pdf-ebookys Chapter 292 Consort Fucha
Chapter 292 Consort Fucha
Seeing that Fucha Peiyun was displeased, Hongchang quickly comforted her:
"Your Majesty, please don't be angry. These ministers are so eager to marry the princess."
It's all thanks to you, Mother, for raising the princesses so well; it's just that their ideas are a bit too hasty.
"Of course I won't agree to their proposals easily. The marriage of Sister Shuhe and the others still needs your personal decision."
Fucha Peiyun wiped the corner of her mouth with a handkerchief.
"Eat more, you have to deal with so much government work every day."
"You've consumed a lot of energy, you can't go hungry. This is such a small matter, it's not worth making Mother angry."
Seeing this, Hongchang picked up his chopsticks again.
"I'm glad you're not angry, Mother."
Fucha Peiyun extended her hand. "I understand the thoughts of these ministers, but it's only human nature."
However, the princess, whom her mother had put so much effort into raising...
We can't confine them to the inner quarters just for the sake of a marriage alliance, especially since they're still young.
They're all children; their marriages won't happen until they're at least eighteen.
the same as you. "
Hongchang said while picking up some food, "Mother, I know."
However, once the ministers have set their sights on this idea, they probably won't give up so easily.
As Fucha Peiyun listened, she remembered something that she should have thought of long ago.
At this time, it's common for families to arrange marriages for their children, but this carries a significant hidden danger.
Putting aside other factors, the health of children born from consanguineous marriages is a cause for concern.
These children are often weak and sickly, with poor physical resistance, making them susceptible to various diseases.
They often die young.
Furthermore, consanguineous marriage can significantly increase the risk of genetic diseases.
This makes children more susceptible to certain congenital diseases.
Furthermore, children born from consanguineous marriages face even more problems.
Their immune systems are relatively weak, and the probability of fetal developmental abnormalities is higher.
Like having many arms and legs, or a long tail.
The risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, and premature birth is 2-3 times higher than in the general population.
Moreover, these children have a significantly increased chance of having congenital malformations.
For example, heart defects, cleft lip and palate, etc.
Even more serious is that
Infant mortality and the incidence of intellectual disability in children born from consanguineous marriages are significantly higher.
This undoubtedly brought a heavy burden and endless pain to the family.
This recent birth of a child with albinism, cleft lip, or other obviously abnormal features...
Such children are often seen as ominous and treated as freaks.
Once such children are discovered to be born, they are usually subjected to cruel treatment from birth.
For example, being drowned, strangled, buried alive, or burned to death.
What's even more heartbreaking is that everyone blames the woman entirely for this misfortune.
They believed that it was the women's fault that led to the birth of these children.
Therefore, women who give birth to such children are often shunned and neglected.
For these women, being rejected and neglected might be considered a better outcome.
Some women were even forced to become nuns or drowned in ponds to ward off so-called "bad luck."
Fucha Peiyun felt sorry for these women as soon as she thought about it.
Fucha Peiyun felt that this matter could not be delayed any longer, as intermarriage among Manchus was common practice.
There are many cases of consanguineous marriage, and we must find a way to prevent such tragedies from happening.
At this moment, Hongchang's voice rang out, "Empress Mother? Mother? What's wrong? What are you thinking about?"
Fucha Peiyun came to her senses and said, "Mother wants you to arrange for someone to investigate something."
Seeing that Fucha Peiyun looked serious, Hongchang quickly put down his chopsticks and asked attentively:
"Your Majesty, what do you want to investigate? Just give the order, and I will have someone do it immediately."
Fucha Peiyun frowned slightly and said in a deep voice, "I vaguely heard about something before."
This matter is of great importance, and I think it is very necessary to investigate it.
Seeing that Fucha Peiyun looked solemn, Hongchang quickly said:
“Your Majesty, please tell me what to do, and I will do my best to do it.”
Fucha Peiyun slowly said, "Before my mother entered the palace, I heard Granny Ma and the others tell stories from ancient times..."
Many families have couples who are clearly healthy.
However, she gave birth to a child who was unhealthy or had defects.
At the time, I didn't know why; I just thought I had bumped into something.
Looking back now, there must have been a reason for this, such as the birth mother being unknown.
Your mother doesn't believe it, even though you and Shuhe are still young.
But you should prepare early, especially you, because choosing an empress and concubines will be a major event.”
After listening, Hongchang nodded slightly and said:
"Your Majesty is absolutely right. This matter certainly needs to be handled with caution."
Whom does Mother think is the best person to handle this matter?
Fucha Peiyun thought for a moment and said, "Prince Dun, Prince Zhuang, and Nian Gengyao are all fine. You can decide for yourself."
Hongchang asked, "Mother, why don't you let Guoluo Mafa go?"
