Chapter Forty-One: If Only Father Were Emperor

After Hongzhou’s explanation, Hongli nodded, showing a deep understanding of his cousin’s anxieties. As a member of the imperial clan, standing not far from the pinnacle of power, no one could remain entirely calm at a time when the throne itself might be changing hands.

Hongli patted Hongzhou on the shoulder and said, "In my view, no matter who becomes emperor, as members of the clan, as long as we are willing to strive for progress, we need not worry about lacking opportunities to be put to important use. Even if the Fourteenth Uncle or the Eighth Uncle were to ascend the throne, they could not afford to ignore a talented clansman!"

"Moreover, history has shown time and again that a sovereign's mindset often shifts drastically once they take the throne; they then require checks and balances, and they need to unify the hearts of the people."

"Furthermore, in such treacherous and unpredictable times, those who act first are often controlled by others, while those who act later are often able to control the situation."

"Therefore, rather than being the first to speak or act—becoming a slave to one’s own words and deeds—it is better to be prudent and cautious, waiting quietly for the situation to fundamentally change."

"At that time, whether it is the Fourteenth Uncle, the Eighth Uncle, or even our own father who becomes emperor, so long as we possess ability, he will have to employ us—if only to balance others and demonstrate his benevolence. After all, we are the imperial kin, and for any man of the Aisin Gioro clan who wishes to be master of the world, he cannot function without the support of the clan."

"So, it is better to spend this time reading, practicing martial arts, and taking care of one’s health."

After Hongli spoke, Hongzhou stood frozen in place, looking at him with astonishment. Seeing this, Hongli couldn't help but smile and ask, "Why have you stopped?"

"It’s nothing." Hongzhou gave a forced laugh.

But Hongli noticed that he remained absent-minded thereafter. He did not press him further, and after walking together for a short distance, they parted ways to return to their respective courtyards.

When Hongzhou’s birth mother, Geng, saw him return looking dejected, she furrowed her brows. "What is the matter with you?"

"Mother, tell me, would it be better if Father were to become the emperor?" Hongzhou asked hysterically.

Geng looked at her simple-minded son and smiled. "Is that even a question? If that happened, even though you were born to me, a Han woman, you would still be an imperial prince. At the very least, you would be a Beizi!"

"In that case, I could support Fourth Brother to be the emperor," Hongzhou suddenly murmured to himself.

Geng was startled. "Why would you suddenly say such a thing?"

"Because I feel that Fourth Brother is different from the others. When everyone else is in a state of panic and uncertainty, he alone seems completely calm and unconfused, as if he has long since seen through everything. He must be the one who knows best how to make the right choice!" Hongzhou looked at his mother earnestly.

Geng shook her head. "I don’t know what kind of love potion Hongli has fed you to make you worship him so."

***

As the Kangxi Emperor’s illness worsened, the nobles involved in the struggle for the succession grew restless. The bureaucrats who clung to them spent their days scurrying between the mansions of the powerful, desperate for news.

After leaving the Prince Yong mansion, Hongshi prepared to meet Hongchun, who was waiting for him outside. Hongchun had been actively campaigning for the succession and had sent word that he needed to see him.

As soon as they met, Hongchun asked, "Why do you look so troubled?"

"I ran into Hongli and Hongzhou on the road. I wanted to pull Hongzhou to my side, but the ungrateful fool wouldn't listen. I treated him like a brother, too."

At the mention of Hongli, Hongchun’s expression darkened. He nodded and said, "I heard that the Bolhu of the Manchu Bordered Blue Banner, Ortai, has been granted to Hongli. My father and I inspected that banner’s affairs and it is quite powerful. It is a pity that it has fallen into his hands. If the opportunity arises, I must take it for myself!"

"Since he has offended you, Brother Hongchun, we certainly cannot make his life easy," Hongshi replied.

Hongchun added, "And that little colt my father brought back from the Northwest—it is a fine horse. I wanted it, but Father wouldn't even part with that!"

Hongshi nodded and asked, "What did you need to see me about, brother?"

"The Eighth Uncle sent me to give you a message. You must watch every move in the Prince Yong mansion. The Grandfather Emperor’s illness is growing more severe, and there may be unforeseen developments. Although the Fourth Uncle has been living in seclusion, obsessed with Buddhist affairs, the Eighth Uncle believes we cannot afford to be careless until my father returns to the capital!"

Hongshi nodded. "I understand! Tell the Eighth Uncle to rest assured. As soon as there is news, I will inform him."

Hongchun grunted, his expression a mix of excitement and agitation. "Although Yan Jin’s sudden disappearance has left the Eighth Uncle unable to know the exact state of the Grandfather Emperor, the news from the imperial physicians is that he likely won't make it through the winter. So..."

Hongchun punched Hongshi’s chest and laughed. "A new era is coming!"

Hongshi laughed as well, rubbing his hands in excitement. Because of the Emperor’s failing health, they were all jubilant, calculating how to retaliate against those who had slighted them in the past and how to force those who had looked down on them to grovel once more.

By the eleventh month of the sixty-first year of Kangxi’s reign, the Emperor’s condition had indeed deteriorated, though he forbade those around him from revealing the truth. Currently, apart from the eunuchs and palace maids, only Princess Shushen remained by his side as a relative.

One day, while only Princess Shushen was with him, the Emperor suddenly clutched his chest and began to gasp violently for air. The Princess rushed to support him, her face full of concern. "Grandfather Emperor, what is wrong?"

The Emperor suddenly sat up and vomited blood onto the floor. The Princess turned deathly pale, her eyes widening in horror.

"Wipe it away quickly!" she whispered, her voice trembling.

The Emperor gripped her arm. "Do this for me!"

The Princess nodded, gritting her teeth as she pulled a handkerchief from her sleeve to wipe the blood from the golden bricks. Tears welled up in her eyes. After cleaning the floor, she hesitated for a moment, then, with a determined look, tucked the blood-stained handkerchief into her sleeve.

"Why are you crying?" the Emperor asked in a weak, labored voice.

The Princess paused, then sobbed, "Grandfather Emperor, I was thinking of younger brother Hongli."

The Emperor smiled and nodded, wiping her tears away. "I did not dote on you for nothing. Go and summon Liang Jiugong."

Liang Jiugong entered.

"Shushen misses Hongli. Arrange for Wei Zhu to take her in a plain carriage to the Prince Yong mansion to see him," the Emperor commanded.

Liang Jiugong bowed. "As you command!"

Princess Shushen traveled to the Prince Yong mansion. By the time she arrived, it was already night. Hongshi, who was keeping watch in the front courtyard, was astonished. "Shushen, why are you here?"

"Grandfather Emperor permitted me to come see Hongli," she replied, and asked the staff to lead her to him.

As soon as she saw Hongli, she bypassed the pleasantries and asked, "Where is the Fourth Uncle?"

"I am here!" Prince Yong’s voice came from outside.

Princess Shushen turned in surprise, pulled the blood-stained handkerchief from her sleeve, and handed it to him.