In the early years of the Jiaqing reign, deep-rooted corruption plagued the imperial court, while ordinary people struggled to make a living. Hong Liangji, a Hanlin Academy compiler from Changzhou, was deeply concerned about the country and its people. He submitted a memorial candidly exposing the problems of the times and publicly denounced the court's abuses, infuriating the reigning emperor. At this critical moment, Prince Cheng intervened and negotiated on his behalf, sparing him a harsher punishment and securing a sentence of exile to Yili in the northwest. After Hong Liangji left the capital, an unprecedented severe drought struck the capital region. Amid the twists and turns of political affairs, the court weighed its options, and the emperor eventually reflected on his past mistakes. Hong Liangji was finally allowed to return to his homeland. Despite the generous honors and rewards offered by the court, he politely declined them and peacefully returned to his home in Jiangnan.