Servants shouldn't interfere in their masters' affairs, but A'Luo and Xueying grew up together and were as close as sisters. Seeing Xueying's appearance, A'Luo couldn't help but worry.
"A-Luo, why is it that the people I like never like me back?" Ulanara Xueying asked thoughtfully.
A'Luo already knew Xueying's feelings and knew that she had always been in love with Prince Hongli. It seems that Prince Hongli has hurt the young lady's heart.
“Princess, how could that be? You are so beautiful, well-educated, and knowledgeable. How many women in this vast capital can compare to you? I think Hongli is blind; he can’t see how wonderful you are. If I, A Luo, were a man, I would definitely treat you with all my heart,” A Luo said indignantly.
Hearing what A'Luo said, Xueying forced a smile. In truth, she was incredibly intelligent and naturally understood that her and Hongli's identities were inherently antagonistic. Hongli's continued rejection of her might also stem from her status as a young lady of the Ulanara family, which created a distance between them. Just as her father had told her not to fall in love with Hongli, Consort Xi must have made Hongli wary of her, which was why he had always been so cold towards her.
Meanwhile, the Fourth Prince instructed the Ministry of Rites to prepare for Hongli's wedding, and the Ministry of Rites began to work on the matter with great enthusiasm.
Soon, news of Hongli's wedding spread throughout the palace.
The following day, after attending the morning court session, the Fourth Prince summoned Hongli from the Imperial Study to the Hall of Mental Cultivation to speak with him.
"Your subject greets Your Majesty." Hongli bowed to the Fourth Prince.
"I am preparing to send you to Jingling to pay homage to our ancestors. The late emperor has been gone for half a year now. I am telling you this now so that you can prepare in advance," said the Fourth Prince.
When Hongli heard his father tell him to go and offer sacrifices to the ancestors, he was slightly surprised. Such important events as sacrifices were usually held by the emperor himself. Now that his father was asking a prince like him to handle such an important matter, he couldn't help but feel nervous.
"Father, I understand, but I'm afraid I won't be able to handle this matter well," Hongli said.
Seeing that Hongli seemed a little nervous, the Fourth Prince comforted him, saying, "The Ministry of Rites will prepare everything. You just need to do as they say. There will be written documents for you to read. I have already asked the registrar of the Hongwen Academy to write the eulogy, so you can rest assured."
Hearing the Fourth Prince say this, Hongli finally felt relieved. Since his father trusted him so much, he could not let him down. So he said confidently, "Father, I will definitely not let you down. I will definitely do this well."
The Fourth Prince smiled with satisfaction: "Hongli, you have come of age. There will be many things for you to do in the future. Of course, more often than not, you may not be able to do what you want. But you must always remember that you are my son. Since you have more than ordinary people, the responsibility you bear is also greater."
The Fourth Prince placed his hand on Hongli's shoulder and spoke earnestly, as if offering encouragement.
The fourteen-year-old Hongli suddenly realized that the responsibilities on his shoulders were far greater than he had imagined. It turned out that the seemingly high and coveted position was only superficially glamorous, with countless responsibilities and burdens hidden behind it.
"I understand, Father Emperor. I will certainly not let you down," Hongli said.
The Fourth Prince briefly explained the sacrificial ceremony to Hongli and told him not to publicize it before dismissing him.
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