704 Who Else Is to Be the Prodigal Child If Not Him? (1/2)
Yun Xiaoyao closed his eyes and sucked in a deep breath.
In all honesty, there were indeed not many men who could stop Yun Yang as he was now. At least, no one in the Empire of Yutang could do so – regardless of whether it was him, Yun Xiaoyao, or the Emperor of Yutang, Yu Peize!
As long as Yun Yang wanted to do something, he would succeed, even when the entire Empire of Yutang was banded together to stop him.
Things had already come to this stage.
”What should be done, I have done,” said Yun Yang, ”Everything else after this is only an exercise of waiting for our efforts to bloom and come to fruition.”
Yun Xiaoyao said, ”Have you ever thought what would happen if Bao'er isn't up to par? What if he can't shoulder your expectations? No matter how he's taught and trained, there's no certainty that he will grow into the mold we hope he grows into. What then?”
”Nothing. Let him be the prodigal child. As long as the land that the Nine Supremes have fought so painstakingly for isn't lost to an outsider,” Yun Yang answered and with a grin, he said, ”That will be sufficient.”
He laughed. ”Aren't the possessions and wealth the elders fought for to be left for their descendants? If their descendants live long enough to enjoy success, they'll naturally guard the treasure and prosper. If they fail to do so and exhausted all that was given to them, isn't it how it should be as well?”
Yun Yang's chuckle was lighthearted. ”How can others take advantage of the assets his father and uncles fought for? When those who fought for the rivers and mountains gained them and wanted to quit, who else to pass the ready-made possessions to if not him? Who else is to be the prodigal child if not him?”
”Besides, its just like you said. There's no certainty as to what he'll grow up to be. Who knows, he might be a brilliant emperor the likes of which we have not encountered since the start of time? Much more magnificent than his grandfather and ancestors? Who knows?”
Yun Xiaoyao could only sigh upon hearing this, no longer bothering to come up with a response.
'After I die, whatever happens, it matters not how my son wastes away my properties' – this was probably Yun Yang's current thought. Whether it was carefree or selfish, it was still a sincere sentiment!
…
Yun Xiaoyao entered the room and closed the door.
He needed some time to digest Yun Yang's words. In addition, he was immensely troubled by his own thoughts. What Yun Yang had told him could be considered an act of openly laying down his cards, thus leaving the issue to Yun Xiaoyao.
Should he tell the emperor?
'Why is this choice always looming over me and forcing me to choose? And I chose this side, every single time!'
Yun Xiaoyao lamented and sighed in his study.
…
”The ten Yama Kings and Fang Mofei aren't back yet?” Yun Yang asked Lao Mei.
”No. No news as well, but it's still within an acceptable duration,” answered Lao Mei.
”Mm.”
Yun Yang no longer said anything and closed his eyes; what ran through his mind was unknown to anyone.
…
The next morning, the crown prince submitted his statement which contained his self-confessed lack of talent and character, asking to be voluntarily shed off his position as the crown prince.
Looking at the crown prince's case, the emperor was stunned for quite a while. A plethora of thoughts rushed through him, and his face indicated a series of emotions; relief, comfort, pain, and longing. In the end, he still managed to pick up his brush. He approved the request, and granted the title 'King of Serenity' to the then crown prince, conferring Fenglong City to him.