Chapter 137

Chapter 137

As the twelfth lunar month arrived, bringing with it the New Year, the festive atmosphere in the capital grew stronger with each snowfall.

During the holiday season, frequent visits among families, paying early New Year respects, and presenting holiday gifts and offerings went unnoticed by most.

Among the high-ranking households, the Niohuru Duke’s mansion and the Tong Duke’s mansion were particularly bustling with activity, drawing envy from outsiders for their extensive social connections.

Of course, those privy to court affairs knew that these two families were in a frenzy over opposing the proposal to establish a new empress, so much so that they no longer bothered to conceal their actions, openly liaising with various households.

After observing for a few days, the astute could see that these two families were openly opposing the establishment of a new empress.

Even those who supported the idea were not surprised.

The Geng family had risen to prominence relatively recently, and their ancestors were Han Chinese. Despite Emperor Kangxi and Yinzhen's public declarations of unity between Manchus and Han, even young children knew that the Qing Dynasty was ultimately a Manchu empire.

If the Geng family were to become the imperial in-laws, and the primary ones at that, where would the Manchu and Mongol Eight Banners find the face to show themselves in public?

Even the Han Eight Banners households were reluctant to see the Geng family rise to such prominence.

The Uya clan's mansion and the Duke of Wu's mansion, which had no influence in the court, also learned of this matter through the efforts of the Niohuru Duke's wife and the Tong family.

One viewed Geng Shuning as a thorn in their side, while the other had been displaced from their position as imperial in-laws by Geng Shuning. Both were unwilling to see her ascend to power, fearing that the court would no longer have a place for them.

The Hesheri clan, though diminished by the downfall of Suo'etu and the demotion of Songzhu, was still one of the old eight surnames. They too were unwilling to see anyone replicate the former glory of the Hesheri clan and had been quietly active behind the scenes.

At the Changchun Garden, Noble Consort Tong, upon receiving news from her father, immediately informed Consort Rong and Consort Hui.

Taking advantage of the Empress Dowager's absence at the palace, she frequently invited the two to admire flowers, aiming to bring Prince Yinzhi of Cheng's residence and Nalan Kuixu onto the Tong family's side.

All of this was uncovered by the intelligence networks controlled by the Imperial Household Department and Yunxiang's Xianluo Pavilion. Soon, along with evidence of various crimes committed by the opposition officials, it was laid out on the desk of the imperial study.

*

Geng Shuning had already informed Yinzhen of her intention to "convince with reason," urging him to temporarily withhold action. She then invited Guo Luo Luo Ying Hui and Yunxiang to Xianluo Pavilion for a discussion.

"Over the years, I have served the court both inside and outside the palace. Today, the entire Qing Dynasty, including the Six Ministries and the Imperial Household Department, benefits from the profits I have generated, often taking credit for themselves," Geng Shuning said calmly as she handed each of them a booklet, boasting calmly and without arrogance.

Her next words made their hearts skip a beat.

"If they support my ascension as empress, they can continue to enjoy the wealth I generate and the innovations I create. If they refuse to cooperate, I will have to ask the two of you to 'kindly' explain to them that they will not receive a single coin from me anymore!"

"Of course, all the benefits they have received in the past must be returned. I have kept a detailed account of every transaction."

Guo Luo Luo Ying Hui and Yunxiang, suppressing their shock, flipped through the booklet, which was about the thickness of a thumb. The first page left them both stunned.

Guo Luo Luo Ying Hui looked up abruptly: "The smallpox vaccine praised by the Imperial Physicians—was it you who discovered it? The funds for nationwide vaccination didn't come from the Emperor's private coffers, but from your shops?"

Yunxiang was even more astonished as he scanned the surroundings.

"Xianluo Pavilion, the performance venues, and those clubs—were all set up by you?"

"The intelligence on the Tiandihui and Dzungar spies uncovered by the Ministry of War, as well as the information obtained in several major cases by the Ministry of Justice—did it all come from you?"

