Chapter 123

Chapter 123

The Dzungars were defeated, with only a small group of over three thousand led by Little Dundob fleeing to Khalkha, waiting for Celing to continue the pursuit. No one else could stir up trouble.

This included the eight thousand Tibetan soldiers of Gushi Khan, who perished in Northern Mongolia.

This event shocked Tibet, greatly weakening it, and it had no choice but to allow the court to incorporate it into the Qing Dynasty's territory.

With the victory, the expansion of territory, and the resolution of the Northern Mongolia threat, it was time to celebrate.

That night, a grand victory banquet was held in the Qianqing Palace.

Nearly everyone in the capital with the privilege to enter the palace attended.

This indirectly confirmed Geng Shuning's suspicion that no one in the court would dare to openly challenge Yinzhen anymore, signaling an imminent return to the autocratic rule of Emperor Kangxi's era.

The consorts in the rear palace, including the Grand Empress Dowager and the Empress Dowager, all attended, making the Qianqing Palace unprecedentedly lively.

*

Some astute individuals, noticing Geng Shuning standing beside the dragon throne, brought up the topic of the palace maid selection.

"Before, I didn't understand why Female Official Suining made the selection process so intricate. Now, I see her reasoning."

Many agreed.

"Absolutely. This selection highlighted the grace of the noblewomen from the Manchu, Mongolian, and Han Eight Banners. The female officials of Yanhui Pavilion served porridge to disaster victims and urged local gentry and wealthy families to donate money and grain to the Ministry of War, inspiring even the mischievous children in my household to aim higher."

"The wives of the official schools not only educated the people on His Majesty's behalf but also penned tales of His Majesty's personal expedition, spreading them far and wide. Now, the people commend the former emperor for his insight and His Majesty for his wisdom and valor!"

"Indeed, this is all thanks to His Majesty's wise decisions. The selected palace maids of Chuxiu Palace are equally remarkable. They helped spread word of the selection beyond the capital."

"Moreover, they aided the female officials of Yanhui Pavilion in performing good deeds in other provinces and promoted the official schools across various regions. Now, even Jiangnan lauds the unity of the Qing Dynasty, confident it will secure the nation's everlasting prosperity. Everywhere, people are crafting 'Ten Thousand People Umbrellas' to present to His Majesty in the capital..."

Emperor Kangxi, sitting at the left upper seat next to the Grand Empress Dowager, smiled at Geng Shuning.

"This girl from the Geng family handled the selection well. She didn't squander the Empress Dowager's teachings in the palace."

Yinzhen raised his cup to the Grand Empress Dowager with a smile: "Your grandson is grateful to Grandmother for instructing such a clever female official. In the future, I'll ask Grandmother to guide her further."

The Grand Empress Dowager smiled and pointed in Geng Shuning's direction, speaking in Mongolian: "This old woman can't take credit. This girl, like you, has a sharp mind. Just don't let her talents go unnoticed."

Geng Shuning's cheeks turned slightly pink, and she shyly lowered her head, not as articulate as before.

Everyone acknowledged the success of the selection, but regardless of whose merit it was, they only credited the emperor.

The outcome was entirely in her favor. Having others praise her was better than self-promotion.

She was more focused on the results, ensuring the first batch of selected palace maids and establishing a solid foundation for future selections. After a few rounds, it would be easier for her to include some personal interests.

When people mentioned this now, it was not just to praise the emperor. The underlying meaning was that many selected palace maids had accumulated enough merit, waiting for the emperor to fulfill his promises.

Geng Shuning understood this, and Yinzhen would grasp it even faster. He smiled and glanced at the fox pretending to be a quail.

"This emperor will not let down such a gem. Grandmother cares for her, and your grandson cares for her too."

The room fell silent for a moment, making the warm, fragrant music even clearer. Everyone in the hall sensed the subtlety in the emperor's words.

This Female Official Suining... not only enjoyed more favor than before but also had the recognition of the Grand Empress Dowager and the former emperor. Those with quick minds couldn't help but start thinking.

Yinzhen continued, "Our Qing Dynasty is fortunate to have a wealth of talent, which is a great fortune for our nation. Not only the soldiers on the battlefield, but all our subjects should be rewarded for their achievements and punished for their mistakes."

"Tomorrow at the morning court, all ministers must promptly present a plan to ensure that those who have contributed are not left disheartened."

