Fourth Master's gaze fell on Shen Binian, and his expression clearly softened.
Seeing that the important people had stepped forward to carry the water vats, other people followed suit.
"Minister Shen, Prince Guo, you two stay here. The rest of you may leave the court." Fourth Prince waved his hand and said.
“Father, I am willing to stay,” Hongli said, stepping forward again.
"You may leave now." The Fourth Prince refused to keep Hongli, suppressing his words with a stern look.
Hongli and Hongzhou had no choice but to retreat as well.
"Fourth Brother, aren't you leaving yet?" Hongzhou asked when he saw Hongli standing outside the hall without moving.
“I still want to plead with Father Emperor to let me participate. There’s trouble in the Northwest right now, we can’t continue to stand behind Father Emperor,” Hongli said.
“Okay, then I’ll wait here with you,” Hongzhou said.
Meanwhile, in Changchun Palace, Lanqin was chatting with her two daughters-in-law.
Seeing that it was getting late, Lanqin had someone prepare a dinner banquet.
Hongli was late in arriving, and the Fourth Prince did not send anyone to deliver a message.
Lanqin felt a little uneasy. The Fourth Prince should have sent word long ago. If he hadn't, he should have come to Changchun Palace for dinner as usual.
"You two go and rest in the side hall. I'll go check on the kitchen. The Emperor and Hongli might arrive together later," Lanqin said to Mingyu and Xueying.
After the two of them left, Lanqin instructed Chunxi to go to the Hall of Mental Cultivation to inquire.
Chunxi arrived outside the Hall of Mental Cultivation, only to be told that the Emperor was still in the Hall of Supreme Harmony and had not returned at all. Having no other option, Chunxi went to the Hall of Supreme Harmony and saw Hongli and Hongzhou standing under the porch in the distance.
Chunxi walked over in small steps, bowed to the two princes, and then asked, "Is Her Majesty still waiting in the palace? Her Majesty specifically sent me to inquire about the Emperor and the Prince."
“Go back and tell Mother that Father Emperor probably won’t be going to Changchun Palace today. Also, tell Mother to have Lady Fucha and Lady Ulanara return to their residences on their own. I won’t be leaving the palace today,” Hongli said to Chunxi.
Chunxi didn't know what had happened, but seeing Hongli's serious expression, she didn't dare to ask any more questions. It must be something serious, so she immediately went back to report.
Lanqin was in the kitchen talking to Niu Baoquan about how to make some new dishes, but in her heart she was wondering what could have happened that kept the Fourth Prince and Hongli from returning.
Chunxi went straight to the main hall, but didn't see Lanqin. Lianqiu said that the Empress was in the kitchen. Chunxi hurriedly went to the kitchen to look for her.
When Lanqin saw Chunxi return with a thin layer of sweat on his face, she knew something must have happened.
"Your Majesty, I encountered the Fourth Prince and the Fifth Prince outside the Hall of Supreme Harmony. The Fourth Prince instructed me to return and tell Your Majesty that you need not wait for them. They probably won't be coming today. Furthermore, the Fourth Prince also said that Your Majesty should send Consort Fucha and Consort Ulanara back home, and not wait for him. He will not be leaving the palace today," Chunxi reported in one breath.
Lanqin's heart sank, and she nodded.
Fucha Mingyu and Ulanara Xueying were sent out of the palace. Both were filled with unease, wondering what had happened inside.
The two men's carriages headed towards their own residence, one after the other.
Meanwhile, in Hongli's residence, Lady Su and Lady Gao were enjoying a banquet and music in the back garden.
The servants also sat at separate tables.
Madam Gao and Madam Su were served by their respective trusted maids.
The two chatted and laughed, appearing to get along very well.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
