The Third Prince was bothered by the skateboarding incident for several days. He had never been able to beat the First Prince in his studies, but deep down he really wanted to beat the First Prince in something, like skateboarding.
Lady Li had a clear idea of what the Third Prince was thinking, so every time the Third Prince took a nap, she would secretly take his skateboard to that room and show it to that person.
For several days, the Third Prince never noticed that his skateboard had been touched, let alone that his mother was secretly plotting against him.
On this day, the Third Prince finally couldn't suppress the doubt in his heart. He really wanted to try out the First Prince's skateboard to see if there was anything strange about it. If so, then he would understand why he could never beat him, and he wouldn't be so disappointed.
After finishing his lesson with Master Zhu, the Third Prince, as usual, went to the East Courtyard for lunch and a midday rest.
"Jun'er, are you still feeling down about that matter? Then just stop thinking about it and pretend that your mother never said anything, okay?" Madam Li naturally saw Hongjun's dejection and thoughts these past few days and deliberately said this.
"Mother, today I'd like to trade skateboards with the eldest prince and give it a try," the third prince said in a low voice, a hint of hesitation on his face.
Suppressing her excitement, Madam Li said casually, "Forget it, Jun'er. Anyway, he is the eldest prince, your father's eldest son. No matter how hard you try, you can't surpass him. Let's not think about this anymore, lest we upset your elder brother and his mother."
The Third Prince swallowed hard, but had no appetite for the delicious food on the table.
“Mother, you know how hard I’ve tried. I’ve always wanted to perform well in front of Father, even if I can’t match my eldest brother in my studies, I’d at least be on par with him in other areas. I really want to see if there’s anything wrong with his skateboard.” The Third Prince had been agonizing over this for several days, and this time he finally decided to find out. So the more Li Shi talked, the more he wanted to know if it was the skateboard that was the problem.
Madam Li gave the Third Prince a satisfied look, but said aloud, "Jun'er, your eldest brother may not switch with you, so if you want to switch, you must do it secretly and never let him know, understand?"
The Third Prince nodded to Lady Li and said, "Then how can we keep it from my eldest brother? Mine is completely different from his."
Madam Li placed her hand on Hongjun's shoulder and said softly, "Jun'er, your mother can also make you one that looks exactly like the one the eldest prince has. That way, he won't notice."
The Third Prince was surprised by Li's words and stared at her in astonishment. His little mind couldn't possibly fathom the conspiracy that Li might have orchestrated in this move.
“Jun’er, you only need to switch your skateboard with your eldest brother’s once to resolve your doubts. Your mother did this because she didn’t want you to always feel that you are inferior to your eldest brother in everything.” Seeing a hint of hesitation in the Third Prince’s eyes, Madam Li hurriedly explained.
"Well, when can I get the same skateboard as my eldest brother?" the Third Prince finally asked, making up his mind.
“Now, actually, your mother has already sent someone to make one exactly like the eldest prince’s, but it’s been kept here by your mother and I haven’t told you yet.” Madam Li had once sent Que’er with the carpenter disguised as a servant to secretly observe the eldest prince and his friends skateboarding in the garden, so the latter could naturally replicate one exactly.
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