Chapter 100

Chapter 100

Before lunch, Yinzhen and Geng Shuning did not linger long in their playful antics.

After their intimacy, they made sure that those who were paying attention knew that water had been requested for the Hall of Mental Cultivation. Then, they leaned together to discuss the matter of the school.

As an emperor, Yinzhen was well aware that enlightening the people would undermine the divine authority of the imperial family.

Throughout history, no emperor has wanted their subjects to become too knowledgeable, as the more they know, the harder they are to control.

So when Yinzhen saw the "Plan for Elementary and Primary Schools" presented by Qiao He through Lin Fu, his first instinct was to toss the stack of papers aside.

It was sheer madness.

Perhaps because Geng Shuning had surprised him countless times, Yinzhen was inexplicably afraid of seeing disappointment in her eyes. Despite his headache, he still opened the plan.

Sure enough, the content greatly surprised Yinzhen.

This was not the version that Emperor Kangxi had seen; the analysis of pros and cons and bold measures were clearly laid out.

Even with additional imperial examinations, students from across the Qing Dynasty, whether noble or common, would inevitably be influenced by various factions.

Even if they were not swayed by the powerful, once they stepped into the court, dazzled by the allure of power and wealth, they might forget their original intentions of serving the country and the people.

Yinzhen had seen too many who had once struggled to protect the people, only to end up embezzling more and causing greater harm than other corrupt officials.

He despised these corrupt officials above all, and the policies of "returning fire consumption fees to the public treasury" and "integrity stipends" that he planned to implement after the New Year were aimed at solving this problem.

The school plan brought by Geng Shuning offered him a fresh perspective.

The school would be established under the auspices of the imperial family, and all the teachers, including the headmaster, would be appointed by Yinzhen.

The curriculum, teaching methods, and efforts to shape their loyalty would begin in their most formative years.

Even for boys who lacked the talent to enter the court, there was also the girls' school that Geng Shuning insisted on adding, where they could learn various survival skills and provide talents for various industries and even the secret police.

Yinzhen was well aware that the school would not yield immediate results, but the imperial family's standing among the people would steadily improve, and to some extent, it could ease the tensions between the Manchu and Han.

After a few years, or even a decade, once these loyal children stepped out of the court, they would become the sharpest blades in his hands.

Sharper than the secret police and the increasingly unruly Eight Banners soldiers, they would maximize the implementation of the policies he sought to promote.

Yinzhen held Geng Shuning tightly, peppering her cheeks with kisses: "Sometimes I wonder what you've experienced in your dreams."

Was it just a fleeting moment in the vast ocean, or had she truly lived in some fairyland?

Her boldness, ease, and occasional foolishness and carelessness set her apart from the women of this world.

Yinzhen wasn’t unwilling to understand Geng Shuning’s peculiarities; his desire for control was no less than that of his father.

But he had an intuition that if he insisted on unraveling everything about Geng Shuning, he would lose this little fox, which was why he had been restraining himself.

Geng Shuning lazily tilted her head, her small hands wandering restlessly over her own territory. Hearing Yinzhen’s meaningful words, she only chuckled and did not answer.

Her past life felt more like a fleeting, dreamlike fairyland.

Perhaps there, she had no relatives and had to rely on herself to navigate everything, enduring countless hardships to gain something... but if given the chance, she would still spare no effort to return.

That was home, a home with friends, a future, and freedom.

Unlike here, where everything requires a lot of mental effort.

To enlighten the people, it's necessary to include elements that support imperial authority, and in the future, it will be inevitable to confront those stubborn defenders of orthodoxy.

Thinking about all this unnecessary hassle, Geng Shuning felt somewhat irritated.

"The benefits of establishing a school are known to you, and the resistance is also clear. It will inevitably cause a great uproar."

"Rules must be established in the palace, and they must be publicized before the selection of consorts to choose suitable women to enter the palace. Time is tight, and relying solely on the two of us is not enough."

She looked up, holding Yinzhen's face and rubbing his nose, smiling mischievously, "As for the Grand Empress Dowager and the retired emperor, it will be up to you to persuade them!"

Yinzhen did not miss the fleeting annoyance in her eyes, gently stroked her black hair, and his voice unconsciously softened.

"Leave it to me, let's have a meal first."

*

Early on New Year's Eve, the imperial clansmen, noble ladies, and consorts in the rear palace, led by the Empress Dowager, went early to the Shoukang Palace to pay respects to the Grand Empress Dowager.

Almost everyone was eager to see the County Princess Sui Ning, who was highly favored by the emperor, especially the consorts in the rear palace.

