The next day, Wu Ge entered the palace through Zhenshun Gate and arrived at Jingyang Palace. The Empress dismissed everyone and discussed matters with Wu Ge.
Seeing that the Empress looked nervous and restless, Wu Ge guessed that she had encountered a difficult situation.
"Your humble servant greets Your Majesty the Empress..." Wu Ge dared not overstep his bounds. Even though there was no one else in Jingyang Palace, he still performed the proper courtesies of a subject to the Empress in accordance with etiquette and rules.
The Empress hurriedly helped Wu Ge up with both hands, grasping at him as if he were a lifeline.
"Do you know anything about Hongshi?" the Empress asked bluntly. Wu Ge's eyes sharpened, and she frowned, saying, "Hongshi? I've heard about the passing of his wife, Lady Irgen? Hongshi is a very sentimental child, and he doted on Lady Irgen. Her sudden death, leaving behind a young prince, must be very distressing for him..."
The Empress was furious and muttered angrily, "This is what's really giving me a headache. I thought Hongshi would be sad for a few days and then it would all be over, but I didn't expect him to become more and more depressed."
“That’s only natural, Your Majesty, there’s no need to worry. Hongshi will understand in time…” Wu Ge said with a smile.
The Empress flung her hand away angrily and said, "You have no idea what he's been doing lately. Ever since Irgen passed away, he's been completely despondent. He's either drinking in the mansion or... or going to brothels to drown his sorrows..."
Wu Ge hadn't expected things to be so serious and exclaimed in shock, "What? Going to a brothel? Does the Emperor know about that?"
"His Majesty is unaware of this yet, but secrets never stay hidden forever, and His Majesty will find out sooner or later..." the Empress said sadly.
"I recently heard that someone from the previous dynasty requested the emperor to establish a crown prince. At this time, Hongshi might displease the emperor, and it would be detrimental to Hongshi when the crown prince is established..." Wu Ge analyzed, and the Empress nodded in thought.
"His Majesty has remained silent on the matter of establishing a Crown Prince, which shows that he has not yet made up his mind. This means that Hongshi still has a chance, but this good-for-nothing can't understand the situation and has now caused me trouble. I am extremely disappointed..." the Empress said helplessly and angrily.
Wu Ge quickly comforted him, "Your Majesty, please don't be angry. Hongshi is still young and doesn't understand things. He's counting on Your Majesty to give him guidance and help..."
"I think this matter cannot wait. If we let Hongshi run wild, I am worried that the Emperor will be dissatisfied with him. After thinking it over, I still want to ask my brother for a favor..." The Empress looked at Wuge sincerely, full of hope.
Unable to refuse, Wu Ge clasped his hands in a fist and said loudly, "Your Majesty, just give the order. As long as it is within Wu Ge's power, Wu Ge will do his best to help..."
The Empress beckoned Wu Ge closer with her hand and whispered a few words in his ear.
Wu Ge said, "Your Majesty, is this alright? Won't it...?"
The Empress smiled calmly and comforted Wu Ge: "Don't worry, I've already made arrangements. You just need to do as I say. You must win over Hong Shi's heart; Shu Zhen is your daughter."
Wu Ge hesitated for a moment, but still nodded in agreement.
Meanwhile, some officials in the court began to complain that Hongshi frequented brothels, which was damaging the dignity of the imperial family.
The Fourth Prince initially ignored these rumors, but as more and more people submitted memorials denouncing Hongshi, he began to take them seriously.
Sure enough, the Fourth Prince secretly sent someone out of the palace to inquire at the Drunken Flower Pavilion, and sure enough, Hongshi was living a life of debauchery there.
The Fourth Prince was furious when he found out, but since the Prince lived in a brothel, it would be bad to let it get out, so the Fourth Prince did not take any action for the time being.
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