After returning from Qingsong Academy that day, Thirteenth Prince instructed the Ministry of Revenue officials in charge of screening candidates' qualifications to investigate the backgrounds of Qin Mo and Lu Changkong. Both were talented individuals; if they were to achieve the highest honors in the imperial examinations, Thirteenth Prince would certainly recommend them to Fourth Prince.
With the imperial examinations fast approaching, the Fourth Prince attached great importance to this exam. On this day, he summoned the Thirteenth Prince, Tian Wenjing, Li Wei, Hongshi, and Hongli to the Imperial Study.
"Thirteen, you and Tian Wenjing are specifically responsible for exam discipline. Remember, no violations or breaches of discipline are allowed," Fourth Master said.
The Thirteenth Prince and Tian Wenjing solemnly clasped their hands and promised, "Your humble servants will certainly live up to your expectations and ensure the successful completion of this imperial examination..."
The Fourth Prince nodded, then turned to Li Wei and Hongshi and instructed them: "You two, I intend to assign you to be in charge of personnel deployment to ensure the safe conduct of the scientific expedition..."
Hongshi and Li Wei exchanged a glance, then excitedly clasped their hands in a fist salute: "Yes! Your Majesty, we will certainly carry out your orders and ensure your safety throughout the entire process."
The Fourth Prince patted the Thirteenth Prince on the shoulder earnestly: "This is the first time I have selected talents since I ascended the throne. You all know that the talents selected this time are of extraordinary significance to the Qing Dynasty! They are not only to give the court a fresh batch of blood, but also the hope for the future of the Qing Dynasty. So you must take this seriously and make sure that no accidents happen."
The Thirteenth Prince smiled and advised, "Your Majesty is just too nervous. Don't worry, we will do our best. We hope that the people selected this time can lend Your Majesty a helping hand and contribute to the Qing Dynasty..."
After chatting for a while, the Fourth Prince dismissed everyone except Hongli.
Since Hongli was poisoned, the Fourth Prince had not spoken to him. Firstly, he felt guilty for not being able to decisively find the culprit when Hongli was poisoned, and even after discovering the truth, he was forced to protect and shield him. Secondly, having already decided to take action, he had to be cold towards Hongli, so he could only reluctantly send Hongli out of the palace. The Fourth Prince was unaware that Hongli fully understood his good intentions, and this rare opportunity allowed him to stay.
Although Hongli did not understand why his father had sent his mother to the Yuanmingyuan, he believed that his father must have his own plan.
"Hongli, how is your injury?" The Fourth Prince spoke first. Hongli was startled and quickly replied, "Replying to Father Emperor, it's almost healed. The imperial physician said I still need to rest, but I'm very strong and am back to normal..."
"You should listen to the imperial physician's advice and make sure you get the necessary tonics. Now that you're out here alone, unlike in the palace where your mother was looking after you, you should be careful in everything you do..." Fourth Prince asked a few more questions out of concern.
Hongli felt a warmth in his heart, and with tears in his eyes, he said to the Fourth Prince, "Your Majesty, I am doing very well, but Mother... If Father could take some time to visit Mother more often, she would be very happy..."
"I will take care of my relationship with Mother. You just need to mind your own business," the Fourth Prince replied coldly, hardening his heart.
Hongli replied in a low voice, "Yes! Your subject has overstepped his bounds..."
The Fourth Prince felt a pang of heartache seeing Hongli like this. He hesitated for a long time before finally saying, "Although you've moved out of the palace, you can still come to the Imperial Study every day to study. I've already spoken with the Grand Tutor about the lessons you missed before, and he'll make them up for you when you return. You mustn't miss any of your future lessons either, understand?"
Hongli was overjoyed, his eyes shining as he looked up gratefully and said, "That's wonderful! Thank you, Father Emperor. I will definitely study diligently..."
Fourth Master nodded in satisfaction, not daring to say anything more, for fear that he might lose control and reveal a flaw.
He reluctantly sent Hongli back, but as Hongli was leaving, he cautiously asked the Fourth Prince, "Father, may I go to the Yuanmingyuan to see Mother?"
The Fourth Prince waved his hand in agreement, and Hongli immediately thanked him and withdrew.
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