I, Kangxi, am here to overthrow the Qing and restore the Ming!

Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang looked at the young emperor's innocent appearance and shook her head helplessly, as if looking at a child who hadn't learned to walk but wanted to run.

She picked up her teacup, gently blew on the floating tea leaves, and said calmly, "Emperor, do you think politics is child's play?"

"Mobilizing the guards and replacing them with Sony's people means that Sony is openly supporting you and standing on the opposite side of Ao Bai."

"Tell me, why should Sony offend Ao Bai, who holds immense power and influence, for your sake?"

Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang's gaze sharpened: "Just because you are the Emperor?"

She scoffed, a laugh that carried a profound understanding of power and a hint of...disdain.

"Don't be silly, child. In this Forbidden City, the emperor is sometimes just a title."

"Sony is a subject, that's true, but if you want a subject to be truly devoted to you, to fight and bleed for you, you must... give him enough benefits! Give him leverage he can't refuse!"

Interests... bargaining chips...

Damn it, is it really necessary to be so blunt?

This old lady is truly ruthless!

Hong Xiguan's heart was filled with turmoil.

These words were more shocking and more truthful than any history book he had ever read!

He remained silent for a moment, then raised his head and humbly asked, "Then... in Grandmother's opinion, what kind of bargaining chip should we offer Sony?"

Looking at his "eager for knowledge" expression, Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang finally showed a satisfied smile.

Children can be taught.

She put down her teacup and slowly uttered two words: "Marriage alliance."

In the case of Fei Yanggu, Sony's actions even exceeded Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang's expectations.

It was obvious that the old man was waiting for a higher price to sell.

To win him over, one must pay a considerable price.

"A marriage alliance?" Hong Xiguan was taken aback.

"That's right." Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang's eyes held the shrewdness and calculation unique to politicians: "Sony has a granddaughter named Hesheli, who is about your age. She is gentle, virtuous, well-educated, and a standout among Manchu noble ladies."

"My intention is for you to marry her and make her your empress!"

"boom!"

The last two words, like a thunderclap, exploded in Hong Xiguan's mind!

What?!

"Let me... marry... a Manchu woman and make her my empress?!"

Or is she Sony's granddaughter, that old fox?!

In an instant, a strong sense of resistance and nausea, emanating from the depths of his soul, surged into Hong Xiguan's heart!

He is a Han Chinese!

The soul is also the soul of the Han people!

The ultimate goal of coming to this era is to "expel the Tartars and restore China!"

Now, he's being asked to marry a "Tartar" as his empress for the sake of power?!

This...this is the greatest insult to myself!

Do not!

I absolutely refuse! I would rather give up the throne than collude with them!

Hong Xiguan's face turned deathly pale instantly, and he almost blurted out that he was about to refuse!

However, he swallowed the words back down.

He saw the way Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang was scrutinizing him.

Hong Xiguan suddenly remembered someone: Emperor Shunzhi, Fulin.

That old man, who used to be so obsessed with Consort Dong'e, repeatedly argued with and disobeyed Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang.

Everyone saw how it turned out.

No! I cannot refuse outright!

If I show strong resistance now, Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang will definitely treat me as a second Shunzhi!

She would think that I am also a "rebellious son" who disregards the overall situation for personal likes and dislikes!

By then, all her last bit of trust and support for me will have vanished!

I have truly become a lonely and isolated person!

Hong Xiguan's mind was racing.

Suppressing his nausea and resistance, he forced a look of "shyness" and "embarrassment" that suited his age.

"Grand...Grandmother..." he stammered, "But...grandson...grandson is only nine years old in name...how...how can he get married?"

Yes! Drag it out!

Using age as an excuse!

I'm still a child!

However, Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang seemed to have anticipated his words and smiled faintly.

"Nine years old is not young. It is common for members of the Qing Dynasty's royal family to get married at the age of eleven or twelve."

Damn! I forgot these ancient people were all precocious!

Hong Xiguan's heart skipped a beat.

Just when it seemed that this excuse was about to be blocked, Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang changed the subject again.

"However, what you said makes sense. After all, you haven't taken over the reins of government yet, so getting married now is indeed a bit premature."

"Therefore, what I mean is... to first arrange the marriage, with me personally arranging this marriage between you and Hesheli, and then to make a promise to Sony and to the world."

"Once you assume full power, immediately bestow upon Empress Hesheli the title of Empress of the Qing Dynasty!"

Promises made in vain?!

This old lady is actually playing the "pie in the sky" game?!

Hong Xiguan was once again shocked by Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang's political skills!

That move was absolutely brilliant!

The promise of a "future empress" is like a powerful shot in the arm for the Sony family!

From then on, the interests of the Sony family were inextricably linked to the "emperor's personal rule"!

They would want the young emperor to assume power smoothly more than anyone else!

They will spare no effort to help the emperor fight against Ao Bai!

Because only when the emperor assumes full power can his granddaughter become empress! Only then can the Sony family truly become the "family of the emperor's father-in-law," reaching the pinnacle of power and glory!

high!

That's brilliant!

No wonder he's a cunning old fox who's spent his whole life playing politics!

Hong Xiguan held Empress Xiaozhuang in the highest esteem.

But despite my admiration, the feeling of disgust remained undiminished.

Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang seemed to see right through Hong Xiguan's heart.

Perhaps it was Shunzhi's tragic marriage that taught her to stop forcing things.

Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang softened her tone and coaxed, "Your Majesty, I know you may be somewhat unwilling about this marriage."

"However, you need to think this through. Winning over the Sony family is equivalent to controlling the entire Plain Yellow Banner! Add to that the Mongol Eight Banners that I can mobilize, and we'll have enough power to rival Oboi!"

"This is a deal that can only make you money! You should weigh the pros and cons yourself."

Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang handed over the decision-making power to Hong Xiguan.

The Eight Banners system of the Qing Dynasty was divided into the Manchu Eight Banners, the Mongol Eight Banners, and the Han Eight Banners.

Among them, the generals from the Khorchin tribe of the Eight Banners of Mongolia (such as the princes of the Khorchin Left Wing Middle Banner and the princes of the Right Wing Rear Banner) were either grand-nephews of Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang or relatives by marriage. Politically, they were absolutely loyal to the "royal orthodoxy" represented by Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang.

Hong Xiguan was caught in a mental battle, with two little figures fighting fiercely in his mind.

A small figure, dressed in Hanfu and wielding a long sword, roared, "We cannot marry her! We are Han Chinese! How can we marry a Tartar?! This is betrayal!"

Another figure, dressed in a dragon robe, with icy eyes, said, "Marry her! Why not?! A true man doesn't concern himself with trifles! If you can't even endure this little grievance, what are you talking about in restoring China?! She's just a woman! A political tool!"

In the end, the dragon-robed figure kicked over the Hanfu-clad figure.

Reason prevailed over emotion.

Correct!

She's just a woman! A bargaining chip!

Moreover, it's just an "engagement"!

Once I assume full power, whether or not I marry will be a simple matter of a word.

Even if, in the end, I'm forced to marry her...

Marry her, but don't touch her, isn't that enough?

Treat her like a decorative vase, keep her in the Kunning Palace, out of sight, out of mind!

Trading a woman's status for a powerful ally against Ao Bai—what a deal…

value!

Having figured all this out, Hong Xiguan raised his head, his eyes becoming firm and resolute, and respectfully bowed deeply to Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang.

"Grandmother, your grandson... understands."

"Grandson, I will follow your arrangements."

A relieved smile finally appeared on Empress Xiaozhuang's face.

"Good child, you've finally grown up."

She immediately ordered, "Guards! Bring Minister Suo to the palace!"