"You still refuse to accept it? If you’ve got the guts, go to the battlefield yourself and fight like the War Prince." The Emperor was so angry that his beard bristled, and his eyes bulged.
The Fourth Prince understood this all too well, yet, in recent years, the War Prince’s power had grown increasingly intertwined and had gradually begun to escape his control. Moreover, most of Moli Country’s military power was in the hands of the War Prince.
"Such dangerous matters, naturally, don’t require princes to step forward; there are ministers to bear the burden."
"Hmph!" The prince snorted fiercely and then asked, "What exactly is going on between you and the Second Miss of the General’s Mansion? Why would you help her?"
"Qinger originally did not wish to go to the War Prince’s Mansion, your son merely could not bear to see her fall into a pit of fire. Imperial Father, you should also keep an eye on the War Prince. He has countless beauties in his mansion, and to think he even dares to forcefully take a commoner’s girl. It’s utterly lawless."
"What’s the matter? Jealous of the beauties in his mansion?"
"This son harbors no such desires; I only ask that he does not bother Qinger." Upon recalling Situtu Qinger’s charming small face, a wave of tenderness swept through the Fourth Prince’s heart.
"You are calling her by her given name, I see you have feelings for her, and that’s why you have conflicts with the War Prince’s Mansion, isn’t it?" After an outburst, the Emperor’s temper had somewhat subsided.
In terms of politics, the Emperor did not wish for the War Prince to be with Situtu Qinger.
Even though Situtu Qinger was only a concubine-born daughter, he still did not feel at ease. The Fourth Prince’s meddling had, in fact, relieved him.
"Imperial Father is astute. Your son merely cannot stand unfairness; I truly harbor no such feelings towards Qinger." Even though his heart was fond of her, recalling the Empress Mother’s words, the Fourth Prince did not dare to express his true feelings.
Hearing this, the Emperor nodded, speaking with earnest gravity: "That is very good, my Imperial Son. Remember, I have high hopes for you, and even if you were to marry, you should marry a woman of equal status. Situtu Qinger, no matter how beautiful, is but a concubine-born daughter, of no help to the Royal Family. Looking at the entire Imperial court today, the War Prince’s family stands unchallenged, and the Royal Family is in imminent peril. We urgently need the support of capable and powerful families. Do not let your imperial father down!"
Moved by this heartfelt speech, the Fourth Prince was deeply touched: "Imperial Father, please rest assured, your son understands."
"Good that you understand. Remember, you must not provoke the War Prince in the future. At this critical moment, our Royal Family cannot afford to fall out with him, do you understand?"
The imperial father had shared his concerns sincerely, and the Fourth Prince was no fool; he certainly knew the gravity of the situation.
"Your son understands; I apologize for worrying you, Imperial Father."
"Step down, I am tired."
"Please take care of your health, Imperial Father. Your son takes his leave." The Fourth Prince bowed and retired.
"Ah!" The Emperor sighed and picked up the memorial on the desk to continue reading.
Eunuch Li understood that the Emperor wasn’t truly angry with the Fourth Prince.
In fact, the root of it all lay with the War Prince; he was the Emperor’s biggest headache.
That night, the moon hung above the tips of the willows.
Large and small, two figures dashed across the rooftops, quickly arriving at the gates of a luxurious mansion. Above, a plaque bore the three golden characters: "War Prince’s Mansion."
"Smelly woman, what are we doing here?" The speaker was a little toddler only two or three years old, who, despite his young appearance, spoke with an air of maturity.
Standing beside him was a woman dressed in black nightwear—it was Xuexue, and the young toddler speaking to her was Qi Miao, who changed from a tiger into human form.
Xuexue smiled mysteriously: "To watch the show."
The little baby: "Are you out of your mind, woman? Coming to someone’s house in the middle of the night to watch a show?"