After the banquet ended, Fourth Master kept Thirteenth Master behind, while the rest went home.

Fourth Master had Su Peisheng change the table of food and wine, warmed up a pot of good wine, and pulled Thirteenth Master to sit down. Thirteenth Master laughed and said, "Fourth Brother, why are you in such high spirits? You just put down your wine cup and you want to continue..."

The Fourth Prince let out a sigh of relief and nodded. Su Peisheng poured wine for both the Fourth Prince and the Thirteenth Prince. The Fourth Prince picked up his wine cup and said to the Thirteenth Prince, "I know you haven't touched your food yet, so I've prepared some of your favorite dishes for you to enjoy later..."

Thirteenth Prince looked at the dishes and, sure enough, they were all his favorites. He was slightly touched and took the wine cup from Fourth Prince, saying, "Fourth Brother, you are so kind. I will gladly accept your offer!"

After a few drinks, the Fourth Prince finally revealed his sorrow. Shaking his head, he sighed, "You've been away from the capital for so long, and so many things have happened during that time. It pains me deeply!"

The Thirteenth Prince knew that the Fourth Prince was referring to Hongshi's disaster relief efforts. Although he didn't know the whole story, he was shocked to hear that Hongshi had colluded with the Eighth Prince, the Empress, and the Duke of Ying to create the disaster. The mere fact that he had colluded with the Eighth Prince was enough to enrage the Fourth Prince, but he had also deliberately caused a drought. Such a devastating act against the people was utterly absurd for a prince.

The Fourth Prince said, "Hongshi has confessed. He admitted that he secretly communicated with the Eighth Prince and discussed politics. The Duke of Yingguo also played a lot of tricks in this, and the Empress..." The Fourth Prince suppressed his anger, but couldn't say the words. He just shook his head in disappointment, picked up his wine cup and drank it all in one gulp.

Thirteenth Prince said worriedly, "Fourth Brother, slow down!"

The Fourth Prince gave a bitter smile and said, "At the banquet earlier, I refrained from losing my temper out of consideration for the royal family's reputation. Now that there are no outsiders present, I can only tell you these things. I am truly heartbroken. Hongshi is my son, and I never imagined he would do such a treasonous thing..."

Thirteenth Master pushed his wine glass away, gesturing for Su Peisheng to take it down. He then served some food to Fourth Master and advised, "Fourth Brother, don't be too upset. Although Hongshi is somewhat greedy, he's not a bad person at heart. Unfortunately, he's surrounded by people who crave power and wealth, and they'll influence Hongshi sooner or later."

The Fourth Prince felt somewhat better, after all, Hongshi was his own flesh and blood, and he didn't believe Hongshi would have so many ulterior motives. He patted the Thirteenth Prince's shoulder with satisfaction and smiled, "What do you think I should do with Hongshi and the Eighth Prince?"

The Thirteenth Prince was startled and respectfully said, "Fourth Brother, I dare not presume to discuss state affairs!" The Fourth Prince said dismissively, "This is not state affairs, but rather my family matter. You are also my family member, so speak freely!"

The Thirteenth Prince thought for a moment and said, "The Eighth Prince has always harbored ill intentions toward the throne. I imagine he has never given up since the Fourth Prince ascended the throne. The Fourth Prince has been patient enough. I think it's time to make him give up this idea!" The Thirteenth Prince has always been decisive and does not like to drag things out. Unlike the Fourth Prince, he is not as thorough and meticulous in his considerations. Based on his strong sense of right and wrong, he has long been dissatisfied with the Eighth Prince's behavior.

But when it came to Hongshi, the Thirteenth Prince hesitated.

The Thirteenth Prince glanced at the Fourth Prince's expression and said softly, "Regarding Hongshi's matter, I think Fourth Brother doesn't need to worry. This may be the best opportunity to remove all obstacles for the future Crown Prince..." The Fourth Prince was taken aback, met the Thirteenth Prince's gaze, and immediately understood what the Thirteenth Prince meant.