Chapter Fifteen: The Gluttonous Kangxi

Before long, the Niuguluer clan and Hongzhao arrived. After performing the grand salute, Kangxi, seeing them for the first time, bestowed generous gifts upon both. The Niuguluer clan received several bolts of silk, while Hongzhao was presented with a jade pendant. Afterwards, Kangxi seated them at the far end behind Lady Li.

Both were naturally delighted and expressed their gratitude sincerely. Especially young Hongzhao, who, being a child, could hardly contain his excitement. Yet this only deepened Lady Li’s discomfort, causing her to regret not having urged Hongshi more strongly to foster a better relationship with Hongli.

At this moment, the dishes were all served. Kangxi personally selected what he considered the best dishes for Hongli and Shushen to try. Both praised the food as delicious—and indeed, it was! Hongli was deeply impressed. Having spent so much time in Prince Yong’s mansion, this was the first time he had tasted the famed signature dishes prepared by the chef of the Primary Consort of Prince Yong’s household.

Dishes such as “Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea,” “Three Beauties Tofu,” “Clear Boiled Red-scaled Fish,” “Dezhou Braised Chicken,” “Nine-turn Large Intestine,” “Oil-fried Double Crisp,” “Fried Oyster Roe,” “Four-flavored Prawns,” “Braised Abalone in Original Shell,” and “Steamed Gaji Fish” were all celebrated Shandong cuisine. Every time the sixteenth prince introduced a dish, Hongli sampled it eagerly, savoring the continuous delight on his palate.

He began to truly understand the pleasure Li Yunlong experienced when dining with Chu Yunfei, and finally grasped why the Qing Veritable Records often recorded Kangxi’s frequent visits to Prince Yong’s household for banquets.

However, after the feast, Kangxi felt overwhelmed by fullness and summoned the imperial physician for treatment. The doctor requested imperial permission to perform moxibustion to aid digestion. While receiving the treatment, Kangxi chuckled and remarked to those present, “It’s only at Prince Yong’s mansion that I cannot control my appetite. None of you ever advised me otherwise!”

“Only thinking to please my dear father, I forgot to heed counsel—my daughter-in-law is at fault!”

Ulanara smiled awkwardly in response. Kangxi waved dismissively, saying, “Enough!”

Hongli silently smiled at Kangxi’s blaming others for his own lack of restraint. At the same time, Hongli pressed on his own abdomen, unable to resist the delicious food himself. He, too, had lost control of his appetite.

“Drinking the dew that falls on magnolia in the morning, dining on the fallen petals of autumn chrysanthemums at dusk—Old Fourth, you truly know how to enjoy leisure,” Kangxi recited after the moxibustion, strolling with Yongzheng, Ulanara, and others in the garden to aid digestion and admire the chrysanthemums.

Kangxi then engaged Yongzheng in conversation. Hongli paid little attention to their words, focusing instead on massaging his belly. He noticed Hongzhao doing the same and smiled quietly.

Hongzhao then approached and whispered to Hongli, “Fourth Brother, if it weren’t for your blessings, I wouldn’t have had such a delicious meal. The consort’s household’s Shandong chef truly lives up to his reputation. No wonder His Majesty often enjoys coming here.”

“And this jade pendant was gifted by His Majesty only because you thought of me, Fourth Brother.”

Hongzhao took out the imperial jade pendant from his sleeve, admiring it as he spoke.

“Truly, Fourth Brother, in my eyes, you are my real elder brother.”

“I trust you to keep a close watch in the mansion. If anything unfavorable happens to you, or if there are matters concerning my princess sister that she wishes to keep secret, remember to tell me.”

Hongli gave him instructions, appreciating Hongzhao’s savvy despite his youth. Though young, as a grandson of the emperor, he was perceptive enough to seize opportunities and rise above the rest.

Hongli needed more eyes watching over Prince Yong’s mansion. He was well aware who would ultimately succeed in the imperial succession, hence his careful orders to Hongzhao.

Hongzhao nodded softly, “I understand, Fourth Brother. I will watch every move in the mansion for you and inform you of everything when you return next time.”

