Hongshi arrived alone at the place where he was to meet with the Eighth Prince, only to find no one around. Hongshi waited for a long time before the Eighth Prince, who was hiding in the shadows, slowly appeared.

When the Fourth Prince announced in court that Hongli would perform the sacrificial ceremony in his place, the Eighth Prince immediately understood that Hongli was likely the future crown prince. At this crucial moment, Hongshi's initiative to contact him was far too conspicuous. Fearing danger, the Eighth Prince arrived at the secret meeting place early, but did not reveal himself until he was certain no one was following him. Fortunately, Hongshi neither noticed nor suspected anything, and the Eighth Prince finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Upon seeing the Eighth Prince approach, Hongshi immediately rushed forward and knelt before him, clasping his hands in a deep salute. This startled the Eighth Prince, who hurriedly tried to help Hongshi up, exclaiming, "Your Highness, what are you doing? I truly cannot accept this… Please rise quickly…"

Hongshi remained motionless, looking at Eighth Master and saying loudly, "Eighth Uncle, I have always held you in high esteem, and we are kindred spirits. I should have paid my respects to you long ago, but... no matter what, you must help me this time..."

Eighth Prince quickly understood what Hongshi was referring to, and said with a troubled expression, "Get up first, let's talk about it..." Hongshi then stood up. Eighth Prince patted the dust off Hongshi's legs and sighed, "You silly child, I know you're talking about Hongli going to the sacrificial ceremony on behalf of the Emperor, but I'm powerless to help you..."

Hongshi grabbed Eighth Master's hand and said anxiously, "Eighth Uncle, how could you say that..."

Eighth Prince shook his head regretfully, saying dejectedly, "The Emperor asked Hongli to preside over the late Emperor's sacrificial ceremony in his place. It's obvious..." Eighth Prince paused, afraid of upsetting Hongshi, but he couldn't help but say, "It's obvious that he intends to give the position of Crown Prince to Hongli..."

Upon hearing this, Hongshi trembled slightly and became unsteady. His expression was dazed and sorrowful as he said, "No...no...I can't accept it...My mother is the Empress, and I am the eldest son of my father. No matter what, the position of Crown Prince can only be mine!"

Eighth Master, fearing Hongshi might fall, reached out to help him, but Hongshi grabbed him tightly, so forcefully that Eighth Master's arm went numb: "Hongshi, you..."

Hongshi interrupted Eighth Master, seemingly on the verge of madness, saying, "Eighth Uncle, you must help me, you must help me..."

Eighth Prince pried Hongshi's hands off, turned his back, and said with difficulty, "You know that the Emperor has been wary of me ever since he ascended the throne. He usually only assigns me and your Ninth Uncle some insignificant tasks. My position in the Ministry of Works is just a title... How can I possibly help him?"

Hongshi ran to the opposite side of Eighth Master, his eyes wide with pleading, "No... Eighth Uncle, you have the ability, you must have a way, right?" Eighth Master sighed, "Even if your Eighth Uncle has the ability and skill, it's useless..."

Eighth Prince glanced tentatively at Hongshi and said with a bitter smile, "I am just a prince who lost the struggle for the throne. It is already a great fortune that the Emperor has spared me a place. No matter how much I struggle, I cannot change anything... I only hope to live a peaceful life. All the prosperity, wealth, power and status are gone..."

Hongshi was slightly taken aback, his eyes shining with hope. He grabbed Eighth Prince and pleaded expectantly, "No, Eighth Uncle, how could it be over? As long as you promise to help me with all your might, if I ascend the throne one day..." Eighth Prince was startled and turned to look at Hongshi. Hongshi said, word by word, "Eighth Uncle is the Imperial Uncle!"

Eighth Master's heart tightened, and he was somewhat tempted. He asked skeptically, "Are you telling the truth?"

Hongshi nodded and said, "Absolutely true, I will never go back on my word!"