The officials and imperial clansmen whose families had selected palace maids and had already accumulated enough merits were filled with joy.

The daughter of the Minister of Justice organized this selection of palace maids, and the more one reflected on it, the more delightful it became.

To gain merits without going to the battlefield—where else could one find such an opportunity!

Thus, the civil and military officials seated below were all praising the victory and the Emperor, even the Geng father and daughter were showered with compliments, their flattery reaching unprecedented levels.

The hall was filled with laughter and joy, the sound of silk and bamboo instruments never ceasing, a scene of prosperity, with everyone smiling, exceedingly happy.

*

Oh, not everyone was happy.

At least the consorts in the rear palace, upon hearing the civil and military officials praise the Geng father and daughter, smiled stiffly, their teeth nearly grinding in anger.

They had previously wanted to question Geng Shuning, a woman, how she could follow to the battlefield, to accuse her of not adhering to the virtues and rules expected of women.

But first, the former Emperor and the current Emperor had praised her with their authoritative words, and then the ministers had spoken eloquently, so they could not cause any disruption at such a celebratory banquet.

Consort Xi subtly signaled to Consort Qi.

Consort Qi's face darkened, but unlike before, she did not dismiss it with disdain. Instead, she looked at her daughter, Huai Ge.

Huai Ge, already fifteen, slender and with a hint of sorrow on her face, sighed inwardly after being glared at by her mother a second time, then stood up and walked to the center of the hall.

"Father Emperor, your daughter has yet to congratulate you on your triumphant return from the imperial expedition."

"Your daughter and younger siblings are truly delighted. Under your governance, the Qing Dynasty will surely be peaceful and prosperous. May our Qing Dynasty's reign be long and its prosperous era everlasting!"

The second princess, Galuo, only four years old, was gently pushed by her nanny and timidly stepped forward, stammering out her auspicious words.

"Father Emperor is brave and mighty. Your daughter wishes that under your leadership, the Qing Dynasty will always achieve victory!"

Similarly four years old, only half a year older than the second princess, the third prince, Hongxu, spoke much more fluently, and it was clear he had already begun his education.

"Your son has heard the people's unanimous praise for you, Father Emperor, and has woken up laughing several times at night. To have you as my father and ruler is truly my blessing."

"Your son will take you as a role model, studying diligently and practicing hard. Even if I only achieve half of your formidable might, I will still expand our territory and safeguard the well-being of our people!"

The youngest, the fourth prince, Hongyan, coughed lightly, his slightly pale face turning in confusion towards Consort Gua'erjia.

Consort Gua'erjia nodded encouragingly to him, and the fourth prince rushed out to stand beside the second princess.

Though his voice was weak, he was the boldest among the imperial children, "Father Emperor, I want to be as great as you. Will you teach us?"

He took the second princess's hand and shook it, "Second sister... and eldest sister, we all want to learn, to serve in the army in place of our father... to protect, to safeguard the well-being of the people!"

The hall erupted in light laughter. Su Shi glanced anxiously at Consort Gua'erjia, tightly clutching her handkerchief, not daring to speak.

Yunxiang, however, laughed and teased, "Good nephew, it's fine for you to learn skills, but why drag your two sisters into the hardships of wind and rain? Women cannot go to the battlefield."

Hongyan shrank his neck, looking up at Galuo in even greater confusion.

"But Female Official Suining, didn't she also go to war? She's a woman too! And second sister is a princess!"

Geng Shuning raised an eyebrow slightly, here it comes, even more eager than she had anticipated.

Qingfang reported that Consort Xi now had the upper hand over Consort Qi, forcing her to ally, and it seemed that this was not the full extent of Consort Xi's capabilities.

Clearly, over the past half year, Consort Xi had even won over Lady Gua'erjia, using the Fourth Prince as a pawn.

Truly, a Niohuru.

*

As soon as Hongyan's words fell, the hall fell silent once again.

Many people stared intently at the pillars, wine pots, and carpets, as if seeing the patterns for the first time, almost entranced, their ears useless.

Others, not minding the chaos, such as the interjecting Prince Yunxiang, his good brother Prince Yun'e, and Prince Yun Ti sandwiched between them, couldn't suppress their curiosity and secretly glanced at Geng Shuning's expression.

Geng Shuning... showed no expression, not even lifting her head.

