Helian Nie was thirty-five years old this year. He was tall and imposing, with a chiseled face and strikingly handsome features.

Those long, narrow, peach-blossom eyes had lost some of their fierceness, but gained a sharp, intimidating presence that commanded respect without anger.

The more intense the imperial aura emanating from him, the more sublime he became, enough to command submission and inspire awe with just a glance.

"No, I won't go down if Father doesn't agree."

Helian Si's arms were still wrapped around Helian Nie's neck, showing no fear whatsoever. He even spoke with unwavering bravado.

“Father, as you said, I’m already this old, so don’t try to threaten me with those green bamboo branches on the back mountain anymore.”

Helian Si, oblivious to the fact that he was getting tired of holding her, simply tilted his head and rested it on Helian Nie's shoulder.

Tsk, look at Father's broad shoulders, so reassuring. No wonder he's still so popular with noble ladies at his age.

"Alright, get down, I agree."

Helian Nie rubbed his temples, his voice tinged with helplessness towards Helian Si.

It's his fault, too. In the past few years of fighting, he's spoiled this ugly thing a bit, which has led to its unruly nature.

"Yes, Sisi knew that Father Emperor was the best to Sisi."

Helian Si had an oval face and beautiful peach blossom eyes that curved into a smile, gleaming with triumph. He pretended to be a child and thanked her in a high-pitched voice.

"Alright, get down. What kind of behavior is this?"

Helian Nie's voice softened unconsciously, and his well-defined knuckles gently rubbed the head of Helian Si, who was resting on his shoulder.

Helian Si pouted slightly in dissatisfaction, muttering complaints as he got off Helian Nie's back.

"What does it matter? Father, you really do love me less and less. Sigh, the father-daughter relationship is fading. Tsk."

"Awoo."

Helian Si cried out in pain as a blow to the head landed. His beautiful peach blossom eyes welled up with tears as he looked at Helian Nie accusingly.

Helian Nie didn't even look at Helian Si, turned around and walked straight to the inner hall, speaking coolly.

"The bamboo strips on the back hill can't threaten you anymore, so what about your little stash of money..."

Helian Si: "!"

Helian Si's face immediately plastered with a fawning smile, and he chased after her in a high-pitched voice, behaving as obediently as could be.

"Father!"

"Father, I know I was wrong. I will never do it again. Please don't touch my little treasury. That's the money I use to support the handsome men in my harem. You can't touch it."

He acted like a complete lackey.

Helian Nie glanced sideways at Helian Si, whose face was full of fawning smiles, and spoke in a low, menacing voice, "Do you know you're wrong?"

"Uh-huh!"

Helian Si nodded, clasped his hands together, blinked his long, curled eyelashes, and his beautiful peach blossom eyes sparkled with stars. His oval face showed a sincere expression.

Helian Nie raised an eyebrow in satisfaction, then glanced at Helian Si with his long, narrow, almond-shaped eyes. His handsome face showed displeasure, and his thin lips parted slightly.

"What are you still standing there for? Help me change my clothes."

"Okay!"

Helian Si was incredibly attentive; he stepped forward, grabbed the imperial dragon robe from the hanger, and draped it over Helian Nie's body.

The dragon robe was not the usual crimson, but black, with five-clawed dragon patterns that bared their fangs and claws, displaying the natural imperial aura of the supreme ruler.

Before him was a bronze mirror as tall as a person. In the mirror, Helian Si, being rather short, struggled, jumping and leaping about like a comical monkey.

Helian Nie's thin, crimson lips curved into a slight, undeniable smile. He had grown up quite a bit, but in his own eyes, he was still a silly, ugly thing.