Li Jie vehemently dismissed the suggestion, his countenance ablaze with a flush of anger as he averted his gaze, attempting to shield his innermost thoughts. “Absolutely not!”
The emperor sighed, keenly observing his son’s intense reaction. “Why the resistance? You yourself expressed the desire for it.”
Caught between exasperation and amusement, Li Jie clarified, “Imperial father, I… What I meant was to elucidate my stance, not to entertain such desires.”
Well-versed in his son’s disposition, the emperor leaned against his throne, querying with a somber tone, “Is there another? Is there someone occupying your thoughts, perhaps?”
“No.” Li Jie protested, a forced smile masking his unease as he diverted the conversation. “I’m simply not prepared.”
“This won’t suffice,” the emperor murmured, shaking his head. Rising from his seat, he gestured to a servant. “Summon Counselor Shi He.”
The soldier bowed respectfully and affirmed, “Yes, Your Majesty!” before exiting the chamber.
Li Jie, surrounded by dignitaries and under the emperor’s watchful gaze, refrained from nervously biting his nails, his mind grappling with the weight of the unfolding situation. “Why does the imperial father find Counselor Shi He necessary?”
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
Attempting to maintain his composure, Li Jie pretended not to be daunted by the imposing figure of the ex-general, who consistently regarded him with a mix of disdain and resentment, as if disapproving of a figure like him as the crown prince. The young royal couldn’t recall any transgressions on his part that might have sparked such animosity from the ex-general.
The emperor, donning a sly smirk, fully aware of Li Jie’s heightened attention, pressed on. “Li Jie, why resist? It’s imperative for the future of our kingdom.”
“May I speak, Your Majesty?” A counselor stepped forward, bowing with due respect to the emperor.
“Proceed,” the emperor nodded, signaling approval for the counselor to speak.
Glancing cautiously at Li Jie, the counselor hesitated, aware of the potential disfavor he might incur from the crown prince. Nevertheless, driven by a desire to make an impression in front of the emperor, he inquired, “May I speak freely, Your Majesty?”
The emperor quirked an eyebrow. “Why seek permission to express your thoughts?” With no immediate response, he reiterated with a gentle smile, “Go ahead.”
Anticipating the counselor’s words, Li Jie’s complexion paled, fully aware that they were likely to be inappropriate and favored the emperor’s stance. Nonetheless, the emperor had already granted the counselor the liberty to speak.
“With due respect, Your Majesty and Your Highness, ahem… I posit that His Highness’s demeanor may be rooted in an apprehension towards participating in intimate activities within the harem,” the counselor delicately broached the sensitive subject. “Perhaps, if His Highness were to engage in some preparatory exercises before undertaking his duties, it could contribute to a greater sense of ease.”
Li Jie’s face flushed with embarrassment and frustration, exacerbated by the knowledge that he couldn’t interject and halt the counselor’s words.
“Is that accurate, Li Jie?” The emperor raised an eyebrow, well aware that this question would place his son under scrutiny. He found amusement in watching the young prince grapple with formulating a response.
“I deny it!” Li Jie finally asserted after a pregnant silence. His smile remained intact, concealing the internal storm he battled.
The emperor nodded, chuckling. “And I take your word for it.” While his words may have sounded jovial to onlookers, Li Jie discerned his father’s true meaning.
As the emperor continued to scrutinize him, Li Jie felt his heart pounding in his chest, the weight of his father’s gaze almost suffocating. Struggling to articulate himself, he sensed the court’s collective silence, the unexpected focus on today’s royal court.
At that moment, Shi He strode into the room, his mere presence enough to instill intimidation in more than half of those present. He swiftly saluted the emperor, casting no glance toward Li Jie, the crown prince. His countenance remained as stoic as ever.
The emperor’s cheerful voice cut through the palpable tension. “Shi He, my trusted counselor and general,” he greeted the ex-general with open arms, laughter resonating. “There’s a matter I need to hear your opinion on, but before that…”
Li Jie’s anxiety heightened as Shi He, the formidable ex-general, approached his father’s throne, positioning himself a mere few inches behind. The prince couldn’t shake the sense of frustration and discomfort in Shi He’s presence, the man’s towering stature and penetrating gaze had always made Li Jie feel perpetually under scrutiny.
As the room held its collective breath, anticipating the emperor’s next words, Li Jie’s mind raced with conflicting thoughts. He yearned to voice objections, to assert his desire for autonomy in matters concerning his future. Yet, he understood the gravity of his role as the crown prince and the accompanying responsibilities.
This was the reason the emperor’s words, at that particular moment, appeared cryptic to everyone except Li Jie. He harbored some inklings, but…
“Why does Counselor Shi He’s opinion weigh so heavily on my future?” Li Jie finally summoned the courage to speak, his voice betraying a subtle wavering.
The emperor’s lips curled into a knowing smile, acknowledging his son’s apprehension and choosing to address it directly. “Li Jie, why the reluctance? You understand the significance of these matters for us now.”
Li Jie’s mind raced, seeking the right response. He carefully weighed his words, attempting to convey his thoughts without outright defiance. “Imperial father, it’s not that I outright oppose the idea. I simply believe that other pressing matters demand our attention at this moment.”
Somehow, the tension in the room began to ease as the atmosphere lightened with the crown prince’s calm voice. Li Jie experienced a mixture of relief and anxiety, pondering what his father had in mind by involving Counselor Shi He in this discourse. The ex-general’s presence added to his unease, aware of Shi He’s substantial power and influence within the court.
Without acknowledging Li Jie’s words, the emperor redirected his focus to Shi He. “First, Counselor Shi He, I require your response.”
Shi He bowed respectfully to the emperor before finally acknowledging Li Jie with a nod. Each encounter with him left Li Jie grappling with a pervasive shadow that insinuated itself into his heart, rendering him feeling diminished and inconsequential.
Li Jie’s thoughts raced, his mind fervently seeking a pathway to exert influence on the unfolding situation. The realization dawned that his father had orchestrated this meeting with a distinct purpose, and dismissing it outright was not an option. Despite harboring reservations, he recognized the imperative to tread cautiously, navigating a delicate path to assert his own desires within the constraints of his position.
Summoning his resolve, Li Jie adjusted his posture, offering a gentle smile. “Your Majesty’s will prevails,” he replied, gracefully bowing his head. While his words outwardly conveyed compliance, his eyes harbored a glimmer of determination.
As the gravity of his responsibilities and challenges intensified, Li Jie grasped the reality that he could no longer afford to be a mere bystander in his own narrative. The moment had arrived for him to step into the forefront, embracing the qualities his father chose to overlook, and forging ahead despite the obstacles that loomed on the horizon.
The emperor harbored secrets, indeed. But Li Jie held more.