Although the booklet did not elaborate on how the information was obtained or its sources, the fact that Xianluo Pavilion had branches in Beijing, Zhili, Henan, Shandong, Jiangnan, Huguang, and Sichuan suggested that they all had such capabilities...

Yunxiang gasped, clutching his chest as he stared at Geng Shuning in disbelief.

"The previous fraud case in Jiangnan—could it have been..."

Geng Shuning smiled at Yunxiang: "Such a large-scale operation, like silencing witnesses, would be hard to conceal even without these shops. Isn't it better to keep your life and continue making money?"

Yunxiang: "..." Is this even related?

He silently perused the booklet. One-third of the Imperial Household Department's current transactions were handled by Geng Shuning.

A quarter of the Ministry of Revenue's tax revenue was collected in full, thanks to the information provided by the Nine Guards behind Geng Shuning.

The Ministry of Works' construction projects and Shuntian Prefecture's agricultural tools and high-yield seeds were all designed by Geng Shuning...

Guo Luo Luo Ying Hui remained silent as well.

She reflected on how He Zhuo and his men had caused trouble for the court, but it was not only the Emperor's Secret Service that had suppressed it; Geng Shuning must have played a significant role behind the scenes.

She was convinced by this woman's capabilities.

What was terrifying wasn't Geng Shuning's ability to make money, but how she had infiltrated their very foundations. If they didn't align with her to make money, they were doomed!

Geng Shuning gave the two time to process the information. After a moment, she smiled and asked them—

"So, do you have the confidence to persuade them for me?"

She wasn't asking them to work for nothing.

"Once I enter the central palace, Ying Hui will be appointed as the female official who issues edicts on my behalf. The entire Qing Dynasty will be your arena."

"The Prince of Xiang's title can also be elevated, so that you can have more confidence to make money from the Northern Mongols."

The eyes of the sister-in-law and her cousin immediately lit up.

They were genuinely shocked, but neither was conventional. As long as they stood to gain enough, they were bolder than anyone else.

Guo Luo Luo Ying Hui smiled as she tucked away the booklet.

"I have a good rapport with the wives of the six ministers. It's only natural to pay them visits during the holidays."

Of course, there was no need to visit Qi Chong'an, the Minister of Works, or Geng Jia De Jin, the Minister of Punishments, but there were two Manchu ministers in the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Punishments who opposed the establishment of the empress.

Not to mention Zhang Tingyu and Chen Tingjing, even Guanyinbao and Jiang Tingxi stayed silent.

Yunxiang's expression turned unusually serious. "Since Fahai manages the Board of Ritual, I don't need to worry much. Later, I'll have the twelfth brother visit various offices more frequently."

Nalan Kuixu controlled the Censorate, while Zhang Yushu held sway over the Hanlin Academy. These old foxes were all biding their time.

Geng Shuning picked up a cup of wine and bowed to the two.

"Thank you both."

She said lightly, "It doesn't matter if they disagree. Those who oppose the revelation of the gods will eventually be abandoned. There's no need to waste too much breath on them."

Guo Luo Luo Ying Hui and Yunxiang smiled meaningfully and raised their glasses to celebrate in advance.

They didn't care whether the gods were real or not, but those who were truly brainless and insisted on rushing to their deaths indeed didn't need much persuasion.

Even if the gods didn't deal with them, the Emperor, who had brought up the matter of establishing the empress in court, would surely deal with those fools.

Three bowls of wine clinked, their aroma filling the air. This task was easy to handle!

*

As the Emperor's sealing of the brush approached, the court became increasingly quiet, and even those who had been arguing about the establishment of the empress fell silent.

Firstly, Tong Guowei had entered the Changchun Garden several times, and A Linga had also wailed in the Qingyuan Study. Tong Guowei even vomited blood in the Changchun Garden.

The fact that this news spread indicates that the retired emperor had no intention of stopping it, signaling his dissatisfaction.

Everyone awaited the retired emperor's statement, as appointing Geng Shuning as empress would significantly impact the court.

