Chapter 63: The Fourteenth Prince Kneels

As Hongli uttered these words, the hall fell into an even deeper silence.

Hongshi and Hongzhou were utterly dumbfounded, casting puzzled glances at Hongli.

Yongzheng also paused the blue-ink brush in his hand.

Before the mourning period ended, the new emperor exclusively used blue ink for reviewing memorials, switching to vermilion ink only after the mourning period was officially over.

Yongzheng’s expression turned icy cold as he looked at Hongli and asked, "Why are you willing to go?"

Yongzheng’s question caused the other two to hold their breath in suspense.

Hongshi immediately raised his hands in a salute, trying to smooth things over for Hongli: "Imperial Father, Fourth Younger Brother merely wishes to share your burdens, and therefore—"

Before Hongshi could finish, Yongzheng interrupted him: "Let Hongli speak for himself!"

Yongzheng seemed to have no intention of giving Hongshi a chance to perform fraternal harmony.

"Your Imperial Son believes that, within the family, Fourteenth Uncle is my dearest uncle; to the country, he is the grand general-in-chief recently returned from the northwest. In terms of both family and nation, it is only proper to go and welcome him on behalf of Imperial Father."

"Doing this serves two purposes: first, it will set Grand Empress Dowager's mind at ease, especially since she has just moved to her new palace and is settling in; second, it will let the entire realm know that our Great Qing does not treat meritorious officials with negligence."

Hongli stated his reasons clearly.

Upon hearing this, Yongzheng resumed reviewing memorials with his blue-ink brush and said to Hongli, "The fact that you can think this way shows you have a clear understanding in your heart."

"It is well if you go. Your Fourteenth Uncle has a difficult temper, and since you are quick-witted, you will be better equipped to handle him."

Yongzheng then turned to look at Hongli, granted his request, and immediately waved his hand: "You may all withdraw!"

At this, Hongshi’s eyes widened in disbelief.

Hongzhou looked at Hongli with eyes full of reverence, a completely baffled expression on his face.

"Understood!"

Hongli acknowledged first, thinking to himself that it was fortunate he was taking an open-book exam; otherwise, walking on thin ice with an emperor who was like a fierce tiger, one never knew if the next step would plunge them into a pit or elevate them to a higher tier.

Truly, it was like treading on thin ice.

For Yongzheng was simply too unpredictable.

Behind that cold mask, no one could guess what thoughts were hidden.

Yet one thing seemed certain: as long as someone retained his favor, no matter what they said, he would interpret it in a positive light and become exceptionally open-minded and magnanimous.

"Understood!"

Hongzhou also acknowledged the order and hurriedly followed him out.

Seeing that Hongshi was still standing there in a daze, Yongzheng suddenly barked at him:

"Why are you still lingering here? As the eldest brother, you are absent-minded all day long. How are you supposed to set an example for your younger brothers?!"

"Your Imperial Son is guilty!"

"I beg Imperial Father to punish me!"

Hongshi dropped to his knees in a panic, offering no elaborate explanation other than admitting he had been spacing out just now.

Yongzheng rolled his eyes and said, "I told you to withdraw, stop shouting about guilt at every turn."

"Understood! Your Imperial Son takes his leave!"

Hongshi scrambled backward, instinctively clutching his chest, and then hurried to catch up with Hongli and Hongzhou: "Fourth Brother, when you go to see Fourteenth Uncle, remember to give him my regards and tell him that I think of him constantly."

"Understood, Third Brother, rest assured."

Hongli agreed.

"Good brother!"

Hongshi patted Hongli on the shoulder and strode out the courtyard gate.

"Respectfully sending off Third Brother!"

Hongli and Hongzhou performed a courtesy bow.

After Hongshi left, Hongzhou said to Hongli, "Fourth Brother, everyone says Fourteenth Uncle has a dreadful temper and speaks without any regard for others, just like a firecracker. Now that Imperial Father has ascended the throne instead of him, his mood is likely even worse. You must be very careful when you go to welcome him."

Hongli nodded with a touched expression: "It's fine! No matter how fierce his temper is, he remains the Grand General-in-Chief appointed by Imperial Grandfather; he won't fail to distinguish right from wrong."

Hongli had indeed heard tales of the Fourteenth Prince's fiery disposition.

In his later years, Kangxi had placed great trust in Longkodo, even intending for Longkodo to eventually succeed the Fourteenth Prince as the Pacifying General-in-Chief, and had instructed the Fourteenth Prince to promote Longkodo further.

As a result, the Fourteenth Prince had bluntly confronted Kangxi, declaring that Longkodo was only fit to be a gatekeeper and unworthy of heavy responsibilities!