After all, he enjoys considerable trust among the people because of his efforts in promoting smallpox vaccination.
Upon hearing this, Fucha Peiyun's expression turned serious. She looked directly into Hongchang's eyes and slowly said:
"Your mother doesn't want you to treat the Fucha family too well because of your mother."
The fact that your family, Guo Luoma Fa and Fucha, has smallpox vaccination is already enough of a merit.
From now on, the Fucha family should rely on the abilities of its own sons.
Hongchang was slightly startled upon hearing his mother's words.
He knew that his mother was doing all this for his own good.
The problem of maternal relatives has existed throughout history, but I never expected my mother to have considered it even more than he had.
However, the reason he was willing to trust the Fucha family so much was because they had been quite well-behaved over the years.
They did not do anything they shouldn't have just because they were from the Empress's maternal family.
Hongchang quickly explained, "Mother, I understand what you mean."
The son just wanted to give the Fucha family more opportunities.
Fucha Peiyun nodded slightly, her tone softening considerably:
"Your mother knows what you're thinking, but some things still need to be kept separate from public and private matters."
The sons of the Fucha family are quite outstanding; they are capable and will naturally receive the rewards they deserve.
Your Majesty Guo Luo has made a great contribution this time, which has further enhanced the reputation of the Fucha family.
From now on, let them make their own way in the world.
Hongchang understood that his mother was thinking about the long-term future of him and the Fucha family.
He was filled with gratitude for Fucha Peiyun.
"In that case, I will have my tenth uncle, Prince Dun, investigate this matter."
Fucha Peiyun nodded and said, "Your tenth uncle may seem simple and honest, but he actually has his own shrewdness."
It's fine for him to investigate this.
Hongchang then asked, "Mother, besides this matter, do you have any other instructions?"
Fucha Peiyun pondered for a moment and said:
"Your mother, the one I worry about the most, is you."
You have just ascended the throne, and the burden on your shoulders is heavy.
You must always remember that a ruler should have the well-being of all people in mind and should not let personal matters interfere with public duty.
Hongchang stood in awe and said, "Your subject will remember this."
"Your Majesty, please rest assured, your son will always keep the well-being of the people in mind and strive to be a wise ruler."
Fucha Peiyun sighed softly, a hint of worry in her eyes:
"Mother knows that since the Qing Dynasty entered the pass, there has always been some barriers between the Manchus and the Han people."
Although on the surface it is said that the Manchus and Han are one family, in reality, from your imperial grandfather Huang Taiji to your imperial father Kangxi Emperor,
They all harbored some suspicion towards the Han people.
This is not without reason, after all, the country was conquered by the Manchus.
They feared that the Han Chinese would rebel, threatening Manchu rule.
She paused, then continued:
"However, Mother felt that this kind of vigilance should not be too much."
Manchus were a minority; Han Chinese were the majority of the Qing dynasty.
If we remain wary of the Han people, the conflict between the Manchus and the Han will only deepen.
Ultimately, this was detrimental to the long-term stability of the Qing Dynasty.
Your mother hopes you understand that the unity of the Manchu and Han people is not just a slogan, but a policy that must be put into practice.
Hongchang nodded and said:
“Mother, your son understands what you mean.”
The son also knew that in order for the Qing Dynasty to enjoy long-term stability, the Manchus and Han Chinese must truly integrate.
My son will try his best to do that.
Fucha Peiyun said, "Although the emperor is the ruler of the world, the majority of the land actually belongs to ordinary people."
As long as the people approve of you, then you are a good emperor.
As long as the common people can have enough to eat, no one cares whether the emperor is Manchu or Han.
The Han people have a history spanning thousands of years, and their bloodlines have long been intertwined.
Many Manchus actually have Han Chinese ancestry.
Hongchang listened attentively, seemingly lost in thought, and said:
"Mother is absolutely right. I will definitely favor the integration of Manchus and Han people in future policies."
Increase the appointment of Han Chinese officials and encourage intermarriage between Manchus and Han Chinese.
Fucha Peiyun nodded in satisfaction.
"It's great that you have this idea, but it will definitely encounter a lot of resistance when it's implemented."
Especially those conservative Manchu ministers.
You need to have enough patience and determination to move forward step by step.
Hongchang firmly stated, "Your subject is not afraid of any obstacles; for the long-term stability of the Qing Dynasty..."
Your subject will do everything in his power to ensure the implementation of the policy of Manchu-Han unity.
Fucha Peiyun then added:
"Also, the matter you asked Prince Dun to investigate must be kept secret for now."
Otherwise, it might cause unnecessary panic.
Hongchang quickly replied, "Your subject understands and will make proper arrangements."
Fucha Peiyun then asked Ye'er to fetch a box containing glass molds, spinning machine molds, and other items.
