The Fourth Prince put down his cup, nodded, and said, "What you say is absolutely right. This time, I will abdicate on the grounds that I am ill and no longer suitable to handle state affairs."
At this point, this was the only excuse they could use: the fact that the Fourth Prince and Lanqin had been recuperating away from home for nearly a year was common knowledge throughout the court, although they were unaware that the Fourth Prince and Lanqin had spent half a year traveling in Huizhou. Furthermore, the Fourth Prince and Lanqin's absence from the Mid-Autumn Festival family banquet had also sparked much speculation. Perhaps some people felt that the Fourth Prince was terminally ill and unable to govern, making his illness a perfectly reasonable excuse.
After a moment's thought, the Fourth Prince continued, "I plan to announce to all my ministers during the Spring Festival this year that I will formally pass the throne to Hongli."
"Yes." The Spring Festival is also a significant occasion, and announcing the abdication to Hongli at this time is appropriate. Although some of them initially found it difficult to accept the Fourth Prince's abdication, they had witnessed Hongli's ability to handle court affairs independently during this period.
"From now on, I will have to assist Hongli well." The Fourth Prince's words were no longer as calm as before, but more earnest. Although the Fourth Prince was the emperor, his feelings for Hongli were no less than Lanqin's.
They all knew that Hongli had the ability to support the Aisin Gioro family, and that Hongli's succession was the will of the people. Therefore, they would do their best to assist Hongli. "Your subjects will definitely do their best to assist His Highness the Crown Prince in the future."
Hearing their words, the Fourth Prince was relieved. "Keep it a secret for now. Do not let anyone know what I said to you in the Hall of Mental Cultivation today."
"Yes, Your Majesty, we obey." The three of them must have known that this important matter must not be spread. If it were to get out from among them, it would inevitably cause a great upheaval.
The Fourth Prince had achieved his purpose in summoning them today, so it was inconvenient for them to stay in the Hall of Mental Cultivation any longer. He then gestured for the three of them to leave.
After the three left, the Fourth Prince went to Changchun Palace. As a member of the inner palace, Lanqin could not interfere in court affairs, so she could not go to Yangxin Hall to discuss them together. Therefore, she stayed in Changchun Palace to wait for news from the Fourth Prince.
The Fourth Prince arrived at Lanqin's bedchamber and sat down beside her. "I have already discussed with several regents the matter and will announce my abdication and pass the throne to Hongli during the Spring Festival."
Hearing the Fourth Prince's words, Lanqin breathed a sigh of relief. "This matter can finally be over." Lanqin then threw herself into the Fourth Prince's arms. "Your Majesty can finally rest. You must accompany me when the time comes."
Seeing Lanqin in this state, the Fourth Prince was also filled with emotion. "I have managed my domain for thirteen years. I must go and take a good look at it."
The two, who were used to a carefree and leisurely lifestyle, had time to dream about the future after shedding their heavy burdens.
Especially after the Fourth Prince learned that Lanqin came from the future, he became increasingly interested in the things she talked about there, asking her about the future almost every day. Lanqin, in turn, tirelessly recounted her experiences with the future to the Fourth Prince. However, Lanqin refused to tell him about the future of the Qing Dynasty. She knew that if she told him now that the Qing Dynasty would only last for a little over two hundred years before its demise, he would surely do something. Therefore, Lanqin told the Fourth Prince that she couldn't change history, so he could ask her about everything else except the future of the Qing Dynasty.
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