The palace buzzed with activity as well.

Upon learning of the emperor's intention to establish an empress, Consort Qi, née Li, cried bitterly and completely gave up hope. She went to the Buddhist chapel in Cining Palace every day, rarely appearing in public, and became silent.

Consort Xi and Consort Mao, the birth and adoptive mothers of the third prince, were unwilling to see Geng Shuning become empress.

Anxious, they repeatedly summoned their female relatives, orchestrating small schemes to trouble Geng Shuning through the Imperial Household Department.

Noble Lady Ning, contrary to her previous arrogant attitude, believed in Buddhism like the Empress Dowager.

The earlier miracles had left her in awe, and now, knowing that the true phoenix (Geng Shuning) was to be crowned empress, she understood that her fortunes depended on Geng Shuning. She frequently sent snacks and soups to the Yangxin Hall.

Her gestures weren’t to curry favor with the emperor but to honor Geng Shuning, even reporting Consort Xi and Consort Mao’s schemes to her.

*

Geng Shuning pretended not to know, as she and Yinzhen had almost done what they needed to do. Instead, they relaxed together daily, preparing for a prosperous New Year.

On the 23rd of the twelfth lunar month, during the small New Year’s ancestral rites, Guo Luo Luo Ying Hui arrived early with six female officials to pay respects to Geng Shuning, winking to signal that the matter was resolved.

During this time, she hosted daily flower-viewing gatherings, keeping them low-key and inviting only a select group of women, ensuring everything was meticulously arranged.

Although Yunxiang was not seen, Yun Tao, who managed the Imperial Household Department, could easily pass messages.

Nalan Kuixu received the emperor’s decree, and his family, never one to resist, collaborated with Yunxiang to convince Zhang Yushu.

Zhang Yushu disliked Geng Shuning and initially opposed her as empress, but the Geng family’s Han heritage swayed him, as no Han official would pass up a chance to elevate Han status.

Nalan Kuixu’s eloquence rivaled his father Nalan Mingzhu’s, and he swiftly won over the elder.

While Geng Shuning took people to the Fengxian Hall, Guo Luo Luo Ying Hui quietly came to report to her.

"Gua Jia has other plans. Guanyinbao’s wife, being a stepmother, lacks authority over the family’s matriarch, but I can tell Guanyinbao is no fool."

"Shumulu Kecha of the Ministry of War and Xitala Muhelun of the Ministry of Rites are firmly under the control of Zhang Tingyu and Chen Tingjing, leaving no room for surprises."

The Ministry of Justice and Revenue were already secured. With Yunxiang as acting Minister of Justice and Jiang Tingxi, a Han official, unlikely to oppose after Zhang Yushu’s approval.

"Only Jingshan from the Ministry of Personnel and Niohuru E'lu'tai from the Ministry of Works, one promoted by Tong Guowei and the other from the main branch of the Niohuru family, are very firm."

The Tong family was unwilling to support Geng Shuning.

The Niohuru family allied with the Gioro family, determined to prevent a Han Eight Banners woman from ascending. They already disliked the Tong family, so the Geng family was out of the question.

Geng Shuning discreetly gave Guo Luo Luo Ying Hui a thumbs-up, whispering, "This will do."

She was not fighting alone now.

*

After the small New Year, Geng Shuning sent the list of those she had persuaded to Yinzhen. Only three families remained clearly opposed to her.

The Niohuru Duke’s mansion, the Tong Duke’s mansion, and the Zhong Duke’s mansion remained firmly opposed, while Guanyinbao stayed aloof, appearing neutral but leaning against her.

This was not unexpected to Yinzhen.

Calmly taking Geng Shuning’s hand, he said, "Leave the rest to me. Once the New Year begins, I’ll personally draft my first decree—I’ve already prepared it."

Geng Shuning realized that this was the edict meant for her.

She smiled at him, "Is there something you’ve been too shy to tell me?"

Yinzhen teased her, "You’ll find out when you receive the edict."

