Chapter 2060

These words, he doesn't know how long he's held them in his heart, today he finally let them out.

Does he feel guilty toward his eldest son?

Guilty.

But if time were reversed, he would still do it! Because fate never gave him a second choice!

He Yue listened, his face flushed red, his fists unconsciously clenched.

Lady Ying noticed both father and son were burning with anger, hurried out to smooth things over: "Alright, alright, isn't the current focus whether Chuan'er is still alive? This is a great joy, Yue'er, what are you angry with your father about? Your brother is alive, shouldn't you be overjoyed?"

He Yue took two deep breaths, knowing he could no longer be at odds with He Chunhua, after all, he was already the "Father King," a dignified ruler of a nation.

The two men stared at each other like bulls locking horns, both suppressing their anger.

"What the Queen Mother said is correct." He Yue seized the opportunity to back down, first speaking to ease the atmosphere: "Father King, what arrangements do you have for this?"

Put differently, you old liar, spreading rumors that my brother died years ago—why suddenly reveal it now?

Given my understanding of Father King, if not forced, he could keep this secret until death.

"Shen State wishes to establish relations with Shanjin; there, many special products are what Shen State needs, and Shen State's special products can also be shipped eastward, mutually beneficial. Coincidentally, Bai He Hai Jiao collapsed during the volcanic eruption, shortening the voyage from Baishawan to Shanjin by about half a month." He Chunhua said slowly, "Shen State is also rising, cannot miss the opportunity to profit from sea trade."

Mother and son exchanged a glance, both silently cursing.

The Shen King sees that He Lingchuan is very likely to annex Shanjin and become dominant, hence rushing to establish relations with him.

This is what is meant by: "Wealth in the deep mountains has distant relatives; no benefit, no visit."

He Yue couldn't help but ask: "Can the elder brother be willing? After all, he was the one who left voluntarily back then."

After the elder brother learns the truth, will he resent his father in his heart? Can he be willing to reconcile with him?

"This application for relations with Shen State was initiated by your elder brother."

Amid the two's astonished gazes, He Chunhua snorted: "This is called 'public over private.' Those past personal grudges—how can they compare to state affairs? Yue'er, you are still far too lacking in this aspect of governing mindset!"

"Speaking of Chuan'er, speaking of Chuan'er, why drag Yue'er into this?" Lady Wang Hou instinctively defended her son with a sentence, then anxiously: "But can Chuan'er truly let go? Won't he..."

At this moment, He Lingchuan had become so alien as to make her feel a little afraid.

He Chunhua gave a faint smile: "What won't happen? The Shanjin Plains are truly ten thousand eight thousand li from Shen State."

This is truly a distance so safe it cannot be safer—could He Lingchuan, even without good intentions, harm Shen State in the slightest?

"Since one has ascended to this position, one must have the breadth of mind of a superior: seek peace, seek stability, seek development! Yesterday's affairs are like yesterday's dead; for the nation's long-term plan, what private grudge cannot be let go?" He Chunhua patted his younger son's shoulder, half educating, half reconciling, "I also agreed to his request; after winter passes, I will send envoys."

The winter sea wind is biting, the wind direction is wrong, unsuitable for long voyages.

He Yue's chest heated, he immediately said: "I will go."

Lady Wang Hou startled: "Yue'er! That road is distant, how can you lightly court danger!"

She and He Chunhua have only this one son; they cannot allow any mishap midway.

He Yue also understood her concern, immediately reassuring: "Spring sea winds are gentle; as long as one sails close to the coast, the journey risks are not great. Besides, you still hold two grandsons in your hands—nothing to fear."

"Can't you speak properly?" Lady Wang Hou glared at him angrily, "What do you mean by 'holding'? Are the children hostages in my hands?"

"I will send another envoy." He Chunhua also said to his son, "You are Shen State's sole prince; no mishap is allowed."

"Precisely because I am the prince, I personally undertaking the mission to Yangshan or Shanjin better demonstrates Shen State's sincerity in establishing relations!" He Yue immediately rebutted, "This matter either not done, or done to the utmost. Father King thinks the same, doesn't he?"

He Chunhua let out a long breath, rubbed his temples.

Lady Wang Hou disagreed: "The road is long and far, again sea travel—too dangerous. Actually, if one thinks carefully, Chuan'er's last return was already unlike before. He left home so long, and in the Shanjin Plains carried out mass slaughter—who knows if his nature has changed?"

She advised: "Let's still first send envoys to establish relations, one time unfamiliar, two times familiar, then Yue'er going later won't be too late!"

"The elder brother proactively sought relations with Shen State—this is a rare good opportunity. He will also observe how we respond, to see if we have sincerity." He Yue's gaze burned as he looked toward his father, performing a solemn salute: "Father King, I volunteer to undertake the mission!"

He Chunhua rubbed his face, hesitated repeatedly, still said: "Blood is thicker than water, your brothers' feelings have always been good. Ah, very well, you may go."

He Yue rejoiced, Lady Wang Hou snorted heavily, knowing her opposition was futile.

After the meal, He Chunhua pulled his son into the study for private discussion.

He had previously instructed: "On this journey, you will first pass through Between Between Between Beijia, Mu State, and many regions. Before reaching Yangshan, in your speech and conduct, do not show closeness to Yangshan, to the Nine Abysses Great Emperor, or to the Dragon God Army; best also conceal your origin, first pose as a merchant caravan."

He Yue wondered: "Why is that?"

On this mission, must he still act sneakily?

In the study, with no outsiders present, He Chunhua then lowered his voice: "The Lingxu City turmoil that shook Between Between Between Beijia five or six years ago—do you still remember?"

He Yue nodded: "Yes, I heard the Heavenly Palace suffered invasion, Lingxu City was also trampled by monsters, and the attack continued to the core area."

When the news came back, whoever heard it was shocked; He Yue once thought it was false intelligence.

That was Lingxu City, that was the heartland of Between Between Between Beijia, that was the very center of the world's strongest nation!

Who dares, who can act wildly there?

Afterwards, this Arabian Nights tale was proven true, and He Yue also first heard the name "Ling Mountain."

"I heard that Ling Mountain came forward claiming this was done by them."

He Chunhua again couldn't help rubbing his temples: "Actually, it was your elder brother who did it."

He Yue lost composure again, his voice suddenly rose three degrees: "You say what?!"

"This matter, the Heavenly Gods recently also verified it, your brother also personally admitted it." He Chunhua said distressedly, "It is indeed him."

He Yue's mind went into chaos, his gaze instead became somewhat dazed.

He Chunhua looked at his expression, recalling when he first heard Naluotian speak of it, he was basically in the same state.

He Lingchuan, this brat, bold to the heavens!

"He, he..." He Yue was momentarily incoherent, "Why did he go burn the Heavenly Palace?!"

Not to mention normal people, even madmen wouldn't have such a thought. During those years after leaving Ying State, what exactly did the elder brother endure?

The most terrifying thing is, he actually accomplished it!