CH 59

I got confused and told you last chapter it was the eldest brother who brought the taoist priest into the game. It wasn’t! It was the third brother and later he used the Taoist priest to slander the eldest brother in front Kangxi which earned the eldest prince imprisonment.

So, the third prince is Yinzhi, Prince Cheng (胤祉) whose is mother Consort Rong. He has the reputation of a scholar, and has the support of the scholars. 

The eldest prince is Yinzi, Prince Zhi (保清) whose mother is Consort Hui. When we talk about the third prince, he’s known to be a scholar, but the eldest prince is entirely different since he’s mainly known as a military man with many achievements, especially in the war with Galdan. 

I think we’re around the 39th year of Kangxi (can’t recall honestly). Yinyou and Yinsi were born in the 20th year of Kangxi, so they’re around 19 years old, the 9th brother should be around 16-17 or so, while Yinzhen’s 22, as for little 14th, huh, Yinzhen is 10 years older than him, so Yinzen (14th) should be 12. —Bambi

“Zhang Mingde…” Yinzhen repeated.

He was now listening to the report from his subordinate. This person was unexpectedly brought back by the third prince from somewhere unknown, claiming that he could see the past and predict the future. Utter nonsense. The third brother actually kept such a person by his side, Yinzhin wondered if he truly didn’t care for politics or was simply putting on a show.

“Pay attention to this Zhang Mingde, ignore the rest for now,” Yinzhen waved off the man in dark clothes, then turned to copy a Buddhist scripture, restoring the quietness in the study.

A few days ago when the seventh brother mentioned this Taoist, Yinzhen had already began to suspect it was the third prince playing tricks. If he truly believed in Taoism, why bring a priest around, as if trying to yell it to the skies? The third prince’s move was wrong. Although the Emperor had said “the Manchus and Hans are one family,” it didn’t necessarily mean he wanted his sons to favor Han teachings1Reminder that the ruling imperial family of the Qing Dynasty was Manchu! They were nomadic and warriors, much more violent than the scholarly known Hans. When Kangxi said “Manchu and Han are one family” it’s more like a political stance. Unlike others, the Manchu Aisin Gioro ruling family did not kill the culture of the people they conquered, but instead mingled and created their own culture within it, even adapting some Han customs. Still, the meaning of “below and upper” was clear, Manchu were the biggest and Han were the conquered. In some chapters below added how the Han officials kept their heads low because of being Han, but overtime and since the Manchu were fewer than the Han, the Qing Dynasty delegated more and more power to the Han. In modern China, Hans are the majority while Manchu a minority. During China’s Cultural Revolution (1966-1976), the Manchus were particularly ostracized because the Communist party labeled Manchu people as an oppressive enemy class. This has many more nuances but I can’t put everything here, lol. Anyway it’s complicated! . Taoism was created by Han people, after all. Even if they wanted to follow a religion, shouldn’t Buddhism be the first choice? After all, Buddhism wasn’t exclusive to the Hans.

“Form is emptiness and the very emptiness is form; emptiness does not differ from form2 The precise line between your body and the rest of the world is unidentifiable and indefinable. Your body dissolves into the world around it, shedding microscopic particles, and constantly absorbing bits of the “outside world” through your skin, orifices, and senses. Furthermore, as many philosophers and scientists note, if you remove parts of your body, you do not become any less “you” – e.g. when you get a haircut, or, much worse, lose a limb. Finally, your mind is composed of thoughts, ideas and perceptions that are only understood through the language you learned, the culture in which you were raised, and the people you encountered. Thus, the notion that any part of you, or “you” itself, exists independent of the world—even your thoughts—is a purely mental construction. Source. / B: It’s from the Heart Sutra.,” Yinzhen diligently wrote the Sutra and put down his brush, his face unfazed and serene.

At Yinyou’s Prince Mansion now, he was receiving an invitation from the eighth brother’s Mansion to come by tomorrow with his Fu Jin, the reasons were their residences were close, but they hadn’t gathered properly in all these years; the messenger politely expressed his Master’s regret.

Yinyou glanced at the man kneeling before him before answering calmly, “Since the eighth younger brother has invited me, as an older brother, how can I refuse? Tomorrow, I will bring my Fu Jin to bother your Master3In chapter 55, Yinyou lets Jinsu, his Fu Jin, understand he doesn’t approve of her maiden family’s closeness to the eighth brother Yinsi. The seventh Fu Jin belongs to the Fuca family, which is a very important and famous noble family, even her father, Maqi is an important minister. Since by this point, Maqi would’ve stopped supporting Yinsi due to Yinyou’s warnings, I guess this is a way for Yinsi to try and reconnect again with the seventh Fu Jin’s family, since they were an important support for him..” 

