Chapter 74: The Grand Finale Officially Concludes, No Epilogue

Chapter 74 The Grand Finale Officially Concluded, No Extras

In May of the 61st year of Kangxi's reign, Father Emperor's health grew increasingly frail, with moments of clarity interspersed with confusion. The imperial physicians declared that Father Emperor was at the end of his strength and might not survive the year.

Yinzhen was occupied with state affairs while closely monitoring the movements of Yinsi and others, yet he still found time to visit Father Emperor.

Both the Fengtai Camp and Tongzhou Camp were under his surveillance, with Longkodo responsible for the security of the inner city and his maternal uncle Futai overseeing the outer city's safety.

The capital was firmly under his control, but until he ascended the throne, he could not afford to relax.

Yinti was due to return to the capital in a few days, having already reached Tongzhou. He was summoned back by Father Emperor to discuss the military campaign against Tsewang Rabtan.

It had been nearly three years since Yinti last returned to the capital. Father Emperor, fearing he might not see Yinti one last time, had summoned him back during a lucid moment.

Yinzhen planned to meet Yinti at the city gates. Before that, he visited Father Emperor again.

Father Emperor was conscious and asked if Yinti had returned. Yinzhen replied that it would take two more days, as Yinti was riding post-haste.

"That's good. Is everything stable in the court?"

"Your Majesty, all is well in the court."

Father Emperor acknowledged with a hum and waved him away. Yinzhen glanced at his mother beside Father Emperor, nodded to her, and then withdrew.

After leaving Changchun Yuan, Yinzhen returned to the palace to summon Longkodo and Uncle Futai, ordering them to dispatch another thousand troops to secure Changchun Yuan and add five hundred more guards outside his residence.

Shortly after, he summoned Yinzhu and Yinxiang, who were responsible for keeping watch on the activities around Yinsi's residence, and inquired if there were any unusual movements.

Yinxiang reported that the Eighth Brother had recently only gone to the Ministry of Rites, visited no other places, and had not met with the Ninth or Tenth Princes.

Yinzhen believed that the Eighth Brother, though appearing virtuous and refined, was actually cunning and sinister, likely still scheming. The Eighth Brother would not give up easily.

After giving his instructions to Yinzhu and the others, Yinzhen returned to his residence.

On the tenth day of May, Yinti returned to the capital. Yinzhen, accompanied by Yinzhu, went to welcome him and celebrate the return of Yinti after three years. At first sight, Yinzhen felt his younger brother had grown more mature and steady considerably, though he had also tanned significantly and grown more sturdy.

Yinzhu whispered in his ear, remarking how Yinti seemed like a different person. Yinzhen recalled from books that prolonged exposure to high altitudes in Tibet could cause high-altitude redness and darkening of the skin. Seeing Yinti like this, their mother would surely feel heartache.

"Fourth Brother, I'm back."

Yinti approached him, and Yinzhen embraced his shoulders, addressing the soldiers behind him: "The Great Qing's stability today is thanks to defenders like you."

"We merely do our duty and dare not claim credit," the soldiers replied.

Yinzhen held a feast for the returning officers. During the feast, Yinti privately asked about Father Emperor's health. Yinzhen advised him to visit Changchun Yuan the next day to see for himself.

The following day, Yinzhen took Yinti to Changchun Yuan to pay respects to Father Emperor. Father Emperor was lucid that day and praised Yinti upon seeing him.

Their mother, upon seeing Yinti, was indeed heartbroken and began to weep.

After they spoke briefly, Father Emperor needed to take his medicine, and they departed.

"How long does Father have?" Yinti asked somberly.

"The physicians say he won't last the year. You should stay in the capital for a while."

A few days later, Father Emperor suddenly directed Zhang Tingyu and Longkodo to assemble all the imperial sons to Changchun Yuan.

The room was thick with the smell of medicine. In the spacious front hall, Father Emperor, holding himself upright, received them. With Yinti back, almost everyone was present, except for the First and Second Brothers. Several trusted ministers were also in attendance.

"Proclaim the decree," Father Emperor said weakly.

Upon hearing "proclaim the decree," Yinzhen shuddered. Was Father Emperor... settling his final affairs? He had thought the decree would only be announced upon Father Emperor's passing, but it turned out Father Emperor had prepared it long ago.

It was good that Father Emperor announced the decree early, and while he was still lucid, to prevent any disputes from the Eighth Brother and others later.

