He still rembered when the Emperor rely half-opened his eyes to give him a sidelong glance, "A reason?"
"Freedom," just two words, without much embellishnt, yet the Emperor replied with three words of his own, "Impossible."
"Father Emperor, why?"
The Nanling Emperor sneered, "It’s because of a woman, right? Heng’er, you were raised under my watch; how could I be unaware of what’s in your heart? Who is she? That maid from your Prince Manor?"
With a single statent, it was as if the secrets of the heavens were laid bare. The Nanling Emperor gazed deeply at him, "Have you grown to love a beauty more than the empire?"
The intent of the Emperor couldn’t be clearer; if Rong Heng chose to give up the entire empire for Tangyuan here, it was possible that he would indeed be removed from the line of succession.
So, when he looked aningfully at Rong Heng, the latter paused only for an instant, about to refuse, when the Nanling Emperor stopped him.
"Rong Heng," the Emperor said sternly, using both his first and last na, "I will say it once more. You are a Prince, born with a responsibility. It’s said that one who does not wish to be a General is no good soldier. What about it? You don’t wish to be the Emperor? You don’t desire to sit upon this seat of supre honor? Do you understand how many won will be yours once you assu that position? Will you still be swayed by a re maid then? I hope you think well before answering. After all, you are the only heir I truly favor; do not let the years of your cultivation beco re empty talk!"
If the implication of loving a beauty over the empire wasn’t obvious enough, the profound aning behind these words was spine-chilling.
In other words, the Emperor was telling Rong Heng that he was the future heir, the one favored by the Emperor himself, and if he did not cherish this, there would be no redy for regret in the future.
Rong Heng was escorted out of the Imperial Study, and as he looked up at the Forbidden City bathed in the descending twilight, his heart was torn.
On one hand, he did not wish to forsake the position so easily within his grasp; on the other, he felt that Tangyuan was indeed the only woman who had entered his heart over these years, soone he didn’t want to just let go of. Yet, Tangyuan’s obstinacy was a shackle between them, wasn’t it?
Who knew if the Emperor ant to pressure Rong Heng or to retain him by announcing Rong Heng’s promotion to Crown Prince at court the following day, and moreover, the coronation ceremony was to be completed before the end of the year.
If yesterday’s conversation was rely an illusion, today’s imperial decree solidified it into stark reality.
With the decree issued, how could Rong Heng have any room left for hesitation?
As for Tangyuan, she never imagined she would hold such an important place in his heart. She gave Rong Heng only her blessings and approval, devoid of personal emotions.
Elder Yin arrived at an opportune mont, leaving little ti for Rong Heng to talk privately with Tangyuan, since she devoted almost all her ti to Elder Yin, her thirst for knowledge far outweighing romantic inclinations.
Thus, on the day of Rong Heng’s coronation ceremony, Tangyuan chose to leave with Elder Yin. She had long understood his true feelings, but she didn’t wish to beco another Yuan Yuan, resulting in a fateful eting but an inexorable parting.
Before leaving, she gifted him with the seeds of high-yield crops like corn and sweet potatoes, as well as the precious fruit, waterlon. All planting instructions were fully taught to his subordinates, without a shred of concealnt, leaving behind one last significant contribution.
When Rong Heng returned to Prince Manor and gazed upon the deserted garden, his heart was not only filled with unbearable grief but also with unsaid frustration.
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