After Lanqin finished speaking in Gengshi's Xianfu Palace, she returned to Changchun Palace. Lanqin just wanted to put Gengshi's mind at ease.

From the day Lady Geng accompanied Hongzhou to the palace to pay her respects, Lanqin knew why Lady Geng had come, and how could Lanqin not know the worries in Lady Geng's heart? Although Hongzhou had never been raised by Lanqin, Lanqin's concern for Hongzhou was no less than that for Hongli.

Lanqin only wanted to reassure Madam Geng that Hongli would not harm Hongzhou in the future, since Hongli had sworn an oath before her to protect Hongzhou for the rest of his life.

Meanwhile, Lanqin and Gengshi were drinking in Chonghua Palace, having just discussed Hongli and Hongzhou.

Seeing that Hongli and Hongzhou were drinking heartily, Mingyu and Wukuzha felt it would be inappropriate for them to stay there, as they might offend the two brothers. So they invited the two brothers to stay and drink, while Mingyu took Wukuzha to her palace to see the beautifully dressed princess.

Watching Mingyu and Wukuzha's departing figures, Hongzhou chuckled and teased, "Fourth Brother, aren't you afraid that some of the senior officials in the court will remonstrate with you after all this drinking and feasting every day?"

Having been handling government affairs with Hongli these past few days, Hongzhou knew all too well that what gave Hongli the most headaches were those senior officials who relied on their age and status. So Hongzhou couldn't help but tease Hongli in this way.

Upon hearing Hongzhou's words, Hongli smiled and shook his head, then glared at Hongzhou as if he were angry, pursed his lips, and waved his hand, saying, "It's not too much to drink and feast every day during this New Year's festival, it's not too much."

"Don't be bound by formalities. Today, let's have a good time and drink until we're completely drunk," Hongli said, patting Hongzhou on the shoulder.

“Then I, your humble servant, will respectfully comply.” Hongzhou picked up the wine pot, filled the wine cup, and then raised the cup to offer wine to Hongli.

Seeing Hongli in this state, Hongzhou also wanted to get drunk. After all, he had too many pent-up feelings in his heart, so many that he didn't know what to do. Hongzhou truly didn't know how to dispel the pent-up feelings in his heart.

Who sent the letter? How much of what's in the letter is true or false?

But who sent Qiu Yun? What exactly is Qiu Yun's purpose?

Am I really the son of the Empress Dowager?

in the end……

Before they knew it, Hongzhou and Hongli had drunk quite a bit. Hongzhou, who wasn't very good at drinking, started talking nonsense. With his face red and his eyes still sleepy, he shook his head and said to Hongli, "Fourth Brother, let me tell you a big joke."

"What is it?" Hongli asked with a smile, looking at Hongzhou, whose face was full of drunkenness.

“Someone said I am the son of the Empress Dowager, and you and I are twins.”

Although Hongzhou's words were rather vague, they struck Hongli's mind like a thunderbolt. Hongli, who was still somewhat drunk, was shocked and stared at Hongzhou in astonishment upon hearing them.

Seeing that Hongli remained silent, perhaps frightened by what he had just said, as it was too bizarre, Hongzhou pursed his lips and continued, "How could I possibly be the son of the Empress Dowager? It's a pity I haven't been able to find out who's behind this."

As soon as he finished speaking, the wine cup in Hongli's hand fell to the ground. Hongli shook Hongzhou and called out, "Hongzhou, Hongzhou..."

However, Hongzhou did not react. Seeing that Hongzhou was drunk, Hongli had someone help Hongzhou back to Xianfu Palace.

Then Hongli immediately went to Changchun Palace.

I must tell Father Emperor and Mother Emperor about this. Wasn't a gag order issued? Why did Hongzhou find out?