My father is Yongzheng, and I am Qianlong?

Chapter 352 Establishing the Crown Prince: Hongli Officially Becomes the Crown Prince!

At this point, Yongzheng got up and started pacing in front of his thirteenth son.

The charcoal fire inside the room was burning brightly, making his thoughtful expression particularly clear.

At this moment, it had started snowing outside, and a cold wind blew the snowflakes in, making them dance on the charcoal fire.

At this moment, coldness and warmth alternated around Yongzheng.

Yongzheng walked to the window and was about to close it when the thirteenth prince suddenly said, "Hongli said that ventilation is needed when burning charcoal, because the charcoal fire will release poisonous gas."

"He did say that."

Yongzheng replied, then left the window open and moved away from it, getting closer to the thirteenth prince.

The thirteenth prince looked up at him and said, "Fourth brother is right. From the moment you appointed him as regent, I guessed that such a day might come."

“If you do not clearly establish him as the crown prince, many people who have been completely convinced by him will have other ideas, including Galdan Tsering.”

The thirteenth prince then spoke to Yongzheng.

Yongzheng chuckled awkwardly: "Although I say this, I am indeed afraid that if he becomes the Crown Prince, he will become the Second Prince!"

The Crown Prince is different from the Regent. The Regent is the temporary emperor who establishes power, but the Crown Prince is the heir apparent who performs sacrifices to Heaven and ancestors. Once he becomes the Crown Prince, his decrees become like imperial edicts, which no one in the world can disobey except the Emperor.

Therefore, even though Yongzheng gave Hongli the real power of a crown prince, it certainly took a lot of courage to give him the title of crown prince.

After all, it takes a lot of courage to depose the crown prince, and it can easily damage one's own prestige, even though Emperor Kangxi successfully deposed the crown prince twice.

But Yongzheng, who personally experienced this event, knew better than anyone how much this action damaged Kangxi's imperial authority and credibility in his later years.

Therefore, he had to be cautious, fearing that establishing a crown prince might lead to more uncontrollable events.

"Since Fourth Brother has put it this way, then I, your humble servant, will utter a rebellious statement."

The thirteenth brother also suddenly spoke in a serious tone.

then.

The thirteenth prince said, "Second brother's transformation was largely due to the late emperor, but fourth brother, you are not the late emperor!"

"Besides, Hongli isn't the second brother either!"

“Your Majesty, I have followed you the longest and know better than anyone why you became the way you were later.”

"Fourth Brother, you yourself are not entirely unaware of this."

The thirteenth prince spoke to Yongzheng in a very serious tone.

Yongzheng remained silent.

He was not angry because the thirteenth prince criticized Kangxi.

After all, he himself was dissatisfied with many of Kangxi's actions, which is why he said in history that he was not the emperor who ascended the throne at the age of eight.

The thirteenth prince, however, gazed at Yongzheng and asked with utmost solemnity:
"Your Majesty, I dare to ask, does Fourth Brother have any other concerns? Do you feel that Hongli's prestige in the court and among the people is now greater than that of Second Brother back then, to the point that Fourth Brother is actually afraid that if he is made Crown Prince, then the world will only know the Crown Prince and not the Emperor?"

"Is Fourth Brother thinking about the relationship between Li Yuan and Li Shimin?"

The thirteenth brother spoke frankly.

"you!"

How could you think of me like that?

"You have disappointed me greatly!"

Yongzheng suddenly turned around and reprimanded the thirteenth prince.

The thirteenth prince looked up at Yongzheng and said, "It's not that I want to see it that way, it's that this contradiction has always existed!"

"The development of everything has its contradictions. This was said by Hongli, and I think it is absolutely correct! Fourth Brother, you yourself agree!"

"Fourth Brother, it's better for me to ask questions now than to let this conflict fester between you and your father!"

"And you must also know that this contradiction exists, and you are clearly very wise, knowing that the only way to prevent this contradiction from escalating temporarily is to have Hongli officially designated as the crown prince."

"Faced with Hongli's achievements and the important ministers who respected him, when there was no more to bestow titles upon, we could only give these people a clearer idea of ​​what to do with him!"

The thirteenth brother said earnestly.

Yongzheng's composed face softened. After pondering for a while, he nodded repeatedly and sighed, "Then you should submit this memorial. Only your thirteenth uncle is worthy of doing Hongli such a great favor."

"Your humble servant thanks Fourth Brother!"

