Looking at his tall and handsome son not far away, Emperor Zhaojing felt a complex mix of emotions, a mixture of guilt and pity.
If Consort Li hadn't died, she would have been very happy to see her son grow up.
Unfortunately, he was powerless to protect the mother and son, and even though his son was right in front of him, he couldn't acknowledge him...
As he thought about it, a hint of dejection appeared in his eyes, and he seemed to have aged considerably.
After a moment, he slowly asked, "Why are you here so late, Minister Xie?"
Xie Jingrun glanced at him and said calmly, "I have something to report to you."
Upon hearing this, Emperor Zhaojing mustered his spirits and gave Hai Fu a meaningful look.
Haifu understood and quickly led the palace servants out.
Once there were no outsiders left in the room, Emperor Zhao's expression softened completely. "Speak freely," he said.
"Actually, I don't have anything important to do," Xie Jingrun said calmly, his dark eyes slightly closed.
Emperor Zhaojing asked in confusion, "Then you..."
"I just felt that Your Majesty's safety is paramount while you are at Jiulong Mountain, and since I had nothing else to do, I came to check on you," Xie Jingrun said.
Upon hearing this, Emperor Zhaojing felt a warmth in his heart and said with a smile, "I am very safe here. You don't need to go through all that trouble. You should go back and rest. I will be going hunting tomorrow and will need you by my side to protect me."
"Wait a little longer, then I will return," Xie Jingrun said unhurriedly.
Emperor Zhaojing gave him a scrutinizing look, sensing something amiss, but since he didn't say anything, he didn't ask. He understood his temperament.
"It's been a long time since I played chess with you. You've come at the perfect time. Play a game with me," he suddenly said excitedly.
"Okay." Xie Jingrun took the embroidered spring knife from his waist and put it aside.
"Haifu, bring the chessboard up," Emperor Zhaojing called out.
Haifu immediately placed the chessboard respectfully on the table.
"Alright, this is none of your business. Go down." Emperor Zhaojing waved his hand.
"Yes." Hai Fu replied respectfully, glanced at Xie Jingrun with a smile, and then withdrew.
Outside the door.
The young eunuch peeked inside and saw Haifu come out. He quickly whispered, "Godfather, Commander Xie came without being summoned. Why doesn't the Emperor punish him? He even seems quite pleased."
Hai Fu, holding a whisk, stood by the door like a meditating monk. Upon hearing this, he lifted his eyelids slightly and glanced at him indifferently. "Xiangzi, didn't we teach you that you should ask less and see less about the Emperor's affairs? Don't meddle in things you shouldn't know. Our duty is simply to serve the Emperor well, that's enough. If you have any improper thoughts, you'll be in big trouble."
Upon hearing this, Xiangzi's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly lowered his head, saying, "Godfather is right, I understand."
Seeing this, Haifu's expression softened. "You're still young and lack composure, which is understandable. When you can be like us, calm and collected in the face of anything, then this position of mine might just be yours in the future."
Upon hearing this, Xiangzi's face lit up with joy, and he bowed deeply, saying, "I know my own abilities are lacking, and I still need my godfather's help."
Haifu patted his head. He still cherished his only godson. "Take it slow, there's no rush. What you need is more experience."
"Yes." Xiangzi nodded, but a hint of disapproval flashed in his lowered eyes.
He admitted that it was no easy feat for Haifu to have reached his current position, but when a new emperor ascends the throne, there will inevitably be a change of government. It would be a great stroke of luck for Haifu to be allowed to live out his days in comfort. When that time comes, how can the retired Haifu still provide him with protection?
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