After hearing this, the emperor closed his eyes, seemingly resigned to his fate, took half a step back, and knelt down in the direction of the prince and Gu Jiangli.

"Thank you very much, my sworn brother."

After kneeling, he stood up again, his eyes filled with disappointment as he looked at the prince.

“Brother, being born into your family as a child must be a blessing earned over many lifetimes…” His smile was bitter. “I have no good fortune. My father gave me a noble status, but also made me lose everything. Actually, I know that being an emperor… is not my forte.”

He grew up under his father's tutelage and believed that his father had high hopes for him, so he tried his best to be a good crown prince in front of his father.

He did whatever his father told him to do.

His father hoped he would be a calm and sensible crown prince, so he stopped crying and laughing and began to control his emotions.

His father wanted him to be well-versed in the Zizhi Tongjian and the Four Books and Five Classics, but even though he couldn't understand a single word, he still spent his days reading them.

Whether he was the crown prince or the emperor, he was never truly happy for a single day.

In the years since he became emperor, his greatest growth has been in learning to read people's expressions, to read the faces of ministers, princes, and his mother...

He saw Heng'er's innocence and liveliness several times at the Prince's Mansion, and heard his cheerful laughter, and couldn't help but envy him.

If he weren't in an imperial family, or if his father were like a regent, would his life be less painful?

The prince was silent for a while, then said, "Being a non-emperor might be more suitable for you, just like the concubines in my harem who left the palace and found a better life instead."

After hearing these words of comfort, the emperor suddenly revealed a genuine smile.

"It is already my good fortune to have been able to recognize my sworn brother and sister-in-law. It is getting late, so I will not disturb my sworn brother and sister-in-law any longer and will return to the palace first."

Having finished explaining the matter, staying any longer would seem extremely impolite.

The prince and Gu Jiangli got up to see him off, but he declined.

"No need to see me off. I have been to the Prince's residence many times and am quite familiar with the road there."

He had only taken two steps when he turned back: "Brother, sister-in-law, can I... still come to the Prince's Mansion often in the future? The food at the Prince's Mansion... is really delicious."

Gu Jiangli and the prince nodded at the same time, "Your Majesty, come whenever you want, there's no need to be polite. Your sworn brother and sister-in-law are also your family."

The emperor's eyes reddened, and he turned his head away. In the night light, his departing figure appeared extremely lonely.

Seeing him walk away, Gu Jiangli said mournfully:

"Alas, the emperor is a pitiful man. His father probably never cared about him from beginning to end. He said he liked the food at the Prince's Mansion, but he probably liked the relaxed and casual atmosphere there."

The prince's gaze was fixed on the emperor's back, and a pitiful look appeared on his face.

"In imperial families, there are few truly sincere people."

Gu Jiangli suddenly said firmly, "But Heng'er would never do that! If he becomes emperor, he will not only take care of the people, but also cherish his family after his death."

A gentle smile appeared on the prince's stern face. "Of course, I believe Heng'er is definitely different from others."

Gu Jiangli leaned on the prince's shoulder, and the two were about to go back to their room when Lotus came from a distance, as if she had something important to tell him.

"Your Highness, Your Highness, there is a letter to the Prince's residence, requesting that Your Highness and Your Highness examine it personally."

Gu Jiangli unfolded the letter with suspicion and read the text carefully.

"What did he say?" the prince asked.

Gu Jiangli pondered for a moment, "The letter said that Yu'er has completed her studies and left the private school half a month ago. She should be arriving at the Prince's Mansion soon."

Lan Shuang's son is coming back; I wonder how his rehabilitation is going.