Ruan Ning wanted to ask about their strange relationship but quickly dropped the thought. If he wanted to tell her, he would; if not, why should she ask? Even between intimate lovers, some space should be left.
She nestled against him, saying softly: “Rest assured, it will definitely be as you wish.”
“I hope so too,” Chu Yuan kissed her again, his gaze tender. “I always thought my luck was bad, but then I met you. I think my luck can’t be too terrible. Heaven will watch over me.”
“Who will you make heir if you disinherit your son? A Yuan?” Chu Xiang’s eyes looked at him without fear. “Father, although A Yuan is your flesh and blood, his identity can never be proclaimed to the world.”
Chu Yunzheng’s vision darkened; too preoccupied to argue, he called out: “Someone, someone!”
“No one will come,” Chu Xiang stepped forward to support him, gently massaging his back, his voice calm. “Father has always been dissatisfied with his son, wanting to disinherit him and establish someone else. But has Father ever considered that in all dynasties, which disgraced crown prince could preserve his life? Father, A Yuan and I are both your flesh and blood. Why are you so biased, always thinking only of him and never caring about my life or death?”
If that’s the case, why did you give birth to me in the first place?”
Chu Yunzheng shook off his hand, feeling an unprecedented fear. Chu Xiang knew everything and harbored resentment. “You’ve been jealous of A Yuan all along! What have you done to him? Speak quickly!”
Chu Xiang replied, “Father overthinks. A Yuan was raised by me. He treats me like a father and brother, and I treat him sincerely. A Yuan is a natural military leader. Great Chu needs him, and I need such a brother. After I ascend the throne, I will treat A Yuan even better.”
“Really?” Chu Yunzheng asked suspiciously.
“Really,” Chu Xiang smiled. “But Father, what can you do now? You are truly alone.”
Previously, he operated in secret for self-preservation, but now he sought more. He never hated Chu Yuan, whom he raised and who was almost his ideal self. Instead, he hated the Emperor, the one making everyone unhappy.
