Chapter 22: Yongzheng's Thoughts

  The Crown Prince was just stabbed during the day, and now the Emperor has been stabbed at night. The situation in Yangzhou is worrying. All departments are working urgently, strengthening the defensive measures around Lin Mansion, almost encircling it completely, not even a fly can get in. However, under such circumstances, an assassin still managed to enter Princess Dai's room, and the person responsible for guarding her knelt before the Emperor with a cold sweat.

  "I need an explanation." Kangxi coldly looked at the person kneeling on the ground, whose name was Bai Li, a follower of Grand Minister Mingzhu. In Jiangnan, he had been fiercely competing with Li Li, but with Lin Ruhai around, they couldn't stir up too much trouble. However, this situation had been going on for so long that it was enough to annoy Lin Ruhai.

  "Replying to Your Majesty, I also don't know what's going on. It's possible that the newcomer's martial arts skills are too high." Bai Li felt the sweat on his forehead dripping down, but he didn't dare wipe it away with his hand, fearing it would further provoke Kangxi.

  "Ah? Your martial arts skills are too high? It seems that I need to replace you as the Yangzhou leader." Kangxi's dragon eyes swept over Bai Li, who continuously kowtowed on the ground. "Your Majesty, have mercy! Your Majesty, have mercy!" Bai Li spent ten years and a large amount of money to be arranged by Mingzhu to this position. If he were to be removed, it was unknown when he could climb back up again.

  The Crown Prince Yin Ruo stood by silently, his uncle's people in Jiangnan had suffered losses, and if the Eldest Brother's people also suffered losses, it would be a good thing. However, both sides had suffered losses, and Jiangnan had truly fallen completely into Lin Ruohai's hands. Yin Ruo's eyes were dark and intersecting, and the Eldest Brother naturally saw this point, he couldn't speak out at this time, but in his heart...

  At this time when both masters were unresponsive, Eighth Brother Yin said, "Your Majesty, although Bai Daren is naturally responsible for this matter, fortunately the princess is fine. Why not let Bai Daren strengthen his guard and redeem himself with merit? These years in Jiangnan, Bai Daren has had no achievements but also hardships."

  Kangxi nodded, and it didn't seem like Li Li had that many cases of corruption and lawlessness. He wasn't particularly capable either, but Kangxi could take him down if he wanted to. However, it seemed unnecessary now. Kangxi gave Yintang a meaningful look - this son always tried his best and wanted to impress him, while also hiding his hostility towards the Crown Prince. Kangxi knew what this meant, but still hoped that his sons could get along harmoniously. Of course, he wouldn't easily depose the Crown Prince.

  Due to Yunxi's intervention, Bai Li's position was preserved. Yunxi looked at Yunxi with gratitude, they all grew up by the side of Hui Fei, and there was a deep affection between them. However, what Yunxi didn't know was that his eighth brother would use him and then discard him like an old shoe. Yunxi's biological mother, Liang Yu, had no right to bring children at that time, she could only secretly go see Yunxi, and Yunxi worked hard for the sake of his mother.

  He always wore a warm and elegant smile, this smile was his mask, which could cover up all his true thoughts. Only showing the best side of himself.

  On the other hand, Yinxiang was secretly worried, as it seemed that his elder brother and eighth younger brother had joined forces against him. Meanwhile, his fourth and thirteenth younger brothers were still being difficult. He couldn't help but think of the woman Emperor Kangxi had chosen for him to marry, which made him feel uneasy and dissatisfied. He completely forgot that whether he could remain as crown prince depended on Kangxi's attitude towards him; if Kangxi thought he was suitable, then there would be no problem, otherwise, even with many people supporting him, he would still be destined to be deposed.

  The ceremony ended, and Yongzheng returned to his room. "Your Majesty, a letter from the capital has arrived." Eunuch Xiao Sheng looked around cautiously to make sure no one was listening, then carefully handed Yongzheng a letter and said in a low voice.

  Yin Rong took the letter, tore it open and read it quickly twice. He let out a sigh, but was still calm and composed. Even with such changes in Jiangnan, he could still give himself advice and make arrangements for the next step. Yin Rong lit the letter on fire using the candle flame. At this time, lighting candles was indeed a bit unusual, and the candlelight attracted people from outside.

  "The Crown Prince, the Emperor has summoned you." Yin Bi heard the familiar voice of Li Dequan, his hand shook, and the burning letter fell onto the table, igniting the remaining waste paper on it. Yin Bi was momentarily flustered as he tried to put out the fire, with Xiao Sheng helping him from the side. After a long while, he finally replied, "I know, I'll come right away."

  Yin Xuan quickly tidied up under the service of Xiao Sheng's voice and walked to the door. Li Dequan was visibly impatient, but still respectfully waited for Yin Xuan.

  "The Crown Prince, this way please." Li Dequan led the way in front, taking Yongzheng to Lin Ruhai's study room, where Kangxi was playing a game of Go with Lin Ruhai. Yongzheng nodded and followed Li Dequan out, giving Xiaoyin a glance as he left, indicating that he should take care of things afterwards.

  On the other hand, Daiyu was fast asleep, she wanted to rest well and then quickly practice her Jade Pearl skill. The assassin who came today had a huge impact on Daiyu, with such agility, if Lin Ruhai hadn't arrived in time, it would have been difficult for her to escape. It turned out that the martial arts of people in this era were so high, she really underestimated them.

  Xueyan stood guard beside Daiyu's bed, while Zijuan rested in the outer room. This was her strong request, as she had refused to go back to her own room to rest, insisting on staying with Miss all the time. Suddenly, she felt a black shadow flash by outside the window, and Zijuan furrowed her brow, but didn't get up to chase after it. Xueyan also sensed someone's presence, got up and pushed open the window, saying "The air in the room isn't fresh, it's not good for Miss's health." As she opened the window, Xueyan thoughtfully looked in the direction the person had run towards - could it be one of the young masters from the adjacent rooms coming to visit Miss at night?

  "Fourth brother, she's still sleeping, looks like she really collapsed from exhaustion. But fourth brother is so concerned about her, I'm getting jealous." The thirteen-year-old Yongxiang said with a childish tone, but that Lin Jiadai was indeed delicate and weak-looking, making people want to protect her.

  "She saved me, I just want to take care of her." Yongzheng still had a cold face, but his complexion was much better. Daiyu's medicine was indeed effective, and he had recovered a lot in just one day. With such exquisite medical skills, who was the mastermind behind this little girl?

  "Alright, alright, anyway Fourth Brother wouldn't be interested in such a small kid." Yun Xiang lazily waved his hand.

  "What kind of child is the Fourth Brother interested in?" With a curious tone, Yongzheng pushed open the door and entered. Just as Yongyan was about to speak, he swallowed back the words that were on the tip of his tongue. He could sense Yongzheng's dissatisfaction with him, and there was a murderous intent in Yongzheng's eyes towards him.