I, Kangxi, am here to overthrow the Qing and restore the Ming!

After establishing the core strategy of "developing stealthily" and initially forming their own "teenage special agent team".

The third thing Hong Xiguan had to do was to truly understand the huge chessboard beneath his feet, called the "Qing Dynasty Court".

He requested Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang to review the "Daily Records" from the Shunzhi reign, arguing that "to know the rise and fall of dynasties, one must read history books; to know the gains and losses, one must consult the veritable records of the late emperor."

The "Daily Records of the Emperor's Activities" is, to put it bluntly, the emperor's "daily logbook".

But this diary doesn't just record what the emperor ate or which concubine he slept with that day.

More importantly, it records which ministers he met each day, what political affairs he discussed, and... how the ministers argued with each other.

This is a diagram of the most primitive and authentic network of interpersonal relationships and power struggles!

Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang naturally granted her son's every request, as he was "studious."

Soon, boxes of dusty daily records were delivered to the Southern Study.

Hong Xiguan dismissed his attendants and plunged headlong into the pile of old papers.

He read very quickly and very carefully, not caring which concubine Shunzhi bestowed upon him that day, nor how many sentimental poems he wrote for Consort Dong'e.

What Hong Xiguan looked at were the speeches and positions of the four regents on each topic during each of his court audiences.

Over the course of a few days, a clear "map of power" slowly unfolded in his mind.

Ao Bai, a member of the Bordered Yellow Banner, was the spokesperson for the Manchu meritorious group. He was hot-tempered and a typical hawk. He advocated "first respect for the Manchus" and was full of contempt and disdain for Han officials and Han culture. His strength was his fighting ability, but his weakness was that he was brainless and easily impulsive.

Sony, a member of the Plain Yellow Banner, a veteran of four reigns, the most meritorious official in Manchuria, and the chief minister, was a typical old fox who sought stability and did not offend anyone.

His core interest was to maintain the honor of the entire Heseri family and the dignity of the elder noble group he represented.

Sukesaha, from the Plain White Banner, was an interesting character. He was originally a close confidant of Dorgon, but after Dorgon's death, he betrayed him and gained the trust of Emperor Shunzhi through this "pledge of allegiance."

Suksaha and Oboi were natural enemies, because Oboi was Huang Taiji's right-hand man, while Suksaha was Dorgon's traitor. The two had a decades-long feud.

Ebilun belonged to the Bordered Yellow Banner. Logically, he and Aobai were from the same banner and should have been on the same side. However, his father was Eidu, one of the five founding ministers, and his family had a deep background, so he had his own pride.

At the same time, Ebilun was extremely cowardly, indecisive, and a typical opportunist.

After analyzing the "biographical sketches" of these four bigwigs, Hong Xiguan's lips curled into a cold smile.

Excellent, these four are a natural "balancing force"!

If handled properly, making them tear each other apart and exhaust each other, I, the "mascot" emperor, can find my own space of power in the cracks!

A clear course of action took shape in Hong Xiguan's mind.

Win one over, divide two, and isolate one!

The target of their efforts was Sony.

This old man, being of advanced age, only seeks stability and a good reputation after his death.

Therefore, in the following "learning and listening to government affairs" sessions, Hong Xiguan would always show extreme respect for Sony in some trivial matters.

For example, when discussing the appointment and removal of an official in a certain prefecture, Hong Xiguan pretended to be naive and said, "I am young and do not know whether this person is virtuous or not. Grand Tutor Sony is a veteran of four reigns and has extensive experience. I wonder what the Grand Tutor thinks?"

In short, the ball was passed to Sony, while also giving face to the Grand Secretary, the "Imperial Tutor."

Although Sony knew that the young emperor was only "studying," the vanity in his heart was greatly satisfied by being "asked for advice" in front of the entire court. His gaze toward Hong Xiguan became even more amiable.

Very good, the fish has taken the bait. I will fish it slowly and turn the old man into a mandarin fish.

The next targets for differentiation were Suksaha and Ebilun.

To deal with Suksaha, we need to exploit his conflict with Aobai.

On one occasion, during a discussion about the expenses of the Eight Banners soldiers, Ao Bai casually suggested that the Bordered Yellow Banner, which had distinguished itself in military achievements, should be given priority in receiving full payment.

