Chapter 132

Chapter 132

Seeing Yun Ti enter the hall unkempt, with a scruffy beard and disheveled clothes, even Emperor Kangxi, who rarely showed emotion, was visibly shocked.

His anger momentarily held in check, Emperor Kangxi leaned forward and frowned, asking, "Are you ill?"

Yun Ti, just twenty-three this year, bore the weathered look of someone who had endured hardship in Qinghai, with wrinkles already forming at the corners of his eyes.

His haggard face and unsteady gait made him look like he could easily be mistaken for forty.

Yun Ti knelt quietly on the ground, catching his breath, showing none of the recklessness of someone who had just barged into the garden. His voice was hoarse as he replied, "Your Majesty, I am not ill. I’ve been reflecting on my mistakes at home, unable to eat or sleep."

Yinzhen sat silently to the side.

Geng Shuning hesitated, then instead of standing behind Yinzhen, walked to the door and brought in the tea prepared by Su Peisheng, lightening the tense atmosphere in the hall.

Emperor Kangxi, now advanced in years, looked weary after the day’s endless drama. His downcast eyes radiated cold indifference.

"Then tell me, what were you thinking, defying my orders, bringing weapons into the garden, and forcing your way into the imperial presence? Have you lost your mind, like your mother?"

The issue was that Yun Ti’s reckless actions, aside from defying the imperial decree, were all done in public, making it impossible to cover up.

Defying an imperial decree was the most serious offense!

If these charges were pursued, each one could carry the death penalty.

If left unpunished, those troublemakers would surely cause an uproar...

Emperor Kangxi even wondered if he had wronged this mother and son in a past life.

Yun Ti, with red-rimmed eyes, looked up and interrupted Emperor Kangxi’s thoughts, getting straight to the point.

"I did this intentionally. Without rules, there is no order. I know that my actions amount to rebellion. I beg Your Majesty to strip me of my title and exile me to the imperial mausoleum, where I will spend the rest of my life atoning before our ancestors!"

He shuffled forward on his knees, looking up pleadingly. "I only ask that Your Majesty forgive my mother’s offenses and allow me to care for her at the mausoleum, fulfilling my duty as a filial son."

The Empress Dowager’s outburst at Anyou Palace, while seemingly impulsive, was something Emperor Kangxi and Yinzhen couldn’t punish too harshly in public, fearing it would damage the imperial family’s reputation.

But using her maternal bond to pressure her son, the emperor, into achieving her goals was truly unprecedented.

For the sake of imperial authority and to deter the people, Emperor Kangxi would never tolerate such behavior.

Otherwise, if the common people were to imitate this, it could lead to chaos in the court, and some might even use it to attack the emperor, destabilizing the empire.

Not being able to punish her openly didn’t mean there were no other options. In the imperial family, mysterious sudden deaths were not uncommon.

Yun Ti feared that in a fit of anger, the Emperor might condemn his mother to a lingering illness, causing her to quietly disappear in the depths of the palace.

Even though he had to protect his wives and children in the Fourteenth Prince’s residence, he couldn’t bear to watch his mother die. Torn by worry, he could only come up with this plan.

His gaze shifted to Yinzhen, silently pleading.

Fourth Prince, though seemingly stern, was actually soft-hearted. The three sons in his household would surely find a way to survive under his care.

But Yinzhen didn’t hesitate to rebuke him, calling his plan absurd. "The imperial mausoleum is damp, and life there is harsh. If Mother were to go there with you, her health wouldn’t hold up."

"After all, she is my mother too. Even so, as her son, it's my duty to make amends for her mistakes. If word got out, what would people think of me?"

Yun Ti felt a pang of bitterness. He couldn't bring himself to accuse Fourth Brother of ignoring their mother's well-being, still concerned about appearances. He wasn't the spoiled kid he once was.

He could only explain sorrowfully, "Ever since Mother fell victim to the deposed empress's schemes, her health has been deteriorating day by day, and she often becomes confused."

"If Mother stays in the palace, she might stir up more trouble, which would really damage the relationship between her and Fourth Brother!"

"Before heading to the imperial mausoleum, I'll bring along several renowned physicians..."

"I won't allow it!" Yinzhen stood up with a cold face.