After saying this, he picked up the tea cup4There’s a certain way hosts do this, but they make a movement with their own teacup, and somehow is a social cue for the guests to take their leave. I didn’t know how to search this in Google but I keep seeing it in historical web novels so I understood this scene, I don’t know if you guys have ever encountered this kind of scene or known how it’s called (if you know leave a comment, #HelpMe). Anyway, this is another case of #BroTrustMe. Seeing the seventh prince waving off the guests, the servant cleverly bowed and retreated.

After the man left, Yinyou put down his tea cup, his brows slightly furrowed. Inviting guests so suddenly, the eight brother’s manners were becoming increasingly loose. Seeing he had specified that he and Jinsu come together, he wondered what the eighth brother was planning5Yinyou says this since usually an invitation would be much more formal, like sending a letter, instead of sending a messenger. And if it’s a man who is inviting, due to the social conventions, it’s odd to invite women as well. Usually, women would gather with women, and men with men. If Yinsi wanted to invite the seventh Fu Jin, he should’ve made his own Fu Jin sent an invitation of her own to Yinyou’s Fu Jin, like, more classy. Overall it’s super weird but nothing too bad, Yinyou is questioning more in the sense that “what’s so urgent or important to require Yinsi to be like this?” (This is my interpretation!). After all, he was just an idle prince with no power to speak of.

The next day, Yinyou changed out of his court attire into his usual robes and, with Jinsu, went to the eighth brother’s mansion. Upon arrival, they found out the eighth brother had only invited him and Jinsu. While Jinsu was taken away by the eighth Fu Jin, he stayed with the eighth brother in the tea room, drinking bland tea.

“The seventh older brother’s and this younger brother’s mansions are adjacent. In the future, we should visit each other more,” Yinsi smiled gently. “Fu Jin has been mentioning the seventh sister-in-law too, saying that the two of them should chat and spend time more together. It’s rare for the seventh brother and the seventh sister-in-law to come today, my Fu Jin must be very happy.”

Yinyou smiled apologetically, “It’s this older brother’s fault. Recently, I’ve been busy at the Ministry of Works, and all the affairs in the Mansion are managed by your sister-in-law alone. She’s usually busy with household matters and doesn’t have much time to accompany the eighth sister-in-law. When I get a chance, I’ll ask her to spend some time time with your Fu Jin.” After saying that, Yinyou sighed, “Your sister-in-law is capable. She handles everything in the Mansion very well. Some matters give me headaches, but she handles them well and efficiently, she doesn’t care if it takes a lot of effort or time.”

After listening to these words, the eighth brother’s gaze fell on the jade pendant at Yinyou’s waist, “My seventh sister-in-law is so virtuous. I should congratulate older brother for that.” 

He thought vaguely that this jade pendant looked somewhat familiar to him6 Remember this pendant! It will appear once again in chapter 70, or so. *wink*.

Yinyou chuckled at his words but inwardly, the eighth brother’s statement struck a chord with him. At that moment, a eunuch guarding outside came to report that the third brother, the ninth brother, and fourteenth brother had arrived.

Hearing the voice, Yinyou felt irritated. Why was the fourteenth brother still mingling with the eighth brother? This ungrateful kid! He had given him so many small gifts, even his favorite tea set, yet he still sided with outsiders. If he were the fourth frother, he would so give this little brother a smack.

“Eighth older brother, the ninth brother said there’s tasty food to eat today so I came without an invitation, this younger brother hopes the eighth older brother won’t mind me joining,” the fourteenth brother’s voice preceded him as he entered the room. 

Seeing Yinyou there, he looked puzzled for a moment, but then quickly teased him, “So the seventh older brother is here too! Are you also here for a free meal?”

“I was invited by the eighth younger brother, unlike you who shamelessly tagged along,” Yinyou retorted snarkily. He sensed that the fourteenth brother was probably here to stir up trouble, as for whether he had other intentions, he didn’t know.

Although the ninth brother’s relationship with Yinyou was tolerable on the surface, Yinyou couldn’t be bother with him and they coldly ignored each other’s presence. 

Older and younger brothers gathered in the courtyard to listen to the opera. Somehow, the conversation turned to Taoism.

“What’s so special about Taoists?” The fourteenth brother casually peeled an orange, speaking indifferently, “This younger brother heard truly enlightened individuals live secluded lives in the mountains. Those who boast everywhere are mostly frauds. Third older brother, you shouldn’t trust these people too much.”

Yinyou sipped his tea slowly, secretly amused. There were rumors going around about the fourteenth brother’s mouth being reckless, and it seemed there was some truth to it. Yet, watching the third brother’s embarrassed face after being scolded by little fourteenth was more interesting than watching the opera.