Zhang Tingyu held the decree and began to read: "Since ascending the throne, I have known that to enjoy a long reign, the foremost duty is to ensure the people's welfare and prosperity. Thus, I have been diligent and dedicated, striving for governance. Since my accession, I have revered heaven and followed teachings, devoted myself to governance and loved the people, to preserve our ancestral heritage. For decades, I have never slackened in reviewing memorials. Now, at seventy, advanced in years, I am due special care and am no longer able to handle state affairs. Observing that Prince Yong, the fourth son Yinzhen, is of noble character, versed in both civil and military arts, filial, brotherly, loyal, and trustworthy, of splendid virtue, taking after me, he is certainly capable of inheriting the great inheritance. On the day of my passing, Yinzhen shall ascend the throne. Yinzhen must base his rule on promoting the state's foundation, continuing the ancestral legacy. You all should assist Yinzhen wholeheartedly, together safeguarding the Qing Dynasty. So it is decreed."

After the decree was read, Yinzhen truly felt Father Emperor's trust and care. His mind was at ease; he had finally won. He knelt to express gratitude: "Your son will not fail Father Emperor's trust, will strictly adhere to ancestral teachings, diligently cultivate virtue, keep the people's welfare in mind, maintain and expand, to inherit the ancestral legacy, and not fail Father Emperor's nurturing."

"Rise. I hope you, Yinzhen, can fulfill your words and not fail my expectations."

"Your son will not fail Father Emperor's expectations."

Yinzhen received the decree. There were three copies in total: one in his hands, one with Longkodo, and one kept in the Imperial Clan Court.

When they left Changchun Yuan, Yinsi and others looked grim. When Yintang tried to speak to him, Yinsi stopped him.

Yinzhen had triumphed; victors and vanquished. Everyone had heard Father Emperor pass the throne to him, and with the decree in hand, Yinsi and others could cause no significant turmoil. The day Father Emperor passed would be his accession day, so he was in high spirits and did not engage with Yintang.

"Fourth Brother, we take our leave."

Yinzhen waved, indicating they could go.

Once Yinsi and the others left, Yinzhu and the rest congratulated him directly.

"Congratulations, Fourth Brother."

Yinzhen glanced at the Sixth Prince and others, smiling. "I owe my success today partly to you all. Rest assured, I will not forget. Since Yinti is back, we brothers haven't properly welcomed him. Today, we'll go to Yinzhu's restaurant to celebrate Yinti's return."

Yinzhu agreed loudly.

They moved to Yinzhu's restaurant. Yinzhen, overjoyed, drank heavily and got drunk, unsure how he was returned to his residence.

The next day, he awoke to Ulanara bringing the women from the rear court to congratulate him. He held Ulanara's hand: "If I ascend the throne, you will be the empress. You've worked hard all these years."

Ulanara smiled warmly. This was the Fourth Prince's promise to her. As his principal wife, once the Fourth Prince became Emperor, she would rightfully be empress. Even though her Hong Hui was gone and she had no children, though she envied the Emperor and Consort De's inseparable bond and the Emperor's exclusive favor towards Consort De, and though the Fourth Prince couldn't dote on her exclusively like the Emperor did, he treated her, his consort, well enough. She was content; she would be empress—what more could she desire?

"I haven't worked hard at all. Master, you are the one who has labored the most. Congratulations on having your wish fulfilled."

Having his wish fulfilled—yes, he had. These words were the best reward for his efforts and schemes over the past twenty-plus years. Moved, Yinzhen embraced Ulanara.

What Yinzhen hadn't expected was that even after Father Emperor announced the decree—though not yet to all officials or proclaimed to the public—Yinsi and others still refused to give up.

On the fifth day after the decree's announcement, on his way to Changchun Yuan, Yinzhen was attacked again. Fortunately, he had many guards, and with Longkodo monitoring the inner city, Longkodo's men arrived swiftly, capturing all the assailants. He was unharmed.

Yinzhen had no doubt that Yinsi and others, unwilling to accept defeat, had acted before Father Emperor's passing. Once he ascended the throne, it would be a done deal, harder to overturn, hence this last resort.

Previously, out of consideration for Father Emperor, Yinzhen had not wanted to trouble him during his final days, wishing for him to pass without regrets, peacefully spending his last moments.

But Yinsi and others had gone too far. Yinzhen, unable to tolerate it any longer, ordered Longkodo to surround the residences of Yinsi, Yintang, and Yin'e, confining them and preventing their exit.

