bullyxtreme Chapter 262 Fang Nanxi's Transmigration to the Qing Dynasty 16
Chapter 262 Fang Nanxi's Transmigration to the Qing Dynasty 16
As the court infighting gradually subsided, the emperor began to work to stabilize the court. First, he severely reprimanded Yinzhi for forming cliques and engaging in corrupt practices, thus curbing the arrogance of the Eighth Prince's faction.
Afterwards, Yinreng was naturally made crown prince again. The frustration that had been building up in the Fourth Prince's heart due to the turmoil in the court gradually dissipated. In addition, the surprise presented by the Fang family made him even happier.
Last November, the Fang family presented wool fabrics and cotton. The Fourth Prince originally planned to promote these supplies before New Year's Eve to improve the lives of the people, but due to the unexpected events of the Crown Prince being deposed and reinstated, the plan had to be shelved.
The Fourth Prince always had the common people at heart and genuinely wanted to do practical things for them. Now that the court was gradually stabilizing, he immediately picked up his pen and wrote a memorial to the emperor, explaining the matter of promoting woolen clothing and cotton. The emperor was delighted after reading it and immediately summoned the Fourth Prince to the palace.
After receiving the imperial decree, the Fourth Prince hurriedly headed to the palace, a scene that was witnessed by Yinzhi and others.
The four agreed to meet at Mufeng Tower. Ninth Prince, burning with anger, couldn't help but complain: "Why doesn't Father Emperor make Eighth Prince the Crown Prince? Most of the ministers and relatives recommend Eighth Prince. He is the one everyone wants!"
He had gone to great lengths and devoted countless efforts to help his brother ascend to the position of Crown Prince, but now that his plan had failed, how could he not be furious?
"Ninth Brother, watch your words!" Although the Eighth Prince was pleased, he had to remind the Ninth Prince to be more discreet in a restaurant with many people around.
The Fourteenth Prince couldn't help but ask, "Eighth Brother, what do you think Fourth Brother came to the palace for? It wasn't the morning court session, yet Father Emperor summoned him to the palace alone."
Originally, it was almost certain that the Eighth Prince would become the Crown Prince, but unexpectedly, the Fourth Prince submitted a memorial advocating the reinstatement of Yinreng, which ruined the Eighth Prince's great plan.
"Alright, once Fourth Brother returns to the manor, we'll send someone to inquire and we'll find out." Eighth Prince Yinzhi remained calm and composed, displaying the demeanor of a leader.
After entering the palace, the Fourth Prince went to the Qianqing Palace. He stood respectfully below and spoke earnestly: "Father, this is something that benefits the country and the people, and is beneficial to the nation. It is all thanks to your wise rule that such a thing that brings blessings to the people has appeared."
After hearing this, the emperor fell into deep thought, his gaze becoming serious. He casually asked, "I heard that the Fang family presented this item?"
"Your Majesty, it is indeed so. Your son dares not take credit. This was presented by my concubine Fang's father, Fang Qiyang. Fang Qiyang previously served as an official in Southern Zhili, where he was skilled in flood control. He returned to the capital last year and is now serving in the Dali Temple." The Fourth Prince selected key information to report.
The emperor remained silent, and the fourth prince dared not utter a sound.
After a moment, the emperor slowly spoke: "He is indeed a talented man. In that case, transfer him to the Ministry of Works. Your concubine has a good father. I heard that three of the four princes in your household are her children. She is a blessed woman. I hereby bestow upon her the title of secondary consort."
Fourth Prince understood that the Emperor's favor to the Fang family was actually a blessing to him, and that from now on the Fang family and he would be on the same boat. He quickly expressed his gratitude: "Your subject thanks Your Majesty for your grace on behalf of the Fang family."
Seeing the Fourth Prince's excited expression, the Emperor was moved and continued to instruct, "Since it was you and the Fang family who presented it, you will be in charge of this matter."
The Fourth Prince is a member of the Crown Prince's faction. The Crown Prince has only recently been reinstated, and his position is not yet secure, making it difficult for him to suppress the other princes. This is not a situation the Emperor wants to see. Entrusting this matter to the Fourth Prince would both provide support to the Crown Prince and solidify his position.
"Thank you, Your Majesty. Your son will do his utmost to handle this matter well." The Fourth Prince secretly breathed a sigh of relief, as he had been worried that the Emperor would not entrust this task to him.