At this moment, Hong Xiguan blinked his innocent big eyes and said in a childlike tone, "What Ao Zhongtang said is true, but... I have heard that when Prince Rui was in power, the warriors of the Plain White Banner were also very successful in battle and invincible. Sukesaha, don't you think so?"

He deliberately mentioned "Prince Rui" (Dorgon) and pointed out "Plain White Banner," which was like rubbing salt into the wounds of Suksaha and Oboi at the same time!

Upon hearing the words "Prince Rui," Ao Bai's anger flared up instantly.

When Suksaha heard that the young emperor had actually "respected" his Plain White Banner, he felt a surge of secret pleasure and his gaze toward Aobai became more provocative.

Hong Xiguan easily stirred up a minor argument.

Dealing with Ebilun, this "fence-sitter," is even simpler.

Sending warmth!

Every few days, Hong Xiguan would send things to Ebilun's residence by eunuchs. Today it would be a fine Duan inkstone, tomorrow a box of specially made palace pastries, and the day after tomorrow a sable fur cloak bestowed by the emperor.

The gift wasn't expensive, but this "favor" made Ebilun feel flattered and overwhelmed.

How about it, Lao E? If you follow Ao Bai, you'll always be second-in-command, but if you follow me, you'll be my trusted and important minister!

With this kind of imperial cunning, manipulating a kind-hearted person like you is a piece of cake.

As for the target of isolation, it was naturally Ao Bai.

In the early stages, Hong Xiguan would never confront this fierce tiger head-on.

But in informal settings, he would intentionally or unintentionally distance himself from him.

Once, they met in the Imperial Garden. Hong Xiguan greeted Sony and Suksaha with a smile and asked about their well-being, but when it came to Aobai, he showed a childlike "fear" and hid behind Sumalagu.

Then, Su Mala Gu was asked to "smooth things over": "Lord Ao, please don't be offended. His Majesty is young, and seeing your imposing presence, he feels... somewhat intimidated."

That's right, I'm isolating you, I'm using PUA on you!

It makes you feel that I, the emperor, dislike you and fear you! It makes you feel excluded from the "royal circle"!

How could Ao Bai, a brute who was used to being arrogant and domineering, feel good about being "disliked" by a little kid?

Over time, you'll only become more and more anxious and domineering!

The more arrogant he is, the more likely he is to make mistakes!

Hong Xiguan was like the most patient chess player, calmly and slowly placing his pieces on the chessboard.

……

While Hong Xiguan was engrossed in the "palace intrigue" game.

A piece of good news from the south once again stirred his heart.

"Report: In August of the eighteenth year of the Shunzhi reign, Zheng's naval forces decisively defeated the reinforcement fleet of the Japanese invaders in the inner sea of ​​Taijiang! At this point, Taiwan City... has become an isolated city!"

Great job!

Lord Koxinga is mighty!

Hong Xiguan was so excited in the Southern Study that he almost jumped up!

Despite the Qing government dispatching Dasu, along with generals such as Li Shuotai, Ma Degong, and Huang Wu, to assemble a large force along the Fujian coast and defend it with utmost vigilance.

Despite the Qing government's inhumane "relocation order" that displaced millions of people along the coast,

But none of this could stop Zheng Chenggong's determination and pace in recovering Taiwan!

The Dutch naval reinforcements were defeated, and the defenders besieged in Fort Zeelandia were already trapped. Their annihilation was only a matter of time!

Hahaha! Ao Bai! Huang Wu! You bunch of bastards!

What good is your "relocation order"? What good is your alliance with the Dutch?

Faced with absolute strength and unwavering conviction, all conspiracies and tricks are nothing but paper tigers!

Upon hearing this news, Hong Xiguan was in an unprecedentedly good mood.

He felt that although he was on the dragon throne of the Qing court, his heart was as if he were standing with that lone hero thousands of miles away.

Lord Koxinga, just keep hitting him!

I am present in the imperial court.

I will do everything in my power to hold back these Manchu barbarians from trying to trip you up!

Taiwan must return to the embrace of China!

This is something I, as a time traveler and a Chinese person with the blood of the Yellow Emperor, must do!

As Hong Xiguan looked at the word "Taiwan" on the memorial, his eyes gleamed with an unprecedented light.