The disturbance was too great for Father Emperor not to notice, but since Father Emperor did not inquire, Yinzhen knew he no longer had the heart to manage these matters.

Yinsi and others were now trapped animals, not to be feared. Before Father Emperor's passing, Yinzhen had no intention of releasing them—they had forced his hand.

In early July, Yinzhen went to Changchun Yuan. Not finding Father Emperor and his mother in the front hall, he eventually found them in the garden.

Yin Zhen did not let anyone disturb the Emperor and his mother, only watching from behind. The Emperor could no longer walk and sat in a wheelchair, while his mother crouched beside him.

"Your Majesty, why are your hands so clumsy? Look at how beautifully I’ve woven this."

"Wu Ya Ning Yan, what are you weaving?"

"A dragonfly. Why, doesn't it look like one?"

"You dare mock me? Is this a dragonfly? It looks more like a clump of weeds."

"Your Majesty, if you say that again, I just might hit you."

Yin Zhen smiled faintly from behind. His mother had never been skilled at handicrafts. While most women were deft with their hands, she was an exception—her hands were anything but nimble. In front of the Emperor, she always referred to herself as "I" and showed no fear of him. She even dared to threaten to hit him, clearly flustered and embarrassed.

"It is a dragonfly. It looks very much like one. If you let it go, it might even fly away. I can see it’s a dragonfly."

Yin Zhen heard the Emperor begin to placate her. The Emperor, too, was afraid of upsetting his mother. Seeing them chatting and laughing in the garden, Yin Zhen decided not to disturb them and quietly left.

...

On August 3rd, the Emperor vomited blood again. All the imperial physicians rushed to the Changchun Garden to treat him, and Yin Zhen also went to see his father.

The Emperor was unconscious, lying emaciated and frail on the bed. The memory of his once shrewd and capable father contrasted sharply with the man before him, weighing heavily on Yin Zhen.

After the physicians informed him on the Emperor’s condition, he excused them.

"Mother, you should rest as well. Leave this to me."

Yin Zhen encouraged his mother to rest. Since the Emperor’s health had declined, she had stayed by his side constantly. Even though her own health was delicate, she refused to listen to anyone’s advice to rest, insisting that the servants alone could not care for the Emperor properly. Her connection to the Emperor was deep, and she couldn't bring herself to leave his side.

His mother and the Emperor were the most deeply in love couple Yin Zhen had ever seen. The Emperor had showered her with all his tenderness, and even Yin Zhen himself did not hold as high a place in the Emperor’s heart as she did. In her presence, he dared not show any joy about his impending ascension to the throne. His becoming emperor would mean the Emperor’s passing—the greatest sorrow for his mother. He could not bear to imagine how heartbroken she would be after the Emperor’s death.

"It’s alright. I will stay here and keep watch."

Seeing how exhausted his mother looked, Yin Zhen urged her again: "Mother, I am here. There’s no need to worry. You must not collapse—this is the last thing the Emperor would want. Please go and rest."

"Very well. I will rest for a bit. Wake me if anything happens."

Yin Zhen nodded and instructed the servants to assist his mother to the rear hall to rest.

He remained in the front hall, looking after the Emperor. After some time, the Emperor awoke, his eyes, once cloudy, now held a hint of clarity.

"Yin Zhen…"

Yin Zhen hurried to the bedside and knelt beside it. "I am here."

The Emperor locked eyes with him, a sharp intensity in his eyes, and said, "Yin Zhen, after I am gone, you must treat your brothers well. Be kind to them. Do not let blood be shed among siblings."

Yin Zhen knew what the Emperor was referring to—his recent imprisonment of Yin Si and the others. The Emperor must have been aware. He had no desire for fighting among brothers; it was Yin Si and his followers who would not concede.

"Your Majesty, I understand. I will treat them well."

"And your eldest and second brothers—you must be kind to them as well. A ruler must be compassionate."

Yin Zhen agreed: "I understand. I will heed your instructions, Your Majesty."

"Cough, cough, cough…"

As the Emperor began coughing again, Yin Zhen quickly summoned the physicians. They administered a blood-staunching pill, and the Emperor stopped vomiting blood, though he fell back into unconsciousness.

In the months that followed, the Emperor’s condition worsened. He was seldom conscious, but under the physicians’ care, he held on until December. Yin Zhen had hoped his father would make it through the year.