The Hall of Mental Cultivation summoned for bathing three times in two days, and during the day, that seductress was enticing the emperor to misbehave, truly shameless. Each one of them wanted to stab her in the back.

Unexpectedly, Geng Shuning stayed in the Hall of Mental Cultivation and did not go anywhere.

During the Kitchen God Festival, the emperor, accompanied by the Grand Empress Dowager, the retired emperor, and the Empress Dowager, went through the grand ceremony in the Hall of Mental Cultivation. After eating the sacrificial meat, they dispersed without giving anyone a chance to speak.

Everyone waited for the New Year's Eve palace banquet, but Geng Shuning was not seen at the banquet either. However, the consorts in the rear palace learned that after returning from the Qianqing Palace banquet, the Hall of Mental Cultivation summoned for bathing again.

The consorts, seething with hatred, continued to wait for Geng Shuning from the first day of the new year until the fifth day, when they welcomed the God of Wealth, but they never saw the seductress who kept the emperor entertained every night.

Not only were the noble ladies curious, but the consorts in the rear palace also couldn't hold back.

Some tried to subtly hint to the Grand Empress Dowager, saying that Geng Shuning did not respect the Grand Empress Dowager and the Empress Dowager. As the emperor's woman, she did not come to pay respects to the elders.

The Grand Empress Dowager, as always, was a cheerful old lady who didn't give a hoot about such matters and did not take the bait.

"Sui Ning is a filial child. These days, she has been busy in the imperial kitchen, preparing meals for the retired emperor and me."

"I don't need her to pay respects. The retired emperor's health is more important. Why, are you all so eager to see that girl?"

The consorts who had subtly tried to stir up trouble were left speechless.

What could they say?

Everyone knew whether Geng Shuning was really in the kitchen or cozying up on the imperial bed.

But since the Grand Empress Dowager had spoken, if they insisted on bringing her over... wouldn't that be disregarding the health of the Grand Empress Dowager and the retired emperor?

No one could bear the reputation of being unfilial and disloyal.

However, the consorts in the rear palace, as well as the noble ladies closely connected to the palace, were all masters of subtle intrigue in the inner court, and they were not willing to let it go.

*

On the fifth day, as soon as the emperor began his work, he announced in the court the intention to select consorts, ordering the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Rites to expedite the preparations.

No one knew whom the emperor would appoint to oversee the selection. The likely candidates were the Grand Empress Dowager, the Empress Dowager, and Consort Qi, but none of them had heard the emperor mention it.

Everyone became even more restless.

On the eighth day, the Spring Festival, the emperor, accompanied by the retired emperor, led the civil and military officials at the Altar of Agriculture to perform the plowing ceremony, offering sacrifices and praying for a bountiful harvest.

The Emperor Emeritus personally held the imperial rice and presented it before the altar of the God of Agriculture, announcing to the deity the superior seeds obtained by the court.

Yinzhen personally sowed the imperial rice, after which the Minister of Works announced the yield of the imperial rice to the ministers.

Upon learning that the imperial rice yielded 200 kilograms per mu and could be immediately followed by other green manure crops without rotation, all officials were greatly astonished. They knelt and shouted for the blessing of the God of Agriculture upon the Qing Dynasty.

The spring plowing ceremony also included selected landowners and respected villagers, along with experienced farmers, to witness the event.

Upon learning of the existence of the imperial rice, the spectators were moved to tears, kneeling and shouting "Long live the emperor," their voices lasting for a long time.

The commotion piqued the curiosity of the onlookers outside the perimeter, guarded by imperial soldiers.

Tuoheqi, who had been forewarned, sent people to inform the commoners outside about the existence of the superior imperial rice seeds, making them even more excited.

Those who could enter to witness the ceremony were better-off, whereas those outside were mostly poor families.

The promise of higher crop yields was clearly a matter of life and death for their families.

Their shouts of "Long live the emperor" echoed just as loudly, startling birds in the nearby mountains.

The shouts of "Long live the emperor" and the cries of birds and beasts created such an overwhelming scene that the witnessing civil and military officials and imperial clansmen were all shocked.

This was the first time the spring plowing ceremony had been so magnificent.

Whether towards the Emperor Emeritus or the current emperor, they all had to bow their heads in submission, and no one dared to harbor any hidden thoughts.

This was also within the expectations of Yinzhen and Emperor Kangxi, who exchanged smiles, marking the successful conclusion of the spring plowing ceremony, awaiting the spread of its effects.

