In the end, Yinzhen chose to succumb to the power in his heart.
Women are still somewhat inferior to those with power. Although Yinzhen felt somewhat sorry for Li Shi, not only because Li Shi was skilled at serving others, but also because of the several children she had borne for him.
Unfortunately, Li's poor family background was enough to negate all the advantages she had previously created.
Reality, especially for royalty, is just that cruel.
Consort De was quite pleased to see that Yinzhen no longer spoke up for Lady Li.
Well, thankfully, I didn't let all this love and romance cloud my judgment.
"Yinzhen, you must remember that some things can be considered later, but opportunities are fleeting and must be seized."
Consort De felt that she had made one wrong step in the past, which led to her current predicament.
Not only did she offer no real help to Yinzhen, but she was also afraid that she might inadvertently become a hindrance to him.
Therefore, Consort De valued Yinzhen highly and wanted to make up for his shortcomings in other ways.
Yinzhen naturally didn't understand Consort De's psychology, but he knew that only if Consort De was well would he be more relaxed and at ease outside the palace. Otherwise, he would have to look to his eighth brother, Yinsi, for example. The existence of Consort Liang had caused Yinsi so much trouble, and he might even be controlled by her and forced to serve the eldest prince's faction.
To be honest, Yinzhen did look down on Yinsi a little.
At present, his relationship with Yinzhi is not bad. At least they can talk when they meet, and since they live next door to each other, they can visit each other occasionally.
However, the differences in their perspectives have become increasingly apparent in the past two years.
Both Yinzhen and Yinsi deliberately avoided frequent contact, fearing that the little bit of brotherly affection they had finally developed would be completely eroded.
"Don't worry, Mother, Yinzhen understands."
Yinzhen nodded, and the mother and son then smoothly shifted the topic to other topics.
This can be considered a mutual tacit agreement and compromise, and Consort De is not the kind of person who is unforgiving even when she is in the right.
Before Yinzhen left, Consort De sent a lot of items from the storeroom to be used for cultivating the daily bond between mother and son.
"Your Highness, the Prince has left; we should return now."
The maid supported Consort De's arm, speaking in a calm tone.
Consort De hummed in agreement and, before turning to leave, suddenly mentioned the Thirteenth Prince, Yinxiang, who was currently residing in the Princes' Residence.
"I also went to deliver some fabric and medicinal supplements to him, as I heard he had caught a cold."
Since Consort Min passed away, the child's mood has not improved. This is not good. "To wallow in grief is the worst thing to do in the harem."
Moreover, Consort De was hoping that Yinxiang, whom she had raised, could help Yinzhen in the future. If Yinxiang was not useful, wouldn't all the years she had spent on him have been wasted?
Consort De pursed her lips. She would never allow such an awkward situation to occur. Yinxiang still had two princesses behind him, who were only a few years away from marriage. If there were no other way, Consort De would not want to force Yinxiang, who had just lost his mother, to do this.
"Carefully comfort the child and make him think about what Consort Min said to him before she left."
He has always been a sensible person, knowing that survival in the harem is not easy.
Even if he doesn't consider his own situation, what about his two younger sisters?
Can you really bear to watch two beautiful young women be married off to suffer in remote Mongolia?
Consort De's words were not only meant for the maids, but also a way to warn the ever-dejected Yinxiang.
Yinxiang was naturally unwilling for his two younger sisters to marry into Mongolia. His sisters were very much like their mother, Consort Min, in both temperament and physique. They had grown up delicate and frail and were completely unable to adapt to the harsh cold of Mongolia.
If she were to be betrothed to someone in Mongolia by her father, it would truly be a one-way trip.
"Aunt, it was Yinxiang's fault," Yinxiang said, rubbing his face and forcing himself to cheer up as he apologized to the maidservant of Consort De who had come to visit him.
Of course, the maid could not bear the guilt of Yinxiang's apology.
Yinxiang mainly did this to Consort De; the maids were merely tools to convey his message, which is similar to what Consort De had said at the beginning.
The maid smiled and shook her head, "You're too kind, Thirteenth Prince. The Empress is just concerned about you."
"Once you've made your adjustments, please go to Yonghe Palace to see the Empress."
Some things are better left unsaid when the masters meet face to face.
Yinxiang nodded and hummed in agreement; he did indeed need to go to Yonghe Palace.
It wasn't just to see Consort De, but also to find some good governesses for his two younger sisters.
This governess is not someone who serves the younger sisters, but someone who will accompany them when they get married in the future.
After going through these thoughts in his mind, Yinxiang cupped his hands in greeting to the maid before politely sending her away.
After the person left, Yinxiang's expression changed immediately. He hid in his study and gently tapped the table with his hand.
Fifth Brother is good, but he always felt that the Crown Prince's side was not reliable.
Now that he has lost his mother and his adoptive mother has his fifth brother as her own son, it is no question who is the most important among them.
Under these circumstances, Yinxiang had to think more about himself and his two younger sisters.
Perhaps, he could stay as far away from Yuqing Palace as possible while ensuring his own safety.
At that moment, Yinxiang could not have imagined that his decision would ultimately prevent him from being implicated in the dethronement of the crown prince a few years later, thus saving him from the misery of being imprisoned in the beekeeping alley.
Now he is like a young beast bluffing, cautiously extending his claws, and hiding at the slightest disturbance.
...
"The Emperor has arrived!"
"Your Majesty, I greet you! Long live the Emperor!"
"My beloved concubine, please rise quickly."
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