The soft sunlight slanted across the evergreen branches of the pines and cypresses, making the entire Forbidden City appear so quiet and solemn.

On his way back to the palace from the Jingzhao Yin's residence, the Fourth Prince lifted the curtain of his carriage and looked outside. Sunlight spilled onto the red bricks and green tiles, the eaves that jutted out abruptly, the shop signs and flags that hung high, the carriages and horses coming and going, and the endless stream of pedestrians—all of these reflected the contentment of the people under his rule.

After being released from prison, he had been thinking about how to deal with the Duke of Yingguo, the Eighth Prince, and Hongshi. They were all in cahoots, and taking action against any of them would have far-reaching consequences, affecting both the court and the harem. There were more than just a few people involved with them, and if they were all dealt with, there would surely be bloodshed. Now that he saw the people living in peace and prosperity, the Emperor knew he couldn't be soft-hearted. He had to give the people of the world a sense of stability.

The Fourth Prince, feeling tired in the carriage, wanted to rest. He lifted the curtain and said to the guards outside, "Go to Changchun Palace."

After returning to the palace, the Fourth Prince went to Lanqin's place in Changchun Palace.

Lanqin had already received a report from the guards that the Emperor was coming. She was very happy because the Emperor had been busy with state affairs these days, and they hadn't seen each other for a long time.

Lanqin personally went to the palace gate to greet the Fourth Prince. Seeing his exhausted appearance, she didn't ask many questions. Years of companionship had taught her that if the Fourth Prince wanted her to know, he would tell her on his own. Lanqin felt sorry for the Fourth Prince and decided to personally brew tea for him and then personally comb his hair. The Fourth Prince could only rest with Lanqin. To cheer him up, Lanqin brought up the matter of Wuxiha's son.

Lanqin placed her hand on the Fourth Prince's head and said, "Your Majesty, Wuxiha's youngest son came to my palace with his mother a few days ago. The boy is chubby and fair-skinned, and can already walk a few steps with some difficulty. I heard that he often wanders off when his wet nurse isn't looking. His round face looks like a little steamed bun, and it's covered with bruises from falls. But he's like his father; he doesn't cry even when he falls." Seeing that the Emperor's face wasn't so serious anymore, Lanqin continued, "In the blink of an eye, that child is already three months old. I still remember what he looked like when he was born, so small and soft, held in his mother's arms. When children are young, they only want their parents, but as they grow up, they forget their parents."

Lanqin's words reminded the Fourth Prince of Hongshi. When Hongshi was young, before he was the emperor, although he rarely got close to his mother because he didn't like her, they did have times when they were father and son. However, as their statuses changed, the bond between them faded.

“Yes! Children are given high hopes by their parents from a young age, who expect them to grow up and shoulder the family’s honor, but they also don’t want them to grow up and are afraid that they will leave them.” Fourth Master seemed to be talking to Lanqin, but also to himself.

The Fourth Prince really wants to see Hongshi, but he's afraid that after seeing him, he won't be able to bring himself to be ruthless. For the sake of the Aisin Gioro dynasty, the Fourth Prince has no choice but to put aside his father-son relationship.

Lanqin hugged the Fourth Prince from behind and whispered in his ear, "Your Majesty, Hongli will not leave you, he will not let you down, and I will always be with you."

The Fourth Prince held Lanqin's hand and said, "I know, I will definitely give you and Hongli a peaceful world."