The swansong of the swansong

Chapter 257 Critical illness
Mulan Hunting Ground hosts lively group hunting activities every day.

Although Emperor Kangxi was unable to hunt in person, he remained on horseback, directing tens of thousands of elite Eight Banner soldiers in the hunting expedition.

The hunting expeditions at Mulan Hunting Grounds were actually a very effective and entertaining military training activity in the era of cold weapons.

As peace and prosperity continued, the officialdom became increasingly corrupt and decadent. The once valiant Eight Banners troops had become much weaker in combat power compared to when they entered the Central Plains.

Without Solon soldiers in the ranks, the morale of the Eight Banners soldiers would be greatly diminished.

If it weren't for the significant advancements in firearms in Europe, the Qing Dynasty's current approach could have continued for a very long time.

Unfortunately, at the same time, the Russian Empire, as a second-rate military power and a third-rate industrial country in Europe, had also begun to replace its army with flintlock muskets imported from France on a large scale.

The main reason why Russia dared not invade the south for the time being was that their artillery was not only not at a technological advantage compared to that of the Qing Dynasty, but was also at an absolute numerical disadvantage.

Under normal circumstances, Emperor Kangxi would stay in the Mulan Hunting Grounds until the end of September before he could set off to return to Beijing.

However, just after August, Kangxi received devastating news: Tong Guowei was critically ill!
Last time, Tong Guowei almost died, but unexpectedly recovered.

"Fourth Prince, Fifteenth Prince, you must return to the capital immediately. Alas, your great-uncle is probably not going to make it."

Emperor Kangxi's health was failing; otherwise, he would have rushed back to the capital to try and see Tong Guowei one last time before his death.

"Whoo."

After leaving the palace, the fourth prince and Yinwu, along with their guards, rode day and night, galloping for four days and seven horses died of exhaustion. Finally, they rushed into Chaoyang Gate before the cannons could close the city gates.

Looking at the city gate slowly closing behind him, the fourth brother took a deep breath and said, "I hope to see my great-uncle one last time."

Yinwu understood the fourth prince's mindset very well. His status as the adopted son of Empress Xiaoyi, of the Tongjia clan, was extremely important for the fourth prince to gain the collective recognition of the Manchu Eight Banners in the future.

Apart from the deposed crown prince, who was a legitimate legitimate son, the fourth prince was the most noble among all the princes born out of wedlock.

Although the fifth and eighth princes were also raised by Empress Xiaoyi, they did not spend much time in Chengqian Palace.

The fourth prince was different. From the time he was born until his adoptive mother passed away when he was fourteen, he was always the true "Prince of Chengqian Palace".

His adoptive mother was the Empress, which was a huge political asset for the fourth prince.

Therefore, the fourth brother, who was not confused about important matters, always called Longkodo "uncle" and Tong Guowei "great-uncle".

However, no one in the Tong family, including Longkodo, had a high opinion of the fourth son, so naturally no one would invest in him.

Yinwu clearly remembered that every time the fourth prince called Tong Guowei "uncle", Tong Guowei would politely say: "I dare not accept such a title!"

To be honest, Yinwu's pride would absolutely not allow him to do such a despicable thing as constantly trying to win someone's favor.

However, even though the fourth son knew that no one in the Tong family supported his succession, he still respected the Tong family elders for decades.

Throughout history, all those who have achieved great things have been adept at patience and forbearance!

When the fourth prince and Yinwu arrived at the Tong family's east alley, the Tong family members, who had already received the news, were waiting at the entrance of the alley, led by Orondai.

The fourth brother dismounted first and immediately asked Orondai, "How is your great-uncle's health?"

Orondai shook his head and sighed, "I can't drink any more medicine. I'm only hanging on by the old ginseng!"

"Please forgive my rudeness, nephew." With that, the fourth prince led Yinwu and ran into the Tong family home.

Upon entering the main courtyard, the fourth prince heard no crying and secretly breathed a sigh of relief, finally having a chance to see her one last time. However, when the fourth prince and Yinwu stood beside the sickbed, Tong Guowei, with his withered face, kept his eyes tightly closed and was barely breathing.

At this critical juncture, who would dare to mess with Tong Guowei?

All we can do is wait patiently!

However, less than a quarter of an hour after the fourth prince and Yinwu stood by the bedside, Ye Keshu suddenly ordered, "Bring the ginseng soup!"

The fourth brother couldn't help but frown. Although the Tong family didn't support him, he knew them very well.

Ye Keshu was in a hurry to serve the ginseng soup because he was worried that Tong Guowei might suddenly pass away and he wouldn't have a chance to say a few words for him.

In the Qing Dynasty, under normal circumstances, high-ranking officials would write their wills in advance, provided time allowed.

As the saying goes, death is the greatest tragedy!

Normally, as long as the memorial does not make excessive demands, the Emperor will readily agree, as is customary.

The fourth son knew that Tong Guowei had been ill for more than a day, and he must have had time to leave a will. Moreover, the will would certainly have provided a detailed account of the Tong family's affairs.

Ye Keshu was eager to have ginseng soup brought over, clearly wanting Tong Guowei to tell the fourth prince and Yinwu about the important matter he cared about before he passed away, so that they could relay it to Emperor Kangxi.

The secret lies in the fact that Tong Guowei's personal request before his death was more effective than any written will he had prepared beforehand.

Longkodo and Yekeshu had always been at odds, and he couldn't help but loudly berate Yekeshu: "Yekeshu, Father is already so sick, why are you pressuring him like this?"

The fourth prince sensed something was wrong and worried that the Tong family would cause a major scandal and become a laughing stock. He quickly turned his head and winked at Yinwu.

Yinwu understood that there were some unpleasant things he could say directly without any reservations, but the fourth prince had to pretend to respect his elders and couldn't say them out loud.

"What's all this noise at this hour? Get out of here!" Yinwu said sternly, issuing the order to leave.

Yinwu had absolutely no connection with the Tong family, and in fact, he was on the opposing side of most of the Tong family members present, so he naturally couldn't be polite in his speech.

Ye Keshu had his own important matter on his mind, so he hesitated and didn't want to leave the room.

Longkodo was well aware of Yinwu's prowess, and he dared not argue, turning around and walking outside.

Orondai didn't want to leave, but he couldn't withstand Yinwu's cold, piercing gaze, so he lowered his head and went out guiltily.

Yinwu looked at them one by one, and none of the Tong family members present dared to openly break ties with him. One by one, they buried their heads and slipped out.

After everyone in the room had left, the fourth son voluntarily sat on the footrest in front of the hospital bed, continuing to play the role of a filial son and virtuous grandson.

Yinwu didn't care about anything else and went straight to sit on the chair by the window.

Before long, Ye Keshu returned.

Ye Keshu personally brought in a tea tray and served tea to the fourth prince and Yinwu.

Among the Tong family members, Ye Keshu was notoriously mediocre, and it was impossible for Emperor Kangxi not to know this.

Yinwu thought to himself, Ye Keshu’s humble behavior was probably for the sake of his own son Shunanyan’s future.

(End of this chapter)