Time passed day by day. Lanqin thought she had survived a calamity upon returning to the palace, but her heart was filled with endless worries. More than a month had passed since Lanqin resumed her position in the harem. The harem was peaceful, but the Fourth Prince's favor towards me, Lanqin, was even greater than before, and no one could match it for a time.

Every time Lanqin saw the Fourth Prince come to Changchun Palace, she was both happy and worried, always sensing that something big was about to happen.

Sure enough, one morning at court, the Fourth Prince, without any warning, officially announced that Hongli would take his place in offering sacrifices at the late emperor's mausoleum.

These words caused an uproar in the imperial court.

The ministers all showed expressions of surprise and began to whisper among themselves.

The Fourth Prince remained silent, staring expressionlessly at those below. Seeing that they were all silent, he was about to speak again when suddenly a person emerged from below and loudly proclaimed, "Your Majesty, I report!"

Everyone in the hall was taken aback. Who was so bold as to make such a loud neighing sound at this time and in this place?

Fourth Master looked down and asked, "Who was speaking just now?"

"Your subject, Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Justice"

The Fourth Prince frowned, then raised his head and said confidently, "This humble subject believes that the Fourth Prince is of noble character and possesses both talent and virtue, making him the most outstanding among all the princes." He paused and continued, "However, the sacrifice to the late Emperor is no small matter. Your Majesty, I urge Your Majesty to reconsider..."

Those around him nodded in agreement. The Fourth Prince's eyes darkened, and he was somewhat displeased. Li Wei then stepped forward with a smile, bowed to the Fourth Prince, and said, "This humble subject thinks that you are worrying too much. Since the Fourth Prince is so well-behaved, why can't he preside over the sacrificial ceremony in place of the Emperor?"

The wealthy man was speechless. He glanced at the Ulanara family members, and then the Thirteenth Prince stepped forward, saying, "Your Majesty, I agree with your opinion. When the late Emperor was alive, the Fourth Prince was allowed free access to the Qianqing Palace, which shows the late Emperor's special favor towards Hongli. Moreover, everyone has witnessed the Fourth Prince's abilities, so he is naturally qualified to preside over the sacrificial ceremony in place of Your Majesty..."

The Ulana family members were already mentally prepared. Although they appeared surprised, they exchanged glances and their expressions immediately became serious upon hearing what the Thirteenth Master said.

“Your Majesty…” A minister stepped forward and advised, “This humble subject does not agree with the Thirteenth Prince’s words. Since the founding of the Qing Dynasty, there has never been a prince who has represented the Emperor in a sacrificial ceremony. It is unreasonable both in terms of etiquette and law…” After speaking, he walked to the Vice Minister of Rites, bowed, and asked, “The Ministry of Rites should have clear records. Since these codes were established by the late Emperor, shouldn’t they be strictly followed during sacrificial ceremonies?”

The Vice Minister of Rites looked at the Fourth Prince with difficulty, clasped his hands in a bow, and said, "What you say is true, Your Excellency... but there are exceptions. The late Emperor's sacrificial rites were presided over by the Emperor himself, but His Highness the Crown Prince could also do it on his behalf..."

The words of the Vice Minister of Rites were like a bomb, instantly stirring up people's hearts. They looked at each other in bewilderment, and then began to discuss among themselves.

Since the matter had already been laid bare, the Ulanara clan members decided to grit their teeth and steel themselves, fixing their gazes on the Fourth Prince and clearing their throats. The eager regent, hearing this "signal," was the first to step forward and loudly proclaim, "Your Majesty, I have a matter to report!"

Upon hearing this, Yongzheng turned his face and stared at him: "What?"

For a moment he seemed a little timid, but since the words had already been spoken, there was no turning back. He had no choice but to step forward and kneel down below the throne: "Since the Ministry of Rites has already said that only His Majesty and His Highness the Crown Prince can offer sacrifices to the late Emperor, and the Fourth Prince, although a Beizi, is not the Crown Prince, would Your Majesty not reconsider?"