In the Imperial Study of the Holy Feather Kingdom, Emperor Shangdi Qingtian sat on the dragon throne, looking majestically at the guards in front of him.
"You mean, those people are Di Wuyou's fellow disciples?"
The guard nodded: "Yes, Your Majesty. I heard it with my own ears. In order not to be exposed, they went into the mansion. Although I followed them, I was far away and did not see anything else. It seemed that they were just talking about some ordinary things, and then they had dinner. The women were taken by the Princess Consort of Xiaoyao to enjoy the flowers, while the men went to rest. Only the Prince of Xiaoyao went into the study."
What the guard didn't know was that Di Wuyou had taken Rong Qi to the study, directly through a secret passage in the room. He was standing far away and missed it. This was probably a way for the people in the manor to be wary of other people watching them.
Di Qingtian didn't believe for a second that they were simply fellow disciples; otherwise, why would they be so discreet? Their lack of activity on the first day was undoubtedly a sign of caution, a fear of being discovered. He, having been emperor for so many years, couldn't possibly be unaware of this.
"Take a few more men back with you first thing tomorrow morning and keep an eye on them for me. Record exactly what they do each day, what they eat, and how many times they go to the outhouse. But be careful not to expose them. My brother is no ordinary man either."
"Yes, Your Majesty." The guard accepted the order and left.
The eunuch Li quickly came up to refill the tea: "Your Majesty, since you are so wary of Prince Xiaoyao, why didn't you deal with them directly when they returned from the border? That would have been better, eliminating any worries about the future."
Di Qingtian took a sip of tea, raised his eyelids, and glanced at him: "What do you know? They just returned to the capital and something happened. This is clearly related to the royal family, or more specifically, to me. Besides, I still remember the kindness we had when we were children. My younger brother, in particular, didn't look down on me and brought me food every day. He wasn't in a good situation back then either, but he still remembered me. That's not easy. Moreover, do you think he was stupid enough to return from the border so easily? He must have made thorough preparations. All these years, they've maintained a mediocre public image simply to protect themselves. Otherwise, how do you think they got the title of 'Carefree Prince'?"
Eunuch Li cautiously probed, "Then why did His Majesty do that back then?"
Because Eunuch Li knew that the Crown Prince back then treated everyone equally, without being harsh on anyone or showing favoritism. You remember the Emperor's brother's good deeds, but why can't you remember the Crown Prince's?
Di Qingtian glared at him in anguish: "The Crown Prince back then was kind to everyone, but wasn't he pitying us? He was so high and mighty, and Father Emperor only liked him. He got all the best things. He wasn't the eldest son or the legitimate heir, so why is the position of Crown Prince his, and why will the future throne be his?"
"Ha, he's been dead for over a decade now, and his entire family of three is dead. Isn't this how the struggle for the throne works? Climbing to the top on human blood, that's what royalty is all about! If it weren't for him and his mother, my mother wouldn't have died of illness, and she wouldn't have lived to see him. Besides, after my mother died, everyone in the palace fled, and I almost starved to death there, without my father even knowing. Fortunately, my father died not long after him, hahaha, all my enemies are dead, that's the result I wanted. Anyone who treats me badly, I'll kill them."
As Di Qingtian spoke, the fierce light in his eyes startled Eunuch Li.
"Yes, yes, Your Majesty is now the ruler of the Holy Feather Kingdom. No one dares to disobey Your Majesty. Your Majesty, please don't be angry and take good care of your health. The people of the Holy Feather Kingdom are all counting on Your Majesty."
Di Qingtian snorted coldly: "Hmph, you know how to talk. How are those kids doing lately?"
"Your Majesty, rest assured, the tasks Your Majesty assigned to the princes have all been completed very well."
Di Qingtian rubbed his temples: "What's the use of doing well? A bunch of good-for-nothings, not even as good as Di Wuyou. Tomorrow, go to the Imperial Preceptor's residence and inform him to come and teach a few princes. In any case, make sure their grades improve quickly so they can stand on their own as soon as possible. Otherwise, with their personalities, they're not far from being ruined."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Ha, your princes think they can compare to the young prince? Aren't they all just imitating you? Arrogant, domineering, unambitious, and snobbish. The entire palace is a mess, and the reputation of the Holy Feather Kingdom is getting worse and worse. If the crown prince had become emperor back then, the Holy Feather Kingdom wouldn't be in this state now.
Thinking of His Highness the Crown Prince back then, Eunuch Li couldn't help but feel sad. What a fine Crown Prince he was, what a pity!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
