Story of Yanxi Palace, Chapter 140: Struggle at Court

That day, Fuheng was summoned by Hongli to Yangxin Hall for discussions.

Unexpectedly, someone was waiting for him on the path he had to take to reach Yangxin Hall.

Upon seeing her, Fuheng paused for a moment, then respectfully stepped aside, cupping his hands in greeting.

“I just received news today — Concubine Ling has been promoted to Consort Ling.” Noble Consort Chun walked slowly toward him, smiling. “Lord Fucha, is this good news for you… or bad news?”

Fuheng grew wary inside, but his expression remained calm and unmoved.

“It must be good news, I suppose,” Noble Consort Chun said with a cold laugh. “After all… her promotion to consort is entirely thanks to you!”

Fuheng finally spoke, his voice icy: “Noble Consort Chun, please watch your words.”

“Isn’t what I said the truth?” Noble Consort Chun was an intelligent woman. Though she hadn’t understood at first, gradually everything became clear to her afterward — including the role Fuheng had played in it all.

Once she understood, the realization filled her heart with both bitterness and jealousy.

“Lord Fucha Fuheng, in looks, family background, talent, and the devotion I’ve shown you — in every way I surpass her. So why do you insist on favoring only her?” Noble Consort Chun could no longer hold back; every word dripped with pain as she questioned him. “You even went so far as to risk yourself to help her… Tell me — why?”

Yuhu looked around nervously. The other palace servants had already pretended to be blind and mute, heads lowered in silence, as if they had heard and seen nothing.

“Noble Consort Chun,” Fuheng said coolly, “please remember your position. Do not ask questions that only bring humiliation upon yourself. This humble official takes his leave.”

As he turned to go, a cold voice came from behind: “Don’t celebrate too soon. Even if Wei Yingluo becomes Consort Ling, she will never block my path!”

Fuheng paused for a moment, then continued walking toward Yangxin Hall without looking back.

Yangxin Hall, West Warm Chamber.

   “Your Majesty.” Fuheng made no mention whatsoever of the encounter with Noble Consort Chun. He simply reported on state affairs with utmost respect: “Regarding the case of Anning, Supervisor of the Hushu Customs Pass, embezzling customs duties — this servant has thoroughly investigated. During his three years managing Hushu Pass, for every tael of pingyin silver actually collected at two fen five li, he falsely reported only one fen five li. Over his tenure he repeatedly withheld funds for sacrificial offerings, bridge and cable maintenance, silver chest fees, and clothing and hat silver from various ports — totaling more than eight thousand taels. The detailed accounts are clearly set out in this servant’s memorial! Such a corrupt worm — if he is not executed, the people’s anger cannot be appeased!”

“Your Majesty, this younger brother does not agree with Lord Fucha’s view.” A voice that was both dark and soft rang out.

Fuheng looked toward the sound and met the eyes of Prince He, Hongzhou.

“Lord Fucha is too young. It is good to be ambitious and enterprising, but your understanding of the customs offices… seems rather limited.” Hongzhou smiled at Fuheng. “Under Anning there are 68 yamen runners and 79 family retainers. These hundred-odd people assist in managing the customs office, yet they are not on the court’s official roster. Anning raised the tax rate precisely to cover these expenses.”

“How ridiculous. Just to cover expenses, he can arbitrarily increase taxes?” Fuheng replied coldly. “Do you realize that while Anning has lightened the burden on the customs office, he has increased the burden on the common people? If everyone imitates him and raises taxes at will, how are the people supposed to survive?”

Hongzhou: “Lord Fucha, you may have a way with warfare, but when it comes to governance, you are far behind! When the water is too clear, no fish can live in it. Are you asking the customs runners to drink the northwest wind?”

The two argued until their faces were flushed. Finally, Hongli waved his hand: “Enough, stop arguing! Even if Anning has his hardships, the fact remains that he handled matters improperly. I will issue an edict severely reprimanding him. However, the situation at Hushu Pass is complicated; we cannot easily replace him. For now, let him continue managing it. If there is any further concealment, he will be severely punished along with everything else!”

“Your Majesty is wise!” Hongzhou said, while casting a smug glance at Fuheng.

Fuheng frowned: “Your Majesty…”

Hongli closed his eyes: “You are dismissed. Kneel and retire.”

Fuheng and Hongzhou left Yangxin Hall. After walking side by side for a few steps, Fuheng suddenly spoke: “Prince He, even if you have grievances against me, you shouldn’t speak up for a parasite like Anning.”

Hongzhou: “Didn’t I already say? Anning has his own difficulties.”

Fuheng gave a short, mocking laugh, a trace of sarcasm flickering in his eyes: “Prince He still doesn’t know, does he? Anning privately owns six estates and hundreds of qing of land.”

Hongzhou was stunned.

“The Jiangnan corruption case—Wangye handled it very beautifully. I was also pleased to see you willing to handle affairs seriously.” Fuheng spoke slowly. “Just now I did not expose it in public only because I did not wish to see you suffer another setback and fall into despair once more.”

Fuheng valued old ties—not only the affection between husband and wife, but also the bond of childhood friends. They had studied together, practiced martial arts together, and grown up together. Even though their paths had diverged in adulthood, a trace of that old affection still remained.

Hongzhou, however, was different. Once their paths had parted, he believed any former sentiment should be severed cleanly. He sneered coldly: “Do you think I will be grateful to you for this?”

“I do not need your gratitude.” Fuheng shook his head. “But this is the last time. Please do not use the interests of the state as a bargaining chip just to target me!”

When Hongzhou heard this, the flesh on his cheek involuntarily twitched.

Women fight for favor in the harem; men fight for favor in the court.

Both were favored ministers before Hongli. Whose opinion the Emperor listened to more determined their power and status—and to a certain extent, even the future direction of the country.

The ways of contending for favor were exactly the same as in the harem: on the surface, each relied on their own abilities, comparing literary talent, military strategy, depth of character, and political scheming; behind the scenes… it was naturally a matter of tripping each other up, exposing weaknesses, and using every possible means to drag the other down from their current position.

Earlier, when Hongzhou kept saying “Lord Fucha knows little about the customs offices” and “Lord Fucha, you may be good at warfare, but you are far inferior in governance,” belittling Fuheng into nothing more than a martial brute who only knew how to ride and fight—that was precisely the second method.

Fuheng disdained such underhanded tactics. He spoke openly and uprightly: “Hongzhou, you must remember firmly that you are the Prince He of Great Qing. You carry a heavy responsibility on your shoulders. No matter the time, to vent personal resentment and forget public righteousness will only make others look down on you!”

Watching Fuheng’s figure leave with a flick of his sleeve, Hongzhou’s expression became extremely ugly.

“What did he notice?” Hongzhou thought darkly. “Otherwise… why would he talk about ‘venting personal resentment’?”

Fuheng had absolutely no idea that because of his words, Hongzhou’s suspicion toward him had deepened even further. After leaving the palace, he soon returned home. He tossed the reins to the steward who came out to meet him. Fuheng found it strange: “Why are you personally coming out to greet me?”

The Fucha residence was a large household with great responsibilities. Managing such a family was no easier than managing a harem. A trivial task like taking the horse should not have fallen to the steward himself.

“Young Master, you’re finally back!” The steward had clearly been waiting deliberately at the gate. His voice was urgent as he said, “Qinglian has met with trouble. The young madam claims she pushed the little young master into the goldfish pond. She has now been taken away by the Old Madam.”

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