Fucha Peiyun handed the box to Xin Hongchang and carefully instructed him on how to use it.
"You're promoting smallpox vaccination and also getting people to build a princess's palace for Shuhe and the others."
The money your father confiscated from the bondservantes will eventually run out.
Make good use of these recipes.
This glass isn't just for display; it can also be used to make eyeglasses and telescopes.
It has great applications in both military and civilian fields; the textile machine formula can improve textile technology and raise people's living standards.
These are all real assets; you must make good use of them and contribute to the prosperity of the Qing Dynasty.
Hongchang took the box without asking where Fucha Peiyun's prescriptions came from.
He solemnly replied, "Mother, rest assured, your son will certainly not let you down."
We will make good use of these prescriptions to improve the lives of the people of the Qing Dynasty.
Fucha Peiyun smiled slightly and said:
"I'm relieved that you think this way."
Alright, go ahead and get busy, don't neglect official business.
Hongchang stood up, bowed to Fucha Peiyun, and said:
"Your subject takes his leave." Then he left Kunning Palace with Zhang Hude.
After Zhen Huan was brought to the Yuanmingyuan, she was placed in a secluded and quiet courtyard.
This courtyard is far from other places and surrounded by green trees, making it exceptionally tranquil.
However, despite the tranquil and pleasant environment, Zhen Huan's heart could not find peace.
She didn't know what her fate would be, and her heart was filled with anxiety and unease.
In this unfamiliar place, Zhen Huan was accompanied only by Xiao Yunzi and Cui Jinxi.
Both Xiao Yunzi and Cui Jinxi have gray hair.
Although Fucha Peiyun and Nian Shilan did not explicitly state how they would deal with her.
But Zhen Huan remained constantly on edge, feeling as if the executioner's blade was hanging over her head.
It was terrifying. She didn't know when the executioner's blade would fall.
I don't know if I can escape this calamity.
Zhen Huan knew in her heart that she was already nearing the end of her life, but who would want to die when they could live?
Neither Fucha Peiyun nor Nian Shilan said how they would deal with the sisters.
She's just left out in this courtyard like this; I wonder how Yu Rao is doing now.
Zhen Huan wasn't the only one worried about Zhen Yu Rao.
There was another person who longed for Zhen Yu Rao day and night, and was obsessed with her; this person was Prince Shen, Yunxi.
He and Yu Rao had not seen each other for a full six months.
For the past six months, he has been thinking of Yu Rao every moment.
I wonder if Yu Rao is doing well in the Yuanmingyuan, and whether she is happy and at ease.
Prince Shen, Yunxi, stood quietly in his residence.
His gaze involuntarily drifted towards the direction of the Old Summer Palace, his heart filled with worry and concern.
He paced back and forth in the yard, as if this could ease his inner unease.
After much deliberation, he finally made up his mind.
He decided to find an excuse to visit the retired emperor, who was recuperating at the Yuanmingyuan.
I'll see if I have a chance to meet Yu Rao then.
The next morning, before dawn, Yunxi got up early.
He instructed his most trusted eunuch to prepare a carriage and attendants, claiming that he was going to the Yuanmingyuan to visit the retired emperor.
To avoid arousing suspicion, Yunxi also carefully prepared some precious tonics and medicinal herbs.
Pretend it's a gift prepared for the retired emperor.
With everything prepared, Yunxi, accompanied by his entourage, embarked on his journey to the Yuanmingyuan.
Throughout the journey, he felt both nervous and expectant, hoping that he could successfully meet Yu Rao this time.
Nian Shilan soon received news that Prince Shen had entered the Yuanmingyuan.
Knowing Yunxi's true intentions, Nian Shilan did not have anyone stop her.
Successfully arranged for Prince Shen to meet the big fat orange.
When Yunxi saw the emaciated, mute, and bedridden Fatty Orange, she was shocked.
Although he was puzzled that Su Peisheng, who served the retired emperor, was not there.
They simply assumed that Su Peisheng had other things to do and was just not around.
Yunxi inquired about Da Pang Ju's well-being for a few moments, and then recounted the events that had transpired in the capital.
The chubby orange cat pleaded with Yunxi for help with its eyes, but unfortunately, Yunxi didn't understand the cat's veiled message.
Da Pang could only listen to Yunxi talk about how Fucha Honghan discovered that cowpox could protect against smallpox.
The new emperor vigorously promoted smallpox vaccination, and the princesses in the palace also performed admirably.
Yunxi expressed her admiration for Hongchang, Shuhe, and others in her conversation.
The chubby orange cat had mixed feelings; it was naturally gratified that its children had achieved so much.
But now he's more concerned with who can rescue him from that wicked woman, Nian Shilan.
He didn't want to be humiliated by Nian Shilan again; he would rather die.