The Prince Yong, who was hated by everyone, was playing chess with the Crown Prince at this moment, showing off his prowess. The two were evenly matched. The old imperial physician Peng took the Crown Prince's pulse and moved a stool over to sit down and watch the game.

When Liang Yunsi met the Empress Dowager, he saw this peaceful New Year's Eve scene and smiled slightly. Compared to the capital, Guanzhou was like paradise. He didn't disturb her, but simply bowed from a distance before leaving. He didn't have much time. After seeing the Empress Dowager, he wanted to go see Consort Hao. The Emperor hadn't emphasized that he should deliver the imperial decree to the Crown Prince. Seeing that the Crown Prince was still smiling and playing chess with Prince Yong, he felt much more at ease.

He was also biased; among all the princes, he favored the crown prince. He watched the crown prince grow up, and to put it bluntly, he treated the crown prince like his own son.

After catching a glimpse of Liang Yunsi leaving, the Crown Prince breathed a sigh of relief. His leg injury had not yet healed, and his future was uncertain. He did not want to receive too much attention, especially in front of his father. It would be best to remain invisible.

However, Liang Yunsi did not bring a letter from his mother, which greatly disappointed him. He knew without asking that his mother must be going through a very difficult time.

The days when youth was carefree and one could feign sorrow to compose new poems are long gone. Zhao Yi, who always thought the best of everything, is long gone. Now, he is used to preparing for the worst in everything. Although he no longer has the concept of "it's my fortune if I gain it and my fate if I lose it," he has developed towards a state of indifference to external gains or losses.

A more powerful prince is quietly growing up, while those men, whose hearts are already as hard as steel and who have weathered many storms, are gathering together to discuss where it would be appropriate to kill someone today.

Huo Baichuan brought a pot of sake to Wei Tingsi's side and put it down. "You don't mind if I stay up with you to celebrate the New Year, do you?" He was clearly sympathetic to Wei Tingsi, who was all alone and had no one to take care of him, and wanted to do something for him. However, the words he spoke were extremely arrogant and lacked any warmth.

Wei Tingsi glanced at the wine pot and said, "I mind."

As expected, Huo Baichuan knew from the start that Wei Tingsi was a cold and aloof person who didn't need anyone's sympathy. He wasn't angry at being rejected, and opened the wine pot. "Want a drink?"

"Thank you, but I don't drink alcohol. If Brother Huo doesn't mind, I'll offer you a cup of tea instead." Wei Tingsi moved the teapot over, pretending to pour tea. He was going to the imperial palace later, so how could he drink alcohol?