The emperor remained silent for a moment, his gaze deep and penetrating, as if he could see into people's hearts.
Within this silence, there seems to be endless wisdom and vicissitudes of life.
He spoke slowly, “A-Ning, what you say makes sense. I know you are intelligent and decisive, and the soldiers in the army are indeed sincerely convinced of your abilities. I have never doubted your talent and courage. But once you are tainted by power, it is like a maggot clinging to your bone, difficult to get rid of.”
His words carried a heavy weight, as if they were the culmination of many years of experience.
"It's not that I don't trust you, but I'm worried about the temptation of power. It can make people lose themselves and even deviate from their original intentions." The emperor's voice was deep and powerful, and every word seemed to echo in the air, making people think deeply.
Rong Ning nodded slightly. She knew that her father's worries were not unfounded, but she also had her own convictions. "Father, how many people can stay true to their original intentions after coming into this world?"
Can you?
She looked directly into the emperor's eyes, those eyes that were once full of passion and dreams. Did they still retain the same brilliance?
"Or rather, if we go back ten or twenty years, would your original intention be the same as your current one? I'm afraid not!" Rong Ning continued to press.
She knew that everyone's life trajectory would change with time and experience, and their original intentions would also be adjusted accordingly.
As the emperor listened to his daughter's words, a wave of emotion washed over him. He recalled his youthful ambitions and ideals, those beliefs that had once ignited his passion—were they still as fervent as they once were?
As time went by, the burden of power forced him to make many compromises and choices. His original intentions may have become blurred, but he still remembered his responsibility to the country and the people.
"Ah Ning, your words have reminded me of many things."
The emperor's voice carried a hint of emotion, "But remember, power is a double-edged sword; if used carelessly, it can harm both oneself and others. I hope you understand that the true meaning of power lies not in its control. Only in this way can you remain clear-headed in the face of the temptations of power and not lose your way."
Rong Ning listened to her father's words and felt somewhat confused. "Father... I don't have much power right now, so I don't understand what you're saying to me. But since you've said it, I will go down and think it over carefully."
"Ah Ning..." The emperor rubbed his temples, his voice tinged with weariness and helplessness, "Why do I feel like you're scolding me again?"
Rong Ning shrugged, smiled nonchalantly, and said with a hint of playfulness, "If that's how you feel, then there's nothing I can do, but... your feeling is probably right!"
The emperor frowned even more deeply. He sighed, looking somewhat helpless. "A-Ning... don't talk to your father like that. It makes me feel awkward, not knowing whether to be angry or not."
He knew that going against her was not an option; this girl was too rebellious and could easily provoke his emotions.
Hearing his tone, Rong Ning felt that he really didn't know how to talk to her.
She pursed her lips, lowered her head and pondered for a moment, then raised her head and said earnestly, "Father, you know that's just my personality; I say what I mean."
You are the emperor, and so many people from the previous dynasty have been going through twists and turns with you, each with their own hidden agendas. It must be exhausting.
So, as your daughter, I won't play these games with you. I'll lay out everything I want clearly in front of you, so you can think carefully about whether I can give it to you, saving you the trouble of guessing.
She paused, then continued, "I know that as emperor, you have to weigh many things, but I also hope you can understand that I'm not being unreasonable. I just hope that we can be honest with each other, like an ordinary father and daughter, without so much suspicion and estrangement."
I know this may be difficult, but I will try my best, and I hope you can give me this opportunity.
Rong Ning's tone revealed a hint of firmness and sincerity, and her eyes were full of understanding and expectation for her father.
She knew that such a conversation might displease her father.
But she knew even more clearly that only in this way could she make her father truly understand her, and comprehend her thoughts and needs.
She knew that in order to gain a foothold in the power struggles of the court, she had to take some necessary measures.
She hoped that through her own efforts, she could break down the invisible barrier between them. She also didn't want her methods to be too radical and cause her to completely drift apart from her father.
She longed for her father's understanding and support, rather than seeking power through intrigue and scheming. She knew that such actions would only alienate her father further and could even lead to her demise.
The emperor pondered her words carefully. After a long silence, he slowly asked, "You mean, you absolutely must obtain military power in the north?"
His voice was deep and powerful, each word sounding as if it had been carefully considered before being uttered.
"Um…"
Rong Ning answered honestly, her eyes firm and clear, without the slightest hesitation or wavering. "If Father Emperor is unwilling, punish me now, and kill me before I take any concrete action."
Although her voice was calm, it contained an undeniable determination.
The emperor remained silent for a moment, gazing intently at Rong Ning, as if weighing something.
His eyes revealed complex emotions. The military power in the North was of utmost importance; a single move could have far-reaching consequences. If it fell into the hands of others, it could lead to unpredictable consequences. Especially now that the situation in the court was unstable, this military power was a potential threat no matter who held it.
However, if it is Rong Ning, the risk is indeed smaller.
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