However, in the early hours of December 19th, Yin Zhen was awakened by his Primary Consort, Ulanara Shi, who informed him that a message had arrived from the Changchun Garden—his mother had summoned him.

A summons in the middle of the night could only mean the Emperor’s condition had taken a turn for the worse. With Ulanara Shi’s assistance, Yin Zhen dressed and, before leaving, instructed her to remain in the residence and keep Hong Li and the others indoors, awaiting further news.

He rushed to the Changchun Garden, where his mother told him the Emperor did not have long. After glancing at the unconscious Emperor, Yin Zhen began taking charge. He ordered his uncle and Long Keduo to deploy additional troops to secure the Forbidden City and the Changchun Garden. He then sent word to all his brothers, including Yin Si and the others, summoning them to see the Emperor one last time. He also instructed the imperial concubines to come to the Changchun Garden.

After issuing these orders, he returned to the inner chamber. The Emperor had suddenly regained consciousness, likely a final surge of strength.

"I can no longer remain at your side. If there is an afterlife, I still wish to meet, love, and remain with you. Do not cry. I must go first."

The Emperor’s voice was frail and trembling, as though using his last ounce of strength to bid farewell. His eyes, however, were filled with reluctance. His mother held the Emperor’s hand against her cheek, weeping uncontrollably.

After speaking, the Emperor’s breath grew faint. He could no longer speak, closed his eyes, and was on the brink of death.

Yin Zhen watched as his mother’s tears fell drop by drop, as if her soul had been torn away.

By the time Yin Zhu and the others arrived, the Emperor had already passed away. They did not get to see him one last time.

His mother knelt by the bedside, weeping bitterly until she fainted.

Soon, the funeral bell tolled, its sound echoing through the Forbidden City and across the capital.

Kang Xi, who had ascended the throne at eight, began his personal rule at fourteen. He pacified the Three Feudatories, quelled Ga Erdan, stabilized the northwest, and reigned for sixty-one years. His legendary life came to an end on that winter night.

Yin Zhen had prepared for three years to ensure a smooth transition. After the Emperor’s passing, when Yin Tang spoke disrespectfully to him, Yin Zhen immediately ordered him silenced. He then oversaw the funeral preparations, suppressing any attempts by Yin Si and others to cause trouble.

The new year was absent of any joy, shrouded in mourning. The Forbidden City was adorned in white, awash in grief.

After fainting upon the Emperor’s death, his mother soon regained consciousness but did not recover her health. She insisted on holding vigil for the Emperor, and after the vigil, her condition worsened. Yin Zhen had her move back to the Jingren Palace and instructed Yin Zhu and Yin Ti to check on her often, hoping their presence would lift her spirits and distract her from her grief.

With the Emperor’s recent passing, court affairs kept Yin Zhen inundated with work. After the funeral, preparations began for the enthronement, set for March 10.

Ulanara Shi and the others still resided in Prince Yong's residence, not yet moved into the palace. Since the Emperor’s former consorts still occupied the rear palaces and had not been relocated, it was not yet suitable for them to move in.

Amid his busy schedule, Yin Zhen found time to visit his mother. Nanny Pan Liu was feeding her medicine.

"Mother, are you feeling better?"

"I am much better."

Nanny Pan Liu mentioned that her appetite had been better the last few days, which put Yin Zhen’s mind at ease. He brought up the issue of relocating the residents and the granting of titles—the women of the Emperor’s harem also needed to be granted titles.

Naturally, his mother would move to the Cining Palace and be honored as Empress Dowager. As for the others, he sought her opinion.

"Award titles based on their existing ranks. Regardless of what happened in the court, it has little to do with them. You must treat them kindly. Consort Hui, Consort Yi, and Virtuous Consort have not committed major offenses. Show mercy where possible—do not blame women for the mistakes of men."

Yin Zhen nodded in agreement.

"However, Ying Shan and the others can be promoted."

Yin Zhen was aware of his mother’s close friends and acknowledged her suggestion.

A few days later, Yin Zhen proceeded with granting titles to the women of the Emperor’s harem. The Imperial Noble Consort was elevated to Dowager Imperial Noble Consort; Noble Consort Niuhulu, Consort Rong, Consort Hui, Consort Yi, and Consort Ping were all granted titles as Dowager Noble Consorts. Na La Ying Shan, originally an Answering Attendant, was also granted the title of Dowager Noble Consort. Virtuous Consort was granted the title of Dowager Virtuous Consort, and Noble Lady Qin was granted the title of Dowager Noble Lady. Others were granted titles according to their existing ranks: Noble Ladies became Dowager Noble Ladies, Constant Attendants became Dowager Constant Attendants, and Answering Attendants became Dowager Answering Attendants.