Therefore, the thirteenth prince submitted a memorial the next day, clearly establishing Hongli as the crown prince in order to secure the country.

Now, after Hongli ceased to be the regent, he basically stopped going out except for his morning and evening greetings. He spent most of his time reading in his residence and spending time with his wives, concubines, and children.

Now, his backyard is becoming more and more lively. Among his children, Yonglin can run and move around and has started to go to school. Among his wives and concubines, Nian Shi is pregnant, and He Shuangqing has also entered the mansion as a bondservant of the Cao family. Now he works with Nian Zhu by Nian Shi's side.

On this day, because of the freezing weather, Hongli stayed in the warm pavilion of the Nian family, looking at the new poems written by He Shuangqing while glancing sideways at the plumpness behind Nian Zhu, enjoying the rich and leisurely life.

He also considered this a break for himself.

If one were to ask whether Hongli was worried that he was performing his duties as regent too well, thus arousing Yongzheng's suspicion?

Hongli wasn't actually that worried.

Because his situation is rather special.

After all, Yongzheng simply didn't have a prince he could choose to check and balance Hongli.

Either his reputation is no longer comparable to Hongli's, or he is too young.

Moreover, his performance made Yongzheng hesitant to take too many risks in playing this game of imperial balancing, fearing that his successor might completely negate his achievements.

Therefore, Hongli is currently taking a break, hoping to steal a moment of leisure from his busy life.

He was quite pleased with this regentship because he successfully avoided the historical defeat at Htungpo.

This may be related to the fact that he replaced the commander of the Northern Route Army with Ce Leng from the beginning, which ensured that the great defeat would not happen again.

However, during his regency, he repeatedly instructed that we should be wary of Galdan Tsering's use of spies. Indeed, the generals of both armies believed afterward that their ability to avoid defeat at the hands of Galdan Tsering was largely due to his skill in micromanagement!

Moreover, even Yongzheng and Hongli's rivals, such as Galdan Tsering, thought so.

The great victory in the Northwest saved the entire Eight Banners group from the tragic situation of every family wearing mourning clothes, as was the case in history.

Many Manchu families were overjoyed to receive rewards for their meritorious service in the Northwest.

even if!

Some Manchu families had members who died in battle, but they were not overly grieved.

Firstly, if one's own sons and sisters die for victory, it means that hope and glory still exist.
Secondly, the generous pensions and the promise of repayment for meritorious service meant they didn't have to worry about the financial burden of their family members dying in battle.

As mentioned earlier, the Eight Banners Group was essentially a military organization.

The capability that military organizations value most is not domestic affairs or cultural ability, but military ability.

Those who made their fortunes through plunder are, at their core, those who can help them gain more benefits through violence, rather than through developing productive forces and reforming production relations, are the ones who truly value their wealth.

Therefore, this great victory made them truly accept the new policies and Emperor Yongzheng. They recognized some of Yongzheng's policies, including stopping the shaving of heads and changing of clothes, abolishing the status of lowly people, and allowing them to farm, which were difficult for them to understand.

That's right!

Most of the Manchu bannermen did not have such complex thinking logic, nor such a strong sense of national consciousness.

They only knew that whoever could lead them to victory was definitely a wise and benevolent ruler.

Then, this great victory in the Northwest also made both Han and Mongol soldiers more loyal to the Qing Dynasty.

After all, many of them had made contributions this time.

There was no instance in history where a Han general was wrongly accused, made a scapegoat, and subsequently executed.

There was no historical precedent of the Mongol princes suffering significant losses due to the Qing court's strategic miscalculations, with the entire Khalkha region being plundered by the Dzungars until the eleventh year of the Yongzheng Emperor's reign.

This naturally allows all ethnic groups to become more united.

Hongli was quite satisfied with this historical outcome, and knew that it would give him a better political foundation when he became emperor in the future.

Moreover, during this period, he also served as regent and was directly responsible for military operations against the Dzungar Khanate in the northwest.

This will undoubtedly reduce a lot of resistance for him when he uses troops in the Northwest in the future.

Hongli never expected that he would completely change the outcome of the Dzungar War during his regency in the Yongzheng era!

But afterwards, he still felt a great sense of accomplishment, which boosted his confidence.

"Fourth Master, according to the people around the master, Hongchun, who was ordered to go to the Northwest to reward the troops, said some things that were not good for you, Fourth Master."

However, Hongli was not entirely oblivious to what was happening around him.

