Chapter 7: Branch Offices

  Since the restoration of the crown prince, Kangxi has been paying extra attention to the behavior of the grown-up princes. The abnormality in Xi Si's residence naturally couldn't escape his ears, and with his rich experience in political struggles, he could see through the thoughts of the princes at a glance. He didn't know whether to be relieved or worried.

  At first, Kangxi suspected that the agricultural book of the 14th was made by Lao Ba Yi Dang, but now it seems to be completely done by the 14th himself. This makes him feel very pleased. The old 14 has always been interested in military affairs, and after being hit, he actually cares about people's livelihoods. Moreover, within a short period of time, he can come up with suggestions that even he cannot imagine, which fully demonstrates the talents of the old 14th.

  At the age of fourteen, he dared to take a step towards independence in this situation, even Kangxi felt slightly surprised. Is this due to exceptional courage or extraordinary insight? Or has he seen through my intentions?

  Thinking of this, Kangxi felt annoyed. The education of the princes was something he personally grasped with one hand, for fear of raising another prince like the Ming dynasty's who were no better than pigs and dogs. Looking at his sons growing up one by one, each either literary or martial, or both, before he could even feel relieved, he suddenly realized that these talented sons were all ambitious and eager to seize power, spying on each other, colluding with officials, stirring up unrest in the court and threatening the safety of the imperial throne.

  On April 9th, Kangxi summoned Yin Zhen for an audience.

  Still in the Qianqing Palace, after Yin Zhen had paid his respects, Kangxi spoke straightforwardly: "I have already decided to establish an agricultural academy in Jiangning. Do you have a suitable candidate for the first principal?"

  Yuan Zhen muttered to himself, "The appointment of officials has always been a secret decision made by the emperor. What does this question mean? Is it a test or a trap?" He didn't care what it meant and didn't want to get involved. He immediately replied respectfully: "I have had little contact with officials, so I dare not speak recklessly about personnel selection. However, I hope that the first chief official will be meticulous and prudent, seeking truth and reality, having a strong character, and being familiar with agriculture, with some reputation among scholars in Jiangnan."

  Kangxi nodded slightly, and Yin Zhen's words coincided with his intentions. What was even more difficult to obtain was the last one, having prestige would have appeal.

  Seeing that Kangxi's mood was still okay, Yin Zhen seized the opportunity to continue: "Imperial Father, I humbly request to go to Jiangning to supervise the construction of the Agricultural Academy, and I hope Imperial Father will grant permission."

  The Kangxi Emperor thought for a moment and then said, "This is very good. You are the founder of this agricultural college. I was originally worried that they would make a mess of it, but with you there to assist and supervise the construction, I can rest assured."

  "Thank you, Mother Empress."

  "Well, this matter is not urgent." Kangxi said slowly and calmly: "I originally wanted to keep you in the palace for a few more years. However, since you have already been granted a noble title and started handling official duties, it would be inconvenient for you to continue living in the palace. Three years ago, I reserved a house for you in the western city, which has been renovated according to the standard of a Beizi residence. You can move there in a few days. The palace will still provide you with all necessary items as usual."

  Finally separated from the palace, Yin Zhen pressed down the excitement in his heart and said in a low voice: "Your son humbly thanks the Emperor's great kindness."

  "Get up." Kangxi raised his hand and continued: "In a few days, I will inspect the border, you don't need to follow me. Take care of the mansion, when I return to Beijing, you should set off for Jiangning."

  As he watched Yin Zhen leave, Kangxi let out a faint sigh that was almost imperceptible. He picked up the "Nong Shu" and then gently put it down again. The various princes were divided into two factions, eyeing the throne, but how could he not know? However, for the sake of stability and balance in the court, he pretended to be unaware.

  Yin Zhen is outstanding, good at practical work, has the courage to take responsibility, but his personality is straightforward. At this time, it's hard for him to be tolerated by those brothers with full wings. Originally, he planned to send Yin Zhen to Jiangning, away from the capital city where there are many disputes. Unexpectedly, Yin Zhen himself brought it up first. It seems that my evaluation of this old fourteen is a bit limited. With more tempering, he may become a good talent.

