On the day of the sacrifice, everything was prepared. The Ministry of Rites' ritual implements and personnel went to Jingling first. Just as Hongli was about to set off, Su Peisheng came to the Prince's Residence and brought him to Yangxin Hall. Hongli thought that the Fourth Prince was going to instruct him on matters concerning the sacrifice, so he entered excitedly, only to find the hall empty and deserted.

After Su Peisheng bowed respectfully to the Fourth Prince, the Fourth Prince nodded slightly, and Su Peisheng withdrew, closing the door behind him. Hongli was somewhat puzzled, but the Fourth Prince smiled and beckoned to him. Hongli obediently approached, knelt, and bowed, saying, "Your son greets Father Emperor!"

The Fourth Prince gestured for Hongli to stand up, then sat down very close to him, smiling warmly as he asked casually, "Is everything ready?"

Hongli nodded seriously and said confidently, "The Ministry of Rites has already told me about the procedures and etiquette for the sacrifice. Although I am nervous, I will never let Father Emperor down..." The Fourth Prince laughed heartily, then stared into Hongli's eyes and asked with satisfaction, "Do you know why I asked you to substitute for me in this sacrifice?"

Hongli was taken aback. After thinking for a while, he honestly said, "I was favored by my grandfather when he was alive. My father wanted to show his filial piety, so he asked me to perform the sacrifice in his place..." The Fourth Prince remained calm and composed, and asked directly, "Is that all?"

Hongli was greatly alarmed, rose and knelt down, sweat beading on his forehead, and said, "Your son dares not think further..."

The Fourth Prince chuckled softly, stood up, and personally helped Hongli up, saying with a smile, "Didn't your mother tell you anything else?"

Hongli lowered his head and said, "Mother only told me to do my job well and obey Father's orders. She has never told me anything else..."

The Fourth Prince patted Hongli on the shoulder and said slowly and softly, "I want to tell you a secret!"

Hongli looked up, and the Fourth Prince smiled gently, as if recalling the past, and slowly said, "The late Emperor always loved you the most, and told me long ago that you were a talent for governing the country..."

Hongli was startled and felt a little flustered, but the Fourth Prince seemed not to give Hongli a chance to speak, and continued: "I have reminded you more than once to cultivate you well... At that time you were still young, and I thought everything was still early..." After speaking, the Fourth Prince came back to his senses and looked at Hongli.

After listening to the Fourth Prince's words, Hongli suddenly recalled the times he had spent with Kangxi. Upon reflection, he realized that Hongli was indeed quite different from the other princes in Kangxi's heart. In particular, Kangxi had requested that Hongli stay by his side before he passed away. Thinking of this, Hongli was deeply moved, and his eyes reddened, almost bringing tears to his eyes.

Hongli twitched his nostrils, fighting back tears. The Fourth Prince comforted him, saying, "The late Emperor's judgment was correct..."

Hongli lowered his head even further, bowing timidly as he replied, "Father, I will definitely study even harder and live up to your expectations..."

The Fourth Prince's smile deepened. He took a few steps and asked, "Are you aware that the previous dynasty has been arguing endlessly about who should be the Crown Prince?"

Hongli was puzzled, but calmly said, "I have heard of it..."

The Fourth Prince turned to look at Hongli and smiled, "Aren't you curious about my plans?" Hongli's heart tightened, and he quickly said, "Father, you are in your prime, and the Qing Dynasty is enjoying long-lasting peace. Isn't it too early to establish a crown prince at this time? I think Father doesn't need to be angry with them..."

The Fourth Prince laughed, "You've thought of everything!" Then, his tone turned serious, "But I already have someone in mind..." Hongli was taken aback and looked at the Fourth Prince.

"I believe... you are the most suitable candidate for the position of Crown Prince in my heart..."

Hongli was shocked and knelt down, stammering, "Father, your son..." The Fourth Prince interrupted Hongli, pulled him up, and said earnestly, "My mind is made up, but don't tell anyone about this..."