My father is Yongzheng, and I am Qianlong?

Chapter 258 The Elite of the Royal Family!

Hongli did not expect that after being reprimanded by him, Celing would readily admit his mistake.

Just as in history, when the third prince, Yinzhi, referred to himself as "this humble servant brother" in front of Emperor Yongzheng, he referred to himself as "this humble servant uncle" in front of him.

But Hongli would naturally not show that he would forgive people easily.

Even though Celing was a royal elder.

So he kept a straight face, snorted, and then told Celing to get up.

Yunli then said to Celing, "Brother-in-law, you were really confused just now!"

Tsering nodded with a look of remorse: "I will apologize to Bogda Khan."

"Furthermore, Fourth Master, your uncle was impolite just now. My intention was to make you understand that the Mongol princes in the northern deserts have a lot of opinions about your protection of Longkodo."

"You shouldn't abandon all the princes of the northern desert for the sake of one Longkodo!"

"I need to put on a show for the princes of the northern deserts."

At this moment, Celing explained to Hongli and apologized again: "Please understand!"

Upon hearing this, Hongli couldn't help but think to himself, "No wonder Celing's diplomatic performance in history was such a mess."

Because he had to admit that this person would indeed not express his attitude as a prince of the northern desert in front of him.

At first, he was very thoughtless and directly expressed his dissatisfaction with himself. Now, after he criticizes himself a couple of times, he becomes very obsequious and humble.

This is undoubtedly easy to underestimate.

But Hongli thought that Tsering was not only a representative of the princes of the Mongol tribes in the north, but also a link for the Qing court to control the Mongol tribes in the north and prevent them from joining the Russian Empire or becoming independent with the support of the Russian Empire. He was also a famous general in history.

Therefore, Hongli remained polite to Celing for the sake of national interests and Celing's military value: "I understand what Uncle means, but that is no excuse for you to be impolite!"

Celing chuckled and said, "That's right!"

"Very well, as Khan said, we are all one family, so there's no need to speak like strangers."

“I know that you are loyal to my father, Uncle, but you should not be easily instigated by others.”

At this point, Hongli nodded in satisfaction: "Hongli is right, family members don't need to be so distant."

then.

Yunli also took the initiative to ask Celing: "Our decision of the Court of Colonial Affairs is very different from my brother-in-law's opinion. Therefore, the reason why I came to see you today with Hongli and the others is to tell you that you can ask us anything you want to ask."

Celing nodded: "In that case, I'll speak frankly!"

"Prince Guo, I want to know now why the Court of Colonial Affairs refuses to replace Longkodo, thus keeping the negotiations stalled?"

After being pressed by Celing, Yunli chuckled awkwardly and was about to explain when he suddenly caught his breath and had to stand up, saying, "Excuse me!"

"It was I who persuaded Uncle Seventeen to do it!"

"Uncle, if you don't understand, you can just ask me!"

At this moment, Hongli spoke up.

He knew that Yunli was always weak, prone to sweating, and often suffered from shortness of breath. As a result, he had never had a child and always carried medicine with him.

Therefore, seeing that Yunli could not answer, he responded to Ce Ling on Yunli's behalf.

"If that's the case, then why do you, Fourth Master, protect Longkodo so much, while disregarding the safety of our Mongols?!"

At this point, Celing asked about Hongli.

At this moment, Zhao Jun, the eunuch of Yangxin Hall, arrived and said: "By imperial decree, Prince Heshuo E'e, Prince Guo, Yunli, and the fourth prince, Prince Bao, Hongli, shall go to Qianqing Gate to attend the Council of Princes and Ministers."

Because Emperor Yongzheng summoned him, Hongli did not answer Celing's question, but instead entered the palace with Celing and Yunli.

Not long after Hongli and his entourage arrived at Qianqing Gate, Yongzheng also arrived there.

After completing the ceremonial procedures, Yongzheng first looked at Celing and said:

“Your Highness, tell me why you disagree with the decision of the Court of Colonial Affairs and insist on replacing Longkodo. Explain yourself in front of me, the ministers of the Council of State, and Hongli. Do not hold back. I will not punish you for your words.”

Although the Council of Princes and Ministers was the highest-level national policy meeting in the Qing Dynasty, it was somewhat like a family meeting because many of the princes and ministers were members of the imperial family or relatives of the empress. Emperor Yongzheng could not easily punish these people.

Even if many attendees dared to criticize the emperor, the worst they would get was stripped of their titles and imprisoned.

"Whoo!"

"Your Majesty Bogda Khan, Longkodo's demands are too harsh and are indeed detrimental to the negotiation process. As long as the negotiations remain unresolved, the plight of the Mongol princes of the Northern Desert will not be improved, which will only discourage them!"