Geng Shuning pressed, "But won’t it be Minister Chen who reads the edict? I’m not afraid of you saying sweet things, but I’m worried Minister Chen might be too embarrassed to read them aloud."

Yinzhen picked up a freshly made potato pancake with his chopsticks and placed it in her bowl, still not giving in.

"Don’t worry, you’ll hear everything you’re hoping for."

Geng Shuning was burning with curiosity.

Despite her excitement, she endured the tedious rituals and endless tasks during the New Year in the palace, along with the irritating presence of Consort Xi and Consort Mao, without losing her cool.

Even a cornered rabbit will bite.

Before the edict appointing her as empress was issued, it wouldn’t hurt to let them squirm a little longer.

*

Fortunately, Yinzhen didn’t make her wait too long.

Early on the fifth day of the New Year, after Yinzhen led the ministers in worship at the Fengxian Hall and welcomed the Kitchen God, he decisively sent the evidence he had gathered, delivered personally by Lin Fu, to the homes of A Linga, Tong Guowei, and Zhunda.

On the sixth day, during the morning court, Yinzhen asked as casually as if he were inquiring about breakfast—

"I intend to appoint Geng Shuning as empress. Do any of you have objections?"

The already silent court grew even quieter for a moment, but there was no outburst.

The cabinet was now led by Zhang Tingyu, Grand Secretary of the Baohe Hall; Chen Tingjing, Grand Secretary of the Wenyuan Pavilion; and Xilinjueluo Ertai, Grand Secretary of the Wenhua Hall.

Zhang Tingyu and Chen Tingjing, obeying the emperor’s command, promptly knelt down.

"This servant concurs!"

Ertai remembered last night when his uncle Zhunda, drenched in sweat and clutching the letter delivered by Lin Fu, came to his door. The letter’s contents left him shocked and dismayed.

The Zhunda family had earlier seized land, allowed their servants to kill at will, and even conspired with the traitor Gali to frame loyal officials—all clearly documented.

Among these crimes, Ertai, as Deputy Censor of the Censorate, had also facilitated bribing southern officials for exam fraud.

If the emperor investigated, he too would struggle to avoid blame, and keeping his title of Grand Secretary would be uncertain.

After Zhang Tingyu and Chen Tingjing knelt, Ertai sighed inwardly and followed suit, kneeling as well.

"This servant also concurs!"

The Six Ministries, headed by the Ministry of Personnel, followed the cabinet ministers’ lead.

Guanyinbao recalled the letter from the Duanhe Empress delivered to his home last night, realizing the emperor knew all about his dealings with her, which snuffed out the last glimmer of hope in his heart.

"This servant concurs!"

The Gua Jia family... perhaps they were never meant to be part of the empress’s lineage.

Fuqi of the Ministry of Revenue and Jiang Tingxi promptly followed suit.

Xitara Muhelun of the Ministry of Rites and Shumulu Kecha of the Ministry of War, unsurprisingly, also promptly agreed with the emperor.

They had no other choice.

Take the Ministry of Revenue, for example. Previously, their wives were invited to Prince Lian's mansion to admire flowers. After returning, the wives of the Fu Cha and Jiang families were unable to recover for several days.

It is important to know that the Ministry of Revenue manages the funds of the imperial treasury. Relying solely on agricultural taxes isn't enough; the hefty taxes on merchants are the main source of revenue.

Originally, the Fu Cha family knew that the shops of the Imperial Household Department had one-third of the credit due to Geng Shuning.

Later, several shops from the Board of Ritual were added. Now, the officials of the Ministry of Revenue look at the Prince of Xiang, a major taxpayer, with newfound respect.

Unexpectedly, after hearing from Lady Guo Luo Luo Ying Hui at Prince Lian's mansion, they returned home and relayed the information to their husbands. The two ministers then discovered that the most tax-paying cloth shops in Jiangnan, as well as the health shops catering to all ages, were actually backed by Geng Shuning.