Just after he finished teaching his eldest son Yonglin how to operate firearms, Li Yu came to report something to him.

Now, some people around Yongzheng would proactively pass on messages to him.

This was not something that Hongli developed on his own; rather, it was a choice that these people made proactively for their own future.

Hongli frowned upon hearing this and asked, "What exactly did he say?"

"It is said that many people nowadays think it would be better to just let you take the position directly, especially in the Northwest Army."

Li Yu replied.

Upon hearing this, Hongli frowned even more deeply, handed the musket to Li Yu, and sat down on a rosewood armchair. His gloomy face was directly facing the brazier, making his complexion appear even redder.

He couldn't help but wonder, is Hongchun's brain made of mush?

Although the rough and uncouth warriors in the Northwest Army would certainly make some inappropriate remarks because of his outstanding performance, Hongchun could still speak more tactfully!
After all, even the eunuchs and palace maids around Yongzheng knew that while they should not offend their master Yongzheng, they should also not offend him, who was likely to become their master in the future.

"What is Khan's attitude?"

Hongli suddenly asked in a deep voice.

"I didn't express any particular attitude, I just said I understood."

Li Yu remained silent until Hongli asked him a question, at which point he finally answered.

Hongli nodded, and then dismissed Li Yu.

Meanwhile, Hongchun was seated at the table of Yinzhen's son, Hongzheng, when the matter came up: "It's not that I don't know how to be reserved, it's just that I dare not lie in front of a master like Fourth Uncle!"

Hongzheng smiled and poured wine for Hongchun: "I understand! But it seems that Fourth Uncle will also be suspicious of Hongli, just like when Khanmafa was suspicious of Second Uncle."

"It's inevitable that someone's achievements will overshadow their master!"

Hongchun took a sip of wine, a hint of schadenfreude in his expression.

Then, Hongchun added, "When I said that, Fourth Uncle's expression changed, so just you wait and see, Fourth Uncle will definitely suppress Hongli next!"

"Therefore, if at this time, anyone dares to take the lead like Wang Tan did back then and ask for the establishment of a crown prince, then perhaps Hongli will suffer the same fate as his eighth uncle!"

Hongchun couldn't help but grin.

After thinking about it carefully, Hongzheng said, "That makes sense!"

"Back then, my eighth uncle's prestige also increased greatly after he became regent, and many princes and ministers actively supported him as the new crown prince!" "But afterwards he realized that the more he acted this way, the less he could be tolerated by the emperor and father!"

Hongchun nodded, cradling her flushed face in her right hand, and raised an eyebrow at Hongzheng, saying:
"So just you wait and see. There will inevitably be princes and ministers who will risk everything for wealth and power to jump out. At that time, not only will Hongli not be able to become the crown prince, but he will also make his fourth uncle even more wary."

"But Uncle Si has no other choice but him, does he?"

Hongzheng suddenly asked a question, and with one hand holding the horseshoe sleeve and the other holding the pot, he took the initiative to pour Hongchun another cup of wine.

Hongchun nodded: "What you said makes sense, but who can truly understand the thoughts of an emperor?"

"Compared to the security of having someone by your side, who can care about anything else?"

"Back then, Hammafa genuinely wanted to pass the throne to his second uncle, but he was still wary of any form of suppression!"

"Just watch."

"Hongli is in for a lot of trouble!"

Hongchun chuckled as he finished speaking, then stumbled and bumped into the screen embroidered with the "A Thousand Miles of Rivers and Mountains" painting, muttering to himself, "It's hard to say who will own this vast land in the future!"

He secretly wanted to see Hongli suffer.

Because he feared that Hongli still held a grudge against him and would take revenge on him after becoming emperor.

Therefore, he subjectively believed that Hongli would be suppressed by Yongzheng, and even hoped that Hongli would do something crazy because he could not bear the suppression, thus completely losing the opportunity to become emperor.

But he couldn't say it outright, only that Hongli would suffer.

Soon, news of the thirteenth prince, Yunxiang, requesting that Hongli be made crown prince spread throughout the court and the country.

Hongli, who had been staying at the Prince's residence, also learned of this matter.

He smiled knowingly, instantly understanding the reason behind the thirteenth prince's actions.

"Father is so good to Uncle Thirteen!"

Hongli couldn't help but sigh, and then in the outer study, he stretched his arms and asked Cao Zhan, who was serving in the outer study, to stretch his legs for him.

He was very clear about how important the thirteenth prince was to Yongzheng, even more so than people of his time.