By the Lantern Festival, the decree to open additional imperial examinations could be announced.

*

While everything outside the palace went smoothly, inside the palace, the plans of the noblewomen and concubines were also proceeding.

Originally, the spring plowing ceremony should have been led by the Grand Empress Dowager, with the noblewomen performing the silkworm ceremony at the altar of the God of Agriculture. However, the Grand Empress Dowager excused herself due to ill health, not wanting this honor.

According to tradition, this was something that should be done by the empress.

The Grand Empress Dowager was unwilling, and Lady Wu Ya, the Empress Dowager, was not in a legitimate position.

Since the Emperor Emeritus was still alive and had not issued a decree to make Lady Wu Ya the empress, the old emperor had long said he would never establish an empress again.

With Yinzhen as the emperor, Lady Wu Ya naturally became the Empress Dowager, but not the Empress Dowager of the Emperor Emeritus, so she could not preside over the silkworm ceremony, which was reserved for the principal wife.

Only after the Emperor Emeritus passed away could Yinzhen confer her the title of Empress Dowager, giving her the qualification.

This was also a source of constant dissatisfaction for Lady Wu Ya.

Before the silkworm ceremony, officials from the Ministry of Rites went to the Shoukang Palace for instructions but never stepped into the Cining Palace, which worsened the Empress Dowager's mood.

She always felt that the imperial concubines, noblewomen, and even the entire harem were mocking her.

Encouraged by Yunxiang's wife and several noblewomen who were close to the Empress Dowager's family, the Empress Dowager spoke up in front of the Grand Empress Dowager during the spring plowing ceremony.

"Your Majesty, the news of the emperor's favor towards the Geng family woman in the imperial presence has spread outside the palace, and it's not good. It's better to bring her into the open as soon as possible."

When Lady Wu Ya used her brain, her reasoning was exceptionally clear.

"Firstly, the Feng'en General is missing, and the Geng woman, while claiming to be a member of the Liang family, is also seducing His Majesty, making it hard to silence the public's gossip. The rumors of the star of ill omen are likely to intensify."

"Secondly, the Geng woman took vows to leave the palace to pray for the imperial family but did not stay long at the estate, traveling south and north without the elegance of a lay nun. If this precedent is set, how will people view the devotion of imperial women to Buddhism?"

"Thirdly, Geng Shuning came from my side. If her words about being a flirtatious widow in the Cining Palace were to spread, it would inevitably raise suspicions of cursing the imperial family."

She gently smiled and glanced at the noble ladies and consorts present, "It would be better for the Liang family to issue her a divorce letter and promptly bring her into the harem. Let a few nannies properly instruct her, so as not to tarnish the imperial family's dignity. What do you think, Empress Dowager?"

Before the Empress Dowager could speak, several consorts invited to accompany her spoke up first.

Consort Tong, née Gui, nodded with a smile, "The Empress Dowager's words make sense. Although County Princess Sui Ning has gone to serve the ancestors at the retreat palace, I've heard she frequently visits the retired emperor. If this gets out, it won't reflect well on her reputation!"

Consort Rong concurred, "Everyone knows you cherish the younger generation, but County Princess Sui Ning has been favored for quite some time without bearing a child. After all, the imperial lineage is more important. The matter of imperial heirs is of state importance; you cannot overlook it, Empress Dowager."

The Empress Dowager disliked verbal disputes, and besides, Yinzhen had not asked her to take the lead.

She smiled, "According to your opinions, should I issue an edict to confer her as a consort?"

The consorts who could sit in the harem held their breath—was she to be made a consort just like that?

Once that wretch bears a child, will there still be room for them in the harem?

Consort Qi, née Li, couldn't help but speak, "Empress Dowager, Geng Shuning is after all a married woman with a tarnished reputation, known both inside and outside the palace. Making her a consort might not be appropriate."

"Consort Qi's words are well-founded," even the usually elegant Consort Mao softly interjected.

"If Geng is initially granted a high rank, it would only confirm the rumors of her being a star of ill omen, which would not be good for the emperor's reputation."

Consort Xi also smiled, "It would be fine to give her a lower rank first. After all, the emperor favors Geng. Once she bears an imperial heir, her promotion would be justified."

That said, whether Geng Shuning would survive to bear a prince was another matter.

The Empress Dowager's smile remained unchanged as she teasingly glanced at Nanny Wuyunna. What had she said?

Once Sui Ning entered the palace, no matter how much Yinzhen doted on her, it would surely ruffle the feathers of these jealous women.

