When Emperor Yongzheng first ascended the throne, he had not yet had time to build princes' residences outside the palace. Therefore, although Hongshi had come of age, he still lived in the princes' quarters inside the palace.

Hongshi was at a loss because he had not seen the Empress. He wanted to visit Consort Qi, but was stopped by the guards outside Zhongcui Palace. They said that the Emperor did not allow anyone to visit Consort Qi.

"Blind dog! That's my own mother! Am I just some nobody? Get out of my way!" Hongshi roared in fury. If the other person hadn't been a guard sent by the Emperor, Hongshi would have kicked him long ago.

"Third Prince, please don't make things difficult for this servant. This servant is only acting under imperial orders." The guard stood firmly in front of Hongshi, neither humble nor arrogant.

Concubines are confined to their quarters. In theory, there is no need to send guards to watch over them. After all, guards are also men. With the emperor's decree, even if no one is watching over them, would Consort Qi dare to disobey the emperor's decree and go out?

At this time, no concubines would come to visit Consort Qi; only Consort Qi's son, Hongshi, could come.

It was just an unborn child, yet the Emperor was so heartless, disregarding his years of affection for his mother.

For the first time, Hongshi felt resentment towards his father, the Emperor, for his cruelty.

Seeing that he couldn't get in, Hongshi stormed off from Zhongcui Palace, only to run into Consort Qiao.

"Third Prince, have you come to visit Consort Qi?" Consort Qiao asked with a smile.

Hongshi was taken aback for a moment, and the anger on his face subsided slightly: "Hongshi greets Your Excellency. What brings Your Excellency here? Are you here to visit Mother as well?"

Hiroshi was deeply moved when he saw him here at this moment, unable to think of any other reason.

At this time, everyone avoided their mother, except for Consort Qiao, who was willing to put aside past grievances and visit her.

Consort Qiao, dressed in a light blue cheongsam, glanced at the tightly closed gates of Zhongcui Palace, gently fanned herself with a round fan, and sighed softly: "Thinking of how glorious Consort Qi was in the past, but now... I just had nothing to do and wanted to keep Consort Qi company so that she wouldn't be lonely. Is the Third Prince leaving?"

“It’s enough that Consort Qiao has this intention.” Hongshi said with a bitter expression, “Consort Qiao should go back. Father Emperor has sent guards to stand guard outside Zhongcui Palace. Even I can’t enter Mother’s Palace, let alone Consort Qiao.”

Consort Qiao could not hide her surprise: "How could this be?" She sighed softly: "Never mind, Third Prince, please take good care of yourself. Do not anger the Emperor because of Consort Qi. Otherwise, Consort Qi will never be at ease. Now that Consort Qi is in such a situation, the only thing she cares about is the Third Prince."

Hongshi felt a warmth in his heart: "Thank you, Consort Qiao."

In the past, when he was still a prince, only Consort Qiao treated him well. His father only liked Hongli and Hongchang from his thirteenth uncle's residence. He would only scold him. Whenever he felt lost and sad, it was Consort Qiao who comforted him.

Although his mother had never liked Consort Qiao, Hongshi always remembered this kindness.

Consort Qiao glanced around and gestured, "Third Prince, may I speak to you in private?"

Despite his doubts, Hongshi nodded in agreement.

Consort Qiao ordered her maid Suyu to follow at a distance as the two headed towards the Imperial Garden.

"Does Consort Qiao have something to say to Hongshi?"

Consort Qiao sighed softly, "I know the Third Prince is extremely anxious, but you must never do such a thing again."

Hongshi was completely puzzled and listened quietly.

"The Emperor is now disgusted with Consort Qi because of Consort Gui, and he won't listen to anything. Who can blame him but the Emperor who dotes on Consort Gui and longs for the child in her womb? That is the child of the Emperor's most beloved woman, and now it's gone. How can he not be furious?"

I believe Consort Qi is innocent, and the Third Prince also believes her, but do others believe her? Does the Emperor believe her?

Hongshi stared blankly, his face gradually turning pale.

Consort Qiao continued, "You know how much the Emperor dotes on the Sixth Prince. Even the Fourth Prince can't compare to the Sixth Prince's position in the Emperor's heart, let alone the Third Prince. If the Sixth Prince hadn't been so frail and sickly, who can say for sure what would have happened in the future..."

At this point, Consort Qiao paused, and Hongshi, having already understood, showed anger on his face: "Nian Gengyao is nothing but a lackey of the Han Banner Army. What virtue or ability does Consort Nian possess..."

Consort Qiao raised her finger and whispered, "Third Prince, be careful what you say."

Hongshi shut his mouth, but his face was still filled with resentment.

Consort Qiao smiled bitterly: "We all know, but does the Emperor care? As long as the Emperor favors him, as long as the Emperor is willing, what does it matter if he is Han? The child born to the Consort still has royal blood flowing in his veins. What difference is there between noble and lowly? If that child were still alive, I believe he would be even more favored than the Sixth Prince. In fact, the Emperor would place high hopes on this Seventh Prince."

Hongshi gritted his teeth: "I am the eldest son of Father Emperor, what right does he have?"

Consort Qiao shook her head: "Fortunately, that child is gone, but there is still hope for the Third Prince. As long as you don't make any mistakes, I believe the Emperor won't allow any other princes to surpass you as the eldest son. But if you make a mistake and incur the Emperor's wrath..."

Hongshi frowned and fell into deep thought.

Consort Qiao glanced at him and smiled faintly: "Third Prince, you are a smart man. Now that Consort Qi's matter is settled, you can no longer disobey the Emperor's decree to visit Consort Qi. Although it is your filial piety, the Emperor will not like it and will only feel disgusted."

Moreover, your behavior towards the Fourth Prince outside the Hall of Mental Cultivation today has further angered the Emperor. The Fourth Prince kindly advised you, and whether his intentions were sincere or not, you should be grateful instead of harboring resentment.

"Speaking of which, the Fourth Prince did a better job than you. The Emperor detests sibling rivalry, so the Fourth Prince always helped you and advised you against it. The way you treated him only made you seem narrow-minded and intolerant. Who benefited from that?"

Hongshi clenched his fists, his eyes bloodshot: "Hongli, he harmed me!"

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