Chapter 738 - 729: Can’t Intervene (Part 3)
Prince Liang, with an unusual solemn expression, spoke earnestly, "Hongyi, Father has delayed appointing an heir for too long. I will now write a memorial to request your Grandfather’s approval to establish you as the Princely Heir!"
Previously, he was the Crown Prince and could not establish an heir first because whoever was made heir would become the Imperial Grandson, and this required Father Emperor’s approval. At that time, Father Emperor did not favor his eldest son. After losing the Crown Prince position, he was able to establish an heir, but he was confined in the mansion and dared not bring the matter before Father Emperor.
Now he felt the time was right.
At the moment, he felt a bit smug.
As a father, his authority in the mansion was decreasing, while his second son, Yuxuan, seemed more like Prince Liang than he did. Both are his sons, so why couldn’t Yuxuan be more like Hongyi, obedient and not causing trouble?
He was the father, did he need to appease his son’s whims? Now, with Huangfu Yuxuan unmarried, he could use it as the pretext to establish Hongyi as the heir.
Father Emperor’s birthday was approaching, and he was in a good mood, so sending this memorial would surely gain his consent!
Appointing an heir was a joyous occasion; Father Emperor might even give rewards in his delight!
Huangfu Hongyi joyously declared, "Father, in the future, I will dutifully honor you! I am the legitimate eldest grandson of my Grandfather, and he will surely let me live as a Wealthy and Leisurely Prince. We only need to enjoy life throughout our lives!"
Living a life of pleasure is not bad!
As Crown Prince, Prince Liang was often rebuked by the Emperor, but now as Prince Liang, Father Emperor rarely summoned him for scoldings, which he quite enjoyed! The previous complaint to the Emperor was merely a reaction to being wronged by the third prince and because Huangfu Yuxuan’s words stirred his ambition, but now after a few days, since Father Emperor didn’t plan to reinstate him as Crown Prince, he gave up this idea.
He nodded, saying, "What you said is correct! Even though my stipend has reduced, the routine rewards still suffice for a Wealthy and Leisurely Prince!"
He picked up the brush and began writing the memorial for appointing the heir.
Huangfu Hongyi grinned, never worried because if his father was Crown Prince, he would be the Imperial Grandson; if his father was Prince Liang, he’d be the Heir of King Liang. Such is the confidence of the legitimate eldest son!
After Prince Liang finished writing, he blew to dry the ink carefully, folded it, and prepared it.
He was still a prince, with the privilege of entering the palace at any time.
Holding the memorial carefully, he said, "I will immediately head to the palace, and before your Grandfather’s birthday, this should be settled, allowing our Prince Liang Mansion to rejoice doubly!"
Saying this, he proceeded to leave.
A voice, filled with chill, arose, "Where is Father going now?"
Prince Liang was startled, his grip loosening, letting the memorial drop to the ground.
He bent down to pick it up, while a slight anger flickered in his heart; this was his Prince Mansion, he was the father, how could he be startled into dropping something by his son’s words? Such a thing would damage his reputation.
He picked up the memorial, tucked it into his sleeve, straightened up, and sternly said, "Insolent, this is my study. Without my summons, what are you doing barging in?"
Huangfu Yuxuan’s gaze swept across Prince Liang and then towards Huangfu Hongyi. There was nothing unusual about Hongyi, but Prince Liang’s eyes showed a bit of unease.
He faintly smiled, "Father invited big brother into the study to discuss important matters. As a member of Prince Liang Mansion, how could I not come to see?"
He spoke lightly, but his tone lacked the usual reverence of a son towards his father; rather, it was somewhat condescending.
Prince Liang noticed it, recalling Advisor Mr. Li’s words, and frowned, "I am the master of this mansion, yet you repeatedly defy, interfering in my actions, is this the way of a son?"
Huangfu Yuxuan, with a half-smile, replied, "Then what does Father see as the way of a son? Please tell me, and I’ll change!"
Seeing the cold smile on Huangfu Yuxuan’s face, Prince Liang felt uncertain, responding with feigned strength, "In the future, be mindful of boundaries and adhere to proper conduct, that is all!"
"Understood!" Huangfu Yuxuan replied offhandedly and then added, "If I’m not mistaken, wasn’t Father just writing a memorial? Word is, Father intends to establish an heir? Does Father mean to appoint big brother as the heir?"
Prince Liang felt slightly guilty, yet also realized he shouldn’t feel that way, thus sternly said, "Establishing an heir is my business, not for you to question. Now, step aside!"