HCB Chapter 12 Third Brother, I have regrets.
Chapter 12 Third Brother, I have regrets.
After studying together, Yinzhi and Yinzhen quickly realized that there was a reason why their younger brother was favored by their father. He was indeed quite capable. Although they didn't find it particularly difficult to learn the same things, it was definitely not easy either.
But when it came to Yinzhi, not only did he understand things immediately, but he could also apply what he learned to other situations. Not only did he learn the Chinese classics that his father valued well, but he also did not neglect the Manchu and Mongolian languages. As the saying goes, comparisons are odious. The tutors in the study who were originally quite satisfied with their learning progress became even stricter with Yinzhi and Yinzhen because of the presence of Yinzhi as a control group.
In contrast to the agonizing life of Yinzhen and Yinzhi in the Imperial Study, Kangxi was extremely satisfied with Yinzuo's performance. It should be noted that the Qing Dynasty was conquered on horseback, and riding and archery skills were second nature to the Eight Banners' sons, but studying was a major challenge.
After the Qing army entered the pass, although the Eight Banners descendants put down their bows and arrows and picked up their pens, they could only learn enough to ensure they weren't completely illiterate. Let alone taking the imperial examinations, they struggled to even write an essay. A few years ago, Nalan Rongruo finally appeared, but it was just a flash in the pan; he disappeared just like that.
Although the Han officials in the court didn't say it aloud, they were probably secretly laughing at them. That's why Emperor Kangxi paid special attention to the education of his princes, hoping that they could set an example and show the Han people that the Manchus were not only capable of conquering the world on horseback, but also of governing the country with their knowledge and skills.
Regardless of other places, Yinzhuo's outstanding performance greatly enhanced Kangxi's prestige within the Ministry of Rites. Naturally, the child's excellence was something to be proud of, and so after Kangxi boasted about it to his court officials, the six-year-old Sixth Prince Yinzhuo miraculously appeared on the entourage list for this year's inspection tour beyond the Great Wall.
"Today is a good day, all my wishes will come true, and tomorrow will be another good day..."
Ever since he learned that he could accompany the emperor on a publicly funded trip, Yinzhuo's good mood was palpable. In his good mood, he started singing a little tune, which made Yinzhi and Yinzhen, who were in the same room, twitch their eyebrows incessantly.
"Sixth brother, you seem to have a good life every day, but your third and fourth brothers are suffering. Ever since you came, what kind of life have we been living? In short, we've been tormented. Come here, look at your third and fourth brothers, look at the dark circles under their eyes from rushing to meet deadlines. Don't you feel even a little bit guilty?"
If resentment could be ranked, Yinzhi felt that his resentment was now so strong that even evil spirits would turn away in its presence. He regretted it; he had once felt sorry for his younger brother. Now it seemed that he and Yinzhen were the ones who should be pitied.
Seeing the deep resentment in Yinzhi and Yinzhen's eyes, Yinzu smiled awkwardly at the two of them, then patted his chest and said.
"Understood, Third Brother, Fourth Brother, you can rest assured. I understand the principle of sharing blessings and hardships. After I leave the study and go to the Qianqing Palace to see Father, I will do my best to persuade him and try to get my brothers to go to the grasslands with Yinzhuo."
It's no wonder that Yinzhi harbored such resentment; Kangxi's actions today had really heightened the level of hatred. Among all the princes, the eldest prince was the oldest and naturally had to be included, and the crown prince, as the heir apparent, certainly couldn't be left out of the opportunity to appear in public. The rest were mostly under ten years old, so it was normal that none of them were on the accompanying list. But Kangxi singled out six-year-old Yinzhi, which made it hard for anyone to feel at peace.
"Sixth Brother, can you really persuade Father Khan to bring us all along?"
After all, they were just kids. How could they not be tempted by the prospect of going out to play? Just moments ago, Yinzhi was quite resentful, but the thought of the possibility of going out to play instantly brightened his mood. Even the usually composed Yinzhen looked at Yinzuo with a hint of eagerness in his eyes.
"Although I cannot guarantee that Khan Ama will agree, I can guarantee that I will do my best to persuade Khan Ama."
So, carrying the hopes of the whole village, after school, Yinzhuo solemnly nodded to Yinzhi and Yinzhen, who were looking on with anticipation, and then led Dexi out of the study and headed towards the Qianqing Palace.
"Eunuch Wan, is Father Khan finished with his work now?"
Yinzhuo can now be considered a regular at the Qianqing Palace. In the past two months, in addition to reporting to the palace every day without fail, Kangxi would also occasionally summon him to dine together. As Kangxi's attention and favor towards Yinzhuo increased, his status in the Qianqing Palace also rose accordingly. In just two months, his level of importance had changed from that of an unknown little prince to that of someone second only to the Crown Prince.
"Replying to the Sixth Prince, His Majesty has just finished his official duties and is resting in the small hall. He specially sent me to greet you at the door since you were almost here."
While the two were chatting, they arrived at the entrance of the small hall where Kangxi usually rested. Wan Quan stopped and helped Yinzhuo pull up the curtain. Yinzhuo went in almost without stopping.
Upon entering the room, Yinzhi discovered that it wasn't just Kangxi and the palace servants present. Opposite Kangxi on the soft couch sat an elderly man with gray hair. Although he didn't know what the two had been talking about, Yinzhi could tell from Kangxi's smiling face that he was in a good mood.
"Your son, Yinzhuo, pays his respects to Father Khan."
Emperor Kangxi was already in a good mood today, and seeing his beloved son bowing so earnestly like a little adult made him even happier.
"Little Six is here. Get up quickly and come to your father. Let me introduce you. This is Grand Secretary Nalan Mingzhu, who is also your eldest brother's great-uncle. Mingzhu, this is my sixth prince, Yinzhuo. Fahai mentioned to me earlier that this boy is quite talented in his studies and often reminds him of Rongruo..."
Yinzhuo knew from Kangxi's words that he was about to show off to the court officials again. This had happened several times in the past month, so Yinzhuo was very familiar with the process.
As expected, Mingzhu was very perceptive. He immediately stood up, bowed to Yinzhuo, and then showered Kangxi with compliments.
"I have heard of the Sixth Prince's intelligence. It is said that he could recite the entire Three Character Classic on his first day in the study, and he could write characters quite well on his first try. He is truly incomparable to my son..."
Kangxi was thoroughly pleased by the flattery and, of course, didn't forget to offer a few words of humility. Mingzhu, being a master at taking advantage of the situation, showered the emperor with compliments. For a time, the emperor and his minister were in perfect harmony, enjoying a pleasant time together.
Yinzhu listened absentmindedly, utterly speechless at Kangxi's childish boasting. "You can boast about your son if you want, but why stab him in the heart? You should know that Mingzhu's son, Nalan Rongruo, just passed away this May."
Mingzhu, having served as an official in the court for many years, was naturally heartbroken when his son, who had only passed away two months prior, was brought up in this situation. However, Yinzhuo did not detect the slightest abnormality on Mingzhu's face at this moment; in fact, he had been smiling the entire time.