Chapter 71: Touring Beyond the Frontier

Chapter 71: The Imperial Tour to the Frontier

After the New Year celebrations, by early March, the Grand Empress Dowager expressed her wish to revisit the Horqin Tribe one last time in her lifetime, longing for her homeland. The Emperor, being filial and kind, decided to fulfill her wish by embarking on an imperial tour to the frontier at the end of March.

Both Yin Zhen and Yin Si were included in the entourage, along with Yin Tang and Yin Xiang. Their mother, due to poor health, did not accompany them.

Yin Zhen brought along Consort Wulanala and Consort Nian. The journey began on March 26th.

Given that both His Majesty and the Grand Empress Dowager were advanced in age, the procession moved slowly without haste. It took them twenty days to reach the Horqin Tribe.

Yin Zhen and Yin Si were frequently summoned by the Emperor to assist in receiving Mongol princes and ministers who came to pay homage, attending banquets, and overseeing martial contests and hunting displays between the Eight Banners soldiers and Horqin warriors.

On the tenth day at Horqin, rumors began circulating that Yin Si had maintained close ties with Shajin, the leader of the Horqin's Right Wing, over the past few years. Many claimed to have seen Yin Si visiting Shajin's tent, where they seemed to be discussing matters.

Soon, the Emperor summoned Yin Zhen, and Yin Si was also called. Yin Tang and Yin Xiang were present as well, along with Shajin and several Mongol ministers inside the tent.

One of the Mongol ministers accused Yin Si of having secret dealings with Shajin. The Emperor asked Shajin if this was true. Shajin initially denied it, but when the Emperor threatened to strip him of his leadership and transfer power to Bandi, Shajin panicked.

Shajin was the Right Wing Prince of Horqin, while Bandi was the Left Wing Prince. Though they maintained a fragile peace under the Qing court's mediation, both aspired to become the Khan of Horqin.

Shajin admitted that he had indeed corresponded with Yin Si over the years, but insisted it was mostly through letters and that he had no intention of rebelling.

"Your Majesty, this is not true. I have had no contact with Shajin. How could I, when he is far away in Mongolia? I have never visited his tent. He is fabricating lies. I am wronged!" Yin Si exclaimed, pleading his innocence.

The Emperor ordered Shajin to produce the letters as evidence. Shajin sent someone to retrieve them.

While waiting, the Emperor also dispatched people to verify whether Yin Si had indeed visited Shajin's tent alone. The investigation confirmed that he had, though no one knew what they discussed.

The Emperor's expression grew stern. When the letters were brought, he read them and then threw them in Yin Si's face.

"How dare you deny writing these? Is this not your handwriting?"

Yin Si picked up the letters, his eyes wide with shock. He looked up at the Emperor and said, "Your Majesty, these... these are not written by me. I have never written such letters. I truly have had no private dealings with Shajin. I have not."

"The evidence is irrefutable, and you still dare to lie? Yin Si, you have deeply disappointed me."

Yin Tang stepped forward to defend Yin Si: "Your Majesty, if Eighth Brother says he didn't do it, then he didn't. It must be Fourth Brother framing him. They must have conspired to deceive you, to falsely accuse Eighth Brother."

Yin Xiang also spoke up: "Your Majesty, I believe Fourth Brother would never do such a thing. Ninth Brother's words are the real slander here."

"Thirteenth Brother, you're just Fourth Brother's lackey, of course you'd speak for him."

The Emperor angrily slammed his hand on the table. "Enough! Silence! Guards, take the Eighth Prince away and detain him. Yin Zhen, you will be responsible for overseeing Yin Si's confinement. Shajin, for your secret communications with a prince, your tribe's tribute next year will be doubled."

"I acknowledge my crime," Shajin replied.

The Emperor ordered everyone to leave.

Yin Zhen promptly had Yin Si taken back to his tent and placed under strict guard by Yi Lintai and others. Conspiring with tribal princes and ministers was a serious crime, and it seemed unlikely Yin Si would recover from this.

During their stay in the Horqin Tribe, Yin Si remained confined to his tent. Yin Tang visited him daily, and Yin Zhen did not interfere.

It was only when the entourage prepared to return to the capital that Yin Si was released, though his every move continued to be closely monitored.

