"Your Highness, this is your third cup! I won't serve you any more wine." Linlang was dressed in a rose-red double-breasted skirt, with several gold hairpins in her hair, all of which were gifts from Hongshi. Although she was only a concubine, her attire was no less than that of a princess.
"What are you afraid of? This is my place, can't I even have a drink?" Hongshi, reeking of alcohol, grabbed Linlang's hand and brought it to his mouth.
"Your Highness, why didn't you go to court today?" Linlang asked, enduring the strong smell of alcohol on Hongshi's body.
"Hmph, he's gone to pay respects to the late emperor, so what difference does it make whether I, Prince, go to court or not?" Hongshi snorted.
"Who is this 'he' that Your Highness is referring to, that has displeased Your Highness so much?" Linlang asked, her eyes flashing slightly.
“It’s not my fourth brother. But because he’s the son of Consort Xi, he’s especially favored by Father. But he’s only fourteen years old, and he’s actually performing the sacrifice for the late Emperor on behalf of Father.” A hint of jealousy flashed in Hongshi’s eyes as he said, “Father is too biased.”
Hongshi had never expressed any dissatisfaction with Guo before, and he was always very respectful in front of the Fourth Master.
“My lord, then I should not serve you any more wine. Drowning your sorrows in wine only makes them worse. Please do not be so discouraged. I believe you still have a chance,” Linlang said after secretly calculating in her heart.
“Then tell me, what chance does this Prince still have? Father’s move is undoubtedly telling all the ministers that ‘he’ is the future crown prince,” Hongshi said in frustration.
“Your Highness, you are the Empress’s eldest son. Isn’t the traditional way of choosing an heir the eldest son of the legitimate wife?” Linlang said, feigning indignation.
"Heh, what kind of legitimate son am I? I'm more like the Empress's adopted son. Besides, my mother has never been favored by the Emperor, allowing Consort Xi to control the harem." Hongshi said, getting angrier as he spoke. He had been diligent and hardworking these past few years, always maintaining an impression of humility, eagerness to learn, and positive ambition in front of the Fourth Prince. But he never expected Hongli to suddenly take over the sacrificial ceremony, which made him feel like a punctured balloon, instantly deflated.
“Your Highness, you can’t give up so easily. It’s still uncertain who will be made Crown Prince. From what you’ve said, I feel that the Emperor’s actions don’t necessarily have the unanimous approval of the court officials. If Your Highness can unite the ministers who oppose Consort Xi and her son, there is still a chance of success,” Linlang said.
Hongshi was astonished that a concubine could say such things, and looked at Linlang in surprise.
"Your Highness, why are you looking at me like that?" Linlang asked, noticing that Hongshi was staring at her. She quickly lowered her head and touched her face.
“You’re right. How could Ben Beile just give up like that? Wouldn’t that be handing over that position to him?” Hongshi grabbed Linlang’s hand and said.
"Your Highness, I just don't want to see you drowning your sorrows in alcohol here. I can't help you in the slightest, I can only offer a few words of comfort," Linlang said, blushing.
Seeing her delicate face, as lovely and fragrant as a cherry, Hongshi couldn't help but pull her into his arms.
After the two had a long and intimate time together, Hongshi refrained from engaging in daytime debauchery with Linlang. Instead, he tidied himself up, secretly called for a carriage, and went out.
Hongshi sat in the carriage, pondering how to speak to the person he was going to meet.
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