"If you've chosen confinement, I won't stand in your way, but I can't let Mother suffer with you. We'll build a retreat near Xiaotangshan, where you can stay with Mother and help her recover in peace."

"Once Mother regains her senses, I can use your care for her as a reason to pardon your offenses."

Though Yinzhen didn't feel close to the Empress Dowager, Yun Ti was a bit headstrong but hadn't done anything seriously wrong. He still wanted to give his younger brother a hand.

So, no matter what, he couldn't openly cut ties with the Empress Dowager.

The Qing Dynasty was built on filial piety, even if it was sometimes blind. In private, everyone understood the situation, and no one would exploit it.

If the Empress Dowager were sent to the imperial mausoleum, the censors would raise a stink, and Yinzhen's reputation for 'benevolence' as a ruler would be tarnished.

Most ambitious people wouldn't want to serve a heartless emperor.

Worried that Yun Ti might dig in his heels, Yinzhen sternly reminded him, "You've been educated so well in the study hall. Emperor Kangxi and the grand secretaries have spent a great deal of effort cultivating you. Can you really betray Emperor Kangxi's fatherly love and squander your abilities?"

Yun Ti's tears fell uncontrollably at Yinzhen's words. He hugged his head and cried bitterly.

"Brother, you don't understand. If I ever have a chance to rise again, Mother's heart will never be at peace."

He gritted his teeth and even mentioned the incident where the Empress Dowager and he met an eminent monk, bowing his head in despair.

"Only now am I slowly realizing that the eminent monk was probably referring to you, Fourth Brother. I failed to comprehend it before."

"Mother insisted on giving me the character 'Zhen,' which became an unsolvable knot in her heart. Only by staying away from the court and isolating herself from the world can Mother have a chance to regain clarity!"

Yun Ti's words left Yinzhen at a loss for words, and the sense of absurdity in his heart grew stronger.

Did Mother really think he had stolen Fourteenth Brother's future just because of a character 'Zhen' that she only knew the pronunciation of?

His name was given by Emperor Kangxi, and the name 'Yin Zhen' was requested by the Empress Dowager. How could she believe in fate while also harboring the ambition to conquer it?

Was he not the child she carried for ten months?

Seeing Yinzhen grow colder, Emperor Kangxi glanced at him and finally understood why Lady Wu Ya could go mad to such an extent, and he even began to believe in fate a little.

Before the forty-second year, he had never considered that any son other than Yinreng would inherit his throne.

But he also did not deny that the conflict between him and Yinreng, fueled by Suo'etu's provocations and the rise of other sons in the court, grew deeper and deeper.

When the day came that the situation became dire, with himself growing older and Yinreng growing stronger, threatening the imperial power and causing instability in the court, Emperor Kangxi knew he would depose the crown prince.

If Yinreng were deposed, Fourth Brother would still be his first choice.

It was not that there were no more outstanding sons.

But after removing Ao Bai, pacifying the Three Feudatories, and three expeditions against the Dzungars, the empire had become increasingly stable.

However, the flaws of the Eight Banners members became increasingly apparent, and the conflicts between the Manchu and Han people never diminished. The wars had exhausted the people, and it was time for them to recuperate. Fourth Brother's temperament was well-suited for maintaining stability.

These thoughts raced through Emperor Kangxi's mind, and he did not let the brothers argue.

Yun Ti's talent in warfare was indeed not inferior to his father's, and it would be a great pity to waste such talent, as well as the bond between the brothers.

He waved his hand dismissively, "This isn't your decision to make..."

Yun Ti urgently said, "Father!!"

"I have no intention of taking Lady Wu Ya's life," he interrupted Yun Ti. "She can choose between the imperial mausoleum or palace confinement."

Emperor Kangxi shot Yinzhen a meaningful glance.

Yun Ti might not understand the significance of Emperor Kangxi's actions, but Yinzhen, as the emperor, immediately grasped it.

*

By the time things calmed down at Nine Continents Clear View, it was already time to light the lamps.

Geng Shuning, worried that Yinzhen was in a foul mood and might hold her accountable for acting without permission and feigning illness, was extremely obedient.