After Yunxiang requested permission, Emperor Yongzheng issued an edict ordering all ministers, grand secretaries, nine ministers, and members of the imperial clan with titles to attend court at the Qianqing Gate the next day, and explicitly stated that he would discuss the matter of establishing an heir apparent.

"Who would have thought that it would be Uncle Thirteen who couldn't resist stepping forward to try his luck and make a fortune!"

On the same day that Yongzheng issued the decree to summon everyone to rise up, Hongchun went with Hongzheng to the restaurant their father often frequented and brought up the matter to Hongzheng.

Hongzheng laughed and said, "But that's not surprising. Uncle Thirteen is such a big tree that he's bound to attract the wind. If we don't curry favor with Hongli, how can we protect the wealth and status of his children and grandchildren? Do we expect Uncle Four to grant him the favor of inheriting the title of Prince?"

Hongchun nodded: "That's right, then tomorrow, there will be a good show to watch at Qianqing Gate!"

"This reminds me of the time when Khanmafa was in power and the matter of choosing a crown prince was discussed. My father said that Khanmafa even fought with Maqi over this matter and said some very unpleasant things."

"And Uncle Baotai also got into a fight with Hammafa."

Hongzheng remarked on this.

Hongchun smiled and said, "I'm afraid it will be the same this time. With Fourth Uncle's personality, no one can scare him. It might even be more intense."

The next day.

While it was still dark, Hongli got out of bed with the help of his primary consort, Fucha.

Since it was a big event, he naturally couldn't be late.

Empress Fucha also knew that today's meeting was to discuss the matter of establishing Hongli as the crown prince, so she also looked very solemn.

Seeing this, Hongli wanted to ease the tension. As she tied her belt, he asked, "Do you want to be the Crown Princess?"

Consort Fucha pursed her lips: "This concubine only wishes for the Fourth Prince's safety and well-being."

Hongli smiled slightly: "Don't worry, I will be perfectly safe."

Hongli's Prince Bao's Mansion was some distance from the Forbidden City.

Therefore, by the time he arrived at the Forbidden City, the palace was just beginning to reveal its vermilion outline, while many princes and high-ranking officials had already arrived at the Qianqing Gate.

When Hongli arrived at Qianqing Gate, he saw Hongchun.

Hongchun also came here because he held a noble title.

But he didn't say anything more.

Hongchun took the initiative to greet him and asked, "These days, Prince Bao hasn't been out much?"

"There's nothing I can do. The Imperial University of Peking is still under construction, and I'm still very busy, unlike my cousin."

Hongli then replied.

Hongchun smiled and said, "If we can really establish Prince Bao as the crown prince today, then Prince Bao will probably be even busier."

Hongli was naturally well aware that Hongchun was trying to gauge his desire to become the crown prince, hoping to use this information to his advantage in the future and to spread rumors about him to Emperor Yongzheng.

Hongli's strategy was to simply ignore him, but when he saw Yunli approaching, he inquired about Yunli's health.

Seeing this, Hongchun sneered: "Just wait and see what happened to Eighth Uncle when he was discussing the succession. That's what will happen to you."

clap clap!

As the sound of whips rang out, Yongzheng arrived at the Qianqing Gate not long afterward.

Everyone immediately bowed deeply to Yongzheng.

After telling everyone to rise, Yongzheng brought up the matter of establishing Hongli as the crown prince: "Let's discuss it. What do you think of Prince Yi's memorial?"

"This servant thinks Prince Yi's proposal is very wise."

"How could this servant not have thought of that?"

"This servant can only humbly request that his master grant his request."

Chief Grand Councilor Marseille made his statement first.

Ortai also chimed in at this moment: "This servant also agrees with Prince Yi's proposal! Things are not like when Your Majesty first ascended the throne. Moreover, after two years of military campaigns in the Northwest, the people are restless. It is appropriate to establish the eldest prince as the crown prince to secure the country and stabilize the people's hearts."

"I agree!"

"During the reign of the fourth prince, Prince Bao, Hongli, he acted decisively and made indelible contributions to the great victory in the northwest. The whole country praised him for his knowledge of military affairs and his strategic acumen. Establishing him as the crown prince would stabilize the morale of the army."

Zhang Tingyu then spoke.

Upon seeing this, Hongchun's eyes widened in shock.

He didn't understand why all these people were supporting the establishment of Hongli as the crown prince, without fear of displeasing his fourth uncle, the emperor.