If they harbored any disloyal thoughts, Geng Shuning could completely shut down these shops and, under the name of the Imperial Household Department, have all the money enter the emperor's private coffers.

If the Ministry of Revenue's tax revenue were to drop significantly, the two ministers would definitely be held accountable.

When it came to establishing Geng Shuning as empress, the emperor wouldn't side with the two ministers.

As for the Ministry of Rites, Mu Helun's wife from the Ministry of War was also greatly intimidated by Guo Luo Luo Ying Hui.

Now, most of the training methods for soldiers in the Ministry of War, the infantry camp, and the suburban camp are devised by Geng Shuning.

She also oversees the factories producing annihilation cannons and new bird guns. If they did not support her, Mu Helun's position as the Minister of War could easily be replaced by someone more compliant.

Geng Jia De Jin from the Ministry of Justice didn't dare to step forward, even though he wanted to shout his agreement. He just stood quietly with Qi Chong'an, feigning humility, waiting for Yunxiang to speak.

Yunxiang didn't even get a chance to speak up first.

Now, not only did he understand the power of the intelligence department, but the evidence of the officials' crimes wasn't all uncovered by the intelligence agency.

Yunxiang, Yun'e, and Yunqi, the three of them together could rival half of Zhuge Liang's wisdom. The more they saw the previously defiant officials now toeing the line, the more they feared those intelligence operations.

The three of them rushed to the front, shouting louder than anyone else—

"Your Majesty is wise! We agree!"

Yunzhi: "..." Did you even consider my feelings?

No, not only did these three brothers not consider him, but Yun Tao and Yunxiang didn't even look his way. They quickly followed suit, afraid they weren't being proactive enough and would be marked down by the emperor... or the future empress.

Yunzhi was embarrassed for a moment. Thinking of his visit to Changchun Garden during the New Year, where he saw his mother, under the influence of Consort Hui and Noble Consort Tong, becoming restless again, he finally bent his knees.

"I also agree!"

His mother is confused, and he has to cover for her and Prince Yinzhi of Cheng's residence. He has no confidence to oppose the emperor.

Then, the Left Censor Nalan Kuixu, the Nine Gates Commander Tuoheqi, the Board of Ritual's Fahai, the Grand Secretary of the Court of Judicial Review Ma Wu, the Hanlin Academy's Zhang Yushu... more than half of the civil and military officials in the court knelt down one after another.

Finally, only A Linga and E Lundai, along with a few officials standing behind Niohuru Shi and the Tong family, were left awkwardly standing.

Except for the two leaders, the others were somewhat at a loss.

Yinzhen ignored A Linga, only giving E Lundai a deep look, then nodded for everyone to rise.

"Since none of you have any objections, tomorrow I will personally go to pay respects to the Empress Dowager and the late emperor, and follow their decree to establish Sui Ning as the empress."

Su Peisheng, seeing that A Linga was about to speak, did not give him the chance and immediately raised his voice—

"Court is dismissed!"

The gentle yet piercing voice nearly choked A Linga, who was so furious that he continued to mutter and curse even after leaving the hall.

"A bondservant's daughter, even worthy of being Empress! I don't believe the old man could be so foolish!"

"No, I must seek an audience with the Emperor Emeritus. I will never allow a base-born servant to overshadow the noblewomen of the Manchu and Mongol Eight Banners!"

By the end, his voice was so loud that many officials overheard him.

Geng Jia De Jin's face darkened, while Zhang Tingyu and Chen Tingjing both frowned.

This A Linga is truly out of his mind, fanning the flames of discord between Manchus and Han right in front of the Qianqing Palace. If the Emperor Emeritus and the current Emperor find out, what good will it do him?

*

Sure enough, when A Linga arrived at the Changchun Garden, he was barred at the gate.

Li Dequan stood at the gate, holding an imperial edict, waiting for him.

"By the decree of the Emperor Emeritus: A Linga has repeatedly overstepped his bounds, remained obstinate, attempted to assassinate his elder brother, and engaged in factionalism. He is hereby stripped of his Duke of Cheng'en, first rank, and confined to Xiaotangshan. Yin De, the sixth son of Ebilun, shall inherit the first-class dukedom!"

