Hongli escorted Lanqin and the Fourth Prince to the front courtyard to rest, with the Thirteenth Prince and his wife keeping them company. He then busied himself greeting and receiving the other guests. Not long after, Ushiha and Suhar arrived with their youngest son, Biechuk, and Qin Mo.
The four of them paid their respects to Fourth Master and Lanqin. It was a rare occasion for the family to be together like this, and Lanqin was overjoyed to see her children at her feet. Wuxiha handed his youngest son to Lanqin. After not seeing him for many days, the little prince had become even more adorable and lively, waving his pink, tender hands to grab the pearl ornament on Lanqin's sleeve.
Lanqin was amused by the little prince's appearance, and even her fourth grandfather came over to look. Ushiha kept telling Lanqin about his youngest son's funny stories, which Bechuk listened to with great interest. The Thirteenth Princess Consort, seeing this, covered her mouth and teased, "Your Highness, it seems another grandson is on the way... Look, Bechuk is on his pilgrimage..."
Bechuk was startled, blushed, and hid in Qin Mo's arms. Lanqin smiled and said, "What's there to be embarrassed about? Your mother is hoping for many children and grandchildren..."
A group of people burst into laughter, unaware that a person was standing at the door, coldly watching inside.
The Thirteenth Prince was the first to notice, and upon closer inspection, he realized it was Hongshi, who had been demoted to a commoner. At this moment, the Fourth Prince also saw Hongshi at the door, and his expression changed slightly. Lanqin stopped laughing, looked at the Fourth Prince and then at Hongshi, then, carrying the little prince, led everyone to the inner room, leaving the Fourth Prince and Hongshi to talk outside.
Hongshi looked haggard, suggesting that life after his demotion must have been difficult. Accustomed to a life of extravagance and luxury for so many years, this sudden change was hard for him to adjust to. However, he was fortunate not to have been executed or exiled for committing such a grave mistake. During his time as a commoner, Hongshi had reflected deeply on his actions, and it seemed he had come to apologize to the Fourth Prince.
Although the Fourth Prince was very angry, Hongshi was, after all, his own flesh and blood, and seeing him so dejected and emaciated saddened him. Hongshi stepped forward and performed the full kneeling ceremony, bowing three times before shouting "Long live the Emperor!"—the intimacy between father and son that had been absent before was long gone. The Fourth Prince's face was tense, seemingly angry, but he also felt a pang of unease.
“Your son is unfilial and has committed a grave mistake that angered Father Emperor. He should reflect on his actions and repent, and should not have come here.” Hongshi’s voice was hoarse, and he choked up several times, unable to speak. “But today is Hongli’s wedding day. Although I, as the eldest brother, have not set a good example for Hongli, I hope to serve as a warning to all my brothers, so that they will not follow in my footsteps… That is why I have shamelessly come to offer my congratulations…”
Fourth Master glanced sideways at the teacup on the table beside him, remaining silent.
Hongshi knelt on the ground with his head down, and said dejectedly, "Father, I know I was wrong. I only wish to come and congratulate Hongli in person, and then pay my respects to Father. That would be enough for me." Hongshi looked up at the Fourth Prince, but found that the Fourth Prince was not looking at him. He felt a pang of pain in his heart, struggled to get up, clasped his hands in a fist and bowed.
"Your son knows that Father Emperor does not wish to see me again. Your son will leave now. May Father Emperor be blessed with good health and happiness..." After saying this, he prepared to turn and leave.
“Since you’re here, then stay…” Hongshi’s eyes welled up with tears instantly. With red eyes, he turned around and looked at the Fourth Master, trying to suppress his excitement.
"It's Hongli's wedding, and you, as the eldest brother, are here. That shows you have a sense of propriety. I'm sure Hongli will be very happy to see you..." The Fourth Prince's words made Hongshi unable to hold back any longer. He knelt down with a thud and wept bitterly.
The Fourth Prince was very pleased to see that Hongshi was truly repentant. He had someone help Hongshi up and offered him a seat, and only then did the father and son begin to speak.
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