diskusbooks Chapter 123 So you're playing me again?
Chapter 123 So you're playing me again?
It must be said that although Yinzhuo's body was quite fragile, his recovery ability was outstanding. Despite such a serious injury, the wounds had all scabbed over after only half a month of rest. The imperial physician Wang and several other imperial physicians examined him carefully several times before daring to report to Emperor Kangxi.
"Your Majesty, after careful examination, we have found that although the Sixth Prince is still somewhat weak, his injuries are recovering quite well. If Your Majesty wishes to return to the capital, then we can depart at any time."
Since the imperial physicians had said so, Kangxi naturally did not want to delay any longer. After all, the grasslands were bitterly cold, and no matter how meticulous their care was, it was not as conducive to recuperation as the capital. So, with a command, everyone immediately packed up and set off.
The journey from Ningxia to the capital was already long. It took them more than forty days to travel there at full speed. Now, in order to take care of the wounded Yinzhuo, the army's speed was naturally much slower. The same journey took more than a month longer than the journey there. The army set off from Ningxia in early April and did not return to the capital until the end of June.
"Second brother, I've finally met you! Please judge for me, is there any father as unreasonable as our Khan? For over two months! For a whole two months, our Khan has kept me confined in the royal palace. Except for going to the toilet, I haven't seen what the outside world looks like..."
Once bitten, twice shy, but Emperor Kangxi did keep a close eye on Yinzhuo throughout the journey, fearing that he might encounter another accident. He simply kept the boy by his side, which at least gave him some peace of mind. However, he did not expect that Yinzhuo, who had been quite well-behaved throughout the journey, would become unruly again as soon as they returned to the capital.
Meanwhile, Yinreng, on whom Yinzuo had placed high hopes, maintained an impeccable smile on his face, but secretly gave Yinzuo a look that clearly signaled him to shut up. This was a matter that his brother couldn't judge for him. Don't ask me why, otherwise you can guess why others call me Crown Prince and him Emperor, why I call him Khan Father, and why he calls me Yinreng.
"Yinzuo, you brat, don't think I didn't hear what you just said. I'll count to three, and you'd better get back here right now."
Yinzhuo, who was holding his second brother's hand and recounting his father's numerous crimes, paused upon hearing this, then released Yinreng's hand, gave him an awkward smile, and turned to walk towards Kangxi with a smile on his face.
"You're so sharp-eared, Father! You heard your son speaking from so far away. Your hearing is better than the wind! And if you want your son to come here, you don't need to bother counting. Just call me and I'll be right there. Come on, Father, watch your step, let me help you down."
Kangxi was initially unsure whether Yinzuo had spoken ill of him to Yinreng, and that he had only said so to try and trick him. However, seeing Yinzuo's feigned obedience, he understood perfectly well what was going on.
"Yinzuo, I remember that arrow wounded your back and arm, but it didn't hit your head. How come your little brain isn't working properly now? What's the use of complaining to your second brother? He has to listen to me, doesn't he?"
Humiliation? Ridicule? Confirmed, his father was questioning his intelligence. Yinzhu shook his head back and forth. At this moment, he seemed to hear the sound of water rushing in his head. But there's a saying: "Even if you lose the opponent, you can't lose your composure."
"What Father says is true. Complaining to Second Brother is indeed useless, so I have decided to ask her to help me when I go to Shou Kang Palace to pay my respects to Grandmother."
Although he knew that the Empress Dowager couldn't do anything to Kangxi, Yinzhuo believed that with his eloquent tongue, it wouldn't be a problem to get his maternal grandmother to say a few words about his father.
Thinking he had won back the game, the Sixth Prince got cocky again. Kangxi looked at Yinzhuo, who was staring at him with a smug expression, and couldn't help but laugh at his smug look. He raised his hand and flicked Yinzhuo's forehead.
"Indeed, your words have reminded me. I can't take you with me when I go to Shou Kang Palace to pay my respects to the Empress Dowager, or I'll be in for a lot of nagging from my mother."
Well, as expected, experience counts. Yinzhuo was defeated again. The Sixth Prince seemed to be discouraged after losing two rounds in a row. He became much more obedient afterward, following behind Kangxi and the Crown Prince and going through all the procedures of the welcoming ceremony in an orderly manner. Even after returning to the palace and accompanying Kangxi to Shou Kang Palace to pay their respects, and then returning to Qianqing Palace with his father, he didn't get close enough to say a word to his father.
"Oh, so you're angry. Alas, what a pity. In that case, then I'll have to leave this painting of the Heavenly Horse by Dong Qichang in my collection..."
After returning to the Qianqing Palace, Yinzhuo secluded himself in a corner and ignored everyone. Kangxi, seeing this, said nothing, but went to his study and returned a while later with a brocade box. He didn't pay any attention to Yinzhuo, but instead opened the box and called Yinreng and Yinzhen over, hoping to attract Yinzhuo's attention. However, our Sixth Prince seemed to have mastered his craft; he showed no curiosity whatsoever, and even turned his head away to show his disdain, resolutely refusing to look in that direction.
Seeing this, Kangxi had no choice but to devise another plan if one failed. He knew that although Yinzhuo's eyes were not looking in this direction, his ears were definitely listening. So he quickly gave Yinreng a wink. Yinreng successfully received the signal from his father and cooperated by speaking.
"Father, this 'Ode to the Heavenly Horse' by Dong Qichang is a rare treasure. As you know, your son has always loved collecting calligraphy and paintings and has long coveted this piece. Perhaps..."
Upon hearing this, Yinzhuo's heart stirred, but he still pretended to be calm and did not move. Kangxi was pleased to see that he was able to keep his composure this time, but he deliberately sighed.
"I thought that Yinzhi must have been feeling very stifled being confined by me on the way back to the capital. I originally planned to give him this calligraphy to cheer him up, but now that I see he doesn't seem to want it, well, since Yinreng likes it..."
Seeing the duck that was about to be eaten about to fly away, how could Yinzhuo sit still? He jumped up and quickly walked to Kangxi's side, grabbing the brocade box from the table.
"Yes, yes, this is my precious darling that I've been longing for. No one can separate us today. Father, I know I was wrong. You love me the most, so you wouldn't want me to lose my precious darling, would you?"
Although Kangxi initially intended to use this calligraphy to please Yinzhuo, seeing his current expression made him furious. So, you were just putting on an act for me again?
"Hmph, you scoundrel, I knew you were just putting on an act again..."