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"Fourteenth Brother, how about we have a drink together? It's been over ten years since we last met." Upon seeing this, Thirteenth Brother immediately walked up to Fourteenth Brother and said.
“Thirteenth Brother, we brothers really should have a good drink together. But don’t rush, we have plenty of time to drink. This time, I’d like to toast Fourth Brother. Fourth Brother won’t refuse to drink this with me, will he?” Fourteenth Brother insisted.
Because of his insistence, everyone else turned their attention to him. They had also been eagerly anticipating how the two brothers would clash. Fourteen's provocation was exactly what they were looking for.
Lanqin wanted to say something, but given her current status, she had no right to speak. Hongli, sitting beside Lanqin, turned to her and said, "Mother, why don't I go have a drink with my fourteenth uncle? I often spend time with Grandfather and Grandmother!"
Lanqin immediately thought Hongli's suggestion was good, so she whispered, "You can say it, but you can't actually drink it?"
Hongli nodded, then stood up from beside Lanqin, walked to the Fourth Prince's side, and said to the Fourteenth Prince, "Fourteenth Uncle, Hongli often enjoys the company of the Emperor and the Empress Dowager, and revels in the joy of being a grandchild. Shouldn't you also offer Hongli a cup of wine, Fourteenth Uncle?"
Fourteen was taken aback; Hongli's sudden intrusion left him somewhat embarrassed. If his previous words followed the logic he had used, then he should indeed offer Hongli a toast.
Everyone secretly praised Hongli's quick wit; this child was truly extraordinary, no wonder he was so favored by Emperor Kangxi. However, Hongsheng, sitting behind Hongshi, felt deeply uneasy. Before he attended this palace banquet, Lady Nian had repeatedly instructed him to find a way to get the Fourth Prince's attention.
"Haha, we're all family, no need to thank me! Isn't that right, Fourteenth Brother!" Seventh Master laughed.
Fourteen knew that if he continued to dwell on this matter, he would lose face, so he could only say, "Yes, I am away from the capital for many years, and all my brothers are able to enjoy the company of Father Emperor, which I envy very much. Come, let us brothers have a drink together."
The Fourteenth Prince was the only prince among all the princes who controlled the military, and because he was always favored by Emperor Kangxi, his words still carried a lot of weight.
The princes all rose from their seats, raising their wine cups and crowding around the Fourth Prince. They were there not only to drink, but also to see how the Fourth Prince and the Fourteenth Prince, brothers born of the same mother, would vie for the lead role at this palace banquet.
“Fourth Brother has worked tirelessly all these years, serving Father Emperor with utmost devotion. We should all toast him,” said the Third Prince. In truth, he now believed more in the Fourth Prince. Although the Eighth and Ninth Princes had tried to persuade him, he had long known that he had no chance.
Fourth Prince glanced at Third Prince and said, "Third Brother, you flatter me. The classic works that Third Brother compiled for Father Emperor are often by Father Emperor's side."
Eighth Master and Ninth Master exchanged a glance, and they understood: Third Master had already sided with Fourth Master.
“Fourteen has served the country on the frontier for so many years, it has truly not been easy for him. We should also raise a toast to him!” Old Nine said hurriedly.
"I am fortunate to have the Emperor's favor. I have no merit to speak of, but I only ask that I can keep the northwest of our Great Qing safe and sound," said the Fourteenth Prince.
The third, seventh, thirteenth, and seventeenth princes all sided with the fourth prince, while the fifth and tenth princes remained neutral, and the eighth and ninth princes naturally supported the fourteenth prince.
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