"No, not yet!"
Before the Fourth Prince’s vision completely recovered, the Empress didn’t want anyone to know. She feared that the greater the hope, the greater the disappointnt.
Besides, the Second Prince was her backup. Even if the Fourth Prince was rendered useless, the Second Prince could take his place, making her position in the Harem as steady as a rock, unshakeable. So, the fact that the Fourth Prince’s eyes were getting better couldn’t be told to the Second Prince.
The Empress was afraid that if the Fourth Prince’s eyes didn’t recover, the Second Prince would grow estranged from her. Who could she rely on then? One must always leave a way out for oneself, right? So without the Fourth Prince’s instructions, she hid the fact about his recovery from the Second Prince.
The Fourth Prince nodded and said, "Mother, don’t tell him. Once my eyes heal, I’ll make him suffer."
Finally, murmuring to himself, he said, "To think he dares to replace , he’ll be dealt with sooner or later."
The Fourth Prince’s voice was filled with malice.
The Empress, displeased, said, "The Second Prince hasn’t done anything outrageous. Don’t act recklessly."
The Fourth Prince was soone who never forgot a grudge. He felt that the Second Prince, taking advantage of his misfortune, was pleasing his mother, trying to have her adopt him, aiming to take his place and have her help him attain the position of Crown Prince. Just this fact, coveting the position of Crown Prince, made the Second Prince deserving of death.
His lifelong dream for many years, how dare an orphan like the Second Prince, with no power or influence, covet the position of Crown Prince? It was utterly unforgivable.
The Fourth Prince ate while glancing up at the Empress, accusingly saying, "Mother, all you think about now is the Second Prince. You don’t love your son anymore."
Empress: "What nonsense are you talking? You’re my only son. How could I not love you? No matter how good the Second Prince is, he’s still an outsider."
Only then was the Fourth Prince satisfied, placing a piece of sweet and sour fish into the Empress’s bowl with a smile, "Mother, eat more. It’s been hard on you with Imperial Grandmother being sick these days."
The Empress Dowager had suddenly fallen ill, and the Empress, wanting to present a good image in front of The Emperor, had been visiting the Grand Empress Dowager’s Palace frequently these days.
"Your Imperial Grandmother is sick, and it’s only right for your mother to care for her. Besides, at this crucial ti, of course, your mother has to perform well and pave the way for you."
The Fourth Prince put down his chopsticks and bowed to the Empress, "I thank Mother for this."
The Empress glanced at him and said, "Don’t bring the etiquette of the Itinerant World into the Imperial Palace. The Emperor won’t be pleased if he sees it."
Fourth Prince: "Yes, Mother, I have taken your lesson to heart."
While the two were enjoying a harmonious mont, a palace maid entered and reported, "Reporting to Empress, Fourth Prince, the Second Prince has arrived!"
The Fourth Prince set down his chopsticks, speaking sarcastically, "Oh, speak of the devil! He’s like a stubborn plague, can’t get rid of him."
The Empress gave him a look, "No matter what, we’re in the sa boat. Who knows, we might need the Second Prince’s help later. Don’t speak carelessly."
The Fourth Prince sneered, "He has no power or influence. What’s he going to help with?"
Empress: "Just because he’s The Emperor’s own son, he has the capability to assist you."
The Fourth Prince sneered, "Mother, you’re too naive. Who in this world wouldn’t look out for themselves and stupidly sacrifice for others? The Second Prince is not simple-minded. Don’t underestimate him."
The Empress shook her head helplessly and said to the palace maid beside her, "Invite the Second Prince in."
The palace maid bowed her head: "As you command!"
Saying so, she bowed and left.
Shortly after, the Second Prince entered, appearing refreshed and wearing a faint smile that made him very agreeable. He walked to the Empress and knelt down, "Your son greets the Empress."
"Hmm, Second Prince, you may rise."
Saying this, the Empress instructed the palace maid beside her, "Give the Second Prince a seat."
Palace Maid: "Yes."
The Second Prince, very courteously, said, "Your son thanks the Empress."
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