Chapter 16 Suspicion and Jealousy

At this moment, the Princess Royal was recounting to Emperor Qin Wu the encounter they had with the wolf pack earlier that day.

Emperor Qin Wu listened intently, then pulled the Princess Royal closer for a thorough look. Gazing upon his most beautiful and sensible daughter, an expression of deep affection softened his features. “My son was frightened today. Later, he must drink a bowl of calming tea and get some proper rest.”

“As for those brave young gentlemen and ladies who killed the wolves, their father will reward them handsomely.”

“Just those four children, by their own abilities, saved my two princesses along with so many other young nobles—that’s truly remarkable.”

“Especially the so-called ‘Divine Archer’ you mentioned, and the young lady from the Marquis of Dingbei’s household who rivals any man in courage—I am very curious about them. Once things settle down in a couple of days, I shall summon them to court and see who these extraordinary people are, to have earned such admiration from my dear daughter.”

The two spoke with evident warmth and affection, their gestures and expressions full of parental tenderness and filial respect—a touching scene of fatherly love and daughterly devotion, evoking envy in those who witnessed it.

While the father and daughter conversed, four handsome princes stood tall and statuesque at their sides, not uttering a single word, quietly listening to the exchange. Among them sat a strikingly handsome yet aloof young man, expressionless, leisurely sipping tea as if nothing around him could pique his interest. Occasionally, he covered his mouth to cough softly, appearing quite frail.

He seemed to hear the conversation but also seemed completely detached, his mind elsewhere. This was Crown Prince Huo Yuchen, the Princess Royal’s legitimate elder brother.

Once, the Crown Prince was gentle and refined, courteous to all, his presence like a gentle breeze bringing warmth and comfort, inviting closeness. But for over three years now, he had shed that gentleness, becoming sullen and inscrutable, his mood unpredictable and unfathomable. Even his clothing style had changed drastically.

Where he once favored light-colored garments that complemented his ever-kind smile, now he wore dark clothes almost exclusively. His face rarely showed a smile, his countenance perpetually expressionless, exuding the aura of a solemn youth—steady, dignified, and aloof—giving off an unapproachable vibe that kept others at arm’s length.

In recent years, his health had deteriorated markedly. He frequently fell ill, his cough never ceasing, a constant companion. His once lustrous, jet-black hair—an inheritance from Empress Wei—had become dry and dull, lacking its former sheen. Huo Yuchen’s complexion was perpetually pale and sickly, drained of the vibrant spirit he once radiated.

Countless imperial physicians had been summoned to diagnose him, but the cause remained elusive and his condition showed no sign of improvement.

Princess Royal Huo Yaoshi cast a long look at her brother, noticing his indifferent demeanor and decided against attempting any conversation with him.

Emperor Qin Wu glanced at his grown sons—each striking and elegant, standing like jade trees in the breeze. Though outwardly displaying the visage of a benevolent father, his mind was ever vigilant, scrutinizing their behavior, trying to unravel their thoughts.

As his sons matured and his own strength waned, his sense of threat grew stronger by the day. He feared that these towering sons might covet the throne beneath him. Any son who dared to stretch their claws toward the crown would be ruthlessly cut down, leaving no room for mercy.

His gaze swept the room before settling on the Princess Royal and the Crown Prince. Seeing how distant and estranged the siblings were, rarely interacting even in private, and now meeting without exchanging a single unnecessary word, he allowed himself a relieved, light laugh.

The Wei Empress’s faction had grown powerful and deeply entrenched. Though he had supported her rise, with age came increasing caution and far-reaching considerations, breeding mounting suspicion. No matter how beloved a woman once was, time had dulled her radiance.

Now, the Wei Empress was old and faded, and Emperor Qin Wu’s once passionate affection for her had long since vanished without a trace. His attentions had shifted to younger, more beautiful consorts like Noble Consort Li, Consort Zhao, and Lady Wang. It was the youthful, exquisite bodies that captivated him now, holding him spellbound.

His relationship with the Wei Empress had grown distant, sustained only by appearances and the bonds of their children.

With suspicion in his heart, he naturally did not wish for the Wei Empress’s faction to grow too powerful or too united. Seeing his son and daughter so estranged, he was actually pleased.

In recent years, the Crown Prince’s poor health and lack of political engagement were welcome news to Emperor Qin Wu.

Now, as his own strength waned, he dreaded the day when “the father weakens and the son rises.” Though aged, his desire for control over the throne intensified.

He would not allow anyone to divide his imperial power—not even his own sons.

He had eight fierce sons, grown into men, and the position of Crown Prince was not necessarily reserved for Huo Yuchen.

Among his current favorites was Noble Consort Li, whose fourth and seventh sons he favored greatly.

The Crown Prince had committed no grave errors and could not be deposed for now. They could only wait for the right opportunity.

Emperor Qin Wu cast a cold glance at the Crown Prince, then commanded the other princes, “Go on my behalf and visit the injured young gentlemen and ladies. Comfort them well and bring plenty of medicinal herbs!”

Huo Yuchen and the other princes bowed solemnly. “Your servant obeys the imperial command.”

Afterward, they departed.

Emperor Qin Wu kept the Princess Royal behind and asked, “I heard your younger sister returned on her own after being rescued. Is that true?”

“She said she came back to bring reinforcements. I haven’t seen her yet,” the Princess Royal replied honestly, giving no thought to how her father might have known this.

The Emperor’s eyes narrowed slightly, though his face remained impassive.

He continued, “Did Huai An not rescue her cousin Lin Chuyan as well?”

“Yes. Huai An said if her secret guards were injured, no one would protect her. I told her she couldn’t turn a blind eye to those in peril, but she righteously declared she was going to fetch aid. She left and never returned.”

Emperor Qin Wu’s face darkened with gravity. He had never expected his daughter to be so heartless and ungrateful, so different from the obedient and sensible image she displayed before him.

Indeed, this daughter was truly full of surprises—wearing two entirely different masks in private and in public.

The two then shared a warm, intimate conversation for some time before Emperor Qin Wu finally allowed the Princess Royal to leave.