The more magnificent the pce became, the more it highlighted the Emperor''s aging.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The Emperor actually didn''t want Hui Yun to visit him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Hui Yun had always been different in his heart.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
If the Emperor knew the term "pure love," that would probably describe it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
But the peculiar thing about pure love is that even when the actual person appears, it doesn''t help.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
He loved the pure love in his heart, not the actual person.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
So when hest saw Hui Yuning down from the mountain and wounding Minister Lu, the Emperor had already made peace with it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
He still loved the pure love in his heart - it was Hui Yun, but not the Hui Yun standing before him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The Emperor had been pretending to be ill.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
But he didn''t need to pretend anymore.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
As soon as hey down, he became truly sick.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
In his extremely weak state, he saw Hui Yun again, but he looked past her to see the little girl behind her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The girl was innocent and pure, with clear eyes, exactly like Hui Yun when she was young.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Mianmian felt there was something strange about how her grand-uncle looked at her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Grand-uncle now resembled those wrinkled old women in the vige.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
But those old women''s gazes were gentle.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Grand-uncle''s gaze had a strange intensity to it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Mianmian couldn''t help taking a step back.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The Emperor''s body, having consumed elixirs for years, likely had calcification in many internal organs.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
He looked like a corpse that was somehow still alive.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
It was actually quite frightening.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Large patches of age spots covered his skin.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
In this sense, the elixirs had indeed extended his life.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
First turning someone into a corpse-like state, then maintaining that corpse''s vitality...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Mianmian had no intention of giving him any Magic Spring Water - she wasn''t stupid.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Although Princess Grandmother wasn''t very bright, she had said something wise: mind your own business if you want to live long.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Mianmian wasn''t a saint either; giving Magic Spring Water to everyone she met would only harm herself.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Worried they wouldn''t let her bring knives into the pce, she had brought her little tree tucked in her clothes.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
After all, this was a high-risk location.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Although the little tree liked to sleepzily in winter, it would still listen if she called for it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The little tree was most useful, like Mianmian''s personal guard.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
And it could be carried anywhere.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Princess Hui Yun had thought her brother was faking illness, so she came for a casual visit. Since she hade down from the mountain, she needed to observe worldly courtesies, and she wanted to show Mianmian where she used to live as a child.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
But she hadn''t expected her brother to be truly ill.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She regretted it now, worried it would frighten Mianmian.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Her brother''s dying appearance had scared even her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Elder Brother, are you alright?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Hui Yun was anxious. Though she hadn''t shed tears, she had just spoken words of concern.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
But her beauty was too overwhelming.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Some women could make your heart flutter just by asking "Have you eaten?" - making you fantasize about having children, a boy named Eagle and a girl named Oriole...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The Emperor had pretended to be sick until he actually became sick.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Exhausted, not wanting to rise, feeling as though lying down was better.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
But he couldn''t just lie there.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
So his mood was also angry and frustrated.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
He wanted to kill people, and he really did kill people.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
After all, some people deserved to die.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
But with just one word from Hui Yun, he felt eighty percent better, became energetic, and even sat up.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Hui Yun didn''t want Mianmian to stay in this environment, so she sent her away.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Eunuch Yan, please take Mianmian for a walk around. She''s been telling me at home how curious she is about what the pce looks like. I''ll stay and chat with Elder Brother."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
When Hui Yun said this, the Emperor naturally nodded.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Though his gaze still followed Mianmian''s retreating figure.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Hui Yun''s feelings toward her elder brother wereplicated - there was affection, but also an irrepressible sense of disgust.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Of course, she didn''t dare provoke her brother''s anger, because his temperament had be erratic and unpredictable over the years. The deaths of so many nephews were undoubtedly connected to him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Hui Yun''s retreat to the temple was not unrted to her brother''s influence.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The siblings were both in their sixties now, and there wasn''t much to say in casual conversation.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The Emperor''s life remained unchangingly dissolute.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Mainly, it was Hui Yun''s life that had changed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"I heard you''re staying at Second Jiang''s house. Isn''t it ufortable? The ce is too small. Let me give Second Jiang a mansion. Come to think of it, since you''ve acknowledged Second Jiang, I haven''t given him any rewards as his uncle."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The Emperor sat up, supported by Eunuch Duan at his side.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Half-bent over - it was a difficult posture, but to serve others and be someone important, one naturally needed some skills; only by tasting the bitterest of bitter can one rise above others.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Hui Yun sat properly by the bedside, holding a hand warmer.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Second Jiang has suffered too much hardship and really cherishes what he has. Although the mansion isn''trge, I see their family living quite well. Mianmian is very attached to me and won''t let me leave, so I stayed a few extra days. We don''t need any rewards - your good health is what matters. If we can all rely on you for a long time toe, that''s better than anything else."