

Not only was Zhang Tingyu retained.

As the civil and military officials filed out of the hall in an orderly manner, Zhao Song approached with a smile, slightly raising his voice—

"By the Emperor's oral decree, summon the Ministers of Revenue, Justice, and War, six in total, to the imperial study for an audience!"

The Ministers of Revenue, Fuqimaci and Jiang Tingxi, the Ministers of Justice, Chen Tingjing and Irgen Gioro Geng'e, and the Ministers of War, Guanyinbao and Nian Xiyao, all stepped forward.

Li Guangdi and Song Zhu exchanged glances, both feeling a sense of heaviness, sensing that the Emperor was about to make a significant move.

Especially Li Guangdi, as the Minister of Personnel, he was well aware that the Ministry of Personnel had received an edict appointing Nian Xiyao as the Governor of Huguang, determining this official's position for the next year.

At this moment, summoning Nian Xiyao... the two seasoned officials had a vague understanding, perhaps there were changes concerning Shi Wensheng.

Shi Wensheng had not made any mistakes and could not be demoted.

There were no suitable positions available in the court now, and outside positions comparable to the Governor of Huguang... was the Emperor planning to move against Gali?

Some astute officials, following the six ministers towards the imperial study, began to make their own calculations.

Except for the officials on duty, the others hurriedly left the palace to return and discuss.

In times of impending change, standing on the wrong side could mean the downfall of an entire family, as seen with the current examples of the Ula Nara and Lady Sotoro.

*

Outside the imperial study, Chen Tingjing and Zhang Tingyu also exchanged glances.

Both subtly looked towards Nian Xiyao, speculating on the Emperor's intentions.

The matter of deposing the Empress was temporarily set aside. If the Emperor wanted Nian Xiyao to take up his post in Huguang as soon as possible, there would surely be major changes in Shanxi.

Both were somewhat excited.

Previously, regarding the issue of the imperial treasury's debts, many provinces had repaid their silver, only Shanxi had shown no movement.

The two had set policies with the Emperor regarding the return of fire consumption and the establishment of integrity silver. Shanxi's financial deficit was severe, and being not far from the northwest and Jiangnan, it was the most suitable place to implement new policies.

The Emperor was about to punish corrupt officials!

Both eagerly awaited the Emperor's summons, mentally preparing strategies to deal with Gali and minimize the impact.

But after a while, there was still no sign of anyone coming to summon them.

It was bitterly cold at this time, and the older Minister of Revenue, Jiang Tingxi, was so cold that his face turned blue and his legs trembled.

Zhao Song hurried back from the direction of Cining Palace and, upon seeing this, immediately scolded Xiao Chengzi in a low voice.

"Idiot! The Empress Dowager is unwell, and the Emperor rushed to see her, leaving the ministers unattended. How could you just stand by and watch them waiting outside?"

"Quickly, bring the ministers into the side hall to warm themselves. If they catch a cold, I'll have your hide!"

The ministers present, all seasoned officials, were sharp and immediately grasped the implications in Zhao Song's words.

Had the Emperor left the palace to visit the Empress Dowager?

This demonstrated the Emperor's filial piety; even though he neglected state affairs, no one dared to comment.

But the fact that the Emperor hadn't dismissed them meant that His Majesty still had state affairs on his mind.

Could it be that the Empress Dowager was seriously ill?

As the ministers entered the side hall and huddled around the ornate stove to warm up, Zhao Song brought in tea and snacks.

He apologized to the ministers with a pained look.

"It's all this servant's fault. The Emperor was in a hurry to leave the palace, fearing that the Empress Dowager would worry, and ordered this servant to reassure her, forgetting that the ministers were still waiting."

He wiped the corner of his eye: "This servant is also concerned. Since the Duanhe Empress passed away, the Empress Dowager's spirits have been low, and the Empress... This servant feared alarming the Empress Dowager, so I beg the ministers' forgiveness!"

The ministers all waved their hands, saying it was no trouble, their expressions very kind.

Not to mention that Zhao Song was Su Peisheng's successor, even if he were just an ordinary eunuch, he was still an imperial eunuch.

Even if they froze to death in the snow, who would dare to argue with someone from the imperial presence?

After Zhao Song left, Guanyinbao stepped back with a guilty expression, not saying a word.

Nian Xialing stroked his beard and sighed, shaking his head in the direction of Yongshou Palace, also silent.

The remaining four ministers said nothing either.

But they all understood.

Zhao Song hadn't come to apologize to them for no reason; he wanted them to know that the Empress Dowager had been upset by the Duanhe Empress and the Empress.

Why was she upset?

It was said that the Empress Dowager's spirits were not good, but the commotion that night couldn't be completely hidden, and the ministers vaguely knew that the Empress Dowager had been poisoned.

The retired Emperor also seemed to be in poor health, which was why he accompanied the Empress Dowager to the hot spring palace.

