Special Note: Historically, Empress Xiaoxian, Qianlong's principal wife, died a month after losing her second son, drowning on the imperial boat in Dezhou. It was an accidental death. For readers interested in the relationship between Hongli, Mingyu, and Xueying in this article, please note that this is not a one-on-one story. Mingyu is Empress Xiaoxian, and Xueying is Qianlong's second empress. So, dear readers, you now understand the true historical relationship between these three.
The next day, sunlight streamed into the room, waking Hongli with its blinding glare. Opening his eyes, he found himself in his own bedroom, his head throbbing – he must have drunk far too much the night before. Turning his head, he saw Ulanara Xueying lying beside him.
Hongli was stunned, a surge of anger rising in his chest, but seeing the girl sleeping peacefully before him, he couldn't bear to wake her. Sunlight shone on her fair face, a faint, enigmatic smile playing on her lips.
Seeing the woman's exposed shoulders and long legs, a surge of male desire rushed to his mind.
How could this be! I'm actually interested in this body!
Thinking of this, Hongli quickly got up, put on his clothes, and left.
Upon waking, Hongli went straight to the room where Hongzhou was staying, hoping that things were not as he had imagined.
As he walked, Hongli thought of the woman who had just been lying next to him. Although he had always disliked her, he couldn't really explain why. Perhaps it was because of her status, or perhaps it was because of Mingyu.
He didn't realize that the reason he hated Xueying so much was perhaps because he was afraid to face his true feelings.
Hongli shook his head vigorously, trying to banish those distracting thoughts from his mind.
Upon arriving at Hongzhou's place, Hongli went straight into the room. Hongzhou had just gotten up and was puzzled to see Hongli coming to see him so early.
"You may all leave now. I have something to say to Prince Hongzhou," Hongli said sternly, dismissing the servants.
Now that only the two of them were in the room, Hongzhou spoke first: "Hongli, is there something important that you need to see me about so early?"
Hongzhou had already guessed seven or eight parts of the truth. Hongli was even more annoyed when he saw Hongzhou's feigned ignorance. "I'm asking you, did you deliberately get me drunk yesterday so that I could consummate my marriage with Ulanara Xueying?"
Before Hongzhou could answer, Hongli continued, "Isn't all of this a conspiracy by Ulanara Xueying?"
Hongzhou knew Hongli had come to him about this matter, but he hadn't expected Hongli to suspect that Xueying had instigated him to do it. His anger finally erupted; he grabbed Hongli by the collar, his eyes bloodshot as he stared at him. This brother he usually respected most had actually said such a thing.
"Hongli, Xueying is your concubine. Shouldn't you consummate your marriage? She is your woman. How could you treat her like this!" Hongzhou's anger reached its peak. He was afraid that he would punch Hongli in the face at any moment.
Hongli saw the sorrow in Hongzhou's eyes. "Hongzhou, do you... like her?" Hongli voiced the question that had been on his mind.
Hongzhou's hand gradually loosened, his voice trembling. "Yes, but that's all in the past. I'm about to get married, and the only person I'll love from now on is my wife. Can you please see your own heart? I just hope you can treat her well; she loves you!"
After hearing Hongzhou's words, Hongli was shocked. His dearest and most beloved younger brother had actually fallen in love with his concubine long ago. He had known this for a long time.
Hongzhou ran out frantically, walking slower and slower, with increasing difficulty, as if something inside him had been emptied out.
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