Guoluoluo·Sanguanbao and Lady Suochuoluo—Yunxiu’s father and mother—had three legitimate children. The eldest son, Tuyue, had previously served as a second-rank imperial guard in the palace before being assigned to Shenyang, where he took up a civilian post in the military. Thanks to his outstanding abilities and the influence of the Guoluoluo family, his rank rose steadily. The eldest daughter, Yunxiu, entered the palace as Consort Yi, while the second daughter, Yun Shu, became Noble Consort Le.
Given that the family’s roots were in Shenyang, not only Tuyue but also the other young men of the Guoluoluo clan rarely held positions in the imperial court, instead serving in regional posts. Though Yunxiu’s family was not directly involved in court politics, Emperor Kangxi placed great trust in Sanguanbao and the Guoluoluo clan. He even acknowledged Sanguanbao as an "imperial relative" and, during his inspections of Shenyang, often stayed at Sanguanbao’s private residence.
In terms of heritage, the Guoluoluo family could not compare to the prestigious Hesheli or Niu Gulu clans. But when it came to imperial favor and influence, they were no less formidable.
It was worth noting that the Manchu Eight Banners were divided, with half stationed near the capital and the other half in Shenyang. The Guoluoluo family wielded extensive influence in the military, comparable to the prestige of the late Li Yongfang, grandfather of Concubine An, in the Green Standard Army.
...
Remaining an impartial and loyal official—this was Sanguanbao’s guiding principle.
He understood the importance of not taking sides and steadfastly remained an unwavering supporter of the emperor. At present, the capital was embroiled in fierce rivalry between the powerful ministers Mingzhu and Suo Etu, dragging countless factions and officials into the conflict.
By staying far away in Shenyang, the Guoluoluo clan could not only protect themselves but also steadily strengthen their family’s position—most importantly, they could retain the emperor’s favor.
Sanguanbao reflected that the Nara and Hesheli clans—the maternal families of the Eldest Prince and the Crown Prince, respectively—were heading toward alarming factional strife, even a struggle for succession, if left unchecked. No matter how much Emperor Kangxi relied on Mingzhu and Suo Etu, he would not stand idly by while the court descended into chaos.
What seemed like a flourishing situation now was, in truth, a dangerous one. Once the emperor’s patience ran out, what fate awaited them?
The more Sanguanbao thought about it, the more uneasy he became. With a shudder of relief, he thanked the heavens that the Guoluoluo clan had not been dragged into this mess.
Word had also come from the imperial consort in the palace: the most crucial task now was to build strength and avoid any involvement in the affairs of the capital or the court. They must not ally with any faction. With the Fifth Prince and the Ninth Prince still young, the Guoluoluo family had to be especially cautious—one misstep could lead to ruin.
Sanguanbao wholeheartedly agreed with Yunxiu’s advice.
Consort Yi’s favor was both a blessing and a worry!
Earlier, both Mingzhu and Suo Etu had sent envoys to Shenyang seeking an alliance, but Sanguanbao had tactfully declined. To avoid offending the two grand secretaries, he had sent the envoys back with generous gifts and impeccable hospitality, leaving no room for criticism.
This approach had worked. When the envoys returned to the capital, no unfavorable reports about the Guoluoluo clan emerged, and Sanguanbao breathed a sigh of relief.
But before he could fully relax, another concern arose—
His eldest son, Tuyue, had completed his three-year term and was about to return to the capital for his official review.
Tuyue had been personally trained by Sanguanbao. Though not the brightest, he was shrewd enough as an official and had risen to the position of Judicial Commissioner of Shenyang in his early thirties.
Given his son’s competence, Tuyue would undoubtedly receive the highest evaluation during his review—that was not the issue. What troubled Sanguanbao was where Tuyue would be promoted next.
The review report would first be examined by the Ministry of Personnel, which would draft recommendations for promotion or reassignment before submitting them to the emperor for approval.
Tuyue was already a third-rank Judicial Commissioner. A promotion would make him a Provincial Administration Commissioner, and with time, he might even become a Provincial Governor.
Sanguanbao hoped his son could remain in Shenyang. If not, an assignment to a prosperous region would also be acceptable.
...But if Tuyue were to become a capital official, he must stay far away from Mingzhu and Suo Etu’s factions!
He would have to submit a memorial to the emperor and plead for consideration.
Unaware of his father’s worries, Yunxiu’s elder brother Tuyue was in high spirits.
His review report had already been sent to the capital at top speed. Once the Ministry of Personnel issued a clear response, he could set off. These past few days, he had been packing at home, looking forward to the trip. Would he get to see his two imperial nephews—and his niece, Yierha—during this visit?
His wife, Guargiya, directed the servants with a cheerful smile as they packed his belongings: "Don’t forget this, or this. The ladies in the palace—Consort Yi and Noble Consort Le—grew up in Shenyang, so they must miss home. Be sure to pack local delicacies separately… This is for the Fifth Prince and the Fourth Princess to try..."
Tuyue admired his wife’s efficiency. What a blessing to have such a capable spouse!
Then, out of the corner of his eye, he spotted a little figure peeking in from the doorway.
Hands clasped behind his back, he put on a stern face and coughed. "Fulu! What’s with this sneaking around?"
Guargiya had borne Tuyue two children: a daughter, Yartan, who was just over ten, and a son, Fulu, who had just turned five.