Even without knowing the details, they could guess that these two Empresses... must have done something significant.

Zhang Tingyu kept his head down the whole time. Among those present, his official rank was the lowest, but he was the Emperor's staunch confidant and knew the most.

The matter of deposing the Empress would likely be finalized today. The Emperor's move... was brilliant.

Zhang Tingyu sighed inwardly, wondering how His Majesty had convinced the Empress Dowager and the retired Emperor to cooperate. He had underestimated the master's cunning!

*

In reality, at this moment, the master whom Zhang Tingyu was praising in his heart was glaring darkly at the woman opposite him.

Geng Shuning shrank her neck, sitting innocently in the corner.

She whispered softly, "Who dares to refuse when the Grand Empress Dowager summons?"

"No one told you to come along, so why are you giving me that look..."

The veins on Yinzhen's temples pulsed visibly as he suppressed his anger.

"Come here!" he barked.

Geng Shuning refused; she wasn’t about to face the Grand Empress Dowager with a sore backside.

And seeing the man's irritable demeanor today, even the demeanor of a ruthless enforcer, she vaguely sensed something.

Last night he was so fragile, and now he’s acting like a domineering boss. Was she being tricked by that scoundrel?

Seeing her hesitation, Yinzhen leaned forward and effortlessly pulled her, bundled up like a little bear cub, into his arms.

Seeing Geng Shuning's wary eyes, he suppressed the urge to pat her, his words seeming forced from his throat—

"If I hadn't caught up, were you planning to go see the Grand Empress Dowager alone?"

He had just settled into the imperial study when Lin Fu rushed in to report that Geng Shuning had been summoned out of the palace by the Grand Empress Dowager’s personal nanny.

Shocked, Yinzhen fumbled and dropped his teacup, the porcelain shattering on the floor.

He knew well that the Grand Empress Dowager was not one to meddle, nor was she particularly curious; this was clearly the old master's intention.

Thinking of this, Yinzhen's arms tightened even more, wishing he could press her onto his knees.

She seems clever, so why does she keep making such foolish choices?

Geng Shuning sensed the hostile aura from her boyfriend and leaned softly into his arms, her voice obedient.

"If someone reported to the imperial court in front of Nanny Wuyunna, what if the Grand Empress Dowager thought I was being arrogant and disrespectful to my elders?"

Wuyunna said that the Grand Empress Dowager had heard that the emperor had a new favorite, and she was curious, inviting Geng Shuning over for a chat.

If she didn’t accept this gesture politely, no matter whose idea it was, facing such a revered figure would be like courting death.

Yinzhen couldn't help but pinch her cheek, "Did the dog eat the jade token I gave you?"

"Don't you think, what if it's the emperor's intention to confine you, and you never see me again?"

Geng Shuning looked up at him and smiled, "The facts prove that even if I don't say anything, don't you already know everything you need to?"

Yinzhen choked, frowned, and explained, "Now is the most chaotic time in the court and the harem, I'm worried someone might harm you."

"You should come to my side earlier, take charge of the palace affairs, to be safer."

Geng Shuning lowered her eyes, whether it was concern or surveillance, the result was the same.

She pitied the vulnerable boyfriend from last night, but she wasn't a fool.

Falling in love without considering the consequences, but marriage requires balance, especially since she was marrying a deep and suspicious emperor.

She truly liked this man, but as he wished, she was more for her own ambitions.

Discovering that the Fourth Master was not as sensitive and fragile as she imagined was a good thing, giving her more confidence to act boldly in the future.

She knew full well this man wasn’t the Fourth Prince from some romantic novel or drama, and, as it happened, she had no patience for weak or incompetent men.

It's just a matter of time, slowly wearing each other down.

She reached out and wrapped her arms around Yinzhen's neck, gently nuzzling his neck, acting coy.

"I dared to go alone because you gave me the courage. If I want to be empress, I’ll have to face these things eventually, won’t I?"

She kissed Yinzhen's cheek, the sweet words she owed from last night now poured out effortlessly.

"I promised to stay by your side, so of course, I need to be capable of it. Leaving the palace to accompany the Grand Empress Dowager is my way of showing filial piety for you!"

"At first, I was a little nervous, but seeing you chase after me put me at ease. With you by my side, I’d brave even the most perilous situations!"

"My lord, I’ve given you my whole heart—don’t you trust me?"

Yinzhen: "..." He believed her, even though every word was nonsense.

As she said, he could tell when this rascal was spouting nonsense to coax him.

But... they had just opened their hearts to each other last night, and now he couldn’t bring himself to reprimand her.

He looked down at the little darling fidgeting in front of him, feeling more and more helpless.

They’d been bickering and competing all this time, and just as he was about to have her under his thumb, she’d somehow taken over his thoughts.

Between the two of them, who had really won, and who had lost?