A Linga was stunned. "When did I ever attempt to assassinate my brother? Clearly, someone is fabricating lies—"

Yun'e's unexpectedly stern voice cut him off from behind, interrupting his attempt to make a scene.

"In the 39th year of Emperor Kangxi's reign, Uncle Faka returned to the capital from Hunan and died at Zhangjiakou. His personal attendant brought back a blood-stained letter, accusing you and Bayala of the murder."

Yun'e stepped forward with a cold expression. "Upon seeing the blood-stained letter, Grandmother was devastated and fell ill. She was eventually hounded to her death in the side courtyard by Bayala, all at the suggestion of your dear wife. Do you dare claim you knew nothing of this?"

A Linga panicked for a moment. "How do you know—no, where did you hear this? Who dares spread such rumors? This is absolute rubbish!"

Yin De appeared behind Yun'e. "I witnessed it firsthand!"

"The blood-stained letter from my brother, the blood-stained letter left by my mother, and the evidence of your wife bribing the servants in the side courtyard—I've kept it all."

"If you still refuse to admit it, we can have your wife arrested and interrogated. One interrogation will reveal the truth."

In the past, no one spoke up because A Linga was the legitimate heir. Though he was wayward, he was entitled to inherit the title.

His wife, Lady Wu Ya, was first under the protection of Consort De and later became the younger sister of the Empress Dowager. Not even Yin De, let alone Yun'e, dared to cross her. They had no choice but to endure.

But now, A Linga's mind has been blinded by ambition, and he is determined to oppose the Emperor. With the Empress Dowager already passed away, this is no longer the time when A Linga and his wife could act with impunity.

To Yun'e, Faka and Yin De are his real uncles.

Everything A Linga has now, aside from a small legacy left by his grandfather Ebilun, is due to the grace of Empress Xiaozhao and his mother. It's a pity that A Linga, with his foolishness, has nearly squandered it all.

*

By the time Tong Guowei and Longkodo received the news, the Niohuru Duke's mansion had already been completely overhauled. Even the old lady, Bayala, had been confined to the chapel and was no longer allowed to leave.

Tong Guowei, whose health was already failing, coughed up blood upon hearing the news and collapsed weakly onto his bed.

His eyes stared blankly at the bed curtains as he rasped, "It's over. The glory of our Tong family has come to an end..."

Longkodo's face was filled with ferocity. "It's not over yet! The old master hasn't agreed to make that base-born servant from the Geng family the Empress. Unless the court no longer needs the support of the Manchu and Mongol Eight Banners!"

"Father, tomorrow when the Emperor goes to the Changchun Garden, we'll go too! At worst, we'll die protesting. As long as the elders in Shengjing get the news, the old master will have no choice but to reconsider—"

"Third son..." Tong Guowei gasped.

"It's useless, useless. This is no longer the era of Emperor Shizong. The elders... the Deliberative Council of Princes and Ministers is gone. What can the elders do against the imperial family?"

"Xuan Ye seeks a unified empire. He doesn't need the dead weight of the Eight Banners. A Linga's fate is a warning to us. If the Tong family remains obstinate, we'll be the next A Linga."

"From now on... you must remember, you must never, ever oppose the Geng clan—" Before he could finish, Tong Guowei's eyes widened suddenly, he gasped for breath, and then fell silent.

Longkodo did not notice his father's last breath, the murderous intent in his eyes growing heavier, his expression calm yet grim.

The Emperor showed no regard for the nurturing kindness of his sister, shattering all his pride, even his beloved woman died in a forced labor camp.

The blood-stained handkerchief from Si'er's final moments lay over his heart, yet the Emperor wanted to make the woman he favored the Empress—on what grounds!

If they were to admit defeat now, the Tong family would decline, becoming outcasts like the Hesheri clan, better to die than live in such disgrace!