webnovelfull Chapter 198: Step by Step, Yin Zhen 12
Chapter 198: Step by Step, Yin Zhen 12
That day, Feng Xi heard the Emperor Kangxi angrily rebuke the Crown Prince for the death of the Eighteenth Prince, and a wave of worry welled up within her. This news was especially concerning given that she was in confinement after childbirth, feeling weak and overwhelmed. She knew this incident could trigger a series of events, potentially impacting the entire court. So, she decided to take action, hoping to avert the worst possible outcome.
She asked her mother to deliver a handwritten letter to her grandfather, hoping he would provide help and support at this critical moment. At the same time, she was also worried that Kangxi was considering deposing the crown prince. If this was true, the Hesheli clan would likely be severely punished. Therefore, she had to act quickly to protect herself and her family.
Afterwards, Feng Xi asked Chun Hua to send her mother home and told her to be careful. While waiting for Yin Zhen to come back, she was always worried and thinking about how to deal with the situation. Finally, Yin Zhen came back and saw Feng Xi's expression. He immediately realized that something was wrong. He asked with concern: "Xi Xi, why did you let your mother-in-law go back? Did something happen?"
Feng Xi leaned back on the bed, her gaze fixed on Yin Zhen. "I suspect the situation is about to change, and I'm afraid the Hesheli clan will be implicated. Yin Zhen, let me ask you again: are you interested in that position?" Her voice held a hint of worry, but also a firmness. She knew this was a crucial moment, and they had to make the right choice to protect their own and their family's future.
Yinzhen sat by the bed, holding her hand tightly, and said affectionately: "Xixi, you once said that no matter which prince succeeds to the throne, we may be implicated. If the emperor really abolishes the position of crown prince, then I will definitely fight for that position."
Feng Xi quietly nestled in Yin Zhen's arms, and responded gently but firmly, "I understand. If that day ever comes, my Hesheli clan will support you with all its might, but I also hope to get a promise from you to guarantee the Hesheli clan a hundred years of peace."
Yinzhen raised his hand without hesitation and swore solemnly: "I, Aixinjueluo Yinzhen, swear to heaven that my descendants and I will never harbor murderous intentions against the Hesheli clan and will ensure their safety for generations to come! If anyone breaks this oath, the Qing Dynasty will be shaken, and I, Yinzhen, will be without descendants!"
Feng Xi looked at him in surprise and couldn't help but shout, "Are you crazy? How could you make such a solemn oath so easily?"
Yinzhen smiled and kissed her, his eyes full of love: "Because I love you, I am willing to give everything."
Feng Xi smiled faintly and said nothing more. She didn't really believe in so-called oaths, but Yin Zhen's actions made her incredibly happy. Sure enough, Kangxi issued an edict deposing the Crown Prince during a morning court session a short while later, just as Feng Xi had just finished her confinement. She quickly took a bath and, while Yin Zhen was at court, she visited the Crown Prince's residence.
In the Crown Prince's Mansion, Feng Xi saw the Crown Princess and hurriedly said, "Second sister-in-law!"
The Crown Princess looked at Feng Xi in surprise: "Fourteenth sister-in-law, why are you here?"
Feng Xi handed the box to the Crown Princess and said quickly, "Second sister-in-law, let me make it short. This box contains something that Yinzhen and I gave to you and your second brother. We hope it can help you. Also, I'm leaving Qiuyue with you. If you have anything later, tell her. She can pass on the message to us. She's skilled in Qinggong, so ordinary guards can't stop her. Moreover, she also has medical skills and can help you with some minor ailments."
The Crown Princess was so moved that tears came to her eyes. She said gratefully, "Thank you, Fourteenth Sister-in-law."
Feng Xi patted the Crown Princess's hand comfortingly and said softly, "Second sister-in-law, don't be too sad, everything will be fine." After that, she turned and left the Crown Prince's Mansion, silently praying in her heart that the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess could overcome the difficulties.
Feng Xi said goodbye to the Crown Princess, "Sister-in-law, I'm leaving now. Remember, if anything happens, you must inform us immediately!" Then, she led Chunhua away. After the Crown Princess watched them disappear into the distance, she slowly opened the box in her hand.
What caught her eye was a box full of dazzling gold bars and a thick stack of silver bills. With trembling hands, she picked up the bills and examined them carefully. Each one was worth one thousand taels. A rough count revealed that there were over two hundred of them, a total of two hundred thousand taels of silver. Adding the value of the gold bars, the total was approximately three hundred thousand taels of silver.
In the past, she might not have thought this wealth was so astonishing, but under the current circumstances, with this money, life for her, Yinreng, and the women and children in the mansion would no longer be so difficult.