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The Emperor was just making conversation; he really didn''t have the heart to give out rewards now.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"By the way, didn''t you send Little Seven a concubine? Although Little Seven married her, they say he hasn''t touched her at all. Who knows who he takes after, being famous for such devoted love. But my Second Jiang''s rtionship with Little Seven is very awkward. Little Seven is so devoted, and Jiang Yuluan, Zhou Rongrong''s daughter, used to y with me all the time when she was little, spending most of her time with me. I took good care of both of them, but good deeds were repaid with evil - Zhou Rongrong took away my son and abused him. Little Seven is so devoted, I think he''ll hold a grudge against my son because of his mother-inw''s death. Anyway, whoever you choose to inherit the throne is fine, just don''t choose Little Seven." Princess Hui Yun said domineeringly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The Emperor smiled bitterly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Before, when he heard people discussing his sessor, he would be furious inside, feeling they couldn''t wait for him to die and give up his throne.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Only his royal sister would speak so brazenly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Brazenly saying he couldn''t establish Little Seven as heir simply because she didn''t like him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
When others spoke of such matters warranting execution, it was because of ulterior motives and self-interest.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
But when his royal sister spoke, it was simply direct dislike.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
He didn''t like Little Seven either, but for certain reasons, he hadn''t heard of any misconduct and had no particr impression of him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
But among his many sons, it seemed there weren''t many choices left now.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
At first, he thought he had too many sons.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Now it seemed there weren''t enough, they were gone.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"You''re talking nonsense again. It''s only because I''ve spoiled you, spoiled you until you have no regard for rules. If I''m gone, how will you survive with that stubborn temperament of yours?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Although the Emperor felt better mentally,<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
This time pretending to be sick had left him deeply shaken - it felt too real, he himself couldn''t tell what was real and what was fake.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"That won''t happen. Elder Brother will surely live to be a hundred. If anyone dies, I''ll die first. If I can''t live freely as the most noble princess, I won''t live at all. Elder Brother, you know me, I can''t stand even the slightest grievance. So Elder Brother, you must live well." As she finished speaking, Hui Yun''s reddened eyes began to tear up.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She thought of their father.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
But the Emperor was deeply moved, thinking only his royal sister treated him with such sincere devotion.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Outside the great hall.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The path was clean and tidy, without fallen leaves, as if someone was constantly sweeping. There wasn''t even dust between the stone cracks, as if someone had used a vacuum cleaner, though there certainly weren''t any vacuum cleaners here - it could only be manualbor, manualbor as thorough as a vacuum cleaner.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Eunuch Yan asked: "Where would you like to look around?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Hmm, can we go to Godfather''s ce? Is Godfatherfortable living in the pce? Is it cold? Is the food to his liking?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Yan Wenxin was taken aback.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"You remember your Godfather?" He recalled that when he left, Mianmian was still a baby.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Mianmian nodded.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Godfather took Father''s water, the one I gave him. After Godfather left, Elder Sister and Elder Brother often talked about you, Mom and Father would mention you too, so even though it''s been a long time, it doesn''t feel that long. Later we had Eunuch Duan inquire about your news, and when we learned you were doing well, Father was very happy that night and had some drinks, but then Mom carried him away again..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Yan Wenxin smiled.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
When smiling before the Emperor, his eyes barely showed any wrinkles.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Even whenughing heartily, they remained that way.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
But now, with just a slight smile, the wrinkles spread from the corners of his eyes, line by line.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Your father''s alcohol tolerance is quite ordinary - he blushes even from eating drunken fish."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"My quarters are in the northwest corner, it''s a bit cool. I''ll take you up high where you can see everything. Living in the pce is fine, not as free though - you have to follow the rules. Either you adapt to the rules or you be someone who can make the rules. It''s not cold, Godfather has fur clothes too. I''m quite used to the food, even more so than in Jingzhou. I feel like I might have originally been from the capital - I''m very ustomed to the river fish here."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Eunuch Yan led Mianmian along the path, climbing higher and higher.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
They reached the highest tower.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
There were railings around it, reaching up to her chest height. Looking down was somewhat frightening due to the extreme height.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Falling from here would certainly mean death.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0Aliali: 67488ec2c4f3f33ac47aa10e
But standing up here, one could see not only the entire imperial pce but even beyond its walls, as if the whole capital city wasid out before them.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
This spot offered an exceptional view, and she imagined the Emperor must often stand here to survey everything below.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
However, the wind was quite strong, making their cloaks flutter noisily.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Below, numerous guards stood at their posts, wearing armor with cloaks draped over them.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Only then did Mianmian understand that wearing cloaks over armor wasn''t just for show. In summer, it prevented the metal armor from getting too hot in the sun and burning the skin; the cloak kept them cool. When it rained, the cloak protected the armor from rusting. In winter, it provided warmth against the cold metal armor that let in the wind.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
What looked impressive actually served practical purposes.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Looking out, she could see rows of armored soldiers, their cloaks billowing in the wind, creating a striking scene.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
With so many guards in the pce, it felt quite secure. Just then, she witnessed a shift change - though she couldn''t make out their faces, she saw them turn and alternate positions, another column of guards taking their ce, appearing unchanged from before.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The wind continued to lift their cloaks, day after day.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0