Seeing that Consort Nian was so anxious, Nian Gengyao pulled her to sit down and said with a carefree smile, "Have you heard that the Emperor has blamed me or is angry?"

Consort Nian turned around and muttered, "No..."

“That’s good then. The Emperor is testing me, and I’m testing the Emperor. I’m seeing if the Emperor is truly grateful to the Nian family. The Emperor has just ascended the throne and still can’t do without the Nian family. What do these small favors matter now? The future is what matters…” Nian Gengyao said smugly.

Consort Nian was puzzled. She glanced at Cuiling, signaling her to go outside and keep watch, while she turned to Nian Gengyao and asked, "Brother, what are you thinking about again? Just because the Emperor isn't angry now doesn't mean he hasn't taken it to heart. I'm afraid..."

Nian Gengyao interrupted Consort Nian, stood up, and smiled confidently, "My silly sister, while the Emperor still has faith in us, you shouldn't be thinking about how to behave yourself, but rather how to win the Emperor's favor and help Hongfu ascend to the position of Crown Prince as soon as possible..."

Consort Nian trembled with fright, covered her mouth, and whispered, "The position of Crown Prince?"

Nian Gengyao turned around, placed his hands on Consort Nian's shoulders, and said coldly, his gaze sharp as a sword, "Yes, I want the Emperor to make your son Hongfu the Crown Prince. In the future, I will be the Emperor's brother-in-law, and you will be the Empress Dowager..."

"This is outrageous! Your Majesty, how can you tolerate Nian Gengyao's behavior like this? Do you know that now the streets and alleys are filled with children's songs about Nian Gengyao's favor, saying that he is the Great General Protector of the Nation..." After learning about what happened when Nian Gengyao entered the palace, the Thirteenth Prince couldn't help but go to the Hall of Mental Cultivation to speak to the Fourth Prince.

Fourth Master closed his eyes to rest, stroking a sandalwood bracelet in his hand, remaining silent despite Thirteenth Master's rambling for a long time.

The Thirteenth Prince shoved the Fourth Prince, his tone urgent: "Your Majesty! Say something! I think Nian Gengyao is being indulged by you. What kind of subject enters the palace without dismounting? Before, when Your Majesty was a prince, it was understandable that Nian Gengyao treated you casually, but now that there is a difference between the emperor and his subject, his behavior is simply too arrogant."

The Fourth Prince finally opened his eyes, but his hands didn't stop moving. He said helplessly, "I just calmed Ortai down, and now you're arguing with me again. Nian Gengyao still has great uses; now is not the time to deal with him..."

The Thirteenth Prince sighed and said anxiously, "Brother, if you continue to indulge and protect him like this, we won't be able to deal with him when the time comes. Besides, he's now setting his sights on the Ministry of War, which shows how greedy he is. He's definitely not someone who can be easily manipulated..."

Fourth Master's brows furrowed, and with a sudden exertion of force, all the sandalwood beads scattered and rolled everywhere.

Seeing this, the Thirteenth Prince casually picked up a few beads that had rolled to his feet and placed them on the table. His tone was not as urgent as before, but rather seemed to be earnestly advising him: "Brother, I advise you to pay more attention to Nian Gengyao and restrain him as soon as possible. He is definitely a threat!"

“I know what I’m doing. The people in the previous dynasty are not at peace right now. Although the various factions have temporarily calmed down, they are still uneasy. Although Nian Gengyao is arrogant and conceited, he is the only one who can help me establish my authority. He also made contributions when I ascended the throne. Now is not the best time to deal with him. So I can only endure it…” The Fourth Prince answered frankly, suppressing his anger.

When the thirteenth prince heard the fourth prince say this, he had no choice but to shut up and not mention it again.