The Hall of Supreme Harmony is shaken by thunder and illuminated by lightning at the stormy night. A eunuch stays beside the throne and government officials kneel in the hall. Our emperor stands erectly behind his ministers with a rosary rotated in the hand. At the same time, the crown prince is cheating with his father’s concubine.

The emperor moves slowly to his throne and asked with a serious tone, “Where are my crown prince and fourth son.” Crown Prince Yinreng is running to the Hall after finishing intercourse. And the forth son Yinzhen is checking accounts in Hu Bu. Yinreng arrives the Hall of Supreme Harmony and is called by the Emperor Kangxi. He answers,“I am here.”

Kangxi enquires, “You are the prince, tell me what should be done?”

Yinreng answers tremblingly, “I think we should provide relief and build the embankment.

Kangxi looks back and asks, “How?”

Yinreng is frightened and says, “I… My royal father is wise and must have perfect

prescriptions.”

Kangxi says with an angry face, “Yes. But now, I am asking your ideas.”

Yinreng just looks down and keeps silent.

The ninth son and tenth son smile at each other. They are laughing at Yinreng.

After a while, the Emperor is seated and his ministers stands at two sides of the space before him. The eighth son Yinsi says, “ I have something to say.” Kangxi agrees.

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He leaves the company and kneels.

Yinsi says, “The Huanghe River has flooded for thousands years. The people suffered from it in every dynasty and even in every generation. But my royal father strived to control floods since your ascending. This disaster was averted for more than thirty years. No one who contributed more than you can be found in history. The flood this time is completely natural rather than man-made. There is no need to be guilty.

The thirteenth son Yinxiang refutes his opinion. He gives an example happening in 1704, three years ago.

Yinsi explains, “It is exactly what I will talk. In 1704, local officials greatly exaggerated the impact of the disaster to get more relief. As a result, the fact was totally different from the reports. Thus I affirm that they also exaggerated this time.”

The tenth son Yine cheers, “eighth brother is right.”

Yinsi continues, “I think the urgent affairs are food and money. Firstly, we should order the provincial governors in adjoining prince to supply disaster area with food. Secondly, order Hu Bu to assign money to repair the riverbank.

The thunder bellows much loudlier and the fourth son Yinzhen comes with a word, “I have things to report.” He throws his cloak to an attendant and kneels.

Kangxi asks, “why are you so late?”

Yinzhen explains, “I was being Hu Bu to check the food and money we really possess.”

Yine says righteously, “Hu Bu is managed by the eighth brother by royal decree. The fourth brother should not meddle.”

Kangxi says, “Yinzhen, how do think the tenth’s words?”

Yinzhen answers, “Yes, Hu Bu is managed by the eighth brother. But you have told me that I should concern about affairs of state and give advice to you and the crown prince timely.”

Kangxi accepts his explanation and says, “All right, tell us your result.”