This undoubtedly served as one of the reasons Longkodo ultimately chose to side with the Fourth Prince.

Not just Longkodo; Nian Gengyao was strictly Kangxi's man as well, yet the Fourteenth Prince had scarcely given Nian Gengyao an easy time in the northwest either.

Of course, more importantly, the Fourteenth Prince had never hesitated to speak his mind right in front of his own biological elder brother, the Fourth Prince.

For instance, when the Fourth Prince, in an effort to win over Longkodo, affectionately addressed him as "Uncle," the Fourteenth Prince was deeply displeased and openly rebuked the Fourth Prince, asking what kind of uncle he was supposed to be.

Generally speaking, the Fourteenth Prince was essentially an amplified, harsher version of the Fourth Prince's sharp-tongued wit.

In certain aspects, the two brothers were quite similar.

Therefore, in the eyes of many, Hongli going to welcome the Fourteenth Prince would likely result in him receiving a fierce tongue-lashing.

A few days later, while Hongli was studying in the Maoqin Hall, the imperial first-class guard Laxi arrived outside the hall: "There is an imperial edict! Let Prince of the Fourth Rank Hongli kneel and listen!"

Hongli hurried out to receive the decree.

"An imperial edict: Prince of the Fourth Rank Hongli, along with first-class guard Laxi, shall immediately depart the capital to welcome the Grand General-in-Chief. Respect this!"

"Your Imperial Son obeys the decree!"

Hongli accepted the mandate.

Laxi hastily knelt before Hongli: "Your servant pays his respects to the Fourth Master."

"Rise!"

Hongli waved his hand.

"Thank you, Fourth Master!"

Laxi then smiled and said to Hongli, "Fourth Master, the carriage has been prepared and we can depart at any moment. When would you like to set off?"

"We will depart after I bid farewell to Imperial Father and Mother."

"Understood!"

Hongli first bade farewell to his tutor, Zhu Shi, and then proceeded to the Hall of Mental Cultivation and the Yongshou Palace.

An hour later, Hongli led his close attendants, including Haitang, out of the palace gates. Outside the Gate of Divine Prowess, he rendezvoused with the imperial pageboys such as Liyu who had been assigned to him, and headed out of the capital.

When the Fourteenth Prince arrived at the ten-li long pavilion of the posting station outside the capital, Hongli and Laxi had already been waiting there for a considerable time.

Seeing that the Fourteenth Prince's entourage had appeared, Laxi pursed his lips and looked at Hongli: "Fourth Master, do not be afraid. His Majesty has given me a secret decree. If Fourteenth Master flies into a rage and strikes someone, this servant will take the blow on His Majesty's behalf."

Hongli smiled slightly: "Fourteenth Uncle will not hit me, do not worry!"

By this time, the Fourteenth Prince's party had halted fifty paces away.

Laxi stepped forward first.

"An imperial edict! Order the Grand General-in-Chief to dismount and listen to the proclamation!"

Upon meeting the Fourteenth Prince, Laxi swallowed hard, drew the decree from his sleeve, and shouted.

Despite the freezing winter weather, steam could not help but rise from Laxi's forehead.

Watching this, Hongli could not suppress a smile.

True to form, the Fourteenth Prince wore a gloomy expression, remaining seated on his horse without dismounting immediately.

"Order the Grand General-in-Chief to dismount and kneel to listen to the edict!"

Laxi had no choice but to grit his teeth and shout once more.

Ultimately, the Fourteenth Prince dismounted.

The officers and generals under his command followed suit and dismounted as well.

"Please dismount, Fourteenth Master, and kneel to listen!"

At this moment, the Fourteenth Prince had indeed clenched his fists so tightly that his face turned the color of pork liver.

His confidant Fahai, a cousin of Longkodo, stepped forward, his gaze piercing like lightning as he glared at Laxi.

The Fourteenth Prince caught Fahai's hand and shook his head at him.

Then, the Fourteenth Prince dropped to his knees.

"Imperial Edict!"

"In upholding filial piety, and recognizing that the Fourteenth Son of the Deceased Emperor possesses the virtue of mourning, he is hereby relieved of his post as Grand General-in-Chief. The Fourteenth Son of the Deceased Emperor is ordered to follow Prince of the Fourth Rank Hongli into the palace to pay respects to the Deceased Emperor, and thereafter have an audience with Us. Respect this!"

When Laxi finished reading, Hongli stepped forward, plastered on a professional smile, and bowed deeply to the Fourteenth Prince:

"Paying respects to Fourteenth Uncle!"