If it were only the thirteenth prince who requested that Hongli be made crown prince, he could still think that the thirteenth prince was being impatient for quick success.

But now that so many people are supporting him, he's starting to wonder if he's misunderstood something.
However, Hongchun did not want to see Hongli become the crown prince.

I really don't want to!

This stemmed from both concerns that Hongli would retaliate against him for old grudges and jealousy.

After all, as one of the proudest of Kangxi's grandsons, he still couldn't accept that the throne would be passed to Hongli when it came to their generation.

Therefore, Hongchun thought back to the Kangxi era, when many ministers supported the Eighth Prince, Yinzhi, which ultimately led to Yinzhi being completely ineligible for the throne.

He couldn't help but think to himself: perhaps the ministers at this moment are just like the ministers of yesteryear, all determined to protect their families' future and the stability of the country, unafraid of offending the current emperor.

"These ministers may be relying on Fourth Uncle's influence, making it difficult to deal with all the important officials! Just like back then, when Khanmafa couldn't control the powerful and uncontrollable Eighth Prince's party, he could only try to divide and disintegrate them first!"

Hongchun thought to himself.

After thinking this through, Hongchun did not stand up to support making Hongli the crown prince.

"Your Majesty, I also support Ming establishing Hongli as the Crown Prince!"

Even Yunlu, a member of the imperial clan with low political sensitivity, stepped forward, but he did not.

Even Hongxi, a prince of the Hong generation with a high reputation among those in power, gritted his teeth and stood up to express his support, saying that when the Ming Dynasty established Hongli as the crown prince.

Hongchun didn't step forward either, but just glanced at Hongxi and secretly sneered.

At this point, Yongzheng asked Hongli, "What do you think about your thirteenth uncle's request to make you the crown prince?"

Hongli knew what was going on. Yongzheng asked him not because he didn't want him to be the crown prince, but because he wanted to see his attitude towards the thirteenth prince.

Therefore, as long as he showed gratitude and respect to the thirteenth prince, Yongzheng would have no reservations about making him the crown prince.

Because, in Yongzheng's eyes, the thirteenth prince was almost his incarnation after his death.

As early as when Nian Gengyao was in favor, Yongzheng had hinted to Nian Gengyao that Prince Yi valued him highly and had taken the initiative to ask Nian Gengyao to pay a visit to Prince Yi.

As a result, Nian Gengyao did not understand Yongzheng's meaning and instead wanted to rival Prince Yi.

Emperor Yongzheng had also hinted to Hongshi and Hongzhou that they should get closer to the thirteenth prince, and even asked Hongzhou to call the thirteenth prince "father".

It is evident that Emperor Yongzheng cared deeply about those he placed high hopes on, regardless of whether he was close to the thirteenth prince.

Now, Hongli would naturally not make such a mistake.

then!

He left the court without making a sound, and raised a face that had been brewing for a long time and was now filled with tears: "Your Majesty, I am deeply grateful for your thirteenth uncle's loyalty and dedication to the country."

"Uncle Thirteen should be the greatest wise king of all time!"

"He is protecting his son and the Qing Dynasty!"

At this point, Hongli immediately knelt down and banged his head on the ground, excited and thrilled!

"Father may refuse Uncle Thirteen's request, but please do not punish Uncle Thirteen for it! After all, although Uncle Thirteen has difficulty walking, he still works tirelessly for the court!"

Seeing that Hongli was sobbing and his expression was agitated, Yongzheng nodded slightly.

"It's rare that you understand so well and so deeply appreciate your thirteenth uncle's good intentions."

"In that case, how could I not feel at ease entrusting the throne to you?"

At this point, Yongzheng stood up and said, "My mind is made up. I grant Prince Yi's request and hereby establish Hongli as the Crown Prince!"

"Yunlu, Yunli."

"Marseille, Zhang Tingyu, Jiang Tingxi, Ortai, Fu'erdan!"

"Your Majesty, I am here!"

"The slave is here!"

"Chen is here!"

"Go behind the 'Upright and Bright' plaque and retrieve the edict establishing the heir apparent. Promulgate it throughout the land and order the Grand Council to discuss the matter of establishing the heir apparent in conjunction with the Ministry of Rites and the Imperial Observatory!"

"Whoo!"

Hehe, I did the right thing! I've become the crown prince!
Hongli suppressed the urge to smile, glancing at the sunlight streaming in front of him, feeling a warm sensation rising from his back.

(End of this chapter)