Chapter 4, the fickleness of human sentiment and the fear of pushing favors

In the final sentence, his voice became very soft, each word was articulated slowly, yet it weighed down on Sony like a thousand pounds. Suddenly, Sony realized that his robe had become damp and clung to his body without him noticing when it had happened, and he was actually drenched in cold sweat from just a few words spoken by a twelve-year-old boy

He is the second emperor carefully nurtured and taught by the Grand Empress Dowager, and he certainly will not be as straightforward and simple as his father. Such an emperor is the masterpiece of Dorgon, not that of the Grand Empress Dowager

However, he did not expect to encounter the Emperor here, nor to engage in such a direct confrontation. The Emperor is only 12 years old, one year younger than Fang'er, and usually appears very gentle and reserved; he did not anticipate that today he would reveal such a fierce side.

Isn't that so? However, she is not like you. She claims that her Dongzhu is so exceptional that it is a disgrace for our Emperor to have her as a concubine. She even complains that I disregard the bond of sister-in-law we have built over the years, and that I do not consider the faces of our ancestors, the Taizu and Taizong. She would rather have your Fang'er made Empress than have her Dongzhu honored in the same way. " Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang spoke gently, her gaze kindly fixed on Sony.

"The Empress Dowager." Sony was at a loss for words; the gaze of Empress Xiaozhuang contained too much for him to fully comprehend in an instant, leaving him uncertain of how to respond.

He was inherently contradictory. After receiving the imperial decree at the residence yesterday, he, along with his two sons, Gabula and Suoertuo, deliberated for most of the night. The royal family, at this time, appointed Yunfang as empress, and everyone understood the implications of this decision. On one hand, it was a demonstration of reliance on the chief minister, and on the other, it was a blatant attempt at consolidation. The recent political climate in the court has been exceedingly strange. Clearly, the Empress Dowager's ostentatious efforts to select a consort for the twelve-year-old emperor were nothing more than a strategy to rearrange the power dynamics within the court through marriage alliances. However, this method proved to be too slow in effect. Reflecting on the glances exchanged between Suksa and Aobai during yesterday's court dismissal, Sony felt a chill run down his spine. The recent political climate in the court has been exceedingly strange. Clearly, the Empress Dowager's ostentatious efforts to select a consort for the twelve-year-old emperor were nothing more than a strategy to rearrange the power dynamics within the court through marriage alliances. However, this method proved to be too slow in effect. Reflecting on the glances exchanged between Suksa and Aobai during yesterday's court dismissal, Sony felt a chill run down his spine.

The usually taciturn and honest Gabula also echoed, "Indeed... If our Fang'er is able to give birth to a crown prince in the future... then?... Father, from this point on, all the emperors will carry the bloodline of our Hesheli family. I can hardly imagine, Father, have you ever received such glory since following the Great Ancestor, the Great Successor, and the Late Emperor until today?"

fierce

The Empress Dowager's few words immediately eased the atmosphere in the room

A single word carries immense weight; Sony understands that the matter has reached this point, and there is no need for further words.

Upon entering, Sony immediately knelt down solemnly, performing the ritual of three prostrations and nine kowtows. Regardless of how Emperor Kangxi and Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang urged him to rise, he remained on the ground, deeply bowing his head, and choked with emotion, said: "I, Sony, have been favored by the late emperor, serving as a minister in the court for many years without any merit, yet I have shamelessly received the emperor's grace. Now, I am further favored by the Empress Dowager and the emperor. However, my granddaughter Yunfang is merely of a humble disposition, lacking talent and virtue; how can she lead the harem and embody the dignity of the nation? I truly do not wish for the world to mock my granddaughter for occupying a position she is unworthy of, lacking in shame. I implore the Empress Dowager and the emperor to show mercy..."

"The servant expresses gratitude." He knelt down heavily.

I know, I am aware of your concerns. "Xiaozhuang gently patted Sony's sleeve twice, "I am even more aware of your loyalty.

At this moment, the Empress Dowager and the Emperor appointed their own granddaughter as Empress, undoubtedly placing themselves at the center of controversy and completely severing their own retreat. How could Sony, who had been immersed in the court for many years, possibly be unaware of this reasoning

At this moment, the atmosphere indoors has changed dramatically; just a moment ago, there was no torrential rain following the strong winds, but instead, the scene has turned to a gentle breeze and light clouds.

Continuing the conversation, Kangxi spoke without revealing any emotion, his gaze fixed directly on Sony. Although both were there to persuade him to retract his decree, the royal attitude and approach were different when facing Mukush and Sony

At this moment, when it was truly difficult to proceed, and not knowing what to do, the Empress Dowager suddenly laughed: "What is going on today? Sony, do not blame the Emperor for being a bit harsh with his words. Just now, when the Princess He Shuo entered the palace, it was also regarding the matter of their family’s Dongzhu. Our Emperor is still young and sensitive. Each of you is coming to cancel your engagements one by one. He is unable to maintain his dignity." Our Emperor is still young and sensitive. Each of you is coming to cancel your engagements one by one. He is unable to maintain his dignity.

