Hongxi originally thought that Kangxi would only stay for one day and then go back, but unexpectedly the old man stayed and played with them at the Imperial Estate.

The old man didn't like going hiking, which was physically demanding, but seeing his grandsons running around so energetically, he came up with a wicked idea.

With a single imperial decree, all grandchildren aged three and above came to the imperial estate to compete in archery.

Therefore, Hongsheng from the Hengjun Prince's family and Hongli, who had been sent to the estate, were brought over.

Because of his weak health, Hongsheng rarely played with his brothers, and everyone accepted his special condition.

However, Hongli's appearance caught Hongxi's attention.

For no other reason than that this boy has been sent to the manor for so long, yet his little face still looks cheerful, and the gloom in his eyes has disappeared, replaced by the innocence that comes with his age.

Hongxi frowned. Had this kid's soul been switched back again?

He pondered this question and became even more cautious in his dealings with others.

Emperor Kangxi set up a huge tent where he and the Crown Prince sat drinking tea and watching the excitement, while Yinzhen was responsible for directing the contestants outside.

It was called a competition, but the children were quite far apart in age, so it was just a disguised check of their archery and horsemanship skills.

Hongyu's archery skills are undoubtedly excellent; with Yinti's frequent guidance and reminders, his arrows never miss.

Hongxi's archery skills were mediocre, mainly because since his rebirth, his personal focus had been on maintaining the relationship between his father and grandfather. As for his academic and martial arts studies, he was content as long as he met the standards, without any ambition. As a result, he only managed to hit nine out of ten shots, with one missing the mark.

Hongsheng's martial arts skills were excellent; he easily hit the target with all ten arrows, which drew repeated praises from Emperor Kangxi.

Hongshi was terrible at archery; his hands were already trembling before the competition even started. Seeing his three older brothers doing so well, he became nervous and only managed to hit the target with one out of ten arrows, while the rest flew out of bounds, which made Kangxi's face darken.

Hongsheng was physically weak, and his martial arts lessons weren't as intense as those of the other princes; the main focus was on physical exercise. So, the boy was quite relaxed, and after a few practice shots, he hit the target five times.

Although his grades weren't good, his foundation was really weak, so this achievement actually made Emperor Kangxi quite happy.

When it was Hongli's turn, the little boy took a specially made bow and arrow and aimed and shot with great skill. No one had any hope for him, but he hit the target with eight arrows, which drew applause and cheers from everyone. Kangxi even ordered someone to bring him to him for questioning.

The three-year-old showed no sign of unfamiliarity or timidity upon seeing Emperor Kangxi. When led to Kangxi, he proactively stretched out his hands and said in a childish voice, "Grandpa, your grandson missed you so much."

Kangxi was taken aback by these words, then hugged him tightly. "It's Hongli from the fourth prince's family. You have such a sweet tongue. Did your father teach you that?"

Hongli, who had just been all smiles, immediately pouted and his eyes filled with tears upon hearing these words.

Emperor Kangxi was stunned by what he saw; he simply couldn't understand how a three-year-old child could have such a wide range of expressions.

"What's wrong with Hongli? Did your father bully you?"

Hongli glanced timidly at the dejected Hongshi, then said with a pitiful expression, "Because I couldn't play with my brother, Father sent his grandson to the estate in a fit of anger."

Kangxi was taken aback, and then he remembered the incident when Hongshi was startled while riding his horse. At that time, he knew that something had happened in the backyard of the fourth prince's family, and he also knew that it was the work of the boy in front of him.

But now, hearing Hongli distort the truth in front of her, she looked very embarrassed and her affection for him diminished considerably.

As he put him down, he said, "Your father had few children to begin with, so there must be a reason why he treats you this way."

Hongli's moist eyes darted around, and he said with a sense of desolation, "In the manor, I have an older brother and a younger brother. In addition, Father is usually very busy, and sometimes I don't see Father for more than a month. So I tried everything I could to get Father's attention, but perhaps I used the wrong methods, so it backfired."

When Emperor Kangxi heard Hongli, who was only three years old, say these words, he was secretly amazed. Even if this boy really had some tricks up his sleeve and some cunning, he would not be underestimated in the future.

You should know that Hongshi was three years older than him, but his mind was almost ten years younger.

Thinking about it this way, Kangxi had some different ideas about the boy. "I will send you back to your residence later. You don't need to go to the estate anymore."

Hongli's eyes immediately sparkled. "Grandson is so happy to see his father again. Thank you, Grandfather."

Seeing Hongli's behavior, Yinreng subconsciously looked at Hongxi, only to see the other staring intently at Hongli. A wicked idea flashed through his mind.

“Hongli, it’s not that your father doesn’t like you, it’s just that he’s too busy to take care of you, so he sent you to the estate.”

As soon as Yinreng spoke, Hongli couldn't help but roll his eyes.

Sending them to the countryside because there's no time to take care of them? What a ridiculous joke!

Yinreng pretended not to see Hongli's little actions and continued, "Your second uncle likes you very much. Would you like to go to Yuqing Palace and stay with your second uncle for a few days?"

Hongli was somewhat bewildered.

When Kangxi heard the Crown Prince say this, he said directly, "Then you can go and live in Yuqing Palace. When your second uncle gets tired, we'll send you back."

Hongli...

Hongxi and Yinreng exchanged a glance.

[Father, you're not thinking of disciplining that brat Hongli, are you?]

It's not worth me intervening in the child's case, who is only three years old.

Hongxi's face darkened; he was waiting for him to make his move.

Fine, I'll bring him to my side and give him a chance to test him out.

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