Chapter 35: Between Father and Son

Luo Yunyao suddenly realized how arduous the path of the Crown Prince had been for Xiao Limo.

With the faction of the Marquis of the State now crumbling, and the Emperor unable to cultivate a new force to counterbalance Xiao Limo and his allies, the most effective strategy was to simultaneously dismantle the faction led by Prime Minister Lu. If the Emperor held any leverage against the Prime Minister, he would surely magnify it twofold. At such a critical juncture, for Prime Minister Lu to continue expanding his influence would be tantamount to a death wish.

Both the Prime Minister and Xiao Limo were intelligent men; naturally, they would not commit such a folly. On the contrary, they had to dismantle their own power base to show their submission to the Emperor.

Luo Yunyao felt a pang of heartache for Xiao Limo. Despite being the Emperor’s own son, he lived under the constant suspicion of his own flesh and blood. She knew her sympathy was of no practical use, so she tried to offer a strategy. "Since Your Highness intends to dismantle your own influence to appease His Majesty, then..."

"Yes?" Xiao Limo’s expression was as gentle as could be. He was deeply satisfied with this young woman before him—the one who held his heart. She was quick-witted and would surely be of great help in the future. Seeing her hesitate, he gestured for her to continue, his tone soft. "Speak freely."

Luo Yunyao pondered, organizing her thoughts before responding. "Dismantling one's own power is difficult. No, the crucial point is maintaining the right balance. First, you cannot dismantle too much; otherwise, the Emperor might discover how powerful your faction truly was, which would be counterproductive. Not only would he fail to be reassured, but he might become even more wary of you. Furthermore—and forgive my ignorance, Your Highness—there is another point I cannot quite grasp. May I ask for your guidance?"

Xiao Limo listened patiently, content that this young woman was capable of assisting him. "Speak."

"There is another balance to strike: whether or not to let His Majesty see this dismantling. If he sees it, it is a good thing; it demonstrates your and Prime Minister Lu's sincerity. However, if the Emperor is suspicious and intolerant, he might perceive this as a calculated act—a ruse performed merely for his benefit, hiding some ulterior motive. In that case, wouldn't the situation for you and the Prime Minister become even more precarious?" She paused before adding a second concern. "But if the Emperor does not see it, he might seize this opportunity of internal friction to wipe out your entire faction in one fell swoop."

Xiao Limo looked at her anxious expression with an amused, teasing smile. "That degree of control is not something we can dictate. My uncle and I can only do what is necessary; as for my father, he knows what he needs to know."

"Man proposes, God disposes?" Luo Yunyao immediately blurted out, regretting it the moment the words left her lips. How could a future monarch rely on such fatalism? She quickly lowered her head. "Please, Your Highness, ignore my words."

Yet, Xiao Limo, a master of the political arena and the future sovereign, knew his father was no common man. A ruler who held the empire in his grasp, no matter how harmless he appeared, would always have his own schemes. Therefore, the degree of perception was entirely up to the Emperor himself.

It came down to whether the Emperor intended to let Xiao Limo off. If he accepted their submission, they would serve him faithfully, and the succession would proceed smoothly. If not, the Emperor would continue to foster new rivals, and Xiao Limo would be forced to fight to maintain his status. Either path led to the same destination: Xiao Limo’s eventual ascension. Luo Yunyao could not imagine anyone else replacing him. Who else was there? The incompetent Xiao Ming? The other princes were far too young.

"Yao'er is correct," Xiao Limo said slowly, his voice tinged with self-mockery. "The Son of Heaven is heaven itself."

Seeing his somber mood, Luo Yunyao seized the chance to comfort him. "Your Highness need not worry. In my humble opinion, the Emperor will surely accept your goodwill. The whole world knows we have a virtuous Crown Prince, and they know the Emperor is your greatest supporter."

Born the noble heir, he was named Crown Prince while still in his swaddling clothes. Without the Emperor’s tacit approval, there would be no Xiao Limo, polished in political intrigue by the Prime Minister, nor would he have been provided with the most prestigious tutors in the land. Everything he had—the education, the luxuries—was fit for a future sovereign.

Luo Yunyao understood this, but Xiao Limo rarely thought of it that way. Influenced by his uncle, he only remembered that his father had rarely visited him, and that since he could remember, his father had favored the woman called Noble Consort Liu, who had borne him another son—a son who saw his father often.

Xiao Limo did not wish to dwell on this. "I hope my imperial father thinks so," he said lightly. The atmosphere grew heavy as he spoke of the Emperor. Noticing the change, he offered a wry smile to ease the tension. "If you are right, Yao'er, then I shall have to thank you properly."

Before Luo Yunyao could reply, the shrill voice of a eunuch announced from outside: "Your Highness, Secretary Luo, we have arrived at the Ministry of War."

Xiao Limo looked at her, his expression softening. "Go home, Yao'er. You were frightened today; get some rest. Do not let this investigation weigh on you too heavily. Carry on as usual. Whatever happens, I will stand behind you. Do not be afraid."

His words were deeply reassuring, the kind of romantic sentiment that would move any girl’s heart. Yet, the recipient was too preoccupied with worries to appreciate the sentiment. "I am deeply grateful for your kindness, Your Highness. I have no way to repay such a debt..."

"Enough, just go and rest," Xiao Limo interrupted, feeling a sense of helplessness. Every time he offered such words, she remained oblivious to his true meaning.

As the carriage pulled away, Xiao Limo watched her disappear through the gate. He felt a flicker of frustration. Was he not eloquent enough? Why did his sincerity have no effect? He sighed to himself, concluding that she was simply too focused on duty, having closed off her heart as if she were indeed a man.

The carriage continued its rhythmic journey. Xiao Limo closed his eyes, a gentle smile on his lips. *Yao'er, we have time.*

Back inside her estate, Luo Yunyao did not dwell on the false accusations against her. Her mind was entirely occupied by the scene with Xiao Limo. She had wanted to comfort him, to tell him that the Emperor truly loved him, but it was clear he did not want to hear it.

There was a story behind this father and son. If the Emperor truly loved him, then all her previous deductions had to be reconsidered. The Emperor was not someone to be underestimated. She shivered, feeling a sudden chill despite the lack of wind.

She shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts. The Emperor and the Crown Prince: one seemingly indifferent, treating the other like a threat; the other seemingly obedient, yet secretly harboring disappointment and resentment.

So, what was the true reason for the Emperor's strange attitude toward Xiao Limo?