I lowered my voice and said to him earnestly:

"Hongli, it's fine to say this to Mother, but please don't spread it outside. There are so many people in the palace, and one careless move could lead to disaster. Furthermore, bringing you into the palace has already drawn a lot of attention, so we should be even more careful and not give anyone any leverage."

Fourth Prince Hongli looked at me, a trace of guilt and fear flashed in his eyes. He lowered his head and whispered:

"Mother, I just want to study hard and make a name for myself, surpassing my third brother who has been kept in the palace for years, and impressing all those who look down on me! I also want you to become the future Empress Dowager one day, so that everyone will know your nobility and your filial piety."

When I heard that, a gentle smile appeared on the corner of my mouth, and my eyes showed both relief and a bit of earnestness.

Of course I know that this is not just a child's nonsense. The Fourth Prince's dream will come true one day.

"Hongli, it's a good thing to have ambition. It shows that you have aspirations and don't want to be idle. But remember, a truly strong person hides this ambition deep in their heart, quietly cultivating it and working tirelessly, rather than constantly boasting about it. A journey of a thousand miles tests a horse's strength, and time reveals a person's true character. Your efforts and achievements will one day be seen by everyone, without you having to say more."

Hongli widened his clear eyes, as if telling me that he understood what I said.

He nodded heavily, his innocence and determination intertwined.

"I understand, mother. I will prove myself with my actions and make you proud of me."

Although Hongli's voice was soft, every word he spoke was sonorous and powerful, like a tender bud breaking through the soil in spring, heralding infinite possibilities and hope.

I patted his shoulder gently, my eyes gentle but firm:

"Good boy, mother believes in you."

......

"Greetings to Her Majesty the Queen, may Her Majesty be blessed with good health and good health."

"Stand up and take a seat."

"Thank you, Queen."

Inside Jingren Palace, the morning light shines, and the magnificent palace appears even more solemn and majestic in the soft light.

On both sides of the palace gate, there are carved beams and painted buildings, and colorful flowers, as if every brick and tile tells the story of the royal family's splendor and glory.

The concubines continued their morning and evening visits, paying their respects to the Empress. The Empress sat upright on the throne, clad in a regal phoenix robe and a dazzling phoenix crown. Her expression was dignified, yet hinted at a subtle weariness. The hall was thick with fragrance, and the concubines stood in line, each with a look of respect on their faces.

The Queen raised her hand slightly, signaling everyone to excuse themselves from the formalities. Then, she spoke slowly, a barely perceptible chill in her voice:

"Congratulations to Concubine An, you've given birth to another prince. It's really a series of happy events."

I smiled slightly and replied modestly:

"Thank you, Empress, for your concern. The Fourth Prince is indeed very well-behaved. I will teach him well and will bring him to pay my respects to the Empress in the future as a token of my respect."

The queen heard this and a faint smile appeared on her lips, but there was no smile in her eyes:

"That's great! Now the Fourth and Fifth Princes have a place to stay. This is the end of what I've been thinking about. However, there are many children in this palace. I hope all the sisters can do their best to help me share my worries and jointly protect this royal bloodline."

"Your Majesty is absolutely right. I, your humble servant, will do my utmost to provide the royal family with a long line of descendants, thus ensuring the eternal stability of the Qing dynasty."

Qipin suddenly said with a hint of provocation in her voice, "It's common knowledge that the Emperor doesn't like the Fourth Prince. Now that the Fourth Prince has gone to live with Concubine An in the Yanxi Palace, I'm sure the Emperor will visit the Palace less often in the future."

When she said this, everyone was stunned, and their eyes turned to me, as if they had deep meaning. Although I was unhappy in my heart, I remained calm and didn't say a word.

At this time, Concubine Hua snorted coldly, her tone filled with disdain and provocation: "The Emperor doesn't like the Fourth Prince, but does he like the Third Prince? Does the Emperor often visit you?"

Concubine Qi was choked by Concubine Hua's words and was speechless for a moment, her face slightly changed. Concubine Hua, on the other hand, raised her chin triumphantly and glanced at everyone with a hint of provocation.

"...This Fourth Prince...is different from our Third Prince after all. Our Third Prince was raised in the palace..."

At this moment, Zhen Huan spoke up, defending me and the Fourth Prince:

"Since he is a prince, he is also a descendant of the Qing Dynasty. There is no question of like or dislike. Whether the emperor goes or not is only due to his busy state affairs, not because of his likes or dislikes for any prince."

Seeing this, Concubine Li's eyes flashed with cunning, and she smiled and said:

"Since you've moved to Suiyuxuan, now I know. The emperor is busy with government affairs and didn't miss the chance to visit you. I learned yesterday that the emperor stayed at Concubine Wan's place."

As soon as Concubine Li said this, everyone's eyes turned to Zhen Huan.

Zhen Huan, on the other hand, looked indifferent, as if the matter had nothing to do with her.

But Concubine Hua was different. She looked at Zhen Huan with jealous eyes, which were full of resentment and anger.

Zhen Huan's smile is as gentle as a flower in early spring:

"Yesterday I visited the Fourth Prince in the Yanxi Palace. He's become increasingly polite and intelligent. He truly possesses an extraordinary dragon vein, and no matter where he's born, he'll always shine. I'm sure Concubine An has done a good job of teaching him."

I spoke with modesty:

"Sister Wan, you are too kind. The Fourth Prince is naturally wise. I have only done my bit to help. How dare I take credit for his achievements?"

At this time, Chun Er pouted and said:

"Sister Wan, you're only looking at Sister An and ignoring me. I'm your sister too! Look, I've gained weight again today, and the cuffs of this newly made dress are already tight."

Zhen Huan chuckled:

"Yes, breakfast was two bowls of rice porridge and three sugar packets, lunch was fat chicken and duck, and before dinner we had dessert. If I hadn't stopped you, I'm afraid that whole bowl of stewed ham and pork elbow would have gone to you. If you're still complaining about being hungry and have a midnight snack, it's not that I'm worried you can't afford it, but I'm worried your belly will get even fatter."

At this point, the entire hall seemed to be blown by a warm spring breeze, and everyone couldn't help but burst into hearty and sincere laughter. The laughter echoed in the magnificent hall, like the warm spring sunshine penetrating the clouds and illuminating every corner.

This rare sense of relaxation and joy is particularly precious in this deep palace where power is intertwined and undercurrents surge. It is like a clear spring that nourishes every tired and tense heart.

The Queen sat on a high seat, her eyes soft and deep, a gentle smile on her lips, her voice gentle and caring:

"Chun'er is truly innocent and kind-hearted, like a newly blossoming spring flower, pure and flawless. If the little princesses in the palace could be as pure and innocent as her, what a wonderful and desirable sight it would be. Concubine Li, Concubine An, and Concubine Fucha, you three have recently taken on the responsibility of raising the princesses. Is everything going well? Are the princesses adjusting to life in the palace?"

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