Years later, in the third year of Yin Zhen's reign, when Shajin was installed by Yin Zhen as the Khan of Horqin, Yin Si finally realized that the entire affair had been a setup by Yin Zhen. Shajin's false accusations and the letters, forged to mimic his handwriting, were all part of Yin Zhen's scheme. By then, it was too late.

Back in the capital, the Emperor increasingly forwarded memorials to Yin Zhen for handling instead of Yin Si. Yin Si gradually fell out of favor with the Emperor, becoming little more than an idle prince.

One day, Yin Zhu and Yin Ti visited Yin Zhen's residence. The three brothers sat together, drinking and chatting after dismissing their attendants.

"Fourth Brother, victory is within reach. Eighth Brother has lost the Emperor's trust. We only have one final step left," Yin Ti raised his glass cheerfully.

Yin Zhen knew that only the final step remained, but he remained cautious, not allowing himself to become overconfident. He clinked glasses with Yin Ti.

Though Yin Zhu had a decent relationship with Eighth Brother, Fourth Brother was his blood brother, and he hoped Fourth Brother would succeed to the throne. He joined the toast: "Fourth Brother, Fourteenth is right. We're almost there. The Emperor no longer favors Old Eighth. I believe not only can we see it, but the court ministers can too."

Despite this, they could not let their guard down. After all, Second Brother had once been the crown prince but was eventually deposed. If the Emperor changed his mind at the last moment, everything could still unravel. Moreover, Yin Si still had many supporters in the court, and Yin Tang and Yin E remained on his side.

Yin Zhen knew he needed to remain patient and vigilant. It was not yet time to relax.

"Fourth Brother, the throne will definitely be yours."

Yin Zhen reminded Yin Ti: "Don't say such things often. Be careful of eavesdroppers who might use your words against you. Repetition makes it habitual, and you might slip up unintentionally. Be prudent with your words."

Yin Ti shrugged it off: "There's no one else here but us. No one will hear. I won't say it again, Fourth Brother. Stop lecturing me."

"Are you complaining about Fourth Brother's nagging? He only says it for your own good," Yin Zhu added, earning a playful punch from Yin Ti.

"Good thing I'm thick-skinned. Fourteenth Brother, no wonder your consort doesn't like you."

Yin Ti became defensive at this: "Who says she doesn't like me? How dare she not like me? She's my consort—wherever I go, she follows. Don't believe rumors."

Yin Zhen smiled. Over the past two years, Fourteenth Brother and his consort had been frequently arguing, often loudly enough for everyone to know. His consort had a fiery temperament, and the two often bickered. Even their mother said they were incompatible and that the Emperor should not have arranged their marriage.

They often teased Yin Ti about this, and he always reacted strongly.

After drinking for a while, Yin Zhen had them rest in the front courtyard.

On September 3rd, the day of the Heaven Worship ceremony, the Emperor tasked Yin Zhen with leading the civil and military officials in the ritual.

After the ceremony, the Emperor also instructed Yin Zhen to send Hong Li and Hong Zhou to the palace, where he would personally tutor them for a month.

Yin Zhen grew increasingly certain that the Emperor intended to pass the throne to him. Now, the Emperor was even personally tutoring Hong Li and Hong Zhou—a privilege previously granted only to Second Brother.

Regardless of the Emperor's intentions, Yin Zhen instructed Hong Li and Hong Zhou to obey the Emperor, avoid mischief, and not throw tantrums. He told their servants to promptly curb any misbehavior, reminding them that the palace was not like their own residence. He hoped they would leave a good impression on the Emperor.

Yin Zhen went to the Jingren Palace to pay respects to his mother and asked her to keep an eye on Hong Li and Hong Zhou.

"I know, I know. There's no need to remind me. I would have done it even without you telling me," his mother said.

Yin Zhen smiled and thanked her, earning a mock scolding.

Before he left, his mother reminded him to bring ample protection when going out.

Yin Zhen nodded and said he understood. After experiencing three assassination attempts, he always traveled with ample protection, especially during such critical times. He feared Yin Si and his allies might take desperate measures, even in the capital.

Not only did he bring more guards, but he also had people secretly monitor Yin Si's movements.

As he left his mother's room, he encountered Eunuch Fang.

"Eunuch Fang, weren't you ill? Have you recovered?"

