Inside the Yanbo Zhishuang Hall, Emperor Kangxi and Mingzhu sat facing each other, the atmosphere somewhat stiff.

Liang Jiugong served tea again and again, his palms sweating.

Finally, Mingzhu couldn't withstand the pressure and asked in a low voice, "What does Your Majesty mean? Eighth Prince has been clamoring to see you... Given his temperament, he's been well-behaved for so long since he was imprisoned, so this commotion probably means something is really wrong..."

As she spoke, Mingzhu's voice lowered.

Emperor Kangxi played with his teacup in silence, his thoughts unknown.

Lao Ba was imprisoned for more than half a year, and he never made any demands or asked to see anyone.

He was disappointed in Lao Ba, but Lao Ba was still his son.

Has the Crown Prince learned of this?

Mingzhu's forehead was sweating slightly. He recalled the instructions given by Prince Zhi before he left for the military camp, instructing him to work with Suo'etu to protect the Crown Prince in the court, one openly and the other covertly. His heart pounded with anxiety.

Since Yinti stopped vying for that position, his role as the chief strategist has naturally become much easier.

The handling of matters in the imperial court became more rational.

Looking at the current princes who are a bit older, although they each have their own strengths, only His Highness the Crown Prince is truly capable of shouldering the future of the Qing Dynasty in terms of family background and ability.

Thinking of this, Mingzhu shook his head, "According to my sources, His Highness the Crown Prince is unaware of this. But as for other sources..."

Emperor Kangxi waved his hand, and Mingzhu did not continue speaking.

Kangxi gestured for the other party to drink tea, and the atmosphere eased somewhat, becoming like two longtime friends having a chat.

"In the blink of an eye, the children have all grown up, and we have all grown old."

Mingzhu got up and was about to kneel down, but Kangxi gestured for him to stand up again.

"It's just you and me here today, let's have a good talk."

The sweat that had just dried on Mingzhu's forehead started to reappear.

Your Majesty, you should talk to Suo'etu instead. I am terrified and do not wish to get involved in the struggle for the throne.

Kangxi ignored Mingzhu's conflicted expression and said to himself, "The Crown Prince used to be full of arrogance and looked down on his other brothers. He also forbade me to get close to his other brothers. For his sake, I almost never cared about my other sons. My heart and eyes were full of him."

Mingzhu sighed.

He was naturally aware of what Kangxi was saying.

Back then, the eldest son was always thinking about competing with the crown prince. He also made a lot of noise in the court and was at odds with Suo'etu.

But now, His Highness the Crown Prince is becoming more and more benevolent. He is no longer as arrogant and disgusted with his brothers as before, and even calls Prince Zhi "elder brother" when he sees him.

Heaven knows how long Prince Zhi was stunned after hearing His Highness the Crown Prince call him "elder brother." Not only could he not believe the Crown Prince's change, but anyone would be shocked.

At first, they thought the Crown Prince was up to something and was definitely faking it. But after a series of events, they discovered that the Crown Prince's personality seemed to have changed somewhat.

Although he was still as arrogant as ever, he showed some consideration for everyone.

So, during last year's trip to Mongolia, the eldest son, being so straightforward, even considered sacrificing himself to help the crown prince.

Alas, even brotherly love and respect are probably no more than this.

Mingzhu was reminiscing, and so was Kangxi.

"His Highness the Crown Prince was raised by His Majesty himself, so it's natural that they have a deep bond. Moreover, the Crown Prince was born as the heir apparent, so what he has to learn and do is naturally different from other princes, which requires His Majesty's extra attention."

Kangxi chuckled and tapped Mingzhu with his finger. "You old fool, you always know how to say such things. You and Suo'etu used to fight like cockfighting, why have you calmed down now? Are you even planning to pledge allegiance to His Highness the Crown Prince?"

The alarm bells in Mingzhu's heart rang loudly.

What does it mean that they all pledge allegiance to His Highness the Crown Prince?

Mingzhu's expression remained unchanged, but her heart was in turmoil.

Even when his relationship with Suo'etu was extremely tense, Kangxi never said he would side with either of them.

In an instant, Mingzhu seemed to have figured something out.

He was afraid that both major powers in the court were aligned with the Crown Prince, and if the Crown Prince rebelled, even Emperor Kangxi himself would have a hard time dealing with it.

"As Your Majesty knows, I am related to the Prince of Zhi by marriage..."

Kangxi chuckled and took a sip of tea. “Now the eldest and second sons have a very good relationship. I think they are truly brothers. You are the eldest son’s maternal relative, and the eldest son is also the second son’s support.”

Mingzhu quietly wiped away her cold sweat. "Prince Zhi has always been loyal to His Majesty. He is good to His Highness the Crown Prince because it is the elder brother's duty to take care of his younger brother. As for me... alas, I have spent half my life in the court, and I only want to assist His Majesty in the limited time I have left. I don't want anything else."

Kangxi did not speak, but stared at Mingzhu for a long time before saying, "Eighth Prince, go and ask him what happened."

Mingzhu stood up to receive the decree, saying, "Your subject obeys the decree and will go to carry it out immediately." He then turned to leave, but was stopped by Kangxi.

"Is there any news about the eldest son? I didn't know he was such a devoted lover."

When the topic of everyday family matters came up, Mingzhu's expression softened somewhat.

"Prince Zhi has not sent me any news, but I sent someone to visit him. They said that Prince Zhi is in good spirits, but he has lost a lot of weight."

Emperor Kangxi silently drank his tea.

"That child... I was wronged by him in the past."

Mingzhu didn't dare to reply and stood silently to the side.

"Alright, you can go now. Remember to let me know if you hear any news about the boss in the future."

After Mingzhu responded, she immediately withdrew.

Liang Jiugong ordered the tea to be changed, glanced at the sky outside, and advised, "Your Majesty, it's getting late, you should rest early."

Kangxi sat silently, without any reaction, and Liang Jiugong, seeing this, dared not offer any further advice.

Before long, Wei Zhu's voice rang out from outside, "Your Majesty, there is a letter from Prince Zhi."

Kangxi immediately perked up, his eyes lighting up.

"Bring it in quickly."

Liang Jiugong hurriedly opened the door, took the letter, and handed it to Kangxi with a smile, jokingly saying, "Your Majesty, this is a fresh letter."

Kangxi glared at Liang Jiugong with a smile, and the more he read the letter, the wider his smile became. Finally, he chuckled and said, "This brat, he only asked me a few questions in three pages, and the rest is all about his son. Humph."

Liang Jiugong chuckled and said, "It seems that Prince Zhi knows that Prince Hongyu had an accident in the palace. Although that incident wasn't directed at Prince Hongyu, it still implicated him in the end."

When this matter was brought up, Kangxi's expression darkened.

"Is the Fourteenth Prince doing well in the Prince's quarters?"

Liang Jiugong nodded. "Everything is fine and quiet, without any noise."

Emperor Kangxi was feeling rather uneasy.

He really liked Fourteen, but that good child had been corrupted by that stupid woman, Uya, and now it would be difficult to change him.