Randomly, Hongshi was secretly taken out of the Dali Temple prison, and what happened to him afterward is unknown. No one knows where he was imprisoned by the Fifteenth Prince. However, the elderly, women, and children in Hongshi's household were not affected.
The Fourth Prince's decision regarding Hongshi was immediately announced, and shortly afterward, the imperial edict deposing Empress Ulanara and banishing her to the Fifth Palace of the Netherworld was also announced.
For a time, teahouses and taverns throughout the capital were talking about these two things.
On this day, in the largest teahouse in the capital, people were not only drinking tea and enjoying dishes, but also enthusiastically discussing these two matters.
"Do you know that the Second Prince has been removed from the imperial clan, severed his father-son relationship with the Emperor, and been imprisoned? The Empress has also been deposed?" Guan Jiasheng muttered to the people at the table.
"The Emperor's edict has been widely circulated; who doesn't know it?" Object B replied dismissively. Seeing his cautiousness, one might think he was up to some great secret.
"Then do you know who will inherit the position of Crown Prince and the Empress?" the person in charge continued to mutter mysteriously.
"Everyone knows what you mean, right? The Consort Xi is virtuous and kind, and enjoys the utmost favor; the Empress's position is undoubtedly hers. Furthermore, her son, the Fourth Prince, has fought for many years, achieving great merit, and has been highly regarded by His Majesty since childhood. Who else but the Fourth Prince can shoulder this heavy responsibility of Crown Prince?" At this point, it was the turn of Object B to scoff. Ignoring Object A, the people present began discussing Hongli's great achievements.
Then, voices began to object, "I don't think so. In terms of talent, the Fifth Prince is not much worse than the Fourth Prince. If the Fifth Prince is willing, the crown prince position may very well go to someone else."
"What are you saying? The Fourth Prince is now the Emperor's eldest son. If someone with ulterior motives hears your words, you could lose your head!" Hearing this, the crowd left in embarrassment.
Fortunately, these voices are just a minority.
Not only was it a hot topic of conversation among ordinary people, but it was also being discussed in the courtyards and residences of the imperial relatives. Some scheming ministers began to curry favor with Hongli by sending gifts to his residence.
Hongli Mansion Zheng
Mingyu, who was making a knot for Hongli, couldn't help but ask about it.
"I heard that my mother is going to be made empress. Is that true?" If Lanqin were made empress, it would certainly be a great thing for Hongli. Mingyu couldn't help but ask tentatively.
"I don't know what's going on in the streets, but it seems Father doesn't have that intention; at least, I haven't heard him mention it." This was the reply she received from Hongli, and Mingyu couldn't help but feel a little disappointed. If Hongli were made Crown Prince, then the child in her womb would be the legitimate grandson of the Qing Dynasty.
“Now that Prince Beile is Father Emperor’s eldest son, since ancient times, the eldest son of the legitimate heir has been chosen. Mother Empress is already the highest-ranking concubine in the harem. I believe that it would be perfectly justified for Father Emperor to make Prince Beile the Crown Prince,” Mingyu couldn’t help but say.
"Mingyu, let's not discuss this matter anymore. This is something Father Emperor needs to consider," Hongli said, putting down the book in his hand.
"Why is that, Your Highness? I am only telling the truth." Mingyu frowned as she saw that Hongli was unwilling to discuss the matter further, thinking that he was impatient with her.
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