The Empress walked to the side, sat down, took a sip of water, and said, “You were born the legitimate son of the Empress, and your father raised you as if you were the heir apparent. And what did you do? You were arrogant and conceited, looking down on everyone, and you drove away all the civil and military tutors your father had assigned to you. You were so arrogant that you fell into Consort Lin's trap and almost died, only to be saved by Miss Jin. After that, you and the Seventh Prince had a back-and-forth. The Seventh Prince had Consort Lin and Prime Minister Lin advising him, but you disregarded your status and failed to understand people's hearts, actually wanting to ask Prince Qu for help? Then you were deceived by a thirteen-year-old girl, who was your savior, not anyone else. The jade pendant was something you had worn for over ten years, yet you didn't even recognize it! Your father's people repeatedly reminded you, but you still chose to believe that woman? Have you forgotten how you offended the Zheng family, the family of the Third Prince's wife?”
"Why are you complaining about all these things?"
"Don't tell me your father allowed you to be deceived by others. Ask yourself honestly, did your father really allow it?"
"Speak up! What are you complaining about? Wasn't that medicine in your hand prepared for your father? Does it mean that once you've dealt with your father, it'll be my turn with your brother?"
The third prince shook his head and stepped forward, kneeling before the Empress. He tugged at her skirt and said, "Mother, I know I was wrong. Please don't abandon me. Father is disappointed in me, and Grandmother has stopped caring about things. Now I only have you left. Mother!"
The Empress pursed her lips, tilted her head slightly, and shifted her gaze to the crib beside her. She sighed and said, "Now, all you can do is be a good Third Prince and stop causing trouble. The Crown Prince has been chosen. If you want your father's last shred of pity for you to disappear, then just pretend I never said these words!"
The third prince was taken aback and looked up at the empress.
The Empress slapped his hand away: "You're all grown up now. The Crown Prince has been chosen, and your brothers who have come of age will certainly be granted titles of nobility. If you want to live a carefree life like your Uncle Kang, then go ask your Uncle Kang. If you have any other ideas, I'm sorry, I can't help you!"
The Third Prince had never been treated coldly by the Empress, and he felt extremely distressed.
The Empress had already summoned her head maid to see the guest off, and the Third Prince left Kunning Palace in a daze.
After he left, the Queen stood by the crib and shed tears.
The Empress did not lie to the Third Prince. After the Emperor brought back the mother and son, he conferred titles of kings upon his sons in court the very next day.
The Seventh Prince has been confined to his quarters and may never have the chance to leave in his lifetime. The remaining four princes are the Second Prince, the Third Prince, the Fifth Prince, and the Ninth Prince.
The Ninth Prince was the youngest, just fifteen years old. His mother was a Noble Lady, but her rank was not high. The Emperor wanted the Third Prince to be like Prince Kang, but the Ninth Prince was the one who resembled Prince Kang the most. He immediately said, "Father, I'm all grown up and want to see the outside world. Father, please let me learn from Uncle Prince Kang!"
The emperor was delighted. "I've been wanting to go myself! You want to go? I'm not going. I'll give you a job instead." So, the Ninth Prince was sent to the Ministry of Works to get things done. The emperor even found him a tutor in the Ministry of Works.
As for the Third Prince, the Emperor has assigned him to the Ministry of Revenue. I'll show you what real scheming is all about. Go on!
The second prince was in poor health, so the emperor did not assign him any real official post.
As for the Fifth Prince, he has loved playing with swords and spears since he was a child. The Emperor has entrusted him with the command of all the soldiers in the inner city. In short, your father is watching you. If you don't do a good job, go find your seventh brother!
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