Nanny Wuyunna sighed inwardly; she hadn't expected that the Empress Dowager and the emperor's favor would fail to sober these women, who were even willing to abandon decorum.

Fortunately, having received the retired emperor's oral decree in advance, Nanny Wuyunna was about to speak up.

Consort Yi, who had been listening with a faint smile, suddenly scoffed, drawing everyone's attention.

"In my opinion, you all are merely idle, fearing the mess isn't big enough, eager to drag others into it, heedless of the filth."

Empress Dowager Wu Ya's face darkened sharply, "Consort Yi, what do you mean?"

Guo Luoluo sneered, "Sister, now that you're the Empress Dowager, can't you even understand words?"

"Who doesn't know that the ingenious stove and charcoal were ideas of County Princess Sui Ning, even praised by the retired emperor, and some in the common folk even worship her longevity tablets!"

Her still radiant and plump face was full of mockery, "Don't tell me you don't know, the soap, essential oils, and beauty recipes you're using now are all offerings from that child's heart!"

"Yet here you are, biting the hand that feeds you, full of dark reasoning, where does the face come from?"

The expressions of everyone present were not pleasant, and several prominent noble ladies also felt somewhat uncomfortable.

They were indeed using items innovated by Geng Shuning.

Especially... those items were sold from Wu Ya's shops.

Everyone instinctively looked towards the Empress Dowager.

The Empress Dowager's face turned black, and she slammed the table, "Guo Luoluo! You are outrageous!"

In Guo Luoluo's words, it became her taking advantage of others and repaying kindness with ingratitude. Lady Wu Ya wished she could directly flay Consort Yi.

As a palace maid of Cining Palace, Geng Shuning was naturally expected to serve her, and the gifts given to her were hers to do with as she pleased.

She had not mistreated Geng Shuning either; it was she who urged the Retired Emperor to confer the title of County Princess, otherwise how could Geng Shuning enjoy such glory today?

Guo Luoluo rose in grievance, knelt down, and looked towards the Empress Dowager: "Your Highness, please intervene. While it's one thing for the harem to compete for favor, we must not wrong an innocent child!"

"County Princess Sui Ning has served by your side, nurturing your health and that of the Retired Emperor, bringing great joy to the Retired Emperor and fostering a closer father-son relationship with the Emperor. Isn't every single one of these a good thing?"

The wives of the Fifth Prince and the Ninth Prince were dumbfounded. Since when did their mother-in-law care so much about the Emperor's people?

Consort Yi had never favored her two daughters-in-law, let alone spoken up for others, especially since the Ninth Prince and the Emperor were at odds, and he was now under house arrest.

This was truly strange!

The other princesses of the royal family were no better off, pondering whether Consort Yi was opposing the Empress Dowager.

They had been at odds since their youth, and now Consort Yi was speaking up for the woman favored by the Empress Dowager's son... what was the point?

Guo Luoluo glanced at the shocked faces of everyone, especially the two daughters-in-law with their mouths agape, and sneered inwardly.

They were all fools, not pleasing the Emperor, but instead trying to please that two-faced hypocrite, Lady Wu Ya?

Yunqi and Yunxiang were also fools.

What they couldn't understand, Guo Luoluo grasped as soon as Yunqi told her about the northern inspection. She understood the Emperor's intentions.

By following the Emperor's will, promoting Geng Shuning, and befriending the Empress and the Emperor, the future of those two fools, and even Yun'e's, would be secured.

Guo Luoluo was also helpless. Perhaps the brains of the Guo Luoluo lineage were all inherited by the ladies of the family?

Otherwise, there was no reason why her sons were so foolish.

But this was not the time for helplessness; she still wore an indignant expression—

"It's not that I wish to offend the Empress Dowager, I am willing to be punished, I just don't understand."

"What have the consorts of the harem done besides causing trouble for the Emperor? They haven't even managed to keep a few children, only knowing how to slander, shamelessly calling each other sisters here."

"Baseless accusations of being a harbinger of misfortune are being thrown at County Princess Sui Ning, but what heinous crime has that child committed? Who has she harmed?"

"Shouldn't County Princess Sui Ning share the Emperor's burdens and be filial to her elders? Should she just stand by and watch her elders suffer, to be considered dutiful?"

Consort Yi's questions were like slaps to everyone's faces, and except for the Empress Dowager, no one looked pleased.

Who didn't understand the reasoning?

Consort Yi's slaps stung, but they also stirred the fierceness in the hearts of the women present.

Geng Shuning's existence harmed everyone's interests; if they wanted comfort, Geng Shuning must not live!