When Lanqin asked how to deal with Hongshi, Fourth Master's face darkened even more. On the way here, he had been asking himself whether he really wanted to execute Hongshi.
The Fourth Prince sighed, turned and smiled at Lanqin, "Changchun Palace is like my antidote, and Qin'er is my confidante. Whenever I have something I can't figure out, I come to Changchun Palace and talk to Qin'er, and everything becomes clear."
"Your Majesty!" Lanqin thought to herself, "Is the Fourth Prince really plotting to kill me?" The Fourth Prince deliberately avoided the topic this time, and Lanqin felt a little scared, so she gave a coquettish sigh.
Fourth Master chuckled, looked up at the window, and said decisively, "This rebellious son's sins are truly heinous and unforgivable."
Hearing this, Lanqin understood that the Fourth Prince truly harbored murderous intent towards Hongshi, but she couldn't bear to see him execute his own son and bear the infamy. Years ago, when Consort Qi, Li, was murdered, the Fourth Prince felt a pang of guilt towards Hongshi. Now, to have him execute Hongshi himself was something Lanqin simply couldn't bear. She wasn't trying to plead for Hongshi; his actions were enough to warrant death. But what must a father feel, to have to kill his own son? Lanqin felt sorry for the Fourth Prince having to endure such a thing.
Lanqin thought for a moment and then pleaded for Hongshi, "Your Majesty, Hongshi is, after all, your own flesh and blood. If you execute him like this, I'm afraid you will regret it later. It would be better to spare his life and exile him. If he knows his mistakes and corrects them in the future, he will still have a chance to return to the capital and be with Your Majesty."
The Fourth Prince shook his head. He knew Lanqin was always so kind and considerate. At first, he might have been hesitant, but now he had made up his mind: Hongshi could not be allowed to live. He said, "Hongshi cannot be exiled any further because his status does not allow him to be exiled. He is the legitimate son of the Ulanara clan. If he is released with the title of legitimate son, he will be easily manipulated. Hongshi is not a bad person, but he is easily instigated. If he is exiled, he may commit another heinous act. Moreover, Hongshi is no longer the son of the Aisin Gioro clan. He has betrayed the Qing Dynasty and the Aisin Gioro clan."
After speaking earnestly, the Fourth Prince closed his eyes in deep sorrow, saying, "Give him death." At this moment, even though the Fourth Prince was filled with immense grief, and even if he regretted it later, if given another chance, he would still give Hongshi death.
Lanqin felt a chill in her heart; Hongshi was truly helpless this time. But then she thought again that the Fourth Prince was right. Releasing Hongshi would only bring disaster. Rather than exiling him out of momentary pity, it was better to risk harming the people or even endangering the court once more.
After all this, the Fourth Prince was very sad, especially when he was ordered to commit suicide; his face involuntarily revealed the sadness he had been suppressing.
Lanqin understood the Fourth Prince's sorrow and comforted him; the two embraced. Knowing he needed companionship, Lanqin summoned Wuxiha and Bechuk to the palace with their children. Hongli and Hongzhou were also brought in. Lanqin hosted a family banquet at Changchun Palace, inviting them all to spend an hour and a half with the Fourth Prince. Surrounded by his children and grandchildren, the Fourth Prince enjoyed the happiness of family life, but the pain he felt for Hongshi remained buried deep within his heart.
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