A rare smile appeared on his face as he looked at Rong Ning, a touch of fatherly tenderness rising in his heart.
He walked slowly over and gently stroked Rong Ning's hair, his tone carrying a hint of sadness, "You've grown taller, and you've become darker and thinner!"
I remember you left Nanyang City with your elder sister at the end of March. At that time, your face still had a bit of baby fat, but now not a trace of plumpness has been seen."
Rong Ning smiled slightly, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes. She replied softly, "Conditions in the North are harsh, so it's impossible to live a life of luxury like in the palace. But I feel that this kind of life is more refreshing and allows one to better understand the suffering of the people."
Upon hearing this, the emperor couldn't help but nod in approval, "Your words remind me of your stubbornness when you were a child. You've always been like this since you were little; whatever you want to do, you'll do it no matter the cost."
He paused, then continued, "I think the situation in the north is the same; you want a result."
A determined glint flashed in Rong Ning's eyes. "Yes, Father. Your subject wants an answer."
The emperor's eyes were full of pride. He gently patted Rong Ning's shoulder, his tone full of approval, "Good, good! My Rong Ning is indeed my pride. However, you must also take care of your health and not overwork yourself."
"Thank you for your concern, Father. I will take good care of myself and live up to your kindness."
The Emperor nodded in satisfaction, turned back to his dragon throne, sat down, and his tone became serious. "Regarding the matter in the North, I will have the Ministry of Justice investigate it immediately, with the Crown Prince in charge. During this time, A-Ning, you should rest and recuperate in the palace. The rest can be left to me and the Crown Prince."
He then added, “I know you care about the people, but governing a country is not something that can be accomplished overnight. You need to learn to conserve your energy and wait for the right opportunity to make your grand plans.”
I hope you understand that only with good health can you better serve the country and its people.
Upon hearing this, Rong Ning frowned and said directly, "Father, this is not what I want to hear!"
The emperor looked at her, his gaze turning cold. "What do you mean?"
“Father… Your son has worked tirelessly in the north, risking everything to bring this evidence back, not to return to Nanyang City as a mere mascot.”
"A-Ning, stop talking!" The Crown Prince quickly interrupted her, walked over and pulled her aside. "You've been quite tired these past few months, it wouldn't hurt to rest for a few days."
Rong Ning pursed her lips and remained silent.
“Ah Ning, I know you are quite concerned about the affairs of the court, which is a good thing, but I hope you can understand that as a woman, there are some things that are not for you to meddle in.”
The emperor's voice carried an unquestionable authority.
That's really awful!
Rong Ning pushed the Crown Prince aside, walked up to the Emperor, looked at him, and said, word by word, "When you needed me to be a knife to open a gap for you, you forgot that I was a woman. Now that you have the evidence and don't want to be so radical, you're using my being a woman as an excuse to tie me up."
Father...do you think...this is reasonable?"
These words are indeed too blunt and outrageous.
To put it more bluntly, it was a crime of disrespecting one's sovereign.
The Crown Prince was getting anxious and quickly stepped in front of Rong Ning. "Father... A-Ning has sacrificed too much for the affairs of the North. It's unrealistic to expect her to stop caring about anything. To put it bluntly, even if you forbid A-Ning from participating now, she will still interfere behind the scenes."
"It would have been better to have A-Ning help me handle it from the beginning..."
The emperor frowned slightly, but quickly relaxed, as if he were deep in thought. The crown prince nervously observed his father's expression, afraid of angering him.
"Your Highness...you may leave now. I wish to speak with A-Ning alone for a few moments!"
"Father!!" The Crown Prince was unwilling to leave Rong Ning alone.
"Get out..." the emperor softened his voice, "She is your sister, and also my daughter. Do you think I would do anything to her?"
“Brother, please leave…” Rong Ning raised her chin. “Father is merciful. Even if he is angry, he won’t order my execution right now!”
After all, she's still useful.
"Yes, Father."
The Crown Prince finally responded respectfully, turned and walked out of the Taiji Hall, leaving behind a moment of silence.
The emperor watched the crown prince's departing figure, a complex emotion welling up within him. He turned around, his gaze falling on A'Ning, a look of utter helplessness on his face.
"A-Ning, do you know why I left you behind alone?"
A Ning was too lazy to guess and said directly, "If Father has something to say, A Ning will listen attentively."
"Now that it's just the two of us, father and daughter, I won't beat around the bush," the emperor said, gesturing for Rong Ning to sit down. "You're so concerned about the affairs of the North, what exactly do you want?"
Rong Ning raised an eyebrow, "Isn't it enough to simply care about the people and wholeheartedly serve them?"
“Ah Ning…you are a cold-hearted and ruthless person. If it were just for this reason, you wouldn’t have gotten involved so deeply in the first place. At most, you would have found the evidence, handed it over to the Crown Prince, and let the court handle it.”
But you didn't.
By actively requesting to participate in this matter, you have, in a sense, trapped yourself.
"You love freedom so much, so why would you put yourself in a cage?"
“Father, you know me. I do not like being constrained, but there are some things that I cannot ignore as a matter of responsibility,” Rong Ning said slowly, her voice carrying a hint of determination.
"Responsibility?" The emperor raised an eyebrow slightly, seemingly unsurprised by the answer.
"Yes, responsibility."
Rong Ning nodded, her gaze calm. "The people of the North are innocent, yet they have been displaced by the war. Since I have the ability, I cannot stand idly by."
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