It was too early to speak; she was exhausted from the long journey and had no energy for verbal sparring.

As expected, the Empress Dowager snorted coldly, looking at the Second Princess and the Fourth Prince.

"Have you forgotten what your Imperial Grandmother taught you when you came to pay respects at the Cining Palace?"

"Though you are of noble status, you must still adhere to your duties and not become arrogant due to favor, lest you disgrace your Imperial Father!"

The Second Princess, Princess Galuo, glanced helplessly at her elder sister Princess Huaike, her eyes welling with tears, yet she dared not cry.

The Fourth Prince, Hongyan, pampered by his mother, Noble Lady Ning, and Lady Gua'erjia, was somewhat bolder due to his frail health.

But being scolded by his Imperial Grandmother in front of everyone, the already prideful child flushed red and began to cough.

Unable to catch his breath, he slumped weakly.

Prince Yinzhen suddenly stood up, gave the Empress Dowager a cold look, and quickly stepped forward to pick up Hongyan, heading to the back.

"Su Peisheng, summon the Imperial Physician!"

The Grand Empress Dowager glared at the Empress Dowager: "What kind of day is this? Didn't you think before speaking?"

"Children may not understand, but do you not understand either?"

The Empress Dowager stood up, her eyes red with grievance: "Imperial Grandmother, forgive me. Today, upon hearing of the Emperor's return, I was overjoyed and had a few drinks. Hearing the children speak thus, I somehow spoke too harshly..."

Prince Yun Ti quickly stood up to plead for his mother: "Imperial Grandmother, the Imperial Physician said that my mother's health is most affected by extreme joy and sorrow and noise and fatigue. With my mother's kind heart, it couldn't have been intentional. I will take her to the palace retreat to recuperate, alright?"

The Grand Empress Dowager glanced at Emperor Kangxi, who remained expressionless and silent, and said no more, merely waving her hand.

"Enough, since you are unwell, return to your palace early and rest. Do not spoil the auspiciousness of this great day."

The Empress Dowager bowed guiltily, "Yes, it is all my fault. I will personally apologize to the Emperor later and prepare the medicinal soup. We haven't had a proper conversation in a long time."

Everyone in the hall quickly stood up. No matter how the Empress Dowager dampened the mood, she was, after all, the Emperor's birth mother, and no one dared to comment.

Under the watchful eyes of all, the Empress Dowager, pale and full of anxiety, put on a pitiful display as she walked out.

Prince Yun Ti, unable to bear it, called for his wife to accompany the Empress Dowager back to the palace.

*

Upon arriving at the Cining Palace, the Empress Dowager's look of guilt vanished, and she glanced indifferently at Lady Wanyan.

"Nanny Wu Ya, take the fourteenth prince's wife to the side hall to rest and attend to her."

Lady Wanyan pursed her lips.

Since she stopped speaking ill of the Emperor in front of the Empress Dowager, her visits to the palace became less frequent, which displeased the Dowager and nearly led her to the same fate as the Ula Nara clan, becoming unwelcome in the Cining Palace.

She wasn’t as virtuous as the Ula Nara clan. If a mother was kind and gentle, she would surely be filial; but if the mother was disrespectful in her old age, she wouldn’t bother to serve.

As for Yun Ti... if he dared to be instigated by the Dowager to scold her, she would take a page from her tenth sister-in-law’s book and make him feel the sting of the whip and the scratch of her nails.

The Wanyan clan didn’t have the same cowardly streak as the Ula Nara clan.

Yun Ti frowned slightly as Wanyan left without even a proper bow, but he kept his thoughts to himself.

The household relied entirely on Wanyan’s care, and she also had to worry about his affairs in the northwest. It was clear she had grown more worn out and bitter since he got back.

No matter what Wanyan did, he truly couldn’t bring himself to say anything harsh to his own wife.

Fortunately, the Dowager and Wanyan now seemed to dislike each other equally, and neither wanted to mention the other.

She had bigger fish to fry.

Nanny Zhou opened a crack in the window to prevent anyone from eavesdropping.

Then she had someone bring in a charcoal stove and went out to guard the door herself.

Only then did the Empress Dowager, her heart brimming with concern, turn to her son, his stern expression unsoftened by the hardships, and speak gravely—

“Zhen’er, do you remember what that wandering monk said to you during the northern tour to Shengjing with your dad, the Emperor?”