Chapter 32 The Misunderstanding Between the Emperor and Xiao Jingchuan is Cleared Up
Chapter 32 The Misunderstanding Between the Emperor and Xiao Jingchuan is Cleared Up
Eunuch Fu turned around and said to Xiao Jingchuan, "Your Highness, you have misunderstood the Emperor. Everything the Emperor did was to protect you and the Empress!"
With tears streaming down his face, Eunuch Fu recounted the Emperor's predicament: "His Majesty's actions were truly out of necessity."
"Your Highness, think about it. If the Emperor doesn't take measures, how can he ensure your and the Empress's safety? How can the stability of this country be allowed to be shaken in the slightest?" Eunuch Fu said urgently, his eyes glistening with tears.
Xiao Jingchuan was slightly taken aback, his expression softened a little, but he still refused to compromise: "But Father's approach is too extreme. He didn't consider my feelings at all!"
“Your Highness,” Eunuch Fu advised in a low voice, “in this court where power and intrigue intertwine, your feelings are certainly important, but survival is even more important. In order to protect you, the Emperor has to eliminate those potential threats one by one. You must understand that sometimes love is not outward tenderness, but a sacrifice hidden deep in the heart.”
"What do you mean?" Xiao Jingchuan knew that Eunuch Fu's words had a hidden meaning.
"Your Highness, you don't know yet. The Emperor doesn't want you to be exiled to Ningguta, nor does he want to depose the Empress. But don't you understand the situation in the court? There are Chen Qi's men everywhere. They protect him at every turn. Moreover, Chen Qi is so incredibly audacious. Think about it. You were poisoned and crippled on the battlefield. The Empress only has you as her son. The Consort is watching the Empress closely. The Emperor has to protect the country. If there is any negligence, the Empress could be poisoned like this!"
What Eunuch Chen said shocked everyone present, especially Xiao Jingchuan, who never expected that his father, the Emperor, had done this to protect them...
Although he harbored resentment towards his father, the words of Eunuch Fu made him realize that the world was not simply black and white. In this game of power, every decision concealed countless hardships.
"But I also have the right to choose my own life!" Xiao Jingchuan's voice became firm.
He turned to the Emperor: "Father, I wish to participate in court affairs, rather than be isolated by you. I want to contribute my strength to the common people, rather than be a puppet to be manipulated, much less a useless future crown prince!"
Hearing this, Xiao Han's expression softened slightly, but remained serious: "My son, listen to your father now. You have recovered. Before, in court, Chen Qi accused you of deceiving the emperor and deliberately concealing your martial arts skills, which prevented you from being crippled. He even had the ministers petition to have you beheaded. You should know who the real mastermind behind all this is! What we need to do now is to recuperate and build up our strength. The reason your father exiled you to Ningguta is because he believes in you. You will definitely develop your own kingdom there! Then we will know who the enemy lurking in the shadows is."
"Father! I'm sorry, I misunderstood you!" Xiao Jingchuan replied without flinching. "I will definitely not let you down!"
Seeing this, Grandpa Fu couldn't help but feel secretly gratified. He knew that although the argument between the father and son was intense, it was also a form of growth.
As long as they can understand each other, one day they will find the most suitable place for each other.
After a long silence, the Emperor finally sighed: "Very well! I'll be waiting for you!"
He then turned his gaze to Gu Liuli, who was wearing a veil, smiled slightly, and said in a relaxed tone, "Haha, but I forgot that the Crown Princess beside you is no ordinary person!"
He stormed the Snow Peak Mountains! He dared to challenge the most powerful bandits! He even wiped out dozens of bandits single-handedly. Tianqing said he also possesses a weapon hidden in his mouth, a weapon that can kill from a hundred meters away!
"Father, rest assured, your daughter-in-law will definitely help the Crown Prince and strive to make Ningguta a place that is truly invincible! I will also definitely help Your Highness create a strong army!" Gu Liuli knew that the Emperor's secret guards had found out about their journey, so they could no longer keep a low profile.
Just as Xiao Han was about to ask Gu Liuli about her mysterious weapon, a crisp and clear voice came from outside the door: "Your Majesty, I, Consort Shen, request an audience with Your Majesty!"
Xiao Jingchuan and Gu Liuli checked the time and realized it was getting late. They hurried back, otherwise it would be difficult to explain if Zhao Hu found out: "Father, we'll head back now to avoid being discovered."
Only then did the emperor realize a problem: they were about to arrive in Ningguta, and even at the fastest speed, it would take three days. How did they get back?
"How are you going to get back?" Xiao Han asked.
Xiao Jingchuan replied, "Father, we have our own way. You should take good care of yourself and Mother." He then turned to look at Eunuch Fu. To be honest, he was very grateful to Eunuch Fu for not being with him and his father. "Eunuch Fu, you too, take good care of yourself!"
Grandpa Fu nodded, his eyes brimming with tears, whether from emotion or from the impending separation.
Xiao Han watched the two of them enter the inner room, nodded to Eunuch Fu, indicating that Shen Hui should come in.
In the bustling yet turbulent inner palace, Consort Shen was undoubtedly a breath of fresh air.
Consort Shen did not possess the kind of stunning beauty that would leave a lasting impression.
Her face was round and gentle, her skin fair with a faint pink tint, like a peach blossom in early spring—not dazzling, but with a natural freshness.
Beneath her arched eyebrows were a pair of clear, bright almond-shaped eyes, which exuded integrity and purity, like a crystal-clear mountain stream, without any impurities or scheming.
Her nose was small and straight, adding a touch of three-dimensionality to her otherwise ordinary face. Her lips were the color of cherries in March, naturally red without any makeup, and her slightly upturned corners of her mouth always carried a faint smile, giving people a friendly and gentle feeling.
Upon closer inspection, although her features are not strikingly beautiful, they are perfectly proportioned, becoming more and more pleasing to the eye the longer one looks at them, like a delicate ink painting. At first glance, it may seem plain, but with prolonged appreciation, one can appreciate its unique charm.
At the same time, she also maintains her own style of dress. For example, today she is wearing a moon-white silk robe. The fabric is light and flowing, and as she moves, it shimmers with a soft luster like flowing moonlight.
The collar and cuffs of the long gown were embroidered with a circle of light blue cloud patterns. The needlework was delicate, and the cloud patterns were faintly visible, like thin clouds on the horizon, adding a touch of elegance.
She wore a light pink gauze jacket over the dress, with delicate plum blossoms embroidered in silver thread on the thin fabric. The plum blossoms shimmered in the sunlight, like stars scattered on earth.
She paired it with a white pleated long skirt, the hem swaying gently with her steps, the pleats seemingly holding the wind, making her look lively and light.
AWB