Chapter 1553 - 1551: Pain of Parting 3

Chapter 1551

Zhao Junyao suddenly smiled, his body unknowingly sliding down.

As Zhao Qichen shed tears, he forcefully supported his father’s body, choked with emotion.

"Father!"

"Please, don’t say anything!"

"I don’t remember anymore. Rest well, don’t think too much!"

Zhao Junyao smiled with relief, reaching out familiar big hands, gently patting his son’s shoulder.

"Chenchen!"

"Whether you remember it or not, today Father simply wants to tell you!"

He glanced at him, smiling lightly.

"When I strike you, the pain is within my heart!"

Qingqing often secretly wept when Chenchen suffered, while he kept a cold and firm heart.

But emotions are made of flesh, and the hearts of parents are ever so tender.

His child was so small then, how could he not ache for him?

Yet he was an Emperor, his son the legitimate heir, destined to inherit the realm of the Great Chu!

If he did not harden his heart, how could he accomplish this?

Without realizing, he wrapped an arm around his son’s shoulder, continuing.

"I ache, but I have no choice!"

"If I’m not harsh with you now, later... those unruly ministers, those watchful foreign tribes, and these neighboring states, they... cough cough! They will be harsher on you!"

"You’ve witnessed the incident in Guangnan!"

He smiled weakly at his son.

"After all, we are merely ordinary, lacking the power to command heaven and earth!"

"Despite all the precautions, such a blunder occurred, sacrificing so many lives!"

He solemnly advised Zhao Qichen.

"Remember, Chenchen!"

"In this world, anyone can be lazy, but not you!"

"Anyone can lack capability, but not you!"

"If you are lazy or incapable, countless people will die!"

Zhao Qichen wept and choked.

"Thank you, Father, for your teachings!"

Leaning against his son’s shoulder, Zhao Junyao looked up at him, pretending to smile lightheartedly.

"Why cry?"

"A man must not shed tears!"

Yet Zhao Qichen couldn’t hold back anymore, clear tears slipping down his cheeks.

Gritting his teeth, he spoke resolutely.

"Men don’t cry easily, but only when deeply hurt!"

"Only this time, Father, only this time!"

Zhao Junyao stared at him, murmuring ’Alright’ after a long pause.

...

After the snow, the sun brightened the sky.

Early spring sunshine was warm, enveloping father and son in its gentle radiance, clear and pure.

Outside the window, the snow gradually melted, icicles on the eaves steadily dripping water.

Droplets splashed onto the bluestone beneath the eaves, making crisp, clear sounds.

Father and son stood at the window for a long time.

Until Zhao Junyao’s failing strength necessitated their parting.

Cautiously, Zhao Qichen helped his father onto the bed, holding his frail hand, reluctant to leave.

Zhao Junyao smiled calmly.

"No need to linger, go! Remember my words!"

He’d said all he needed to say.

As for the other children, knowing they are well is enough!

Yue Er’s family is complete, blessed with children, loved by her husband, protected by Chenchen; she lives better than any woman in the world.

Henger and Yeye, ambitious in their pursuits, is a good thing.

Chenchen is the Emperor, enjoying peace and prosperity, Great Chu’s strength.

He feels no regrets, no worries.

The remaining time, he is not Taishang Huang, nor a father, nor part of the Royal Family.

He is just her husband, wishing to walk with her the last path of life.

So it is, so good!

"Go now, the court awaits you!"

Zhao Junyao urged once more.

No longer able to delay, Zhao Qichen rose and stepped back, respectfully kneeling three times toward the figure on the bed, then turned and left without lingering.

He feared looking back would make leaving impossible.

...

After Zhao Qichen left with Lin Siyin, the little courtyard grew quieter.

Xia Ruqing entered with red eyes, sat by the bed, unsure of what to say or where to look.

Zhao Junyao observed her demeanor, teasing her lightly.

"What’s this now? Seems you’ve cried again—who bullied you? I’ll deal with them!"

Xia Ruqing turned away, playfully scolding.

"At a time like this, still in the mood to jest!"

She tucked in his blanket, murmuring with her handkerchief.

"I’m worried about your health, and..."

"I miss the children too."

Zhao Junyao looked surprised.

"Didn’t you say you didn’t want the children to see us in our final state?"

"Why the change of heart?"

"Besides, if they come, they’ll just cry again!"

"I don’t want to hear tears, especially Yue Er!"

Mentioning his only daughter, Zhao Junyao’s expression softened tenderly.

"That girl, hardly cried in her life; I can’t bear to see her weep!"

Xia Ruqing shook her head.

"I can’t bear to either!"

"I’m just saying!"

"I don’t want them to witness us like this!"

"Let’s continue not seeing them!"

Zhao Junyao nodded.

"That’s right!"

He gently patted her hand.

"From now on, I’ll accompany you!"

"We’ll close our doors to all visitors!"

"Good!"

Xia Ruqing laughed, agreeing.

Removing her outer clothing, she lay beside Zhao Junyao, burying her face in his chest.

"Actually, I just remembered how we were when we were young!"

"Those days were so wonderful!"

"Chenchen was the most diligent, Yue Er the most mischievous, Henger the most of peace, Yeye was always the one complained about!"

As she talked, she laughed and cried.

Zhao Junyao wiped her tears, comforting her.

"Don’t cry!"

"If..."

"Qingqing, if there is another life, we’ll be together again!"

"Okay!"

Xia Ruqing nodded, closing her eyes contentedly.

She silently prayed in her heart.

’If there’s another life, I hope you won’t have so many women!’

’If there’s another life, I’ll recognize you sooner, having only you and me!’

...

The little courtyard was serene and peaceful.

But the Imperial Palace atmosphere was heavy.

The Emperor was in a foul mood, the Empress also showed no joy.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs simultaneously received an order.

To find the finest timber, regardless of cost, seeking grandeur and quality.

With this information, the palace attendants, though silent in speculation, were nearly certain.

’It seems Taishang Huang can no longer endure!’

’Though it’s to be expected, so many years have passed; at Taishang Huang’s age, it’s not an early death, it can even be termed as dying peacefully!’

’As for the Empress Dowager, who knows how her health is!’

’The Empress Dowager lived her life deeply in love with Taishang Huang; once he’s gone, how heartbroken will she be?’

’But thinking of the Empress Dowager with her children and the Emperor, she may not be overly sorrowful!’

’Perhaps she’ll return to the palace to enjoy her twilight years!’