The Fourth Prince nodded and said to Sun Jiacheng, "Very good, I trust you, and I entrust all matters to you."
Sun Jiacheng was naturally pleased to receive the Fourth Prince's approval, and said, "Your Majesty, I have already had the late Emperor's mausoleum repaired in advance, and all the items for the sacrifice have been prepared. Your Majesty, please rest assured that I will ensure that there are no problems with this sacrifice..."
The Fourth Prince put down his teacup, paused for a long while, and then said, "I have decided not to preside over this sacrificial ceremony..."
Sun Jiacheng was taken aback, seemingly not understanding, and asked in surprise, "The Emperor doesn't preside over the sacrificial ceremony?"
The Fourth Prince calmly and decisively declared, "I have decided that this sacrificial ceremony will be conducted by the Fourth Prince, Hongli, in my place..."
Sun Jiacheng was taken aback, and without further thought, hurriedly said, "This humble subject feels that something is amiss. Although the Fourth Prince is a prince, the sacrificial rites for the late emperor have always been presided over by the emperor or the crown prince. To change this rashly might incur the dissatisfaction of the imperial clan..."
The Fourth Prince's lips curled slightly as he listened intently, not interrupting Sun Jiacheng. Only after Sun Jiacheng finished speaking did the Fourth Prince stand up and slowly say, "Is Lord Sun questioning the Fourth Prince's identity?"
Sun Jiacheng looked up and met the Fourth Prince's unfathomable eyes. A stone seemed to have struck his heart, and a terrifying thought flashed through his mind. He stammered in panic, "Your Majesty, I dare not..."
Fourth Master chuckled a few times. Sun Jiacheng relaxed only after confirming that Fourth Master was not angry. His back was already soaked with sweat, but he felt a chill.
The Fourth Master's words instantly sobered Sun Jicheng up considerably, and also made him more alarmed. Sun Jiacheng knew that the Fourth Master's decision was unchangeable, but as for why he was being told this, Sun Jiacheng hadn't yet grasped the reason.
Seeing Sun Jicheng's terrified expression, the Fourth Prince smiled and said, "Just remember what I say, but don't tell anyone..."
Sun Jiacheng nodded repeatedly, but his heart was filled with trepidation...
The Fourth Prince stepped down and stood shoulder to shoulder with Sun Jiacheng, glancing sideways as he slowly approached: "I will announce this matter the day before the sacrificial ceremony. To prevent the Ministry of Rites from panicking, you should make preparations in advance..."
Sun Jiacheng was stunned, his heart pounding in his throat. He felt his mouth go dry and, in a panic, blurted out, "Your Majesty, I understand. I will go and prepare immediately. Rest assured, Your Majesty..."
Fourth Master chuckled and patted Sun Jiacheng on the shoulder. Sun Jiacheng felt a heavy weight on his left shoulder, as if a thousand-pound weight was pressing down on it, making it impossible for him to exert any force. He could only chuckle awkwardly twice. Fourth Master said nothing more and waved him out.
Su Peisheng served the Fourth Prince another bowl of soup and said, "This is chilled mung bean soup specially sent by Consort Xi. Would Your Majesty like to try some?"
Fourth Prince snapped out of his reverie, looked at the bowl and smiled inexplicably, then suddenly said decisively, "Never mind, let's go to Changchun Palace and enjoy it with Qin'er..."
Su Peisheng immediately laughed and echoed, "Alright, this servant will go and inform them right away..."
After leaving the Hall of Mental Cultivation, Sun Jiacheng felt his heart pounding all the way, and he couldn't calm down for a long time.
She kept thinking about what the Fourth Prince had said to her in the Hall of Mental Cultivation. Suddenly, she remembered that Hongli was the son of Consort Xi. Consort Xi had always been favored by the Fourth Prince and had even risked her life to save him. Now, the Fourth Prince had suddenly brought forward Hongli's wedding and asked Hongli to preside over the sacrifice for the late emperor in her place. All these things were connected, and she could only come to one conclusion—Hongli was probably going to become the Crown Prince!
Sun Jiacheng quickly suppressed his suspicions and looked around in a panic. Only a few palace servants walked by with their heads down. Sun Jiacheng, covered in cold sweat, leaned against the corner of the wall and patted his heart, comforting himself, "Calm down, calm down..."
Sun Jiacheng dared not think any further, straightened his clothes, and hurried back to the Ministry of Rites.
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