“Good brother! Worth every bit of care!” Hongli patted Hongzhao’s shoulder, who chuckled in return.

Together with Yongzheng and others, they accompanied Kangxi until he retired for the night. Afterward, having digested their meal, Hongli and Hongzhao returned to their respective princesses.

Hongli did not go to bed immediately but sat beside the Niuguluer clan lady, reading. She continued her needlework, occasionally adjusting the lamp wick, and turned to say, “If you feel tired, have Haitang attend to you before sleep. You must enter the garden early tomorrow.”

Hongli replied softly. Just then, Yongzheng arrived.

The Niuguluer lady, flustered, had no time to put down her needlework before Yongzheng entered the courtyard, stating, “I came to speak with Hongli briefly. Others need not stand on ceremony; continue your tasks.”

Hongli welcomed Yongzheng into his chamber. “Father, what instructions do you have?”

“Are you accustomed to staying with His Majesty?”

Hongli answered, “I am quite used to it. His Majesty treats me well, but when alone, I sometimes miss you, Mother, and everyone in the mansion.”

Yongzheng nodded. “Today, I met with Princess Shushen alone. She told me that you two siblings get along well and that you, as her younger brother, respect her greatly. Hearing that brought me comfort.”

Hongli smiled faintly, understanding why Princess Shushen said so.

He couldn’t deny that Yongzheng cared deeply for her, even inquiring about her relationship with him.

“Hongli, you must get along well with your imperial sister and keep her close, for her status is special. Recently, rumors suggest someone wants to expel her from the palace, preventing her from staying near His Majesty.”

“Do you know why?”

Yongzheng asked, then looked to Hongli.

Hongli pondered seriously before answering, “Because she is the daughter of the Second Prince?”

“Yes, your insight shows you haven’t wasted your time with His Majesty.”

“Though your Second Prince was deposed, those who are his mortal enemies fear that as long as your sister remains near His Majesty, there is a chance your Second Prince might be reinstated.”

“But whether His Majesty reinstitutes him or not, we cannot allow those enemies to succeed! If they do, your sister’s fate will be grim, and my future efforts will face greater obstacles.”

“So, you must maintain a good relationship with your sister. Don’t make her want to leave His Majesty’s side.”

Though Yongzheng spoke cautiously, Hongli understood his meaning clearly. Essentially, Yongzheng hoped that through Princess Shushen’s presence near the emperor, factions like the Eighth and Fourteenth Princes would focus their struggles on suppressing the Crown Prince’s faction rather than targeting him.

“Father, rest assured. I will keep a close watch on my sister and ensure she remains safely by His Majesty’s side.”

Hongli made his promise.

Yongzheng smiled with satisfaction and chose to stay overnight at the Niuguluer residence. Fortunately, with Haitang’s care, Hongli’s sleep was undisturbed.

Meanwhile, after returning, Lady Li summoned Hongshi, who had remained within the main residence without his own household, to discuss the day’s events.

“You should find opportunities to improve your relationship with Hongli,” she advised. “Who knows, perhaps he can help you be named heir apparent, especially since he is now close to His Majesty.”

Hongshi replied, “It’s useless. I’ve already offended him. I can’t be the older brother begging him.”

Lady Li sighed helplessly, “You are too rash. When angry, you don’t know how to hold back. If you had attended His Majesty’s private banquet this time, maybe His Majesty would have been pleased enough to name you heir.”

“Enough, Mother, don’t worry so much. It was just a private banquet. Missing it is no big deal. His Majesty’s health is declining; it’s only a matter of years now. Focus should be on the Fourteenth Uncle rather than on him. Even if Hongli gains His Majesty’s favor now, he won’t be arrogant for long.”

“Mother, it’s the same for you. If His Majesty doesn’t favor me, so be it. He’s lost interest in the throne, so don’t blame others for not taking him seriously.”

“As long as the Fourteenth and Eighth Uncles favor me, when the Fourteenth ascends, I will have everything.”

“At that time, maybe Mother and Hongli will have to beg me to speak well on their behalf and look to my face!”

Hongshi said confidently, clearly determined to place his hopes on the Fourteenth Prince.