Yartan had the natural restraint of a young lady—even when she played, she never went too wild. Fulu, however, was mischievous beyond control. No amount of scolding could tame him. Left unsupervised, he would run amok, wreaking havoc throughout the household.
Guargiya had a bold personality but was not a strict mother. Sanguanbao and Lady Suochuoluo doted on their grandson and could never bring themselves to discipline him. Over time, only Tuyue’s sternness could keep Fulu in check!
Hearing his father’s call, little Fulu reflexively covered his backside before shuffling forward with an ingratiating smile. "Ama, Eme."
"Shouldn’t you be playing with your precious bugs? Why are you here making trouble?" Tuyue asked.
"I’m not making trouble," Fulu muttered, eyes gleaming. "Ama, Grandfather told me I’m going to the palace to be a study companion! Is it true?"
Tuyue thought, Of course it’s true—your aunt sent word from the capital.
But why should I tell you?
With a serious expression, he replied, "No such thing. With your foolishness, how could you be the Fifth Prince’s study companion? The tutors would throw you out on the first day!"
To his surprise, Fulu wasn’t the least bit disappointed. Instead, he grinned slyly.
"Ama, you gave it away. Grandfather never mentioned the Fifth Prince—so that’s who I’m going to study with!" He wagged his head smugly, then thumped his chest. "And who would dare throw me out? With Consort Yi as my aunt, who would dare mess with me?"
Wait—this little tyrant’s attitude…
Before Tuyue could scold him, he was stunned speechless.
Seizing the moment while his father stood gaping, Fulu ducked his head and scampered off.
Halfway through his run, he suddenly turned back, scratching his head and stretching his neck to peer inside, muttering in confusion, "Was that the usually slow-moving Mafa? Running like a hare... Has the sky fallen? Why does Mafa’s expression look just like when Ama was about to beat me?"
Over there, Tuyue gradually snapped out of his daze, only to be consumed by fury.
Pointing toward the door, his finger trembling, he spat, "That little brat—"
Then, noticing the newcomer, he withdrew his finger, his voice trailing off weakly.
"Who are you calling a little brat?!" Tuyue fell silent as Sanguanbao flared up. "Well, well! Pointing at your own Ama—what nerve!"
Tuyue stammered, "Ama, I was just scolding Fulu... What brings you here?"
At the mention of this, Sanguanbao’s anger surged.
Forgetting to berate his son, he paced restlessly around the hall, muttering, "This is bad, very bad."
Realizing that her father-in-law and husband had serious matters to discuss, Lady Guargiya suppressed her smile, stopped packing, and retreated to the inner room to prepare tea.
Soon, only Sanguanbao and Tuyue remained in the hall.
After a long sigh, Sanguanbao said gravely, "This time, not only will you stay in the capital, but you’re also about to rise in rank."
Seeing Tuyue’s blank expression, Sanguanbao shook his head and smacked him on the head. "Grand Secretary Mingzhu has already submitted a memorial to the Emperor—he wants to promote you to Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel!"
The Ministry of Personnel was the most prestigious of the Six Ministries, overseeing official promotions, performance evaluations, and brimming with lucrative opportunities—not to mention frequent audiences with the Emperor. Even a seventh-rank position within it was highly coveted, fought over tooth and nail.
Aside from the Minister, the Vice Ministers were the true second-in-command, with the Left Vice Minister holding even greater authority than the Right.
Tuyue was stunned. Him? A Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel?
One had to understand—provincial and capital officials were ranked differently. Though the Left Vice Minister was only second-rank, it commanded more respect than even a first-rank governor in a remote region!
A promotion from Provincial Surveillance Commissioner to Left Vice Minister was an extraordinary leap—an absolute windfall beyond description.
Noticing Tuyue’s astonishment, Sanguanbao stroked his beard, pleased that his son grasped the situation quickly.
But before his pride could settle, Tuyue exclaimed cheerfully, "Ama, the Left Vice Minister is excellent! Though it means being away from home, staying in the capital means I can support our lady in the palace!"
Sanguanbao: "..."
Rolling up his sleeves, he unleashed a torrent of scolding. "Did you miss the first half of what I said?!"
Not daring to retort, Tuyue wiped his face miserably, then racked his brain—what was the first half?
Ah, Grand Secretary Mingzhu had submitted a memorial to the Emperor.
Considering Mingzhu’s position—Grand Secretary and Minister of Personnel...
This was like walking straight into a wolf’s den!
Tuyue’s smile vanished instantly.
Sanguanbao sighed again, his tone heavy with worry. "I was still drafting my own memorial when Mingzhu made his move first. Now the whole court will think our Guoluoluo clan is tying itself to the Nara clan..."
"Tying together?" Yunxiu took a sip of tea, her expression solemn. "Not necessarily. Has the Emperor approved Mingzhu’s memorial yet?"
Ruizhu replied softly, "Your Highness, it seems not."
Otherwise, Consort Hui would have already made a grand appearance at Yikun Palace.
Yunxiu gave a faint hum, resting her forehead on her hand and closing her eyes for a long moment without speaking.
Finally, she murmured, "A memorial placed in the Emperor’s study cannot be taken back. But since the matter isn’t settled, there must be a way to turn the tables..."
"I can’t rely on His Majesty’s mercy. What if he approves it? Who would I plead with then?" A cold glint flashed in Yunxiu’s peach-blossom eyes. "Doesn’t Suo Etu also want to win me over? Very well—I’ll give him what he wants."
