146 A Good Child (1/2)

After a period of silence, Old Marshal Qiu heaved a long sigh, directing it to the heavens.

The current powerless state that rendered him helpless almost broke down this marshal who had been slaughtering in the battlefield his entire life!

It was true that he could not take the same approach this time around.

If this matter were to be brought to light, the Empire of Yutang would be torn to pieces.

Despite the roundabout way of Yun Yang’s explanation, how could the old marshal who had seen so much of life not understand the implied meaning?

The fact was that someone had been able to poison the emperor right in his own palace for years without being discovered. What could it mean?

The amount of effort and thought that had been put into this grand scheme was indeed detailed and chilling to consider.

The old marshal sat aside, clenching his jaw and gritting his teeth; he absolutely loathed the situation he was faced with.

After a very long time, the emperor finally woke up. The first reflex after opening his eyes was to rub between his brows but he halted his actions as his eyes glowed with pleasure. The pair of orbs then went straight to Yun Yang as he looked at him with surprised delight. ”Yun Yang, your massaging skills are impressive! I feel much better… and I managed to sleep well. I feel like my mind is much more refreshed now. It is the best slumber I’ve had recently.”

Yun Yang smiled and said, ”If Your Majesty likes it, this nephew can assist to condition Your Majesty’s body, anytime that you please.”

The emperor chuckled heartily and nodded. ”Then, I am afraid I would really have to trouble you in future.”

The old marshal’s expression was still dark as he said, ”Yun Yang, there’s is nothing here that concerns you now. This old man shall ask someone to send you out of the palace as I still have something to discuss with His Majesty.”

Yun Yang knew that the old marshal and His Majesty would be speaking of important matters of the empire; it was inappropriate for him to continue lingering on. Besides, the old marshal clearly intended to protect him, so he stood up right away. ”This nephew shall take his leave then. I bid you goodbye, Your Majesty.”

The emperor’s gaze towards Yun Yang was appreciative as he replied, ”Good, good. Come often to the palace when you’re free in the future. There are times when I am very much lonely.”

”Certainly.” Yun Yang promised. When he retreated to the door, he could not suppress the waves of emotions that roiled within him and finally asked, ”May I ask Your Majesty if the portrait behind Your Majesty is of a time when Your Majesty was still a youth? It is a very charming portrait indeed.”

The emperor shut his eyes abruptly, feeling the piercing pain coming again from his heart; his ruddy cheeks suddenly turned white.

Qiu Jianhan fumed. ”How dare you! Are the things in His Majesty’s room for you to question?” His expression was livid with rage while his eyes signaled for Yun Yang to quickly depart.

The emperor waved his hands with his eyes still shut tight as he said in a low voice, ”It doesn’t matter. It’s alright.”

”The person in the portrait… it is my…” The emperor’s voice was raspy and he could not go on but said in a heart-broken voice, ”Go home…”

Yun Yang held in the waves of emotions and said as he lowered his head, ”Take care, Your Majesty.”

He then retreated.

When Yun Yang had left the palace, His Majesty was still standing there dumbfounded, feeling pangs of heartache.

”Take care, Your Majesty.” Yun Yang's wishes had left the emperor’s emotions in a turmoil.

He could hear the honest intention laced within his words.

Yet it was this truthfulness that made him rekindle the deep feelings and longing for his eldest son, Supreme Earth when he had kneeled before him and said ”Father, take care.” before he went on his final mission.

”This child only looks like a grown up. His mind is still very simple. He’s really insensitive sometimes.” Old Marshal Qiu coughed and said, ”I’ll teach him a lesson when I return.”

The emperor waved his hand and stopped the old marshal’s speech as he said earnestly, ”Old Qiu… this is a good child.”

He swallowed and enunciated each word clearly, ”Good child!”

Good child.

This two words had been what he had always wanted to tell his son as Supreme Earth but until his son had passed away, he had never gotten to say it aloud.

He had finally uttered these words now.

The clenching heartache of the emperor seemed to engulf him like a vast ocean.

My son… he is a good child indeed.

…

The person in the portrait, he is my…

Yun Yang had understood the meaning, despite His Majesty not finishing his words. He felt as if a thunderbolt had struck him; he could not help but gaze pitifully at the emperor.

This… this was big brother’s father!

It was why he had spurted out, ”Take care, Your Majesty” when he bid his leave.

Yun Yang still felt lightheaded as he made his way out of the palace.

Just as he left, he saw a person standing before him; his scattered attention coming back into focus instantaneously.

”Greetings, Young Master Yun.”