She quietly tucked herself into a corner, copying Buddhist scriptures, claiming it as 'self-punishment' and atonement for offending the gods and ancestors.

Yinzhen, having heard too many truths from Yun Ti that only the Empress Dowager and Yun Ti knew, was indeed in a bad mood and spent half the afternoon writing calligraphy.

By dinner, the two finally sat down to eat together.

Geng Shuning quickly steered the conversation to a safer topic, asking Yinzhen, "Does the old man want the Empress Dowager to choose between the palace or the imperial mausoleum?"

Yinzhen glanced at her indifferently, "You're so clever, you even managed to deceive me. What do you think?"

Geng Shuning quickly ducked her head to sip her mung bean soup, pondering for a moment before calmly analyzing.

"He probably wants the Empress Dowager to go to the palace, right?"

"Fourteenth Prince's proposal acts as a backup plan, making the Empress Dowager wary. As long as she comes to her senses and behaves properly in the future, Fourteenth Prince's future won't be affected... This way, it forces her to live up to the maternal love she spoke of today in Anyou Palace, doesn't it?"

Besides being a highly skilled emperor, Emperor Kangxi's wit and sarcasm have left many legends in his wake.

Yinzhen casually picked up a piece of vegetarian goose with his chopsticks and dropped it into her bowl, "Guess again."

Geng Shuning leaned in and took a bite from Yinzhen's chopsticks, puffing her cheeks and widening her eyes.

"Does the old man want the Empress Dowager to go to the imperial mausoleum? But wouldn't that ruin Fourteenth Prince's prospects?"

Yinzhen raised an eyebrow, "You care about Fourteenth Brother, but why not about how angry you've made me?"

Geng Shuning: "...I'm preparing for my role as a future empress. How can a female official like me concern herself with your own brother?"

Yinzhen neither confirmed nor denied but shared Emperor Kangxi's thoughts with her.

"Mother going to the imperial mausoleum is to guard Lady Wu Ku's tomb, fulfilling the old man's filial duty and also taking half the blame for Yun Ti. No one will dare mention the Anyou Palace incident again."

"Fourteenth Brother's guilt cannot be hidden. Being sent to the imperial mausoleum serves to both intimidate the court and spare him the ordeal of confinement."

Confinement is not just about being locked up; it is the heaviest punishment for rebellious royal heirs short of execution, affecting the entire family, who will forever be looked down upon.

Guarding the imperial mausoleum is already a severe punishment, and there is no need to demote him to a commoner, nor will it affect the family of Fourteenth Prince's household.

To outsiders, this appears as an act of mercy and won't harm Yinzhen's reputation.

Geng Shuning nodded repeatedly, "I understand, I understand. This is what they call a cover-up, right? The combined charges of the two—going to the palace would be a punishment, while going to the imperial mausoleum is to make amends through filial piety."

The imperial family sure knows how to play their games, as long as there's no record on the surface, right?

After discussing the matters concerning the Empress Dowager and the Fourteenth Prince, Geng Shuning, worried he might take it the wrong way, gritted her teeth and leaned closer to Yinzhen to whisper for forgiveness.

"You're way smarter than I am, so you should understand my good intentions!"

"Before you found out what I had done, you were angry for a while, but if you had known in advance, whether to agree or not would have been a dilemma. I couldn't bear to put you in that spot!"

"I really know I was wrong, really, really. Look into my eyes—I'm being sincere here. Forgive me just this once, okay?"

After a few soft, pleading words, although Yinzhen's expression did not soften, the sadness and frustration caused by the Empress Dowager in his heart lightened a bit.

He let out a soft snort, "You think about what you've done. In a few days, I'll thoroughly check the results of your reflection!"

Geng Shuning: "..." Oh, so these days I should conserve energy and play the part of the dutiful son, right?

Hmm~

*

While they were talking, Liang Jiugong delivered Emperor Kangxi's message to the Changchun Fairy Hall.

Liang Jiugong was very polite to the Empress Dowager, "His Majesty urges the Empress Dowager to think it over carefully, and he also asked your humble servant to bring a message to the Empress Dowager."

