Chapter 605: The Infamous Duo
The Three Feudatories wielded substantial military power, with their military expenses consuming over 30% of the imperial budget in recent years. This imbalance had reached a precarious state, and now, just after the imperial court had suffered the loss of 100,000 elite troops, the Three Feudatories put forth such audacious demands. Their intentions were as plain as day.
Years ago, when Princess Jianning and Wei Xiaobao unexpectedly died at Shanhai Pass, Wu Sangui, seeking to atone for his mistakes, sent his most beloved daughter to the capital. Ostensibly, she was to serve as a palace maid for the emperor, but everyone knew this was a veiled attempt to offer his daughter as a concubine.
Ah Ke inherited her mother Chen Yuanyuan’s unparalleled beauty—Chen Yuanyuan, once hailed as the greatest beauty of her time.
Upon arriving in the capital, Ah Ke instantly captivated the city, and even Kangxi found himself slightly moved. However, Kangxi, a man of great ambition, sought dominion over the empire. Wu Sangui’s infamy was too great, and Kangxi feared that taking Wu’s daughter as a concubine would alienate the Han people. Moreover, Ah Ke’s mother had been considered a femme fatale, partly blamed for the Ming dynasty’s downfall. As emperor, Kangxi was naturally cautious about such matters.
Ah Ke’s presence was clearly Wu Sangui’s gesture of goodwill, and Kangxi feared rejecting her would provoke Wu into a desperate rebellion.
While caught in this dilemma, Sou Etu offered a suggestion: let Ah Ke reside in the residence of Prince Kang, Jieshu, under the pretense of teaching her palace etiquette.
This arrangement served two purposes: it demonstrated Kangxi’s indifference to beauty, and it placated Wu Sangui by entrusting his daughter to a royal household.
Kangxi was delighted with the plan and agreed immediately.
The decision, however, caused great distress to Prince Kang. In his eyes, Ah Ke’s beauty was irresistible, and though Kangxi currently declined to bring her into his harem, who could predict the future? With her living under his roof, Prince Kang feared suspicion might arise, leading to imperial mistrust—a grave matter indeed. In the end, he cursed Sou Etu’s ancestors before hurriedly moving out of his own residence.