"Fourteenth, you're so unfair! You've been back for so long, and you haven't even come to Eighth Brother's house for a visit. We finally managed to get you out for a drink today, but you still refuse to drink and are in a hurry to go back. What's wrong with you? Don't you consider us brothers?" Ninth Master picked up the wine pot, wanting to pour wine into Fourteenth's cup, but Fourteenth covered his cup with his hand.
"I really can't drink too much. I still have to coax my little prince when I get back tonight. Ninth Brother!" Fourteenth Brother was dressed in a light green brocade robe, with a handsome face and a light beard on his chin.
Sitting opposite him, the Eighth Master appeared relaxed and indifferent, still wearing a moon-white brocade robe, with a mustache on his upper lip, making him look much older.
“Eighth Brother, look at him. Ever since the Fourteenth Prince’s wife gave birth to a legitimate son, he’s been showing off. He keeps saying he wants to go back and hold the baby. He’s mocking us for not having a legitimate son!” Ninth Master said relentlessly.
"Don't talk nonsense, Eighth Brother, I absolutely didn't mean that," Fourteen quickly explained to Eighth Master. Since childhood, Fourteen liked to follow Ninth Master around and play. Later, he became familiar with Eighth Master and also liked to follow him around. He felt distant from his own brother, Fourth Brother, mainly because of the age gap.
"Ninth Prince, it's a good thing that Fourteenth Prince has a legitimate son now. You're not allowed to talk about him. Put down the wine pot." Eighth Prince said reproachfully to Ninth Prince, "Now Fourteenth Brother is performing outstandingly on the battlefield, and Father Emperor values him highly. Fourteenth Brother's wife has also given birth to a legitimate son, which is truly a cause for celebration."
Ninth Master immediately put down the wine pot, then put his arm around Fourteenth Brother's shoulder and said, "Fourteenth Brother, Eighth Brother and I are here to celebrate for you, but you keep refusing to give us face. Have you grown distant from us?"
Fourteen is no longer as clueless as he used to be. Now he has his own ideas and no longer follows Ninth Master and Eighth Master around like he used to.
“Eighth Brother, Ninth Brother, I’ve been away from the capital for years and have neglected you both. Here, let me offer you this cup of wine. But after this, I must return home,” said the Fourteenth Prince. Although he didn’t know much about the Eighth Prince’s affairs, he was aware of the Eighth Prince’s fall from favor with Emperor Kangxi. As the Fourth Prince’s younger brother, he understood that he could no longer follow the Eighth and Ninth Princes; at the very least, he had to remain neutral.
"Fourteenth Brother, actually, there's something I want to ask you today. Can you tell me the truth?" Eighth Master said directly.
"Please speak, Brother Ba!" Fourteen said solemnly.
"Fourteenth Prince, the position of Crown Prince is currently vacant, and Father Emperor values you highly. Do you really have no interest in that position?" Eighth Prince stared intently at Fourteenth Prince.
Upon hearing this, the entire room fell silent. Ninth Master didn't say anything more and returned to his seat.
Fourteenth Prince never expected the Eighth Prince to ask him such a question. In fact, some people had already hinted at similar matters to him. For example, his wife's maternal family, his tutor, and all the ministers related to him.
He had asked himself whether he should fight for that position, but he couldn't come up with a clear answer. Therefore, he never revealed his true feelings, not even in front of Consort De.
Seeing that the Fourteenth Prince remained silent, the Ninth Prince couldn't sit still any longer, but the Eighth Prince stopped him with a look.
"Fourteenth Prince, think it over carefully. Right now, Father Emperor only values two people the most. One is you, and the other doesn't need me to say it. Ninth Prince, that's enough for today!" Eighth Prince stood up and said, "I'll be leaving first."
Having said that, he walked out before Ninth Master and Fourteenth Master could react. He was proud, and now that he saw no hope for himself, he wanted to push Fourteenth Master forward, which was better than Fourth Master.
"Fourteenth, go back and think it over carefully. If you're sincere, your eighth and ninth brothers will be on your side. Come on, the bill has been settled!" Ninth Master stood up and patted Fourteenth on the shoulder.
After returning to the Fourteenth Prince's residence, he had servants attend to him in the front courtyard to help him rest, instead of going back to his wife's quarters. He kept thinking about what the Eighth and Ninth Princes had said, and he still couldn't come to a clear answer.
"My lord, a maid from the Fujin's side has arrived. She says the Fujin invites you over." Outside, the personal eunuch stood at the door and addressed the Fourteenth Prince inside the room.
"Tell her that I have already retired for the night." The Fourteenth Prince did not want to see his wife at the moment; he just wanted to think things over.
"She said that the Princess Consort has something important to say to you, and she begs you to go," the eunuch said, frowning.
The Fourteenth Prince frowned, but said nothing. He simply thought for a moment, then got up, put on his clothes, and went to the main courtyard of the Fourteenth Prince's wife.
"Is Hui asleep?" The Fourteenth Prince entered Wanyan's room and saw that she had her hair down and was not asleep yet, but was sitting on the daybed by the window.
"I went to bed a long time ago. If Master doesn't come to see Hui today?" Since giving birth, Wanyan's temperament has become much calmer than before.
"I drank with Eighth and Ninth Brothers today and drank a bit too much. I'm afraid my breath will bother him if I come over." Fourteen walked to the Luohan bed and plopped down. Their relationship had improved a lot since they had a child, as if the two young couples who used to be so quick to anger were no longer the same people they were.
"Is there something they want?" Wanyan didn't like the Fourteenth Prince getting close to them, especially the Eighth Prince.
"Nothing, just a get-together between brothers. Why did you have the maid call me here? Is there something you need?" Fourteen asked.
"My lord, my uncle sent me a letter today. Would you like to take a look?" Wanyan suddenly said softly.
"Hmm. Let me take a look." Fourteen nodded.
Wanyan's maternal uncle is now a Zuo Ling (military commander) stationed in the Shengjing area of Northeast China. They are all descendants of the Wanyan imperial family. After submitting to the Qing Dynasty, they were appointed as Zuo Ling and led their own people to guard the region.
The more the Fourth Prince read the letter from Wanyan's uncle, the colder his expression became.
“Tell your uncle not to have any wild ideas. Father Emperor is very cunning. One wrong move and you could be doomed. The First Prince, the deposed Crown Prince, and the Thirteenth Prince are all examples,” the Fourteenth Prince said, standing up.
"My lord, I also think you should fight for it, for Hui's sake!" Wanyan said to the tall, slender figure.
Fourteen suddenly turned around, looked at Wanyan, and remained speechless for a long time.
"Go to sleep early, I have things to do!" Fourteenth turned and left, not stopping no matter how Wanyan called out to him.
It seems everyone wants him to compete, but no one cares whether he actually wants to or not.
The Fourteenth Prince finally understood that he didn't actually want to compete for the position. It held no appeal for him. Yet, everyone around him was pushing him towards it.
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