"Fourth Prince, this servant has fully recovered."

Yin Zhen nodded in acknowledgment and left with his attendants.

Fang Houguang watched the confident Fourth Prince, feeling genuinely happy for him. The Fourth Prince was soon to see the dawn of success.

He had indeed been ill recently. Old age brought various ailments, but fortunately, his mistress was kind-hearted. By rights, a servant of his age should have been dismissed from the palace, but she kept him by her side. In fact, she no longer required his service. Seeing his advanced age, she even assigned two young servants to attend to this old servant.

Although Her Ladyship no longer required his constant attendance, he still needed to linger around her to ensure she wouldn't forget him.

"Your Ladyship, this humble servant has come to pay respects."

Fang Yu, seeing Xiao Fangzi approach, asked, "Are you fully recovered?"

"Only after recovering did this servant dare to come. Otherwise, I wouldn't have dared, for fear of spreading my illness to Your Ladyship—that would be a grave offense."

Pan Liu, standing nearby, called him out: "Your Ladyship, he's afraid you'll forget him, deliberately lingering about."

"How could I forget any of you? Do you all think, like Yin Zhen, that I'm old and forgetful? You've served me for decades; if I forgot all of you, that would be absolutely unthinkable."

Fang Yu looked at Pan Liu and Xiao Fangzi with helplessness in her eyes. She had arranged for younger servants to attend to them in their old age, as they no longer needed to serve her constantly. Yet, they always feared she might dismiss them, frequently appearing before her and insisting on serving.

"Your Ladyship, if we don't come to serve you, we don't know what else to do. Please allow us to continue serving you peacefully," Pan Liu said. She and Xiao Fangzi had served Her Ladyship for decades; they were uneasy with idleness, so they still came to attend to her from time to time.

Fang Yu acknowledged with a nod, letting them have their way. She asked Pan Liu to put her hair up in a bun, as she wished to go out for a walk.

After a while, they set out, with Fang Yu heading toward the Imperial Noble Consort's Palace of Celestial Favor.

In recent years, as Yin Zhen and the Eighth Prince secretly vied for the throne, with the Ninth Prince and Tenth Prince siding with the Eighth Prince, Consort Hui, Consort Yi, and Noble Consort Niohuru had grown closer while distancing themselves from her.

Consort Rong, due to her advanced age and the fact that the Third Prince had essentially withdrawn from the succession struggle, lived a reclusive life in the inner court.

Over these years, Fang Yu had instead grown closer to the Imperial Noble Consort, often visiting each other. So, upon leaving the Palace of Great Benevolence, she headed straight for the Palace of Celestial Favor.

"Sister, you're here! Come quickly and see the flowers I arranged."

Fang Yu sat beside the Imperial Noble Consort, observing the flowers she had arranged in a vase—about seven or eight varieties combined, a vibrant mix of colors. She praised it, saying it looked very beautiful.

"In flower arranging, I do have quite a talent."

"You certainly do."

The Imperial Noble Consort shot her a teasing look: "You always agree with me and say nice things to make me happy."

"Do I?"

"You do. This one, I need to display it first." The Imperial Noble Consort placed the arranged flowers on a nearby stand before adding, "Has the Fourth Prince sent Hong Li and Hong Zhou into the palace? Should we go see them?"

"They won't be brought to the palace until tomorrow."

"Oh, then we'll go see them tomorrow."

The Imperial Noble Consort's little dog, Xiao Zong, came over to rub against her feet. Fang Yu picked up the small dog. Her own cat had passed away five years ago, and the Imperial Noble Consort had started raising this dog around the same time. Because of its brown, curly fur, the Imperial Noble Consort had casually named it Xiao Zong. Fang Yu suggested, "Shall we walk the dog in the imperial garden?"

"That's fine. Let me get ready. Someone, come put a leash on Xiao Zong."

After a quarter of an hour, the two set out from the Palace of Celestial Favor for the imperial garden, leading Xiao Zong. There, they encountered Consort Hui and Consort Yi.

Since Yin Zhen had recently been sent by the Emperor to preside over the sacrificial rites to Heaven—a significant event traditionally led by the Emperor himself—his involvement instead of the Eighth Prince's seemed to send a clear signal that the Emperor favored Yin Zhen as the successor. As a result, when Consort Hui and Consort Yi saw them today, they did not initiate greetings. Fang Yu took the initiative to greet them, which only provoked Consort Hui's displeasure.

