Chapter 74 So why would he compete with her?
Li Yuanyou was unaware of the bloodshed outside. Since being placed under house arrest in his own palace, he had been doing nothing all day.
The palace gates were heavily guarded by the Imperial Guards, and were never opened except when a palace attendant brought meals.
All he could do each day was look at picture books in the house, play with the caged parrot, or lie there in a daze.
With his shallow mind, he racked his brains but still couldn't figure out who wanted to harm him.
He simply couldn't be bothered to bother.
Anyway, he didn't kill the person. He's an upright person, so what's there to be afraid of?
Father will find out the truth and release him.
He was just a little worried about his elder sister.
I heard she was very ill and couldn't even attend court.
What alarmed him even more was whether his elder sister would actually believe the rumors and think that he had killed Grand Tutor Liu in order to compete for the throne.
He knew from a young age that his elder sister was very powerful, more powerful than anyone else.
He was skilled in both civil and military affairs, and proficient in everything.
She could make even the old ministers he feared bow in respect, and she could bring a rare smile to his usually stern father's face.
She was a bit cold-hearted and always indifferent to others, but she was always different with him.
He still remembered when he was ten years old, he saw his elder sister being praised by their father for taming a wild horse from the Western Regions.
He was extremely envious and wanted to imitate her, so he secretly led a wild horse that had just entered the riding arena.
As a result, the horse went berserk. As soon as he was saddled, it suddenly stood up, kicking wildly and spinning in place, swinging its neck.
He gripped the reins tightly, but still couldn't tame it, and it looked like he was about to be thrown off.
The surrounding guards were already pale with fright. Some reached out to stop them, but were forced to retreat by the wild horse's momentum. No one dared to step forward easily.
Just when he thought he was about to be smashed to pieces, his elder sister rode up on her own horse, expressionless, without even pulling on the reins. She simply used the horse's speed to leap and land steadily on the back of the horse behind him.
The next instant, her arm slipped under his armpit and gripped the reins firmly in his hand.
"Lower your body!"
His elder sister's voice rang in his ears, and he subconsciously bent down.
She felt her elder sister forcefully push the horse's belly with her knee, while simultaneously pulling the reins sharply backward.
The wild horse, in pain, let out a deafening neigh and reared up again, but she held it firmly in place.
After several rounds of this, the spirited horse seemed to have lost all its strength, gradually becoming docile, snorting and slowing down.
Only when the horse was completely still did the princess let go of his hand and dismount from behind him.
She patted the snow-white horse's neck, still with that indifferent expression, and said to him, "If you don't have the ability, don't show off."
He lay on the horse's back, his heart still pounding, but as he looked at her back, he suddenly felt his eyes burning.
The guards and palace servants gathered around, all praising the princess's superb horsemanship.
He only remembered the hand that landed on his waist, so steady, so reassuring, like a barrier that kept all dangers out.
From that day on, he knew clearly that he and his elder sister were different.
My elder sister is a natural-born strongwoman, seemingly born to rule this vast empire.
He was just that kind of person with little ability; he had neither a strategic mind nor a competitive spirit.
So why would he compete with her?
He knew deep down that he couldn't win the argument.
He couldn't wait for his elder sister to smoothly ascend to that position, so he could eagerly approach her and beg her to grant him a beautiful fiefdom so he could live a carefree life as a prince.
But why are the two of them drifting further and further apart now?
Is my elder sister intentionally distancing herself from him...?
Just then, the palace door creaked open.
Upon hearing the noise, Li Yuanyou instantly jumped out of bed and rushed out in a few steps.
Shen Churong stood outside the door, looking at him with an impatient expression. "I heard you were looking for me?"
These days, no matter how much noise is going around outside, saying that the Second Prince sent someone to kill Grand Tutor Liu, no matter what.
In fact, Shen Churong didn't quite believe it either.
It's estimated that there aren't many people in the court who truly believe that the Second Prince killed the Grand Tutor.
That's what word-of-mouth is.
Those ministers were simply unwilling to take sides.
In addition, this group of newly promoted young officials are all sharp-tongued and can silence anyone who tries to argue with just a few words.
However, how this matter unfolds is none of his concern.
He looked down on the second prince because he always seemed like a good-for-nothing.
Now that he's stumbled, he's actually happy to see it happen.
But why is this person, who is under house arrest, staying put and repeatedly being summoned to come over?
Li Yuanyou stepped forward and said urgently, "I've been locked up for more than half a month. When are you going to let me out?"
Shen Churong said calmly, "This is His Majesty's decree. Why is the Second Prince making things difficult for us guards?"
He glanced at the exquisite pastries on the table in the hall and added, "Besides, we're being served good food and drinks here, why are you always thinking about going out?"
Li Yuanyou's eyes showed genuine anxiety. "I heard that my elder sister is ill, and quite seriously. I have to go see her."
"Li Yuanzhao is ill?" Shen Churong's expression suddenly changed, and his previous nonchalance vanished instantly.
He had dealt with Li Yuanzhao many times and knew her physique well; even the men in the military camp might not be able to match her.
How could you be sick?
No wonder I haven't seen her in the palace lately.
Li Yuanyou explained, "I heard that he fell ill because he was too saddened by the death of Grand Tutor Liu."
Shen Churong frowned slightly.
I used to think she was a deep and calculating person, full of schemes and plots, but I never imagined she was such a passionate and affectionate person.
He's just looking down on people.
"This matter... is beyond my power to resolve." Shen Churong composed himself, his tone becoming somewhat somber. "Without His Majesty's decree, no one can release you, much less take you to see the Princess."
Li Yuanyou paced around anxiously for a moment, then suddenly grabbed Shen Churong's sleeve. "Then can you pass on a message for me? Just consider it a favor, and I'll repay you handsomely later!"
Shen Churong frowned and tried to pull his sleeve back, but it was gripped tightly by him.
Looking at the earnestness in Li Yuanyou's eyes, he finally relented: "What did you say?"
“Tell my elder sister,” Li Yuanyou’s voice softened, carrying the sincerity unique to a young man, “that I’m very worried about her, and that I’ll visit her as soon as I get out. Tell her… tell her to take good care of herself and not be too sad.”
He didn't mention those messy rumors, nor did he defend his innocence; he only wanted to let his elder sister know that he cared about her.
Looking at the genuine worry in his eyes, Shen Churong remained silent for a moment before finally nodding: "Understood. If I have the opportunity to see the Princess, I will convey your message."
Li Yuanyou then released his grip, a look of gratitude on his face.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com