Chapter 394: Battle for the Throne (Part 5)
The Emperor understood Su Yaogeng’s meaning. If only the Crown Prince had a bit more tolerance, things wouldn’t have escalated to this point, and he wouldn’t have any hesitation about passing on the throne.
Since he was established as the Crown Prince and nurtured carefully, it was natural to hope he could inherit the throne and be a good emperor for the country and its people. It’s just unfortunate that he overlooked how those events he experienced in his childhood affected him.
The struggle for the heir’s position back then nearly turned the entire Capital City into a bloodbath. The Crown Prince spent his childhood in such an environment, even facing occasional assassination attempts. At a young age, he often faced life and death situations. This not only developed his forbearing character but also planted seeds of suspicion in his young heart, making him feel that there was no real affection within the Imperial Family. He even thought his own father, the Emperor, might abolish him at any time, and his imperial uncles could possibly take away the throne that rightfully belonged to him.
He was cautious and ambitious at the same time. From the start, his fate was perhaps already set.
The Emperor was silent for a long time before taking out an imperial edict from a brocade box and handing it to Su Yaogeng: "This is the edict to pass the throne to the fourth child. The fourth is a good boy, and I owe him. If the Crown Prince really makes a move, then bring out the edict. As for the Crown Prince... I hope he doesn’t stay confused forever."
The Emperor knew he was deceiving himself, thinking that as long as the Crown Prince doesn’t make a move, no matter what, even if it was clear that he had once sent someone to assassinate him, he still wanted to spare his life. But how could the Crown Prince ever be content...
Su Yaogeng did not take the edict but instead comforted, "Brother, you should take care of yourself. Once this storm has passed, Nanyao Country still needs you to govern. As for Qiao’er, he is truly not interested in this, but the current situation forces us to push him onto this path."
Su Yaogeng knew that by handing her the edict, her brother was essentially entrusting her with his will. But after all, they were siblings, supporting each other for many years. How could she bear to see his later years so bleak?
"Take it, just in case. Zheng’er, in this world, the only person I trust is you." The Emperor’s words were both a lament and a command.
He, too, had gone through a struggle for the throne. How could he not understand the uncertainty and cruelty of it all? But back then, he was fortunate. Zhenger’s strong hand helped him block much of the bloodshed, and Yun Peng, wise and decisive at a young age, helped him win over so many brothers.
He was grateful yet failed to teach his son to be grateful too.
This was ultimately his regret.
Su Yaogeng took the edict, wanting to console him that perhaps things weren’t so bad, but she couldn’t bring herself to say it because things might be worse than they imagined.
After all, everything happened too suddenly and unexpectedly. Additionally, they had never intended to get involved in such matters. Had Jing’er not brought it up, they might still be hesitating, and once the Crown Prince succeeded, it would be difficult for them to stop him.
When Su Yaogeng left the Imperial Palace and returned to the Princess Mansion, it was already afternoon. She had just sat down when Su Yu came back.
"Indeed, Prince An has already left the Capital City, and he split his forces into three routes, with different people impersonating him and taking three different paths. For the time being, it’s not so easy to track his movements."