“Where does this older brother believe it? It’s just a matter of amusement,” the third brother, known for his eloquence and elegance among his brothers, quickly refuted with a smile. “What a coincidence we started talking about this. I just happened to bring a Taoist named Zhang Mingde with me, how about letting him show us some skills?”

“The third older brother has a point. Let him come out and show us. If he can’t prove he’s a skilled individual, this younger brother won’t be in a good mood,” The ninth brother adopted a bored, uncaring tone, almost as if he strolling through brothels, he clearly did not take the Taoist priest seriously.

The third brother was not offended and had a servant quickly fetch Zhang Mingde.

Yinyou observed the man. He looked to be around thirty years old, with some green stubble, a slightly thin figure, and a somewhat divine appearance. He wore a green Taoist robe, had a peach wood hairpin in his hair, and held a whisk. He seemed like a high-level practitioner.

“Show us what you’re capable of,” The fourteenth brother raised an eyebrow as he sized up and down Zhang Mingde, then added, “If you can’t prove you’re skilled, don’t expect this Lord to be pleased.”

“This poor Daoist7貧道 (pín dào) is a term used by Taoists to refer to themselves humbly. It can be translated as “this poor Daoist” or “this humble Daoist.” It is often used by Taoist priests or practitioners when they are speaking about themselves in a modest or humble manner. doesn’t dare not call himself skilled. In the vast Qing Empire, there are numerous skilled individuals and I am merely knowledgeable in some Taoist methods,” Zhang Mingde carefully announced, then he waved his whisk, conjuring a small peach in his hand the size of a child’s fist, offering it to the fourteenth brother. “Please taste, fourteenth prince.”

Yinyou watched the fourteenth brother’s surprised expression, secretly musing whether the peach was grown using special methods or stored in a unique way. If Zhang Mingde was willing to tell him, he would like to try it too. Hmm, this magic trick was quite good, at least his movements were swift. He glanced at Zhang Mingde’s wide Taoist robe, wondering what else he hid inside.

Later, Zhang Mingde performed some tricks such as turning red flowers into blue flowers, igniting fire in his palm, and transforming objects into silver, which attracted the strong attention of several princes. Finally, he pulled out his trump card.

That was, someone brought a few apple-sized chickens. Zhang Mingde easily performed a show of the chicken queueing, which made several brothers begin to believe that he had a certain ability to communicate with animals and was favored by God.

Yinyou carelessly peeled sunflower seeds, showing great delight in the cost-free magic tricks and animal taming skills. In his previous life, these things were merely tricks to amuse people, but now, they seemed quite impressive. Even little fourteenth, who had previously looked disdainful, now showed a face of astonishment.

“It seems that Daoist Zhang is indeed a skilled practitioner,” The ninth prince’s tone was also much more polite. “This Lord wonders if Daoist Zhang can read people’s fortunes?”

Zhang Mingde’s face remained indifference as he gave a slight bow, and answered, “This poor Daoist will try his best, asking the ninth prince to forgive any offense.” 

After that, he stepped forward a few steps, carefully peered at the palm lines of the ninth prince, and said mysteriously, “The ninth prince was born in wealth and prosperity, and so it shall be in the future.”

Then he looked at the palm lines of the other princes, mostly speaking auspicious words. Only when he looked at the palm lines of the eighth prince, his expression changed slightly, and he said reverently, “This poor Daoist has observed the palm of the eighth prince, the Lord’s future wealth may be indescribable.”

Upon hearing this, the third prince was still smiling, but the old ninth and little fourteenth’s faces changed. Yinyou acted like he hadn’t heard anything, there were many fruit peels piled up in front of him. Seeing Zhang Mingde walking towards him, he waved his hands carelessly, “This Lord is not interested in fortune telling. Is best to just live our lives as they are. Daoist Zhang, don’t bother.”

Zhang Mingde, hearing this, did not insist, but agreed respectfully, “The seventh prince is indeed a broad-minded person.” After that, he didn’t provoke him further. 

He could feel that the way this person looked at him was different from the other princes. From beginning to end, it seemed as if he was watching a mere spectacle, which made him feel uneasy.

On the side, Yinsi tightened the teacup in his hand and slightly lowered his eyes. All he could think of were the words “indescribable wealth”. Besides the person in that seat, who else could be considered to have such “indescribable wealth”?

Yinyou now doubted the intentions of the third prince in his heart. There were several people present. Although the phrase “indescribable wealth” seemed auspicious, if it were to reach Kangxi’s ears, wouldn’t the third brother become the obedient son who exposed the wolfish ambitions of the eighth younger son? And if nothing happened, and Yinsi really ascended the throne in the future, wouldn’t the third brother also benefit because of this moment? And the eighth brother, who usually appeared approachable, how could he not be moved by such auspicious words? It had to be said that the third brother’s move this time was indeed clever.