"Consort De, you must be quite pleased now, aren't you? Is your son going to inherit the throne?"

"Sister, please mind your tongue. This sister does not know who will inherit the throne."

"Stop playing dumb with me. You spend every day with the Emperor; I don't believe he hasn't hinted to you who he wants to succeed him."

"I truly don't know. The Emperor has never discussed matters of the court with me. If you don't believe me, sister, you can ask the Emperor yourself."

Consort Hui glared at her, eyes filled with intense hatred. She seemed unwilling to engage further and turned away abruptly.

Consort Yi hesitated slightly, nodding to them before following Consort Hui.

"Pay no mind to their gossip. I don't understand why they hold such resentment toward you. These matters aren't for us to decide. The Emperor will choose whoever he wishes to succeed him; it's his decision alone and has nothing to do with us."

Hearing the Imperial Noble Consort's reassurance, Fang Yu smiled. Consort Hui and the others had seen their hopes dashed. Yin Zhen's succession was all but certain, and the Emperor had already begun paving the way for him. It was no wonder they resented her.

Once Yin Zhen ascended the throne, not only would they fail to become empress dowagers, but they might also face purges, including the Eighth Prince and his faction. History showed that Yin Zhen could be ruthless—those who contended for the throne with him met grim fates.

Fang Yu pushed these thoughts aside; after all, she was getting on in years and couldn't concern herself with such matters.

Xiao Zong did its business at a regular spot in the imperial garden. The Imperial Noble Consort remarked that the dog had marked its territory—it wouldn't do so elsewhere.

After walking the dog for half an hour, Fang Yu parted ways with the Imperial Noble Consort and headed directly from the imperial garden to the Palace of Heavenly Purity, as it was very nearby.

She intentionally did not have the servants announce her arrival and entered directly to find the Emperor. She had almost crept up behind him when he looked up and noticed her.

"Your Majesty, couldn't you have pretended not to see me?"

"With your loud steps, how could I not have noticed? At my age, I can't handle such surprises."

"This isn't a scare; it's a pleasant surprise. Unless Your Majesty doesn't wish to see me."

"When have I ever not wanted to see you? I'd like to see you all the time, but these memorials won't handle themselves."

"Just hand them over to Yin Zhen."

As soon as she said it, Fang Yu realized her mistake. How could she be so direct? What if the Emperor had no intention of letting Yin Zhen succeed?

"I should indeed hand them over to Yin Zhen. My eyes aren't what they used to be; I can hardly see clearly anymore."

Hearing the Emperor's response, Fang Yu felt relieved. She had never dared to ask outright whom the Emperor intended to succeed him. In previous years, when Yin Zhen and the Eighth Prince were locked in fierce struggle, Yin Zhen had even survived an assassination attempt. Recently, seeing the Emperor assign Yin Zhen to preside over the Heaven Worship ceremony and personally instruct Hong Li and Hong Zhou, she felt her assumptions couldn't be far off.

"Your Majesty, for minor memorials, you could have others review them for you."

"Mm, I know. Join me for a stroll."

Having just come from the imperial garden, Fang Yu was already tired. She wasn't a young woman in her twenties anymore; continuous walking didn't suit her. She honestly told the Emperor she had just returned from the garden and was too exhausted to walk further.

"Then keep me company for a game of chess."

Fang Yu and the Emperor moved to the heated platform, where they sat down to play chess.

Over the years of playing chess with the Emperor, Fang Yu's skills had become nearly equal to his. After winning, she couldn't help but grin with delight.

"Your Majesty, did you let me win? How did I win again? It seems I've become a true master."

Kangxi, seeing Lady Uya's pleased expression, he couldn't help but smile. After all these years, her nature hadn't changed a bit—happy when she won, displeased when she lost, never yielding to him intentionally.

"Whether you're a master, I cannot say. I only know my own skills are no longer your equal."

Fang Yu laughed. "Your Majesty, don't say that. I only win occasionally; next time, you might win."

"Mm, next time I won't go easy on you."

"I don't need Your Majesty to go easy on me."

