Chapter 166 - Tis a Pity (1/2)

Contrary to what Prince Yi expected, the Emperor gave a wry smile and calmly said, ”I can't do that.”

{...Not now...not anymore. I have so much to do...and there's Xing er' -...}

Remembering Lei Xing reminded the Emperor of the kissing incident and a thought flashed across his mind and without thinking, he asked, ”Do you have feelings for her?”

Prince Yi blinked and was visibly taken aback by the question. It seemed as the Emperor saw Prince Yi's shocked expression, he also realized what he just asked and averted his gaze and frowned. He did not know why he had asked that question.

It was true that the thought of giving Lei Xing to his brother had momentarily crossed his mind the day before but he never meant to ask that...And he definitely did not come here wanting to even consider that. He also did not think he could actually give her to him...Perhaps he could, he did not know. He honestly did not know and was feeling very confused with himself at the moment.

The Emperor let out a heavy sigh and the next thing he felt himself get knocked to the ground. Apparently, after Prince Yi got over the shock, he was overcome with rage. He had dropped his sword and rushed the confused, oblivious Emperor, pushing him to the ground and proceeding to pummel his face as he barked, ”HOW DARE YOU? HOW DARE YOU EVEN CONSIDER THAT MY MOTHER IS REPLACEABLE WITH SOME RANDOM -”

Prince Yi was promptly yanked off the Emperor by the Imperial guards, but not before landing a few blows. The Imperial guards had sprinted over as soon as the Emperor was knocked off his feet. The Emperor had simply laid there and taken the blows with no struggle, despite the fact that he still had a sword in hand.

Eunuch Li who had just arrived on the scene just as the Imperial guards were rushing over. He knelt by the Emperor and called to him as he looked him over for injuries. The Emperor's eyes were open but he did not seem to have be present at the scene as his mind looked to be elsewhere.

Luckily, the Imperial guards had acted swiftly and so Prince Yi could only land a few blows, but even then the damage was obvious. Bruises were evident as well as some cuts resulting from the ring on one of Prince Yi's hands.

After helping the Emperor sit up, Eunuch Li angrily whirled on Prince Yi, who was still glaring daggers at the Emperor. ”Prince Yi, what is the meaning of this direspectf- ?”

”Release him.” The Emperor calmly ordered without looking in his direction. The Imperial guards confusedly looked at the Emperor and then at Eunuch Li, who was looking at the Emperor with a frown. In the end, Eunuch Li sighed and turned back to the Imperial guards, ”Escort Prince Yi out of the palace...respectably.” He added so they knew to avoid causing a scene.

The Imperial guards released Prince Yi and then one of them politely bowed and motioned to the exit. Prince Yi condescendingly looked at the Emperor on the floor, then he turned and stormed off.

{...How pathetic!...}

Eunuch Li watched as Prince Yi stalked off and then he turned back to the Emperor to find him with an elbow resting on his knee and his forehead lowered on the raised hand. Eunuch Li furrowed his brow and felt the urge to comfort him, but did not know what to do or say.

He had also learned over the years, the Emperor only ever wanted to be left to himself at times like this. He did not welcome anyone's comfort. The result of years of cold and strict upbringing from everyone around him. Even when Eunuch Li had attempted to show him warmth as a child, it was always met with an indifferent reception.

Not to mention, earned him the Empress dowager's ire and a strong reminder that he was not a simple child but rather was one with great responsibility and should be raised as such. A responsibility that bore down on Eunuch Li, all those who were lost and those who relied on the hope for a better future.

And so, Eunuch Li had also adhered and even maintained that level of strictness in the Empress dowager's absence. Eunuch Li had been glad when Prince Yi had gotten the Emperor to start warming up and was finally glimpsing some semblance of a childhood, even though it was for a few moments. He had argued with the Empress dowager to ensure he kept that small liberty that allowed him brief escapes.

But unfortunately, the Empress dowager's confinement and his stay ruined everything and he became even more distant with people. Even though the second Empress treated him kindly and may have even permitted his continued visits with Prince Yi, the Emperor still kept his distance from him and everyone around and retreated into his shell. He followed orders and performed excellently as usual but he barely spoke to anyone.

Then Prince Yi's life also crumpled a few weeks later and the Emperor made a show of support and went to him. Then there was Prince Yi's illness that came after and the Emperor seemed to have come out extremely hurt from the groveling he had to do...Thankfully, Lei Yong came along right when the Emperor was feeling most vulnerable and brought with him an energy similar to that of Prince Yi's.

Eunuch Li had almost been moved to tears himself as he secretly watched the little Emperor hiding in an obscure corner in quietly stifling back tears that still fell despite his best efforts. He wanted to go comfort him, he was just a child...but at the same time, he was not just a child and he could not bring himself to go to him. And he knew the little boy would not have appreciated it being caught in his weakness. Instead, Eunuch Li stood and ensured no one came upon the spot.

Until Lei Yong came wandering down the corridor and he suddenly had the thought that the Emperor needed was a good replacement for Prince Yi. He had heard good things about the Defense minister's son and thought him a bright and cheerful child, like Prince Yi had once been.  And so, he had walked up to young boy and subtlety placed the thought of going in the crying Emperor's direction and as he had expected Lei Yong had found the Emperor. If Lei Yond had further aggravated the little Emperor in any way, Eunuch Li had sworn to end the boy before the day was over...Luckily for Lei Yong, he was the right fit for the position.

Eunuch Li sighed heavily.