  April 26, 1709

  Kangxi toured outside the Great Wall, ordering Crown Prince Yinreng, Third Prince Yongzheng, Seventh Prince Yinzhen, Eighth Prince Yunsi, Thirteenth Prince Yinxiang, Fifteenth Prince Yinyou, and Sixteenth Prince Yinti to follow him. He ordered Fourth Prince Yinzhi and Fifth Prince Yinsi to oversee the country.

  Kangxi left Beijing, and the princes and ministers in Beijing all secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

  On May 2nd, Yin Zhen officially moved into Xibei Houbeibao Street in the western part of Xicheng District.

  The establishment of the prince's mansion is a big deal, it is a sign of independence. The two dead parties in Beijing, Yunxi and Yinxian, naturally came to celebrate. Fourth brother Yunzhong and fifth brother Yinqi also sent gifts. It was impossible for Yunzhen's relatives and friends to miss this opportunity to get closer. Even ordinary clerks who thought they had some connection with Yunzhen, or those who had met him once, all came to join in the celebration, not seeking anything else but just wanting to become familiar faces, so that they could boast about it later.

  Some ministers and officials of the Six Ministries, although they did not want to go in person, also sent people to follow the gift, joking that who knows if this Fourteenth Prince would come to their department to handle affairs in the future. For such a small matter, offending an imperial prince who has been granted a fiefdom is like having one's head kicked by a donkey or pinched by a door panel.

  After the event, Yongzheng counted and found that the total value of the gifts he received was over 200,000 taels of silver. Adding this to the 2.3 million taels of silver that Kangxi had awarded him as a reward for his good governance when he divided the household, Yongzheng felt like he had become rich overnight.

  It's rare to sleep in, and when Xianzhen got up, the sun was already high in the sky. After breakfast, he took a stroll with Hai Ruo in the new courtyard. Xianzhen's thoughts inadvertently turned to building his own team. Thinking of his team, Xianzhen thought of a good candidate, Hai Ruo's older brother, Wanyan Haifeng. Haifeng had been his study partner since childhood and was also his elder brother-in-law. Although his character and learning were only average, he had no problem with loyalty. He glanced at Hai Ruo and said casually, "Haifeng is twenty-five this year, right?"

  "En." Hai Ru glanced at Shi Yiqin and said excitedly, "He came to see me yesterday."

  Is he still in the Ministry of Rites?

  "Yes, he was complaining in front of me yesterday."

  "Hehe, it's indeed difficult for him to have a good career in the Ministry of Rites." Yongzheng smiled and said: "You let someone go and pass on a message to him, asking him to come see me today."

  "Thanks to your support." Hai Ruo hadn't expected to get such a big windfall, and she immediately happily bowed and said thanks. It's no wonder she was excited - being able to follow the 14th prince for several years would at least guarantee her a fourth or fifth rank position, which is ten times better than what she could achieve on her own in the Ministry of Rites.

  Yuan Zhen lightly supported Hai Ruo with one hand, smiling and saying: "You're still so polite to me, you go arrange things first." After finishing speaking, he turned around and waved his hand at Bao Fuquan who was standing far away.

  As soon as they entered the study, Yongzheng said to Bao Fuquan: "Since the new mansion has just been moved in, everything is not yet on track. You need to take more responsibility. For anyone who newly enters the mansion, no matter how they came in, you must carefully screen them and not assign them important positions. This study is a key area of defense. Also, remember one thing: from now on, for anyone entering the mansion, those within a hundred miles are not allowed, and they must be thoroughly investigated, with a family and a household, do you understand?

  "Ah, I remember!" Bao Fuquan excitedly replied. With this sentence, in the 14th Beizi's mansion, apart from the master, he was now the most important one.

  "Alright, go down and bring Da Chun in."

  Dachun was originally guarding outside the courtyard and immediately ran in on horseback, neatly tying his queue, "Master, do you have any orders?"

  Da Chun was the eldest son of Yong Zheng's wet nurse, also a third-class bodyguard of the fifth rank. He had been following Yong Zheng since he was sixteen and was extremely loyal to him. Yong Zheng nodded, "The mansion is too big and you have too few men. Go to Grandfather's package leader and flag division leader to select three to five hundred people to come over, incorporate them into the guard army, train them, and then select the best ones to serve as Grandfather's personal bodyguards."