Sony was momentarily taken aback, and after careful consideration, could only say: "I humbly request the Emperor to retract the decree."

The servant was in a state of panic, the servant ... ... '' Sony knelt down again

Your Majesty!" Sony slightly raised his head, staring at the youth who had always been silent in the court, "The decree for the empress consort."

"You finally spoke up." There was not a trace of a smile on Kangxi's face; it was as if a layer of frost had settled upon it, and his gaze shot like an arrow directly at Sony. "Everyone says that among the four ministers, Sony is loyal, Suksa is slippery, Ebilong is timid, and Aobai is straightforward. Lord Sony, is this how you show your loyalty to me? The edict after the ceremony is not only the emperor's decree, but also the esteemed will of our ancestors. It is a proclamation to heaven and earth, a command to the ministers and the people, and it concerns the auspiciousness of the Aisin Gioro family's legacy and succession. Do you want me to retract it?" The edict after the ceremony is not only the emperor's decree, but also the esteemed will of our ancestors. It is a proclamation to heaven and earth, a command to the ministers and the people, and it concerns the auspiciousness of the Aisin Gioro family's legacy and succession. Do you want me to retract it?"

Upon thinking of this, Sony could not help but break out in a cold sweat, believing he had seen through everything, but in reality, he was merely blinded by a single leaf, still underestimating the depth of Bu Mu Bu Tai within the Cining Palace.

Sony trembled slightly as he raised his head, examining Xiaozhuang and savoring the meaning behind her words, he hesitated and said: "Has the princess also entered the palace?"

Alright, you may leave now. Tomorrow, bring your wife along; I would like to discuss some matters with her. The Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Imperial Astronomical Bureau have already selected a date, which is the 8th of next month, for the Emperor's grand wedding. Your Fang'er will enter the palace through the Great Qing Gate, and it will be quite a grand affair. I need to discuss with your wife, as there are still many preparations to be made.

"This Mukush has indeed provided you with a ladder." Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang smiled and cast a glance at Kangxi.

How could one forget, after all, he is a descendant of Nurhaci and Hong Taiji

Kangxi signaled and personally helped Sony to his feet, then granted him a seat

On ordinary days, she is warm and gentle, but when faced with matters, she is decisive and resolute. Isn't this precisely the style of the Empress Dowager?

I have just spoken with the Grand Princess, and I must say, this year's selection of talented young ladies is truly impressive. Your granddaughter, her cousin Dongzhu, Aobai's daughter, the girl from the Tong family, the Empress Dowager's niece... and those girls from our Manchu nobility whose names I cannot recall, are indeed overwhelming in their number. If it were up to me, I would wish for all the good girls in the world to enter the palace. However, our young and ambitious Emperor, with his discerning eye, has chosen Fang'er among so many, which, in the words of the Han people, is love at first sight. Fang'er is beyond reproach in both appearance and character, and she is your granddaughter. I believe this is a match made in heaven. Just yesterday, I was thinking that you should bring your wife to the palace to express your gratitude. Little did I expect, you have come to decline the favor!

wisdom

The servant, feeling anxious, acknowledged his own presumption in seeking the grace of His Majesty and the Empress Dowager. Sony quickly followed up on this statement.

Even if he accepts this marriage, it will be a proactive choice made by him, Sony, rather than a reluctant act coerced by her. Only in this way can the path ahead be walked more steadily; even if Fang'er enters the palace, she will have a better position.

It is uncertain whether this year's autumn has arrived earlier than usual or if the pressure in one's heart is too great, but Sony feels a tightness in the back and has felt a chill throughout the journey

"Yes, I take my leave, Your Majesty." After Sony had once again paid his respects to Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang and Emperor Kangxi, he finally exited the Cining Palace

Therefore, he decided to adopt a strategy of retreating to advance. This morning, he entered the palace to pay his respects to the Empress Dowager. He was well aware that although the selection of Fang'er as the Empress was an imperial decree, the one orchestrating it behind the scenes could only be the Empress Dowager

He intends to use the method of breaking off the engagement to make her understand that he still possesses the strength to refuse and the ability to choose even today

"Revoke the edict? Which edict is to be revoked?" Kangxi asked again

Knowing full well that behind that glory lies an unpredictable abyss, the allure of that glory was simply too great. He had concealed his brilliance and bided his time for a lifetime, yet he could not help but be moved by the glory before him.

However, as Suo E Tu said, "Ama, no matter what, everything is false; the queen is the true queen. Apart from the Mongolian Borjigin family carried in through the Great Qing Gate, our Manchu first queen is He Shier Fang'er from our family. Is this not more valuable than anything else?"

"Alright, I have always known that you are a meticulous person, so there is no need to say such modest words again." The Empress Dowager reined in her smile. This time, she personally got off the bed and helped Sony up. Their eyes met, and she said softly, "Over the years, I have come to understand one thing: harmony in the family leads to prosperity in all matters. Governing a household and governing a nation are essentially the same principle. What do you think?"

Mukush immediately stood up to take his leave, and after sending Mukush off, Sumalagu welcomed Sony in