Translator: 549690339 |
No wonder they say that being an emperor for too long and staying at the peak of power for too long robs one of their humanity.
Jiang Ning thought, it is really miserable being the son of an emperor.
They are forced to rebel, forced to compete, and forced to grab.
Jiang Ning looked at Li Hongyuan, who was being ignored by the side, and felt a bit sorry for him.
The Emperor glanced at Li Hongyuan and said, âFifth Son, it seems the children are about to cry and make a fuss, take them to the side room for a while. I have a few words to say with Ningâer.â
After summoning people, not giving them a good look, not saying a word, he shooed them away.
Jiang Ning watched as Li Hongyuan left, feeling a strange discomfort in her heartâ¦
As if everything that had happened had been her own doing.
Crystal Frost Hall became quiet, with only Emperor and Jiang Ning remaining.
It was the first time Jiang Ning had been alone with the Emperor since her return to the Jiang Family.
But he was no longer that adorable old man with a fat belly who would sneak in a meal and burp.
âNingâer, itâs been a long time since Iâve tasted your cooking. I miss it so much.â The Emperorâs voice sounded more gentle and affectionate.
If she ignored her surroundings, Jiang Ning would really feel like sheâs back in that dilapidated thatched house.
Jiang Ning said, âWhy did Your Majesty conceal your identity back then?ân/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om
She couldnât be bothered to exchange pleasantries with him, directly asking the soul-searching question.
The Emperor chuckled, âIf I had told you, would I still be able to sneak in meals every day?â
âArenât you afraid that I might sell those antiques, calligraphy, and paintings you gave me, thinking they are just mere trinkets?â
âIf you sell them, so be it. I gave them to cover my meal debt. Theyâre yours.â
âYou could have just said it was to cover your meal debt. Instead, you go around the bush. Clearly, it is just you being flashyâ¦â Jiang Ning muttered softly. âWhat did you say?â
âYour Majesty, when I saved you with good intentions, I didnât care if you were pretending or notâ¦â
âThat time I fainted at your doorstep, it was real. I was feeling unwell at the time and became dizzy while walking alone. However, that was just once. After that, well⦠cough.â Even the Emperor with his thick-skinned face seemed a bit embarrassed.
At his age, deceiving a little girl like that just doesnât look too good.
Jiang Ning said, âAt least I saved you sincerely, even giving you half a bowl of rice⦠It was only half a bowl, but it was all I had. I am one of your subjects and a kind-hearted one at that. How could Your Majesty bring yourself to manipulate me?â
âHow did I manipulate youâ¦â
âIf you didnât manipulate, how did Wenzan and Lingzi come about?â Jiang Ning questioned.
Due to their months of interaction, she didnât have much inhibition when speaking to the Emperor.
Strangely enough, the Emperor did not seem angry, but rather, smiled even more.
âAt that time, when I saw that you looked like your mother, I had someone check, and indeed, you were a member of the Jiang family. When I thought of my fifth son, who was still without a wife, you seemed perfect.â
âIf you really wanted me to become a daughter-in-law, wouldnât an open and transparent engagement and marriage have been just fine?â
âAh, do you think I didnât know your parentsâ nature? Without resorting to some tricks, they would not have agreed to let you marry my fifth son. I know that as a child, you had an engagement with one of Wenren Familyâs children.â The Emperor was quite forthright in his speech.
Jiang Ning said, âYouâre right. Youâre the Emperor. Who can outsmart you?â âActually, my fifth son is not bad, right?â The Emperor laughed, âLetâs not dwell on the past. This time, when the King of Chen rebelled, my fifth son did not rush into the palace to claim credit; instead, he went to the Jiang Family first.. How do you feel about that?â