But even if they diluted the wine, Hongli would likely get very drunk if they kept pouring it for him like this. The Consort Xi had specifically instructed her to take good care of Hongli.

Hongzhou watched with growing anxiety, trying several times to pull Hongli aside to speak, but was pushed away each time. Hongshi even took the lead in questioning Hongzhou with dissatisfaction: "Fifth brother, everyone is happy tonight, why are you stopping us like this? Don't you want your fourth brother to be happy?"

Hongzhou's brothers, their faces flushed and swaying, knew they were all drunk and nothing he said would make a difference. So he explained, "Hongli's wedding should be a grand affair, but Hongli is already unconscious. How about we get together another day?"

Hongshi glanced at Hongzhou with displeasure, then turned to Hongli and asked, "Fourth brother, fifth brother has been very caring towards you. It seems I was wrong tonight..."

Hongli's head was throbbing, and he could no longer hear what others were saying. He only vaguely heard who was wrong, so he waved his hand and shouted with red eyes, "No...no...It is my honor to have all my brothers celebrate my joyous day. Come...let's continue drinking..." As he spoke, he looked around for a wine cup and clamored for a drink...

Hongzhou shook his head helplessly, but still rushed forward, snatched Hongli's wine cup, and drank it all in one gulp.

Everyone stared at Hongzhou in silence. Hongshi felt a surge of anger rising within him. With a sly smile, he continued to refill Hongzhou's glass, taunting, "Good drinking capacity! Fifth Brother is going to join us in the fun... Come on... let's all toast Fifth Brother..." As soon as Hongshi finished speaking, everyone began to toast Hongzhou.

Hongzhou drank five or six cups of strong liquor in a row, and felt a burning pain from his throat to his stomach. But Hongshi seemed not to be satisfied and urged everyone to get Hongzhou drunk.

In the main courtyard's bridal chamber, Mingyu's back and legs ached from sitting so long, but Hongli didn't arrive. Growing increasingly anxious, she summoned a maid and asked her to inquire at the front courtyard. The maid found the front courtyard brightly lit, with people constantly urging each other to drink, seemingly enjoying themselves. The maid dared not open the door to disturb them, listened for a while, and then hurriedly returned to report.

The maidservant said to Mingyu, "Princess, the Prince is still finding guests; it's uncertain whether he'll arrive anytime soon..." Hearing this, Mingyu finally felt relieved and murmured to herself, "Thank goodness he didn't go to the concubine's place..." The maidservant smiled and comforted her, "Princess, don't worry, the Prince will definitely come to you first..."

"I hope so..."

Xueying in the East Courtyard patiently waited for Hongli, estimating that the banquet was almost over. She was very worried that Hongli would go directly to the primary wife's room, so she sent a maid to inquire. Upon learning that Hongli was still at the banquet, she immediately breathed a sigh of relief.

At this moment, Hongzhou, thoroughly drunk by everyone, saw Hongli slumped on the table beside him. Taking advantage of his still-sane state, Hongzhou excused himself to get some fresh air. He secretly summoned a maid and asked her to go inside and call Hongli to the bridal chamber. Hongzhou returned to the room shortly after, and the maid came to ask Hongli to return. Hongli was reluctant to leave, so Hongzhou helped him up and said to everyone, "Don't keep the bride waiting. If we delay Hongli's wedding night, none of us can bear the consequences..."

Seeing Hongzhou's attitude, everyone had no choice but to give up. Hongshi also reluctantly let go, and then the maids helped Hongli leave. Hongzhou staggered back to his room, but before he even reached the door, he vomited violently...

"Hongli, you better remember this favor..."