A family dinner ended with Concubine Dong fainting and the Fourth Prince being confined to his house.

However, it's not completely without effect—

First, everyone, including Emperor Qing, believed the fact that the Ninth Prince had truly lost his memory;

Second, Concubine Dong was still the most favored woman of Emperor Qing. For her, Emperor Qing directly punished the Fourth Prince severely.

Third, the master of the Qing Dynasty is Emperor Qing. Although the eldest prince is favored, he is just a prince. When facing the real master, he can't even protect his own brother!

Fourth, the Second Prince, seeing the First Prince lose face, was not elated, but rather sympathetic. Knowing the Emperor Qing's bottom line, he also became more restrained in his actions.

With the return of the Ninth Prince, subtle changes took place in the court.

The forces of the eldest prince and the second prince also entered into a delicate balance.

Emperor Qing was very satisfied and continued to promote the Ninth Prince.

After the family dinner, Emperor Qing suddenly realized that his sons had grown up and had their own plans.

The relationship between him and the other princes was not just that of father and son, but also that of ruler and subject, and even competitors.

He had wanted to push the Ninth Prince to the forefront in order to help the First and Second Princes share the firepower.

But later, Emperor Qing felt that the two forces still could not achieve the best balance, and a three-way balance of power would be the most stable.

The Ninth Prince is not only a target, but also a chess piece to balance the forces of the First Prince and the Second Prince.

With this understanding, Emperor Qing became more and more fond of Concubine Dong and her son.

Just like now, when Emperor Qing saw Gu Qingcheng dressed up and about to leave the palace, instead of stopping her, he encouraged her with a look on his face, "Why are you leaving the palace? You want to go to the Huo family again?"

When speaking, there was obvious teasing in Emperor Qing's tone.

He was like an ordinary loving elder who knew that his son was "young and naive" and had learned to do good things at a young age, and he was very happy to see it happen.

He even used it as a joke to have a joke with his own son.

"Um!"

Gu Qingcheng's eyes sparkled as she nodded obediently, "Wu Niang and I have an appointment to go horseback riding at Longshouyuan."

"Horse riding? The girl from the Huo family is a daughter of a general, and her riding skills are also very good. As for you, your riding skills are not bad, but your body is a little weak after all..."

Emperor Qing put aside his joking thoughts and said with concern, "How about Dad send you some more guards?"

My son is in poor health and has lost his memory.

It would be terrible if an accident happened while riding a horse!

"No need! Father, Wu Niang said that she is a good rider and has a good body, so she can protect me!"

Gu Qingcheng's face was full of trust, as if Huo Wuniang was the most important person to her in this world.

Emperor Qing nodded, "If that's the case, then go ahead!"

"Son, take your leave!"

Gu Qingcheng bowed slightly as a greeting.

Emperor Qing and Concubine Dong, who looked sick, watched their son leave.

After Gu Qingcheng's back disappeared, Emperor Qing said thoughtfully, "Dong Lang and the girl from the Huo family have a close relationship!"

Concubine Dong seemed not to understand the implication of Emperor Qing's words. She coughed lightly a few times and said in a sickly voice, "Huo Wuniang saved Dong Lang. I heard that the first person Dong Lang saw after he opened his eyes was Huo Wuniang."

"It's like a newborn baby. The one you see first is the one you trust the most."

"Besides, Huo Wuniang is also an excellent child. She comes from a good family, is talented and beautiful, and is also straightforward and generous."

Concubine Dong seemed very satisfied with the young noble lady Huo Wuniang.

"I'm afraid my body is failing. Although Donglang is favored by His Majesty, he still needs a woman."

At this point, Concubine Dong suddenly struggled out of Emperor Qing's arms and knelt on the bed with difficulty, "Your Majesty, I want to see Donglang get married before I die."

"I know that as a concubine, I cannot interfere in the prince's marriage, but I am Donglang's biological mother after all. I am really worried."

"Cough! Cough cough cough!"

As she spoke, Concubine Dong began to cough violently.

She hurriedly covered her mouth with a handkerchief and said, "Your Majesty! I have overstepped my bounds. I only beg Your Majesty to grant me your permission, considering my dying heart."

After saying this, Concubine Dong buried her head in the quilt and hid the handkerchief.

Emperor Qing saw all her little movements.

After a long while, he finally sighed, "You just think too much!"

"Although your body is a little weak, it hasn't reached that stage yet."

"Don't worry, I have already instructed the Imperial Hospital to cure your illness at all costs."

He only told Concubine Dong to rest assured, but did not give in.

Concubine Dong continued to kneel and begged, "Your Majesty, please, just agree to my request."

She raised her head slightly, revealing her beautiful yet fragile profile.

Emperor Qing looked at her, a little dazed for a moment.

More than twenty years ago, Concubine Dong had just entered the palace to be the princess's tutor. The little girl, twelve or thirteen years old, was tender and lively, like a flower blooming in the deep palace.

So beautiful, so heart-warming.

Stop! Stop!

After all, she was the woman he had doted on for more than ten years, so Dong was well-behaved and obedient.

He is about to die and has only this one wish, which is understandable.

Emperor Qing still has feelings for Concubine Dong. Seeing her like this, his cold and hard heart softens a little.

Of course, the most important thing is that Emperor Qing has decided to promote the Ninth Prince.

However, the Ninth Prince's mother's family was too humble, and relying solely on "imperial favor" could not compete with the First and Second Princes.

The Huo family has a border army of 200,000, and several of the father and son are brave and skilled generals.

My dear, there is more to this chapter. Please click on the next page to continue reading. It will be even more exciting later!