After a long period of recuperation, the Thirteenth Prince's health gradually improved. On this day, he made a special trip to the palace to see the Fourth Prince.
"Thirteenth Brother, how is your recovery going?" The Fourth Prince was genuinely worried. You were so badly injured last time, and you've only just recovered, yet you're already running around everywhere. Do you really think I have to send someone to keep an eye on you?
"Your Majesty, I have been bedridden for more than three months. If I am not well by now, how can I repay the tonics that Your Majesty has sent me!" During his illness, the Fourth Prince sent imperial physicians to the Thirteenth Prince's residence every few days to examine him and prescribe medicine. The tonics and supplements were also numerous.
The Fourth Prince looked at the Thirteenth Prince sternly, "You still have the nerve to say that? I sent you some tonics, but you didn't eat any of them. You even sent all the imperial physicians away..."
Thirteen, fearing that Fourth Prince would be angry, hurriedly explained, "Your Majesty is used to the hardships of fighting on the battlefield. Why would I need so many tonics? Besides, your illness won't get better anytime soon. Even if the imperial physicians come every day, they still can't cure you!" Thinking about how the imperial physicians were bossing him around, telling him what he couldn't touch or eat, Thirteen was at his wit's end.
"You thirteenth brother, you're just making excuses!" Fourth Master was so angry that he sat down to the side and refused to say a word.
Thirteen quickly stepped forward to apologize, "Your Majesty, I will take those tonics as soon as I get back, so please don't worry about me."
Seeing his eloquent manner, the Fourth Prince knew that his health must have recovered quite well, and he was somewhat relieved. After exchanging a few pleasantries, the Fourth Prince led the Thirteenth Prince into the west wing of the Hall of Mental Cultivation to sit down.
Thirteen knew the Emperor must have something to say to him, so he sat upright and listened attentively. "Thirteen, are you aware that I executed Eighth Prince and Ninth Prince?"
"I know they were arrested for treason, and their remaining followers are causing trouble again. Executing them is only reasonable and a last resort," Thirteen said, but a trace of sorrow remained in his heart. Although they belonged to different factions, they were still blood-related brothers... It was truly hard to bear.
The Fourth Prince nodded and continued, "When Hongli was assassinated in the Northwest last time, there was a traitor among the secret guards. The remnants of the Eighth and Ninth Princes are still active. The reason I executed them was to make an example of them and to consolidate the country!"
"Assassination attempt on Hongli? Was Hongli injured?" Thirteen asked hurriedly. Thirteen had been recuperating at home, and Fourth Prince had been deliberately concealing the events in the Northwest, so Thirteen knew nothing about what had happened there.
"Hongli was seriously injured, but he has almost recovered now!" Fourth Prince hurriedly said, fearing that Thirteenth Prince would get angry.
Upon hearing that Hongli was alright, the Thirteenth Prince was relieved. "That's good, that's good... Is there any clue about the traitor?" If the traitor was still around, the Emperor would be in danger everywhere, and the Thirteenth Prince was truly worried.
“We’ve made some progress. Several key figures have been imprisoned, but they still refuse to speak. So I suspect who’s behind them,” Fourth Master said, revealing his thoughts.
Thirteenth Prince did not expect Fourth Prince to send Hongli to the Northwest. He usually doted on this son the most, and now that such a thing has happened, he must be feeling guilty and worried.
"Your Majesty, I wish to go to the Northwest to do my part, and I hope Your Majesty will grant my request!" The Thirteenth Prince clasped his hands and knelt on the ground. Although he was old now, he still had a heart full of passion and wanted to go back to Hongli.
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