"The Court of Colonial Affairs is only concerned with a temporary reputation and to avoid the unsightly reputation of ceding land, yet it disregards the overall interests of the country. This is truly inappropriate. I urge Bogda Khan to consider this carefully!"

Therefore, Celing had no reservations and briefly reiterated the reasons he had given in his memorial. Yongzheng then glanced at Hongli and looked at Celing: "The Court of Colonial Affairs is currently managed by Yunli, with Hongli assisting in its management."

"Of course, since Hongli was a prince, the Court of Colonial Affairs was easily swayed by Hongli's opinions."

"So, I ask you, do you think that the decision made by the Court of Colonial Affairs shows that Hongli is still too young and naive, only thinking about the present and not the big picture, and that he does not yet have the ability to assist in managing the ministry?"

Yongzheng asked very directly.

It was obvious that the Council of Princes and Ministers was mainly composed of imperial relatives and many of Yongzheng's own people, so Yongzheng didn't mince words.

Hongli couldn't help but raise his eyes and glance at Yongzheng.

Yongzheng looked at him with a very serious expression.

Hongli was quite uneasy, worried that Yongzheng might also question his ability to manage a department.

But despite his anxiety, he didn't panic.

Because he had already made the necessary preparations.

He knew that it was very important for him to demonstrate his ability to handle the practical affairs of a department while assisting in the administration of the Colonial Council!

He not only needed to demonstrate his practical abilities in managing a department to Emperor Yongzheng, but also to let the whole world see them.

Now that he is in charge of managing the Colonial Court, he needs to demonstrate to the Mongol princes his ability to govern effectively, so that they can decide whether or not to support him.

This allowed Hongli to understand why Yongzheng directly asked Celing at this time whether he was questioning his abilities.

After Yongzheng asked him this question, Celing hesitated.

Yongzheng then said in a deep voice, "To tell you the truth! If Hongli holds a grudge against you because he heard some truths from your uncle, then he is even less worthy of the respect of you princes of the northern desert!"

"Whoo!"

"I dare not hide it from Bogda Khan, this is what I think."

"Hongli is quick-witted and intelligent, and has eloquence, but in handling practical affairs, he is indeed too idealistic and impractical, and does not know how to make choices. As you said, he is still too young!"

Ce Leng replied.

Hongli clenched his fist.

At the Council of Princes and Ministers, Celeng expressed his views on him. Although it was Yongzheng who forced him to speak, it made Hongli realize that governing was not easy and that it was indeed difficult to reverse the historical outcome of the negotiations between Yongzheng and Tsarist Russia.

The strong historical inertia also led Mongolian princes to question his practical political abilities.

Hongli was unaware whether Yongzheng also had some doubts about his practical abilities, believing that he was not good enough at managing the affairs of a single department. Naturally, his ability to manage multiple departments, even to oversee the country and become emperor, would also be questioned.

However, it is highly likely that Emperor Yongzheng had such doubts about him, otherwise he would not have forced Celing to answer.

Then Yongzheng asked Celing, "Do you think that Hongli is not as good as Prince Xun and Prince Li in handling matters concerning Manchu and Mongol princes?"

The fourteenth prince, Xun, has always been supported by Manchu and Mongol princes, and his handling of Manchu and Mongol affairs has long been recognized by Emperor Kangxi and other Manchu and Mongol princes.

Prince Li, Hongxi, had also participated in the affairs of the Court of Colonial Affairs with the fourteenth prince in his early years, and had gained the recognition of Manchu and Mongol princes and dukes, and had also been praised by Emperor Kangxi.

It can be said that these two are currently recognized by the Qing Dynasty as the most capable members of the imperial family in handling Manchu and Mongol affairs.

One is a leading figure of the "Yun" generation, and the other is a leading figure of the "Hong" generation.

Therefore, it was at this time that Yongzheng brought up the fourteenth prince and Hongxi.

However, there is clearly a pitfall here, because it is necessary to consider whether Yongzheng really wanted others to think that his sons were inferior to his fourteenth son and Hongxi.

But Celing seemed completely oblivious to the trap in her words, and at that moment answered directly, "Yes!"

"It is common knowledge that Prince Xun is sincere and Prince Li respects our princes."

Ce Leng replied.

Yongzheng's face darkened.

It's terrifyingly black!
"Hongli!"

At this moment, Yongzheng looked at Hongli.

"My son is here!"

Emperor Yongzheng then asked Hongli, "Do you agree with your uncle's opinion of you?"

Hongli bowed and replied, "Father, Uncle may not approve of my ability to handle practical affairs, but he cannot privately negotiate and sign agreements with the Russian Kingdom; moreover, he should not allow Mongol princes to pay tribute to both sides!"

Upon hearing Hongli's words, Celeng's face turned greenish-blue.

(End of this chapter)