Chapter 831 - 756: Farewell

Chapter 831: Chapter 756: Farewell

Prince Xin rolled his eyes and said, "Father, Fifth Brother fought so many battles in his youth that he always thinks everything can be solved by force! Look at what he’s saying!"

The Emperor’s sharp gaze cut across, despite his age making his eyes appear somewhat muddled, they now carried an undertone of darkness. It made his entire presence heavy, charged with the oppressive tension of a storm brewing and winds filling the tower.

When the Emperor is enraged, millions lie dead! Even facing his sons, under such pressure, none could withstand it.

Prince Liang, who felt this pressure from Father the most, had already lowered his head, wishing to hide himself away.

Prince Zhuang initially wanted to provoke Prince Cheng a bit more, igniting Father’s anger, but at this moment his breath caught, and he quickly shut his mouth. He clearly didn’t want Father’s wrath to be inflamed and suffer calamity himself.

Prince Lu lowered his head, Prince Li pursed his lips.

Prince Xin no longer spoke further, but internally felt a touch of smugness. Old Fifth is still so foolish; he can never understand that what brings him glory and wealth is Father.

When Father is happy, the rewards are plentiful, the benefits are many.

If Father is displeased, then no matter how much is done, what use is it?

Moreover, Old Fifth possesses another foolish quality: just a slight provocation and he jumps in. A mere warrior, not to be feared.

Prince Cheng glanced at Prince Xin, saying, "Sixth Brother is truly amusing; selling one’s sister for honor, is that considered glorious? I never believe everything can be solved by force, but I don’t court trouble, nor do I fear them! If people do not violate me, I do not violate them, if they do, I return tenfold. Third Brother, isn’t that right?"

Prince Zhuang’s face turned ashen, pointing at him, "You... you..."

Recalling when Huangfu Wei was suddenly kidnapped, but in the end appeared at his own estate.

Recalling that period when his hidden assets disappeared quietly, leaving him now stretched thin.

Recalling his ambitions not only failed to secure the position of Crown Prince but instead reduced him to a Second Class Prince, now abandoned by Father.

...

Is this returned tenfold? Plainly, it was returned a hundredfold.

He gritted his teeth in hatred, but toward Prince Cheng, he somehow felt a bit of apprehension, and the rest of the words were stuck in his throat.

Being cursed for selling his sister for honor further angered Prince Xin, his face darkened as he turned to the Emperor, "Father, Fifth Brother is overly ambitious, deliberately stirring up conflicts, such tendencies must not continue."

The Emperor wore a stern face, angrily saying, "You are brothers, and every time you meet, you must compete. Do you want to anger me to death? Get out, get out, all of you, get out!"

The Emperor’s anger made the brothers dare not speak further, they paid their respects and withdrew from Longyu Hall.

Usually, Prince Cheng would leave faster than anyone, yet this time he stayed behind.

The Emperor glared at him, "Do you have something to say?"

Prince Cheng said, "Father, the reason your son came to the Capital City was specifically to celebrate your birthday. Father’s birthday has passed, and your son wishes to return to Yunzhou. Please grant your son permission!"

The Emperor generally didn’t care much about this son’s comings and goings, but since his birthday was just yesterday, today’s eagerness by Prince Cheng to leave the Capital City and return to Yunzhou was somewhat displeasing to him.

He could drive his sons out of the Capital City, but for them to leave without feeling attached, what did this say?

He coldly glanced at Prince Cheng, saying menacingly, "Is the Capital City so unworthy of your attachment?"

Prince Cheng was quite taken aback; usually, when he wanted to leave, Father would be eager to see him off. Why today, when he wanted to bid farewell, was he not allowed?

Based on his past experiences, this was definitely not a good omen.

Although he had not been away from Yunzhou for long, somehow he felt more at ease back in Yunzhou. Look at these relationships; what brothers? What father-son? What familial bonds? Scheming against one another, calculating human hearts, insinuating, casting shadows, sowing discord, kicking someone when they’re down! Such brotherhood, such familial ties, were truly exhausting.

Prince Cheng laughed and said, "Father, what words are those? Your son was born in the Capital City, grew up in the Capital City; how could he ever think the Capital City unworthy of fond memories? But your son remembers the ancestral instruction that a Vassal King who has completed his duties cannot linger in the Capital City for too long!"

The Emperor raged, "On my birthday, you returned to the Capital City the day before yesterday, and today you request departure! Don’t talk about ancestral duties anymore!"

Prince Cheng, helplessly changing his reason, said, "Father, I’m not bringing up ancestral duties. The border of Yunzhou, being poor is one thing, hardships don’t matter much. But there are still troublesome small bandits lurking about; your son worries that if he’s away from Yunzhou too long, those people will again harbor evil intentions and harass our border folk!"