SUN AND WATER

Previously, Wu Shun was still sitting on his throne while his two sons stood one step below his throne, but then he stood up and lowered his legs after he could feel the tension between the sons.

He was Emperor Wu Shun, the father of everyone in the empire. However, there were times when he didn't want to be owned by the entire empire, and he just wanted to be a good father figure to his two sons. Perhaps now was the time when the Emperor only wanted to be a good father to his sons.

"I believe Xiao Hai won't do anything reckless, and that's why you don't have to apologize when you haven't even done anything wrong, Xiao Guo," Wu Shun came between his sons, but his eyes were transfixed on the figure of his youngest son.

"That's not true, Your Majesty," Wu Jingguo replied. "I was wrong because I didn't even try to stop my mother and grandfather when they were talking nonsense before. I didn't do anything, and that was my mistake."

Wu Shun looked helpless, and he shook his head weakly before turning to his eldest son. "You're not angry with your brother, are you, Xiao Hai?" He questioned his son.

Wu Jinhai did not immediately answer his father's question, and instead, he set his sights on his half-brother. Even with just a glance, Wu Shun still looked uncomfortable as he couldn't even read what was on his eldest son's mind.

After all, the relationship between the two sons was not good before the accident happened in Dong Lang two weeks ago. Even if Wu Jingguo never really tried to hurt Wu Jinhai, Wu Jinhai still disliked Wu Jingguo, and he assumed that Wu Jinhai might be angry with his younger brother even if his brother didn't say anything during the meeting earlier.

But then Wu Shun could hear Wu Jinhai sigh heavily before turning his gaze towards him. "I won't do anything you don't want me to do, Your Majesty. And you should be more worried about what Concubine Zhu and Prime Minister Zhong will do to him. We all know how they suppressed Wu Jingguo for so many years, and maybe they will do the same today," his son replied.

There was no change in Wu Jinhai after he got the title of Crown Prince. If anything, it could be said that he was more solemn and stingy with his words now, but Wu Shun still smiled warmly after hearing his eldest son's answer. Without hesitation, he raised his hand before placing it on his son's shoulder and patting him twice on the shoulder.

"You don't need to worry about that. Even if Concubine Zhu and Prime Minister Zhong wish to speak to your brother in private, I will make sure that they won't do anything bad to your brother," the Emperor said.

"Why does it sound like you misunderstood me, Your Majesty? I'm not worried about him! I just don't want to see those two people do something evil, and I also don't want to see Wu Li go through the same thing as Dong Lang. I hope you can understand what I mean, Your Majesty," Wu Jinhai responded to his father.

At first glance, it seemed that Wu Jinhai was just an arrogant man who didn't want others to see that he was worried about his half-brother, and even Wu Shun was about to tease the young man when he only heard the first two sentences from the young man. But then Wu Jinhai continued to talk, and Wu Shun no longer wanted to tease him when the matter related to Dong Lang was brought up.

That had only happened two weeks ago, so of course, it was still vivid in everyone's memory of how the Black Werewolf Clan had initiated the rebellion in Dong Lang. Power was seductive in every land, and the throne always had the ability to seduce people be it in Dong Lang or Wu Li. Thus, Wu Shun could understand Wu Jinhai's worries. He could understand that his eldest son was worried that Zhu Ruolan and Zhong Enlai had started a rebellion in Wu Li.

"You don't need to worry about it, Your Majesty," Wu Jingguo finally joined the conversation after he had only been a listener when Wu Shun and Wu Jinhai talked about him. "I will talk to my mother and grandfather after this, and I will make sure they won't do anything to disturb the peace in this empire. I will be His Majesty's eyes to monitor their movements."

Hearing what the Second Prince had just said, Wu Shun and Wu Jinhai turned towards the man wearing the blue robe. It seemed like Wu Shun was quite happy to hear what his youngest son had just said, but before he could say anything, his eldest son opened his mouth to question his youngest son.

"You've proven to me that you've never been on the opposite side of me, but I still don't understand why you chose to side with me and His Majesty instead of your mother and your other relatives. Can you tell me the reason?" Wu Jinhai asked his half-brother.

It had only been two weeks since Wu Jinhai decided to trust Wu Jingguo, and that was why his cold demeanor couldn't immediately change towards the younger man. Even if he said that he would believe Wu Jingguo, there was still a trace of doubt in his voice and gaze, and even Wu Jingguo could see it.

However, the younger Prince was calm this time as he replied with a smile, "I'm like a plant, and I need sun and water to grow. Every day, the sun rises in the sky and gives me the same amount of warmth. Not too hot, but enough to help me grow. However, water is not like the sun that is steady in the sky. Sometimes I can get enough water, but other times I get more or less water than I need, and that can affect how I will grow up. In my eyes, you and His Majesty are like the sun, and my mother and my other relatives are like water. I need all of you, but if my mother's side poses more danger than the kindness they offer, I will definitely choose to be on your side, Your Highness."