"His Majesty said that the future he has set for the Fourteenth Prince was decided when the prince could ride a horse at six and outwitted the Northern Mongol chieftain at ten. It was never meant to be in the capital, but because the Fourteenth Prince was still young then, and His Majesty was concerned that Emperor Duane might overthink it, the matter was never made clear."

Until Liang Jiugong left, the Empress Dowager remained silent, and it was unclear whether she believed it or not.

The image of the massive, menacing dragon was forever etched in her mind, its dark, menacing form overshadowing even hatred, leaving only emptiness in her eyes.

But just three days later, the Empress Dowager instructed her attendant, Wu Mama, to deliver a message.

She wanted to go to the imperial mausoleum with Yun Ti.

She had always been adept at guessing Emperor Kangxi's thoughts and had Wu Mama deliver a petition of guilt to the Changchun Garden.

The petition was laden with remorse, stating that the past cannot be chased, and spilled water cannot be gathered up again. She was truly too ashamed to remain in the Yuanming Garden, knowing it would only deepen the thorn in the Emperor's heart.

She pledged to spend her life guarding Empress Xiaozhuang's tomb.

Before that, she requested to stay at the Fourteenth Prince's residence to say her goodbyes to her grandchildren, to carry out her grandmotherly duties, and to reassure her two sons.

Emperor Kangxi did not refuse. "Have someone escort the Empress Dowager to the Fourteenth Prince's residence. I notice the Fourteenth Prince is nearly working himself into illness. At his own residence, let the mother and son have a good talk."

Liang Jiugong asked, "Should we inform His Majesty?"

Emperor Kangxi shook his head, "No need. After all, they don't have much of a mother-son bond. No need to add to the Fourth Prince's burdens—he's been suffering enough these days."

The current situation, blaming the Empress Dowager, is actually due to her premature glimpse of destiny, which gave rise to delusions.

Should we blame Yinzhen for not being one to bare his heart? Being pushed around is also tied to ancestral rites, and it's difficult to determine who is more at fault.

It can only be said—this is the imperial family.

By separating mother from son and brother from brother, over time, they might just recall some fondness for each other, at least avoiding the loss of life.

As people age, their hearts soften. Emperor Kangxi also ordered that everything in the Cining Palace storeroom be packed up and sent with the Empress Dowager to Yun Ti's residence.

This way, even if Yun Ti is not at home, his family would not live too harshly.

*

The Empress Dowager was not surprised by Emperor Kangxi's orders.

After she submitted her plea for forgiveness, she had guessed that the Emperor would grant her this face.

Her belongings given to Yinzhen were of no interest to him, and she herself felt uneasy about it.

Giving them to Yun Ti's descendants could be considered as repaying Yun Ti's filial piety for his bold act of entering the garden.

Until the Empress Dowager left the Yuanmingyuan, the Nine Continents Clear View remained eerily quiet.

Geng Shuning accompanied Yinzhen in reviewing memorials, while she herself worked on the plans for the post-coronation arrangements.

Due to the Empress Dowager's disruptions, the rewards for the previous war had been distributed, but the rewards for the selected palace maids from the three palaces remained unaddressed.

After some delay, Geng Shuning simply whispered in Yinzhen's ear, asking him to postpone it a bit, making this reward one of the three key initiatives of her coronation.

While rewards are straightforward, fully promoting the new selection of palace maids and establishing a positive influence across the Qing Dynasty requires significant effort.

Both of them were extremely busy, and Su Peisheng had not yet reported the news of the Empress Dowager departing the garden.

It wasn't until after dinner that Su Peisheng, judging the timing appropriate, feigned having just received the news and prepared to report it.

As he reached the entrance of the hall, someone suddenly bumped into his back, nearly causing him to fall headfirst into the hall, face down.

Turning around and seeing it was Zhao Song, Su Peisheng promptly slapped him on the forehead.

"Are you in a hurry to be reborn! If you startle the Emperor, how many heads do you think you have to spare!"

Unexpectedly, the usual slap made Zhao Song immediately drop to his knees, his legs too weak to support him.

He clutched his godfather's clothes tightly, trembling as he stammered, "The, the Empress Dowager has passed away!"

Su Peisheng was stunned: "What?!"

How is that possible!

Just that morning, he had taken people to see her from a distance, and the Empress Dowager had seemed perfectly fine!