Chapter 221: I Am My Own Person

Chapter 221: I Am My Own Person

The Emperor had summoned Duke Duan today for two reasons: firstly, because Duke Duan had been impeached; secondly, he was in a good mood and wished to indulge in some gossip for amusement. Unexpectedly, not only did he fail to find amusement, but he was also reminded of long-buried memories.

No longer in the mood for entertainment, he dismissed Duke Duan, saying, "You may leave. As for your wife and Lin Yuquan, deal with them as you see fit."

Remembering Princess Jianing and her siblings, he added, "You are a father and must shoulder your paternal responsibilities. Jianing is of age; you should attend to her marital affairs. As for Jinghao, although he may lack talent, proper guidance should ensure he upholds the family legacy."

Duke Duan internally scoffed upon hearing the Emperor describe Li Jinghao's lack of talent, knowing full well the boy's cunning nature. However, seeing the Emperor's displeasure and his eagerness to dismiss him, Duke Duan promptly excused himself and left.

After his departure, the Emperor leaned back in his chair, eyes closed for a long while before he inquired, "The seventh in the line of succession, is it?"

His question was abrupt, yet Jiao Kangsheng immediately understood he was inquiring about the seventh prince, carefully responding, "Yes, the seventh prince."

"Hmm, how is he doing now?" the Emperor asked.

"This... I'm not really sure, should I go and inquire?"

The Emperor rose to his feet, "Go and have a look."

Jiao Kangsheng hurriedly led the way upon hearing this, as he himself didn’t know the current whereabouts of the seventh prince. After leaving the imperial study, he signaled a young eunuch outside, who quickly went to gather information and discreetly guided Jiao Kangsheng.

Insisting on walking, the Emperor followed Jiao Kangsheng towards the residence of the seventh prince. The further they walked, the more desolate it became, stopping only when they reached a dilapidated courtyard that was barely habitable. Seeing the state of the yard, Jiao Kangsheng cautiously glanced at the Emperor.

No matter what, this was a prince, yet he resided in a place not even fit for servants.

The Emperor, however, just slightly furrowed his brows and said, "No need to announce us, let’s go in."

"Yes." Jiao Kangsheng replied, and immediately, a young eunuch pushed open the mottled gate to reveal a small courtyard that was desolate yet tidy.

A skinny boy of about eleven or twelve sat blankly on the steps. His expression remained unchanged, wooden, as they entered.

This time, the Emperor’s forehead was furrowed deeply.

At that moment, an old eunuch emerged from inside. Shocked to see the Emperor, he hastened forward and knelt down with a thud, "Your servant greets Your Majesty."

The seventh prince, sitting on the steps and hearing the words "Your Majesty", showed a slight change in his eyes, one of strangeness and panic. He stood up, tugging at his short clothes, wanting to come forward to pay respects but not daring to do so.

Seeing this, the old eunuch quickly approached, whispering, "Your Highness, the Emperor has arrived, you must pay your respects."

But the seventh prince remained awkward and hesitant. The eunuch, more flustered, whispered again, "Go and pay your respects to the Emperor, haven’t I taught you? Have you forgotten?"

The seventh prince remained silent, head bowed. Out of options, the old eunuch pulled him to kneel in front of the Emperor, and this time the seventh prince stuttered, "Greetings to the... the Emperor."

The old eunuch, stealing glances at the increasingly dark expression of the Emperor, hurriedly kowtowed, "Your Majesty, please forgive me. I am foolish and have failed to teach the seventh prince properly. Actually, he is quite clever, it’s... it’s my inability to teach."

The seventh prince, kneeling beside him, said blankly, "No, it’s me. I can’t learn, my head hurts when I try to study. Please… don’t blame him."

The Emperor closed his eyes for a moment, then turned and left. Deep down, he had hoped that this son would surprise him. But instead, he was disappointed. This son not only failed to surprise him but turned out to be the most foolish of all his sons.

He strode out, with Jiao Kangsheng quickly following. After walking briskly for a while, the Emperor stopped and said, "Add some furnishings to his courtyard, whatever other princes have, make sure he has them too."

After all, he was his own flesh and blood. So many years had passed since the anger of those days had dissipated. Disappointment, however, was real.

Jiao Kangsheng acknowledged with a nod, then followed the Emperor to the imperial study. Upon entering, the Emperor took his seat and Jiao Kangsheng hurriedly served tea. The Emperor took a sip and asked, "How old was he when that incident occurred?"

Jiao Kangsheng pondered for a moment, "He must have been around four or five years old."

The Emperor hummed in acknowledgment. Jiao Kangsheng glanced at him and cautiously remarked, "The Seventh Prince seems to be of pure and kind nature."

Recalling the Seventh Prince's defense of the old eunuch, the Emperor hummed again, "He does have some redeeming qualities. Go make the arrangements."

Jiao Kangsheng complied and left to organize the additions for the Seventh Prince's courtyard. Meanwhile, in the dilapidated yard, the Seventh Prince stood motionless. He had been standing there ever since the Emperor left.

"Your Highness, isn't it good that the Emperor has no suspicions?" The old eunuch, knowing his inner turmoil, gently consoled from the side.

"I wish... he would at least speak to me." But he did not.

Li Jingyi's chest felt as if it was clogged with stones, both obstructive and painful.

Seeing him like this, the old eunuch's heart ached so much that tears welled up in his eyes. Wiping away his tears, he said, "Your Highness, there's no kinship in the royal family."

"I know," Li Jingyi gazed beyond the courtyard and spoke, "Lady Hou of Yongning said, 'There's no point in getting hurt over those who don't care about you. It's not worth it.'"

"Exactly, Lady Hou is right," the old eunuch hastily agreed. "In time, those people will realize how outstanding you truly are."

Li Jingyi walked to the stone table and poured himself a glass of water, stating, "I am who I am. There's no need to prove anything to those who don't care about me."

This was also what Lady Hou of Yongning had told him.

Seeing the absence of sorrow on his face, the old eunuch smiled and said, "My prince is always right."

Li Jingyi couldn't help but smile upon hearing these words.

At that moment, there was a commotion at the door. The old eunuch went to open it and saw a line of palace maids and eunuchs, each carrying something. The leading eunuch said, "These are items the Emperor has sent for the Seventh Prince."

The old eunuch appeared both pleasantly surprised and flustered, hastily inviting them in. Li Jingyi, upon seeing them, put on a blank expression that lasted until the palace maids and eunuchs had departed.

"From today onward, we shall cease all contact with the House of Yongning Hou," the Seventh Prince whispered to the old eunuch.

The old eunuch nodded vigorously, "This servant understands."

At this moment, both master and servant were filled with a mixture of anticipation and apprehension – hopeful for a different life ahead, yet anxious that their aspirations might come to naught.