Chapter 218.2

As for why everyone assumed it was a matter of succession and not Emperor Jin’an having another child himself, the crown prince’s condition had been deteriorating for many years. If Emperor Jin’an had wanted another heir, he would have had one long ago.

In the midst of everyone’s excitement, the Qing Wang Shizi, Zhao Yan, who had been away at the border, returned to Qing Wang Manor.

Despite being the eldest son of Qing Wang, the shizi had never been favoured by his father even when he was still a child. Consort Qing, Qing Wang’s wife, secluded herself in prayer and rarely appeared in public. On the other hand, Side Consort Han, whose surname was Han, was frequently seen outside the manor. Most people knew of Side Consort Han’s existence in Qing Wang Manor, but few were aware that there was also a main consort.

And this shizi was the son of Consort Qing.

In fact, such situations were not uncommon in the various noble households. In simpler terms, the Western wind suppressed the Eastern wind, so sons born in such circumstances were not highly favoured.

However, this Qing Wang Shizi possessed both literary and martial talents, which had gained him favour with Emperor Jin’an. Three years ago, he was sent to guard the border, disappearing from public view. Therefore, when rumours circulated in the capital about the potential candidates for the position of the crown prince, he was not even considered.

It was only when Zhao Yan returned that many people remembered the existence of Qing Wang Shizi.

Emperor Jin’an, known for his decisiveness, quickly issued an edict to make Zhao Yan his adopted son and proclaimed him the crown prince.

In Qing Wang Manor, Side Consort Han couldn’t help but complain to Qing Wang, “This concubine told you long ago that His Majesty’s feelings for you are different. You should have asked His Majesty to adopt Sheng’er instead. But no, you kept hesitating and now look, it has benefited him.”

The Qing Wang furrowed his brows and scolded, “What do you mean ‘benefited him’? He is still my son!”

Seeing Qing Wang’s displeasure, Side Consort Han quickly assumed a submissive and apologetic demeanour, saying, “This concubine misspoke earlier. Please don’t be angry, dear cousin. This concubine was only trying to secure a good future for our family. The shizi is the heir to our Qing Wang Manor, and Sheng’er would never dare to compete with the shizi for this position. This concubine was thinking that if it had been Sheng’er adopted instead, both brothers would have a secure future, and it would preserve the bond of brotherhood between them.”

In fact, Side Consort Han’s thoughts were in line with what the Qing Wang had in mind. Therefore, when he received the imperial edict, he was not pleased but rather felt a sense of resentment.

Why did his imperial elder brother make this decision without consulting him, and directly adopt his shizi to become the crown prince?

In the imperial study, Emperor Jin’an, dressed in a purple dragon robe, sat behind the dragon desk.

His countenance was clear, with silver hair at his temples, and an aura of authority that seemed innate. However, when facing his favoured nephew, his long, phoenix-like eyes lacked some of their coldness and held a hint of warmth.

“In truth, Zhen didn’t have to do this, but it’s for your benefit and prevents future troubles,” Emperor Jin’an remarked.

“Nephew understands.”

Zhao Yan could not possibly fail to understand. Adoption meant that he was now Emperor Jin’an’s son. If, in the future, Emperor Jin’an passed away and Zhao Yan ascended the throne, he would still regard Emperor Jin’an as his father. However, if he were to inherit the throne as Qing Wang Shizi, there would still be someone who, despite not being the emperor, would have an undeniable influence.

In the imperial court, filial piety was of utmost importance.

Thinking of the matters in his own residence, Zhao Yan’s eyes turned cold.

“Still calling yourself ‘nephew’?”

Zhao Yan quickly responded, “This son understands.”

Emperor Jin’an nodded and said, “Very well, you may go. In a few days, there will be a ceremony to formally appoint you as the crown prince.”

After respectfully bowing, Zhao Yan withdrew.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

The hall fell silent, and Emperor Jin’an closed his eyes, resting his head against the dragon throne, massaging his temples with his fingers, lost in thought.

“Would Your Majesty like to take a break?” Fu Cheng, who was present, suggested in a hushed tone.

Emperor Jin’an paid no attention to him, continuing to massage his temples for a while. Eventually, he ceased all movement and fell asleep right there.

Fu Cheng sighed and signalled for a young eunuch to bring a thin mat, gently covering the sleeping emperor.

For some reason, Emperor Jin’an dreamt of that person again.

A person who had been dead for many years. He had initially thought that he was just fond of her to some extent, nothing more. However, after her death, he realized that he couldn’t forget her and had kept her in his mind ever since.

Almost as if he were torturing himself, he began collecting everything about her, having others recount every detail of her life. Each time he reminisced, it felt like he was walking with her through her brief life.

People around him thought he was deeply in love with her, but even he wasn’t sure if his feelings were that deep. He only regretted it. Whenever he saw the frail state of his son, he regretted not paying more attention to her. He couldn’t help but wonder if things would have been different if he had cared for her more. Perhaps she wouldn’t have died.

She would be by his side, and the crown prince would not be like this. He could have had a good and healthy body.

The weight of his mistake was so heavy that he spent his whole life regretting it.

He had thought that when he returned from outside the manor, she would be waiting for him in that small courtyard, as she used to. He had even thought that, no matter whether she belonged to Consort Jin or not, he would still keep her. He knew how to handle women; he had the means to keep women in his grasp.

But when he returned, she was gone, vanished under his negligence.

Little did he know that there had been a twist of fate that night, and it was her. It had always been her.

So what if the person who killed her accompanied her to death? Without her, nothing would ever be the same.

Emperor Jin’an slept soundly this time. He hadn’t slept so peacefully in many years, without those exhausting dreams that left him drained every time he woke up.

As he gradually woke up, he felt someone beside him. While still half-asleep, his expression turned cold.

Which palace maid was this? Fu Cheng was becoming bolder by the day, even daring to send women into his bed!

He opened his eyes and raised his hand to strike, but upon seeing the person’s face, he hesitated, his hand hovering over her smooth, fair skin.

The person was lying on her side, facing him, her luscious hair scattered on the pillow, her skin incredibly fair, and her rosy lips alluring.

For some reason, he found her familiar.