41 How to Live an Unrestrained Life (1/2)

”Well, not everyone can live such a carefree life as this humble subject.” Duke Ming Xiang said with a laugh and continued, ”The first step is simple, be born to a common family. Families of wealth and power are way too complicated to deal with, especially their internal struggles. If you do not fall in that category, you should try to stay away from all troubles, keep away from all political factions and hope you get ignored. But if that doesn't always work as well, you can try to limit contact from others and isolate yourself, if that doesn't work, you can move away, find a place you want to go and enjoy yourself. Then, if you still get bothered, you can always fake your demise. Easy as that.” Duke Ming Xiang said in a carefree manner.

At his words, Ruan Wang was speechless, to think that the unrestrained Duke would have such a way of thinking. This meeting truly gave a surprise.

”I presume Duke has already made it to the fourth step.” For the first time, Ruan Wang really felt like laughing, it seems that even some had a facade of living life in a carefree manner while drowning in one's own worries.

”So have you, your highness. I heard you have only returned, and I have to ask, why now?” There was a dangerous bright glint in his eyes. Of course, to return when the emperor was ill, the timing was sensitive, to say the least. Those of the imperial court would be suspicious.

”For my great-nephew, of course, the imperial court was never a place for a young child like him.” Ruan Wang wanted to say there were so many lions and wolves eyeing the crown prince like hungry beasts waiting to tear his flesh and drink his blood.

”The emperors since the beginning of the lineage have been living shorter lives, what is to say he will live longer than his father.”

”That is a risk I'm willing to take.”

”You seem to enjoy taking them a lot.” Duke Ming Xiang said with a smile that was not much a smile.

”Certainly, do you think there is a single person alive in the imperial court that got where they are today without taking risks?”

”And if you were to fail, have you thought of the consequences then?” Duke Ming Xiang asked sternly.

”Then I may be forced to jump on the last step.”

Duke Ming Xiang gave a smile when he listened to Ruan Wang's words. If it was so easy to do without arousing suspicion, would he have not already done it long ago?