Emperor Zongwen had many sons, but most of them died young. The only sons who survived were the First Prince, Third Prince, and the Eighth Prince. Feng Yuran was the youngest. The following births were princesses. The first two princes were each given 50 strokes of the cane while no one knew if the third was alive or dead.
Emperor Zongwen's intentions were not clear. Under such circumstances, with news of a new pregnancy after a long period of silence, many parties were quietly guessing that if Consort Yu were to have a little prince, what happened in the future might not be certain. The selection of the future heir to the throne might not be conducted amongst the three princes at all!
