The Emperor maintained a deep sense of filial respect for the Empress Dowager and was committed to avoiding any action that might displease her.
He would not have considered deposing the Crown Prince had it not been for the Crown Prince's grave transgressions. The Emperor could not tolerate the Crown Prince's desire to harm the Third Prince.
The Third Prince's life had been marked by misfortune; he had lost his mother at a young age and had struggled with frail health throughout his childhood. In order to survive, he had been compelled to distance himself from his family and take refuge in the Buddhist Sect. The Crown Prince's unwillingness to relinquish a younger brother who was already struggling for survival was a testament to the harshness of his heart.