After leaving the eighth prince’s mansion, little fourteenth followed Yinyou to Yinyou’s mansion. Just as they entered, they heard the servants say that the fourth prince had arrived a while ago. Jinsu didn’t dare to disturb the conversation between the three brothers and took she her maidservant back to her own courtyard.

Yinzhen was sat in a chair as he watched the two of them enter, his hand playing with the jade pendant at his waist. He wondered indifferently, “Was it interesting at the eighth brother’s mansion?”

When little fourteenth heard this, he recounted the events with a surprised expression. After finishing, he noticed that his fourth brother’s expression wasn’t looking good and moved closer to Yinyou.

“It’s just some folk tricks. Fourteenth younger brother, you still need to see more,” Yinyou finally spoke up after noticing the awkward atmosphere. “There are many folk performers among the Han people who use the same tricks we saw today. They are not necessarily blessings from Heaven.”

After speaking, he casually performed the magic trick of tearing paper then showing the restored version8The person has two papers: the one he will rip, and the one which is crumpled into a ball and hidden in his palm the whole time, he will draw the attention of the viewer to the paper he’s ripping. After ripping it, he fuses the both papers —ripped and crumpled but complete—, and try to confuse the people by showing the ball of torn paper, but in fact, there are two papers: one in front, one in the back, and he will open the complete one while hiding away the torn bits in his lap or somewhere else. You can watch a video of the trick here.. He also remembered a particularly disappointing magic trick from a certain year’s Spring Festival Gala, but he couldn’t recall whether the magician performed with torn paper or drawings9Author must be referring to a pop culture Chinse moment, I failed you guys cuz I couldn’t find it. Still, here’s a cool video of a magician performing in the Chinese New Year Gala 2012..

“It turns out that person was a fraud!” Little fourteenth was angry, because his fourth brother was present, he didn’t dare to shout loudly and could only remain sat in the chair fuming.

Yinyou noticed that Yinzhen’s complexion had also returned to normal, and he also felt relieved. Most people in this era still had some superstitious beliefs. In order to relieve Yinzhen’s pressure, he shamelessly borrowed techniques from the future and he couldn’t help but feel extremely grateful to the creator of the video that debunked the magic tricks after that year’s Spring Festival Gala.

After little fourteenth left, Yinyou naturally rose up and walked to the chair next to Yinzhen to sat down with a casual smile. “That Taoist’s techniques were pretty good, and it was very interesting to watch. Should I borrow that person from the third brother and let him perform some tricks to show you? Maybe you’d be as surprised as the fourteenth brother?”

“What’s the point of those little tricks?” Yinzhen argued, then began nagging Yinyou, “You were busy not long ago, and now you have the leisure to go to the eighth brother’s mansion to listen to music.”

“The eighth younger brother sent someone to invite me, I just went to see what was going on,” Yinyou replied distractedly. He glanced around the room and, seeing there were no servants, he whispered to Yinzhen, “Recently, Lord Maqi has been estranged from the eighth brother. Apparently, the eighth Fu Jin wanted to meet with my Fu Jin, I had no choice but to accompany her.”

Yinzhen remained silent at the words, but he was somewhat annoyed by the eighth brother’s fake gentlemanlike appearance. If it wasn’t because everyone knew the seventh brother wasn’t close to Yinsi but rather closer to Yinzhen, what would today look like to others?

The eighth brother’s Fu Jin was the granddaughter of Prince An of the First Rank, the daughter of Ming Shan, and she also had a Gorolo family behind her. With such backing, the eighth brother’s ambitions grew, and now he even extended his hands to the seventh brother. Thinking of this, Yinzhen’s expression turned cold. He himself couldn’t bear to scheme against Yinyou, but the eighth brother still dared. This was really interesting10I love how Yinzhen is like: “You don’t mess with my Baobei! I’ll eat you for breakfast!” I love a protective gong! Alexa, play NFWMB (nothing fucks with my baby) by Hozier!.

Seeing that Yinzhen was furious, Yinyou reached out and patted his hand. “Fourth Brother, you don’t need to worry. I know what to do.”

Yinzhen looked up and stared at Yinyou’s eyes. Noticing the worry in them, he reached out and held Yinyou’s hand. The moment he touched the warm skin, the impulse to embrace the person next to him grew stronger until it was almost irresistible.

TN: IN THE NEXT CHAPTER THE PAPER WINDOW IS BROKEN!! OMAIGOD IT’S HAPPENING EVERYBODY CALM DOWN, EVERYBODY BE FU— CALM!!  —Bambi