The emperor waved his hand, signaling the fourth prince to step down. His choice of the fourth prince was a reluctant one made after weighing the options.
Among the other princes in the Crown Prince's faction, the Third Prince had little ability and had recently become quite arrogant, so the Emperor was unwilling to give him important responsibilities; the Seventh Prince was ill; and the Thirteenth Prince was imprisoned, making the Fourth Prince the most suitable candidate.
Since the Emperor entrusted the promotion to the Fourth Prince, the Fourth Prince has been working tirelessly from dawn till dusk. The Ninth Prince, the Fourteenth Prince, and others were extremely dissatisfied with this. In their view, this was a lucrative job to win people's hearts, so why should it fall into the hands of the Fourth Prince?
Half a month later, the front courtyard of the Fourth Prince's mansion was quiet. The chief eunuch slowly came in carrying the imperial edict. The Fourth Prince and his wife had already received the news and immediately led the women of the inner courtyard to kneel down to receive the edict.
"By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: My fourth son is of great talent and wisdom, and is known for his loyalty and diligence... I hereby bestow upon him the special favor of being promoted to Prince Yong... Imperial decree!"
"Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty!" everyone shouted in unison.
The Fujin and Li were overjoyed. With the Fourth Prince being promoted to a Prince, their status rose accordingly, becoming the Fujin and the Consort of the Prince, respectively, thus elevating their status to a higher level.
Next, the chief eunuch read out the imperial edict conferring titles upon Lady Li and Consort Li. Unable to contain her eagerness, Lady Li rushed to express her gratitude, saying, "Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty..."
The head eunuch chuckled and continued, "The prince's concubine is in a hurry; here is another imperial edict."
"By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Consort Fang, the concubine of Prince Yong, is of gentle and virtuous character, and possesses upright and tranquil conduct... She has borne a son... She is hereby promoted to the rank of Secondary Consort of the Prince... Imperial decree!"
Fang Nanxi was overjoyed and looked up at the Fourth Prince, who smiled and nodded in response. Fang Nanxi knelt down to express her gratitude, and a flash of calculation crossed her eyes as she lowered her head, but she quickly replaced it with a joyful expression.
Lady Li was filled with resentment, but with the emperor's chief eunuch right in front of her, she could only suppress her anger, and her originally joyful expression instantly froze.
After having dinner at the main courtyard, the Fourth Prince did not stay overnight but instead went to Shaoguang Courtyard. His wife watched his departing figure, a sense of loneliness washing over her.
Granny Gui quickly comforted her, "Madam, today is a joyous day. The Fourth Prince has been promoted to Prince, and you will be the Princess Consort of the Prince."
"Oh well, never mind. Granny, help me to the Buddhist hall. I need to burn some Buddhist scriptures for Honghui," the Fujin said calmly.
The Princess Consort no longer held much expectation for the Fourth Prince. He used to favor Lady Li, and now he favors Lady Fang. Fortunately, Lady Fang was sensible and didn't cause her too much trouble.
Back at Shaoguang Academy, Fang Nanxi was in high spirits and immediately rewarded everyone with two months' salary so that they could celebrate together.
Fang Nanxi's father, Fang Qiyang, has also been promoted. He now works in the Ministry of Works and is a third-rank official. He has been promoted three ranks, which can be described as a meteoric rise.
"Congratulations, Consort! Congratulations, Consort!" Xingluo smiled broadly; her mistress had finally overcome all her hardships.
Fang Nanxi was overjoyed. She had been planning for a long time, and now the Fang family was gradually rising in status. As long as her third brother could pass the imperial examination, most of the original owner's wish would be fulfilled.
An hour later, the Fourth Prince arrived at Shaoguang Courtyard. Fang Nanxi stepped forward with a smile and bowed, and the Fourth Prince reached out to help her up.
"Why didn't Fourth Master tell me beforehand? I almost lost my manners." Fang Nanxi's eyes were filled with the image of Fourth Master.
"Your father presented you with cotton and sweaters; this is the Emperor's favor upon you. Just accept it without worry." The Fourth Prince said calmly, not wanting to discuss the matter further.
Seeing this, Fang Nanxi cleverly changed the subject, talking about the amusing stories of the twins. Before long, the Fourth Prince also ran over, and the family was all happy and harmonious in a warm and congenial atmosphere.