As Hongli and Fourth Prince Lanqin were talking, the steward came in to report, "Your Majesty, Your Highness, the Fourth Prince Hongshi has arrived."
When Lanqin heard that Hongshi had arrived, she hurriedly looked at the Fourth Prince. The Fourth Prince remained silent. Hongli said, "You take good care of him first, I'll be right there."
Hongshi arrived at Hongli's residence and looked at the bustling scene of dignitaries coming and going. He thought of how these same people had once come to his residence to congratulate him on his wedding. Thinking of the past, Hongshi couldn't help but sigh and became even more convinced that he had made the right decision to come this time.
Hongshi walked over to a table of people he knew and said, "Gentlemen, you're here too! Congratulations!"
When everyone saw that it was Hongshi, they were all a little embarrassed. An official stood up and bowed to Hongshi. Although Hongshi was no longer a prince, he was still the emperor's biological son. Moreover, today was the wedding of the Sixth Prince, and the emperor was also present. No matter what, Hongshi had to be given face.
"May the Second Prince be blessed," the official said.
Other officials also stood up and bowed to Hongshi.
Hongshi waved his hand and said, "No, no, I am no longer a prince. There's no need for such formalities, sir. In principle, I should be the one bowing to you." After saying that, Hongshi was about to bow to him.
The official quickly pulled him aside, saying, "No, no, I wouldn't dare let you bow like that. Please don't make me feel uncomfortable."
Hongshi smiled and patted the official on the shoulder. He was satisfied with the official's attitude. Even though he had been demoted to a commoner, they still respected him.
"Sit down." I'm just here to congratulate the Fourth Prince.
Over there, after exchanging pleasantries with others, Hongshi began to wander around. This was his second visit to Hongli's Prince's residence.
Looking at the layout of Hongli's residence, Hongshi recalled that he first came here when the mansion was completed. At that time, Hongshi discovered that Hongli's Prince's residence was larger and better designed than his own.
Hongshi felt increasingly resentful, feeling that his father was being far too biased. He was clearly the eldest son, yet he was inferior to his younger brother in every way. He couldn't compare to him in anything, simply because he was the son of Consort Xi, and his father favored Consort Xi.
Hongshi thought again that the Empress was clearly the primary consort, Hongli's legal mother, and should have been here today to have the two consorts serve tea. However, she hadn't come. He knew without a doubt that this was Consort Xi's doing, and his father, the Emperor, was letting it go. The more Hongshi thought about it, the more he disliked Hongli and his mother.
Just then, Hongli's voice came from behind Hongshi: "Second brother, you've arrived."
Hongshi turned to look at Hongli, a friendly smile on his face, and said, "Fourth brother, congratulations on your marriage."
Hongli said, "Now that you're here, come with me to see Father Emperor."
“This…” Hongshi hesitated.
Hongli noticed his hesitation and asked, puzzled, "What's wrong? Is there some inconvenience?"
“Father probably doesn’t want to see me,” Hongshi said. “After all, I made Father so angry before, he doesn’t care about me as his son anymore.”
Hongshi said, "How could that be? Although Father is angry because of what you did before, you are still his son. He won't hate you. As long as you realize your mistakes and actively correct them, Father will still give you a chance."
Hongshi felt that Hongli's words of comfort were mocking him.
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