Chapter 121: Chapter 121

The old man wants to abdicate?

When the news first arrived, not only were the princes in court astonished, even An Ning herself found it utterly unbelievable.

What kind of person was Emperor Kangxi? Someone who cherished power to his very bones, so much so that he'd suppress even the son he personally raised. Could such a man truly one day relinquish his authority?

Yet upon reflection, An Ning found it understandable. Though she hadn't personally taken his pulse, just observing his complexion during recent festivals suggested that without proper rest, he might not have more than two years left.

Apparently, for the current Emperor Kangxi, his life ultimately mattered more.

Regardless of outside speculation, this decades-long struggle for the throne ultimately concluded with Prince Li's faction emerging victorious.

In the 62nd year of Kangxi's reign, the nearly thirty-year-old Hongxi ascended the throne under the complicated gazes of his uncles.

Beyond the elaborate succession rituals, life at the Ninth Prince's mansion continued as usual. As far as Yin Tang was concerned, as long as it wasn't the unlucky Fourth Prince or that lifelong nemesis Eighth Prince taking the throne, it wouldn't affect him much.

Besides, having his nephew become emperor unexpectedly raised his own status—not a bad deal.

The new emperor's first major act was to confer honors upon his brothers and uncles.

The brothers were straightforward, but the uncles...

In the Hall of Mental Cultivation, Hongxi in his bright yellow court robes solemnly reviewed several memorials.

Truthfully, apart from the major conferment during the 47th year, the princes' noble titles had remained unchanged all these years. Hongxi understood this was deliberately left by his grandfather as an opportunity for him to bestow favors.

As Grandfather said, those in high positions must demonstrate corresponding magnanimity—at least superficially.

The eldest uncle, as the firstborn with multiple military achievements, deserved a princely title regardless of past conflicts.

Third Uncle, Fourth Uncle... Eighth Uncle... the Fourteenth Prince—all could be promoted one rank.

His gaze paused at Ninth Prince's name. After brief consideration, recalling the Imperial Household Department's achievements and the prince's recent discretion, Hongxi finally wrote "Prince" beside it.

Before this edict could be officially issued, after one court session, news suddenly arrived that the Ninth Prince requested an audience.

Hearing the request, even the worldly Hongxi was momentarily stunned, his imperial brush resting on the desk:

"Wait, Ninth Uncle, you're saying you don't want promotion, but instead wish to transfer this honor entirely to your daughter?"

Facing his imperial nephew's undisguised astonishment, the Ninth Prince remained utterly unfazed.

In fact, he looked completely self-assured.

"Your Majesty knows your Ninth Uncle only has this one daughter..."

A noble title—Yin Tang couldn't help a soft snort—who knew who'd eventually benefit from it? Better to use it to elevate his daughter.

Afraid of refusal, Yin Tang swiftly produced a palm-sized purple-gold box from his robe, opening it to reveal stacks upon stacks of banknotes.

Under the rare look of shock, the newly minted imperial uncle unabashedly patted his chest:

"Relax, Your Majesty! This covers the princess residence construction—more than enough. All related expenses won't trouble you."

Seeing at least 100,000 taels worth of banknotes inside, Hongxi: "..."

Well, today was certainly eye-opening.

But this wasn't a bad thing, was it?

Thinking of his young cousin, after a silence, Hongxi smiled:

"If Ninth Uncle insists, I naturally have no objections. Rest assured—Yu Ludai is my blood cousin. When the time comes for marriage arrangements, I'll personally issue the decree ensuring no one dares slight her!"

Obviously, the Ninth Prince inwardly scoffed—with him around, who'd dare mistreat his daughter? But this promise at least meant his nephew wouldn't play matchmaker like the old emperor.

Having obtained his desired outcome, Yin Tang promptly took his leave.

Watching his retreating back, Hongxi chuckled briefly before crossing out "Prince" beside Ninth Prince's name and writing "Commandery Prince" instead.

"Don't you regret this decision?"

The next day, when the imperial decree conferring honors upon Yu Ludai arrived unexpectedly, An Ning finally understood what her husband had been scheming.

He'd nearly given up the princely title everyone coveted—for their daughter!

Her cheap husband was surprisingly generous!

"Tch, what's there to regret? Shouldn't our Yu Ludai get everything we have?"

At the dining table, facing two pairs of equally sparkling eyes, Yin Tang cleared his throat and deftly placed freshly peeled lychees before them.

Truthfully, if not for maintaining the Commandery Prince residence, he'd rather abolish the mansion entirely after he and his wife passed away.

Late that night, nestled under blankets, Yin Tang kept chattering to his wife:

"That empty plot beside our mansion—I'll discuss with His Majesty about building Yu Ludai's princess residence there."

"Not only would our daughter live across the street, but as mistress of her own residence, wouldn't that surpass marrying into another household?"

In the Ninth Prince's view, being her own mistress trumped any title like princess consort or household matriarch. However you phrased it, nothing matched the comfort of one's own home.

As for those meddling matrons—had his years at the Imperial Household Department been for nothing?

Who'd dare interfere with his daughter?

As for future sons-in-law—their opinions meant nothing!

For this day, Yin Tang had considered every detail, ensuring his daughter could live as comfortably as if never married.

The thoroughness even surprised An Ning, who rolled over, pushing away his stiffened arm. Hearing his endless prattle, she muffled a laugh: "Who knew you could be so meticulous?"

Well... this saved her the trouble.

So much for men being careless...

His response was a distinctly proud hum.