Kangxi gently stroked Lady Uya's face and asked if she was hungry. When she nodded, he called for a meal to be served.

At night, the two lay together.

"I intend to let Yin Zhen inherit the throne."

Fang Yu, who had originally been about to close her eyes and rest, widened her eyes. This was the first time she had heard the Emperor speak so clearly about letting Yin Zhen succeed. In the past, she never asked, and he never brought it up. When he did mention it, his words were always somewhat vague. It seemed the Emperor must have been uncertain.

"I am old now; my spirit is willing, but my flesh is weak. I do not wish to hand the Qing empire into the hands of an incompetent person. Yin Zhen is the most suitable candidate."

"Whatever you decide, Your Majesty. I know nothing of these matters. Yin Zhen should be very happy; he has always wanted Your Majesty's approval."

Kang Xi knew how reserved Wuya Shi had been these past few years. She rarely praised Yin Zhen in front of him and basically never meddled in court affairs. Compared to Consort Hui and others who tried to meddle in court politics, Wuya Shi was much more detached. She always said, "You decide, I don’t understand," trusting all his decisions without question.

"Have I never allowed you to drop your guard?"

Fang Yu was puzzled: "Why would you say that, Your Majesty?"

Kang Xi felt that Wuya Shi still maintained a degree of caution and wariness in front of him, hiding her true thoughts. For example, regarding the throne, even though Yin Zhen and Yin Si had been fiercely competing these past few years, she never used pillow talk to appoint Yin Zhen as crown prince or let him succeed. She did not speak too highly of Yin Zhen; more often, she simply went along with what he said.

"Your Majesty, if I cannot drop my guard in front of you, then in front of whom can I? Who I am with you is my true self, not a false one."

But she knew the person before her was the emperor. From the very first time she saw the Emperor, he had executed a minor consort for wearing the wrong color robe.

To the Emperor, she was a favorite consort, but in truth, she was also a servant. All the women in the harem were the Emperor’s servants, including her. If she were to speak bluntly in front of the Emperor, saying whatever came to mind, even her every thought, she would be a fool.

No one likes to hear the truth all the time. The truth hurts. Sometimes, it is necessary to say some flattering words, some pleasant lies. Being too blunt could bring disaster.

No matter how much the Emperor loved her, he was still an emperor. She could not treat him as an ordinary person.

If Yin Zhen was capable enough, she believed he would ultimately prevail. If he was not capable, then he was not fit to be emperor.

It was not that she did not want to use pillow talk; rather, she knew the Emperor was a suspicious man. If she said too much, the Emperor would also suspect her and Yin Zhen, which would instead harm Yin Zhen.

No matter what, the Emperor did not want others coveting his throne, especially while he still sat upon it.

"Do you truly love me? Or have you only pretended to love me all these years?"

Fang Yu poked the Emperor’s chest and laughed: "Your Majesty, you overestimate me. My acting is not that good."

A man who pampers you for decades, giving you wealth and honor, gold and silver jewelry, the best of everything, along with thoughtful care and affection, letting you live a charmed life—anyone would fall in love with him. How could she, a commoner who had never been in love, not love him? She loved him too much.

"Your Majesty, you are the first man I have ever loved, and the last. I love you deeply. Without you, I don’t think I could go on living."

Hearing this, Kang Xi’s brows and eyes relaxed, and he smiled from the bottom of his heart. He tightly grasped Wuya Shi’s hand: "Don’t talk nonsense. If I go before you, you must continue to live, let Yin Zhen and the others be filial to you, and watch your grandchildren grow up."

"Your Majesty, you promised to grow old with me. You are not allowed to go before me. You must protect me for a lifetime, not a day less."

Kang Xi held her close. He knew that only Wuya Shi sincerely wished him a long life. Yin Zhen might not even wish for his father to live long; he might even hope he would pass sooner. Only Wuya Shi could not bear to part with him.

"Good, I will protect you for a lifetime. I will definitely protect you for a lifetime. Meeting you in this life has been my greatest fortune."

"Me too, Aisin-Gioro Xuanye. I love you deeply. You are the only man I have ever loved in this life. I hope we can meet again in the next."

It was the first time Kang Xi heard Wuya Shi directly call him by his name, and he found it incredibly moving, striking deep into his heart. He held her tightly, unwilling to let go.