Fourth Master was stunned, and the others dared not make a sound at this moment.
Su Peisheng almost wanted to leave, because at this moment, the Fourth Master probably didn't want anyone to hear what he and his mother were saying.
Consort De knew that the Emperor's special visit to Yonghe Palace at this time was not simply about honoring her as Empress Dowager.
So she spoke first: "Your Majesty, has something to say to me?"
Fourth Master picked up his teacup, blew out a puff of smoke, and asked casually, "Does Mother know where Fourteenth Brother is?"
Consort De was startled, but she composed herself and replied with a smile, "I really don't know. Does Your Majesty have any news about the Fourteenth?"
Fourth Master put down his teacup and replied meaningfully, "He's back!"
Upon hearing this, Consort De stood up in surprise and asked anxiously, "He's back? Where is he? Why hasn't he come to see me?"
Seeing Consort De's appearance, the Fourth Prince gave a bitter smile and said, "Not only did he return on his own, but he also brought a large army to guard a place a hundred miles away from the capital..."
Consort De was shocked and instantly understood the Fourth Prince's meaning. Her hands trembled as she looked at him in fear: "Your Majesty! The Fourteenth Prince... he must have been instigated by someone to do such a foolish thing! Perhaps he just wanted to come back to mourn the late Emperor, no... he..."
Consort De knew that the Fourteenth Prince's actions were now beyond explanation, no matter how many mouths spoke. Consort De couldn't fathom the Fourth Prince's thoughts. However, seeing that the Fourth Prince didn't seem to be preparing to deal with the Fourteenth Prince, she felt somewhat relieved.
The Fourth Prince solemnly said to Consort De, "Mother, I understand and sympathize with my fourteenth brother, which is why I've come to discuss this with you. He's stationed near the capital but hasn't come in yet, which suggests he may not necessarily have any rebellious intentions. The most urgent thing for me is to earnestly advise him, Mother, so that we don't wait until things are beyond repair before we regret it!"
Consort De slumped into a chair, her eyes vacant, remaining silent for a long time, deeply worried about the Fourteenth Prince's safety. Fortunately, the Fourth Prince's words seemed to be giving the Fourteenth Prince a chance. The Fourth Prince knew that the Fourteenth Prince would listen to Consort De to some extent; if he could persuade Consort De, there might still be a chance for things to turn around.
"As long as my fourteenth brother can keep to his duty, I promise Mother I will immediately grant him the title of Prince, which will be hereditary and he will enjoy wealth and honor for generations to come. I can also grant titles to his children." The words of the Fourth Prince kept repeating in Consort De's mind. Consort De knew that the Fourth Prince wanted her to persuade the Fourteenth Prince to withdraw his troops.
After the Fourth Prince left, Consort De immediately had paper and ink prepared and wrote a letter to the Fourteenth Prince.
In the letter, she pleaded with Fourteenth Prince to give up his idea of seizing the throne, and also truthfully conveyed that the Fourth Prince wanted to give him a title.
Consort De didn't know when the letter would reach the Fourteenth Prince, nor did she know if the words in the letter could change his mind. She only hoped that the Fourteenth Prince would be safe and sound.
"Your Majesty, the Emperor said you should move to Ning Shou Palace. Why did you say that? The Emperor's heart is broken!" An old nanny interrupted Consort De's thoughts.
"I cannot move to Ning Shou Palace until he has made arrangements for the Fourteenth Prince. Otherwise, how can I convince him to give the Fourteenth Prince an explanation?" Consort De said with a wry smile.
“But Your Majesty, what you are doing is really widening the gap between you and the Emperor!” said Granny De.
"We already have it, so why worry about its size? As long as we can protect the Fourteenth Prince, I'll do anything," said Consort De.
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