Chapter 2061

"Ah, did Big Brother join the Lingshan?"

"It's not impossible, but he recently proactively sought out the God of Fate to establish diplomatic relations with Shen State. So his actions cannot be judged solely from the perspective of Lingshan." He Chunhua sighed softly, "After your brother fell into the water and left, when he returned he was like a different person—I can't even fathom what he's thinking. Sigh, your mother's worries are actually quite reasonable."

"Wait, when he burned the Heavenly Palace, was it—was it the last time he returned before the kite?" He Yue was very sensitive to the timeline.

He Chunhua nodded.

No wonder. No wonder Big Brother looked different back then.

He Yue's heart was in turmoil, unable to speak for a long time.

He Chunhua continued: "Between Between Between Beijia already knows, and they hate your big brother to the bone. Chuan'er this time seizing the Flash Gold Plains also angered many gods. So once you go out, you must protect yourself wisely."

He Yue nodded blankly, the people his elder brother offended having upgraded from Between Between Between Beijia to the gods?

He hesitated, then asked: "Father King, since you know all this, why still seek diplomatic relations with Flash Gold? Aren't you afraid the gods will bring punishment?"

"If I don't establish relations with Flash Gold, will the gods not punish Shen State?" He Chunhua gave a helpless smile, "Now, Between Between Between Beijia already knows He Lingchuan's origins, knows he is my son! The reason it hasn't acted against Shen State is complex, but remember this world ultimately respects strength, and the gods are not just one faction. The gods behind our Shen State are not the Lingxu gods!"

He Yue understood.

Shen State openly venerates the Kshatriya Heaven and regards Naraka Heaven as the chief god. He naturally knows the Kshatriya Heaven and the Lingxu gods are not allies.

"So, the God of Fate supports Father King's decision?"

"Of course." He Chunhua said, "Your brother has just grasped great power and also needs allies. Your trip likewise is important support for him—support from family and homeland! How could other powers compare?"

Having said this, he began to detail the specifics.

"You are representing Shen State on a mission to Flash Gold; after seeing your brother, you shall only address him as 'Emperor,' unless he tells you to change." He Chunhua reminded him of his political identity, "Furthermore, unless your brother asks, do not mention our family's situation—not a single word!"

"Because—" He Yue blurted out, but immediately realized and nodded.

"If he doesn't proactively change his address or show closeness to you, treat this as just a normal state visit! Observe etiquette fully, conduct affairs publicly." He Chunhua said solemnly, "Don't treat him as your brother—he is the Nine Nether Great Emperor who has slaughtered countless! Those in power first demand respect."

Whether to express familial affection must be decided by He Lingchuan himself.

He Yue agreed to each point.

He Chunhua repeated the details tirelessly, great and small, until his mouth was nearly dry, then patted his son's shoulder: "Also, you must not tell your mother about the grudge between your brother and Between Between Between Beijia, lest you frighten her."

"Yes." He Yue took his leave, that night privately digesting the several heavy pieces of news he had just received.

He Chunhua drank some water and returned to the Imperial Study.

Having spent too much time on this matter, he hadn't gotten to today's administrative duties.

But before he had walked halfway, Empress Ying emerged from the garden, blocking his path.

He Chunhua wondered: "You haven't rested yet?"

"I feel you've long intended to let Yue'er go on a mission to Flash Gold?" Empress Ying tilted her head at him, suspicion flashing in her eyes.

Otherwise, why would you today tell us mother and daughter the truth that He Lingchuan isn't dead? You could just send an envoy yourself, holding the ceremonial baton and sailing by sea to negotiate with Flash Gold—wouldn't that settle it?

He Chunhua sighed deeply, taking her hand: "I've suffered too long keeping this secret; speaking earlier would ease my heart. Chuan'er is after all my son, whom I once loved dearly. Moreover, the news of the great upheaval on the Flash Gold Plains will eventually reach us here—sooner or later, you will learn the new powerful leader rising in the east is called He Lingchuan. By then, I fear you will resent me tenfold! Better to confess now and be lenient, so I may endure fewer harsh rebukes."

Empress Ying strained to keep her composure, but at the last sentence her lips still curled slightly.

She knew her husband still cared for her feelings; otherwise, before tonight's confrontation, why would he have accompanied her all day?

The ruler's duties are endless; his time is more precious than anything.

No matter how turbulent the outside world, no matter how harsh He Chunhua is toward outsiders or even his own biological son, this couple, born of hardship and poverty, have feelings that remain unchanged.

Empress Ying is not one who is never satisfied.

He Chunhua continued: "Yue'er has always been excellent, diligent and hardworking, and able to empathize with the people's livelihood. These years following me on southern and northern campaigns, he has grown quickly in the fires of war. But for the first ten or so years he stayed in Heishuicheng, still lacking some experience. Sending him on this mission to Flash Gold, encountering so many local customs along the way, will greatly benefit his broadening of horizons."

He spoke earnestly: "A qualified ruler must have broad vision and a tranquil mind; Yue'er needs more tempering to grow."

"The son is yours, you can say anything and it makes sense—I can't argue with you." Empress Ying muttered.

Thinking that her husband truly is cultivating Yue'er as heir, Empress Ying felt much more at ease.

He Chunhua asked softly: "Having heard of my contract with the gods, do you perhaps have some... resentment in your heart?"

He can be ruthless even toward his most beloved eldest son.

Empress Ying clasped his hand in return: "I know you have unavoidable hardships, and I know you are an excellent ruler—diligent in governance, assiduous, loving the people as your own children, even having no time to accompany me. Shen State has already taken on a new aspect, with clear governance and flourishing endeavors, far stronger than the Yi State by a hundredfold! The people having you is their blessing."

He Chunhua smiled and nodded: "Still, the first wife understands me."

Truly, the imperial family is heartless. He may not be a good father, but he is a good ruler.

"Ah, if Chuan'er achieves success in one stroke, then your He family would have two emperors, both self-made! From ancient times to now, I've never heard of a family possessing such glory!"

Upon Empress Ying saying this, even she found it unbelievable, let alone He Chunhua laughing until the frown on his brow smoothed out.

"By the way, I ask you. If..." She again lowered her voice: "Just in case—I say just in case—if Chuan'er develops poorly on the Flash Gold Plains, will he not come back to rely on us?"

He Chunhua stated bluntly: "No."

"How do you know?"

"If he succeeds, you'll hear news of him; if he suffers military defeat, from then on there will be no word of him." Besides other things, He Chunhua believes he still understands He Lingchuan to some extent.

"You father and son—who knows what's going on! I hope Chuan'er truly can create unparalleled achievements on the Flash Gold Plains—that would be the perfect fulfillment." Empress Ying sighed, "Alright, I'm going to sleep."

Her steps back were much lighter.