The Crown Prince harbors heavy suspicion, having already eliminated his legitimate brothers, Old Four and Old Seven, who were causing chaos. Old Thirteen, who was exceptionally talented and favored by his Emperor father, posed a threat to the Crown Prince's status. Therefore, fifteen-year-old Old Thirteen was unexpectedly drowned.
As for the children of other concubines, Old Five was rendered a cripple, and Old Six was exiled and demoted to a commoner.
Old Eight and Old Eleven are mediocre and foolish, lacking powerful maternal families, thus spared, as they pose no threat.
Old Nine, Old Ten, and Old Twelve are now very well-behaved, each seeking the favor of the Crown Prince, indulging in flattery.
Then there is Old Two, with health problems and over thirty women including a Princess, concubines, and maids, yet none has borne him a child.
A Prince without an heir poses no threat.