After returning home, Yin Zhen frowned and asked, "Where were you just now?" Feng Xi replied while changing her clothes, "I went to my second brother's house and gave his wife some money. You should know that those people in the palace are very good at taking advantage of others' misfortunes. Without enough money, it would be impossible to move forward!" Yin Zhen hugged Feng Xi and said with emotion, "Xixi, the danger has officially arrived. If we are not careful, we may all die. But please believe me, I will do my best to fight for it and try every possible way to protect you and your son."
Feng Xi responded firmly: "Don't be afraid. Even if something unfortunate happens in the end, my son and I can die with you." Yin Zhen was silent after hearing this.
After a moment's silence, Feng Xi continued, "I'm worried that the Emperor will reinstate the Crown Prince. This will make Second Brother's situation even more difficult. Furthermore, I've heard that unrest has broken out in the Junggar region. I suspect the Emperor may personally lead the expedition, so I suggest you come along."
Yinzhen replied, "Yes, I will go." The couple then accelerated their plans over the next few days, while Fengxi sent people to a nearby foreign church to collect cinchona and other Western medicines. If she remembered correctly, Kangxi had contracted malaria during this expedition and nearly died, and the crown prince was deposed again.
This time, she was not going to let Kangxi reinstate the crown prince. She was going to negotiate a deal with Kangxi. So, without Yinzhen's knowledge, she went to the Yangxin Palace.
Kangxi saw her and asked, "Fourteenth Lady, why are you here? Why are you here to see Hongxu?"
Feng Xi bowed and said, "Greetings to the Emperor! Your daughter-in-law has something to ask you..."
Kangxi said in surprise, "Tell me, what's going on?" Feng Xi took a deep breath, slowly pulled out a thunderball from the box, handed it to Kangxi, and explained, "This is a thunderball. It has a killing range of up to three meters. Your Majesty, please find a suitable place to test it. I understand that Your Majesty intends to reinstate my second brother as Crown Prince, but your daughter-in-law believes that doing so would only harm him. My second brother has been Crown Prince since childhood, and all eyes are on him. You know it's difficult for him to maintain his position, yet you persist in doing so. If someone else ascends to the throne one day, what will become of my second brother and his family? I don't need to explain; you can already guess the consequences... Now that the Dzungars are invading, you intend to lead the expedition in person, hoping someone can stabilize the rear. But you must know that the remaining princes are all eyeing the throne. No matter how well you perform, you're bound to be schemed against and make mistakes..."
Kangxi was furious upon hearing this: "How dare you! People from the harem are not allowed to interfere in state affairs!" Feng Xi smiled slightly and said firmly: "I am not a concubine in your palace, so I don't belong to the harem. Besides, I am your daughter-in-law and even more your family. I am only offering some suggestions." Kangxi was immediately furious upon hearing this, gritting his teeth and saying: "Don't you know that I can easily execute you?"
Feng Xi smiled again and replied calmly, "Let's not talk about my current status as a prince's wife. Just to mention that I was personally appointed as a princess by you, I have made many contributions to the court. If I were to be executed like this, do you think the people would resent me?"
Kangxi's face was gloomy, and he said coldly: "You are threatening me..."
Feng Xi shook her head slightly and said slowly, "No, I'm not threatening you. Everything I said is true. If you think this is all I can do, then you'll be the one who suffers the most if you kill me. If you still care about your second brother, the child you've raised since childhood, you should carefully consider what's best for him!" With that, she turned and left the Hall of Mental Cultivation. Kangxi sat on the Dragon Throne, a symbol of supreme power, and pondered for a full day before finally issuing three imperial edicts. The first decree conferred the title of Prince Li on the second prince, Yinreng, and entrusted him with the important task of managing the Imperial Clan Court. Next, the third prince was named Prince Cheng, the fourth prince became Prince Yong, the fifth prince was crowned Prince Heng, the seventh prince was crowned Prince Chun, and the eighth prince was crowned Prince Lian. This series of titles demonstrated Kangxi's respect and trust in his sons.
After the second imperial edict was issued, the Fourth and Eighth Princes were appointed regents, responsible for handling domestic affairs. Meanwhile, the Eldest and Fourteenth Princes accompanied Emperor Kangxi on the campaign. This arrangement reflected Emperor Kangxi's recognition of his sons' abilities and served as a test of their loyalty and courage.
The final imperial edict ordered Suo Etu to lead the ninth and tenth princes to handle military supplies and transport them to the front lines. This mission was crucial because it was related to the army's combat effectiveness and morale.