The Fourth Prince flew into a rage and shouted, "You stay home and rest properly until you're fully recovered! You're not allowed to go anywhere!" He's only just recovered, and he's already thinking about going to the battlefield. When will this wild and unruly heart ever settle down?
The Thirteenth Prince knelt on the ground, refusing to rise. "Your Majesty...cough...cough..."
The Thirteenth Prince coughed excitedly, and the Fourth Prince, unable to bear it, said, "Thirteenth Prince, I have my own arrangements for the Northwest. You should rest peacefully in the manor!"
"Your Majesty, I have fought for many years and understand the situation in the Northwest. Please send me there, send me to bring Hongli back. He cannot be harmed!" Although the Fourth Prince had never said anything, the Thirteenth Prince knew that the Emperor loved this son, and that Hongli was the most suitable candidate for the future Crown Prince. If anything happened to him…
Fourth Prince stepped forward to help Thirteenth Prince up. Thirteenth Prince had devoted his life to the Qing Dynasty and done so much. He already owed him a lot and could not let him risk his life for him or suffer any more.
"Thirteenth, get up! I know you mean well, for my sake and for Hongli's. But Hongli is a general, fighting on the battlefield. If he leaves first, what will the soldiers think? Can we still win this battle? You understand that!"
The Fourth Prince earnestly advised, "Therefore, Thirteenth Prince, you should return to your residence to recuperate first. It won't be too late to go after you've recovered." Hearing the Emperor say this, Thirteenth Prince felt that he might have been inconsiderate, so he stopped mentioning the matter. He simply reminded the Fourth Prince indirectly that it would be wise for him to go and exchange for Hongli.
Fourth Master could excuse himself; reminding Thirteenth Master that taking good care of himself was the most important thing right now. The two chatted for a while longer, and then Thirteenth Master left.
In the evening, the Emperor went to Changchun Palace and mentioned the Thirteenth Prince to Lanqin.
"The Thirteenth Prince came to the palace to see me today!" the Fourth Prince said.
"But what is it? The Thirteenth Prince is not recuperating at home. He must have something urgent to ask the Emperor to see him." Lanqin said.
"The Thirteenth Prince has requested permission from me to go to the Northwest!" Thinking of what had just happened, the Fourth Prince was filled with emotion.
Lanqin was surprised. Wasn't the Thirteenth Prince still recovering? How could he have such a thought? "Has the Thirteenth Prince already recovered?"
Fourth Master shook his head. Lanqin asked, "Then what does Thirteenth Master mean by this?"
The Fourth Prince paused for a moment and then said, "He knows about Hongli's injury and wants to go to the Northwest to bring Hongli back."
Lanqin was grateful. "The Thirteenth Prince has truly devoted himself to the Qing Dynasty. Hongli is so fortunate to have him as his uncle!" Lanqin had never expected the Thirteenth Prince to be so loyal and righteous.
"Yes, Thirteen has indeed made many contributions to me, so I can't let him be in danger. I refused his request."
Lanqin nodded. Indeed, the Thirteenth Prince's injuries hadn't healed yet, and his journey would undoubtedly be fraught with danger. She was deeply moved by his concern. The Fourth Prince continued, "I wish to bestow further rewards upon him!"
"But the Thirteenth Prince has done so much for the Qing Dynasty; what he wants might not be a reward!" Lanqin was moved by the deep brotherly bond between the Emperor and the Thirteenth Prince, but then she thought about how, in two more years, the Thirteenth Prince...
Fourth Master was well aware of Thirteenth Master's feelings for him, and he remembered them all. However, aside from bestowing rewards, there was nothing more he could do for him…
Seeing the Fourth Prince's silent expression, Lanqin thought that perhaps this was the helplessness and heartache between brothers in the royal family!
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