Even a fool would know which choice to make. The Crown Prince clenched his fist and made up his mind.

Hongzhao was naturally still asleep at this time. The Crown Prince picked up his son and went to the Hall of Mental Cultivation as ordered.

He seemed not to see the scar on Liang Jiugong's forehead: "Eunuch Liang, I don't know what Father Emperor wants to see Hongzhao. He is a child and sleeps a lot. He has never woken up at this time. I didn't dare to wake him up, for fear that the child's crying would upset Father Emperor."

"Your Highness, please be careful." Liang Jiugong, unaware of the Emperor's thoughts, simply added this extra comment.

Looking at his sleeping grandson, Emperor Kangxi felt much better. He sat down in front of the chessboard and picked up a black piece: "I suddenly feel like playing chess. Come and play a game with me."

"Your subject obeys." The Crown Prince placed Hongzhao beside the two of them, covered him with a small cup, and then held a white chess piece, waiting for Kangxi to make his move.

"Looking at how grown up Hongzhao is, I'm really getting old," Kangxi sighed. "The children have all grown up and are starting to resemble me in this position."

The Crown Prince looked at the Emperor with some doubt: "Father, you are in the prime of your life and can still see Hongzhao marry and have children. Your son is willing to be the Crown Prince for another twenty years."

"Hahaha." Kangxi laughed out loud. He looked at his most beloved son through the dim light, but there was not much warmth in his eyes.

"Perhaps that's what you think, but your brothers don't think that way." Kangxi closed his eyes, then suddenly opened them again, and snapped his fingers to checkmate the king.

"I am not only your father, but also the Emperor. Anyone who dares to disrespect imperial authority or show disrespect to the Emperor shall be executed!" Kangxi's calm words revealed an undeniable killing intent.

The Crown Prince thought for a moment, then knelt down to pledge his loyalty: "Father, I will always be your sharpest spear and strongest shield. For the sake of the Qing Dynasty, and for my sake, please take good care of your health!"