After the granting of titles, relocation followed. Most moved to the Shoukang Palace, Shou'an Palace, or Yinghua Hall. Their quarters were no longer as spacious or comfortable as during the Emperor’s lifetime—they now shared rooms, some alone, some in pairs, living in somewhat cramped quarters.

No one objected. Yin Zhen believed he had followed his mother’s advice, treating them with respect and without causing them difficulties. They relocated without incident, and no one caused trouble.

The Empress Dowager also moved to the Cining Palace, where she still needed rest and recuperation.

Once Empress Ulanara and the others moved into the harem, Yin Zhen entrusted the affairs of the inner court to Empress Ulanara, asking her to keep a close watch on the Empress Dowager's condition and visit her frequently. He remained deeply concerned about his mother.

After the emperor's passing, he could see how heartbroken his mother was. She had accompanied the emperor for so many years, and their bond was so strong. With the emperor gone, he felt as though his mother had lost the will to remain in this world.

On the 19th of February, Yin Zhen was meeting with ministers in the Qianqing Palace when a eunuch entered to report that the Empress Dowager's condition had become critical. He rushed to the Cining Palace in a panic.

"What happened to the Empress Dowager?"

Empress Ulanara was wiping away tears, sobbing as she spoke: "Your Majesty, the imperial physicians said she... she likely won't make it."

Yin Zhen’s legs nearly gave way beneath him. Truthfully, his feelings for the emperor were not as deep as his mother’s. His emotions toward the emperor were complex, wavering between the roles of subject and son. He held more reverence and fear than affection for the emperor and never dared to speak candidly in his presence. The emperor had many sons, and he was just one among them—not the most favored. But his mother was different. He had always known that her love for him was pure and unwavering. She was always on his side and would never harm him. The fact that she couldn't hold on until my accession filled him with resentment toward the emperor. His mother loved the emperor so deeply that she wished to join him in death. On the day the emperor passed, she was utterly distraught, as if her soul had been drained away.

He could not understand it. He believed his mother should have put her son first, not the emperor. Moreover, she still had Yin Zhu and Yin Ti—how could she bring herself to leave them?

"Go, summon Yin Zhu and Yin Ti to the palace," Yin Zhen ordered, his voice trembling as he went in to see his mother.

"Yin Zhen..."

Kneeling by the bedside, Yin Zhen saw how frail his mother had become. Though men are not supposed to shed tears easily, his flowed uncontrollably.

"Mother, please don’t leave us."

"I can’t hold on any longer. I’ve grown old, and it’s time to go. Don’t be sad. I’ve lived a fortunate and fulfilling life, with no regrets."

"But you said you wanted to see Hong Li and the others marry and have children. They haven’t even married yet."

"Mother won’t live to see that day. I can’t bear the thought of your father being alone in the afterlife."

Yin Zhen replied angrily, "Is the emperor more important than us? Why do you put him first? We are your children."

"Your father holds a special place in my heart. He treated me very well, and I cannot fail him. Where are Yin Zhu and the others? Please summon them. I want to see them."

"They are on their way and will be here soon. Mother, please hold on a little longer. I can’t bear to see you go. Mother, please don’t leave us."

Yin Zhen, casting aside imperial dignity, wept bitterly. His mother gently touched his face, her hand as tender and loving as ever.

Yin Zhu and the others arrived in time to see their mother one last time.

Historical records state that the Empress Dowager died in the Cining Palace on the 21st of February in the first year of the Yongzheng era, at the age of 64. At the time of her death, she was surrounded by her children and grandchildren, and the Cining Palace was filled with the sound of weeping.

After his mother’s passing, Yin Zhen ensured that all her eunuchs were properly provided for. Nanny Pan Liu and Eunuch Fang were able to live out their remaining years in comfort within the palace.

On the 10th of March, the day of the coronation ceremony, the crack of ceremonial whips echoed through the Forbidden City as officials knelt in homage. Dressed in imperial robes, Yin Zhen processed step by step toward the golden dragon throne, officially ushering in the Yongzheng era, thus beginning the Yongzheng reign.

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