At the entrance of Nian Gengyao's residence in the capital city.
A crowd of people stood around the door, craning their necks to look and wait. As soon as the door opened, they rushed forward, holding up their self-recommendation letters, desperately trying to attract the attention of those inside. But not long after the door opened, the servant pushed through the crowd and struggled to close the door.
"Come again tomorrow, come again tomorrow. The general has already seen all the people he needs to see today, everyone should go back..." As soon as the servant finished speaking, a commotion arose, and no one wanted to leave, clamoring for the servant to open the door.
Those passing by, puzzled by the commotion, casually pulled aside the last person at the back and asked curiously, "Brother, what are you all doing? Why are you all gathered around the Nian residence?"
The man waved his hand dismissively and replied impatiently, "Now that the new emperor has ascended the throne, General Nian is a first-rate meritorious official and enjoys the emperor's great favor. His sister is also a Noble Consort in the palace. People who want to curry favor with General Nian are already lining up outside the city. You still don't know this? You really don't understand the situation in the capital..."
The questioner suddenly realized, secretly calculating, "That's right, as long as I can gain General Nian's favor, I won't have to worry about not having a job. Maybe I can even get an official position and enjoy wealth and honor forever..." Excited by the thought, he hurriedly joined the crowd...
Lanqin knew this matter would become a source of worry for the Fourth Prince, but since he kept quiet about it, she knew better and stopped bringing it up. However, on this particular day, Hongli returned from the Princes' quarters and brought it up at Changchun Palace. Unaware that the Fourth Prince was resting inside, Hongli raised his voice, and Lanqin couldn't stop him.
"Mother, do you know what rumors I heard at the Prince's residence today? They say that the Nian family is winning people's hearts and gathering a large number of talents for their own use, and there are even rumors that as long as General Nian is found, there is nothing that cannot be accomplished! Mother, isn't Father Emperor the one who dislikes forming cliques the most? Why would he indulge General Nian like this? Is it really as they say, that Father Emperor favors General Nian?" Hongli's face turned red, and he was indignant.
Lanqin gave Hongli a meaningful look, signaling him to stop talking, but it was too late. The Fourth Prince slowly emerged from the inner chamber, looking at Hongli expressionlessly, and coldly asked, "What kind of person do you think I am?"
Hongli was startled and said in a panic, "Greetings, Father! Your Majesty, I did not know you were here. I have spoken incoherently. I hope you will not take offense!"
Lanqin glanced at the Fourth Prince's expression, then pulled Hongli up and said with a forced smile, "Alright, alright, how could your Imperial Father be angry with you? Don't be so rash in the future, jumping to conclusions based on hearsay. Your Imperial Father has his own plans. You should focus on your studies at the Princes' Academy and not waste your time on such trivial matters..."
Hongli nodded repeatedly. Lanqin chuckled a few times and pushed Hongli out, saying, "Go on, go study..."
Knowing the situation was right, Hongli bowed to the Fourth Prince and said, "Your subject takes his leave..." Then he slunk away as if fleeing in disgrace.
After Hongli left, Lanqin smiled and went to comfort the Fourth Prince: "Your Majesty, please don't take it to heart by arguing with the children. They are still young and don't understand Your Majesty's difficulties..."
The Fourth Prince sat down: "How could I not know what happened at the Nian residence? But I can only pretend to be unaware. The Nian family is still useful to me, so it is really not appropriate to take action at this time..."
Lanqin poured a cup of tea for the Fourth Prince, stepped forward and gently massaged his temples, saying, "Your Majesty, I understand your difficulties. Sooner or later, you will achieve your wish..."
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