The First Princess Consort took a few steps back in alarm, scrutinizing her husband closely.

After decades of marriage, no one understood Prince Zhi better than his first wife.

It was precisely because even if Prince Zhi changed his appearance, the First Princess Consort would still recognize him that she felt terrified. Prince Zhi was speaking the truth; he had genuinely found enjoyment in reading Buddhist scriptures.

“The mountains are austere, and the Buddhist temples are austere. You only brought two or three attendants with you, and you still have to take care of Hongyu yourself. It is too hard for you. Why don’t you go home? You have been staying for five days now. Buddha must have seen your sincerity. There is a small Buddhist shrine in the mansion. You can chant sutras here.”

The First Princess Consort earnestly advised the Prince Zhi, fearing that the next time he came, he would see a bald monk.

It's not like the Aisin Gioro family didn't have ancestors who suddenly became monks; wasn't the late emperor one of them?

Prince Zhi disagreed, saying, "I've spent so much money on Bao'en Temple, how could it be that it's poor? Apart from not being able to drink alcohol or eat meat, it's perfect in every way. Especially the vegetarian food at the temple, it's absolutely superb. Look at Hongyu, hasn't he gotten fatter?"

Hongyu stumbled out of the back room. The threshold wasn't high, but he was only three years old, and his short legs made it difficult for him to step over it.

He was all alone, huffing and puffing as he struggled to climb over the door frame.

The First Princess couldn't help but take a step forward, wanting to expose her son.

Back in the Prince's residence, Hongyu was carried by his maids every few steps; he never had to be in such a sorry state.

The First Princess Consort gave Prince Zhi a reproachful look. Prince Zhi grabbed her sleeve, pulling her so hard she stumbled and almost fell.

"Master, let go, I need to go and hug Hongyu." The First Princess Consort tugged at her sleeve, but she couldn't budge it.

“Let him do it himself. The Crown Prince’s son has been walking on his own since he was a child. How could our son be any more pampered? With the Crown Prince’s fondness for luxury and indulgence, would he let his son suffer for nothing if there weren’t benefits?” Prince Zhi said confidently.

During the standoff, Hongyu finally stepped across the threshold. He was panting and wiped his sweaty face with his sleeve.

"Mother, will you come and live with Father and me?" Hongyu's little face was flushed, and he was full of energy.

The First Princess shook off her loosened sleeve, stepped forward with heartache, took Hongyu's hand, and led him slowly step by step.

"Mother must stay in the manor," the First Princess said softly.

Hongyu was not disappointed. He took short steps and bumped into Prince Zhi's arms, giggling.

"Then Father and I will go back early so that Mother won't be lonely." Hongyu's childish words were full of consideration.

Prince Zhi stood up and tossed Hongyu into the air several times.

"Don't worry, my lady, I won't become a monk. Once those people outside stop making a fuss and stop watching me, they'll naturally move back. They're all dreaming of pushing me out to oppose the Crown Prince!" Prince Zhi sneered.

The First Princess Consort's brows relaxed. The Prince Zhi's words had truly struck a chord with her. She was also annoyed by those people who disturbed her family's peace and quiet.

Seeing that Hongyu and Prince Zhi were getting along well, and that the little guy was chubby and healthy, and that the father and son were not at odds with each other, she stopped worrying.

"Then I'll do as you say, sir. Anyway, I'm just a woman. If you're not in the manor, I'll close the door to all visitors," said the First Princess Consort.

“That’s right. If they make a big fuss, you should hide in the palace and stay in your mother’s palace.” Prince Zhi offered a terrible suggestion.

The smile on the First Princess Consort's face froze for a moment.

“I can handle it, there’s no need to trouble Mother,” said the First Princess Consort.