Devoted son

Shiyou who was now like a angry lion moved to meet the third elder to know of the cause. The entire way he unfolded the memories to find any faults on their part. His frustration and anger kept rising when he found no abnormalities in their steps.

While he was on his way to meet the third elder Xiuzhi had entered the palace and was now pacing anxiously outside emperors chamber. Emperor wakes up from the soft voices and inquires what was happening. His personal eunuch enters to inform that the eldest prince had come and after finding his ill condition was worried and waiting for an audience.

Emperor felt a little pleased from his son whom he never gave much attention to or held importance. He allows Xiuzhi to enter the chamber. Xiuzhi enters with hastened steps and on reaching the bedside asks worried "Fuhuang...son asks mercy for interrupting your rest...son heard you were not feeling ill...how are you feeling Fuhuang.."

Emperor looks at his worry faced son his expression was genuine pleasing him hence giving a soft and gentle smile he replies "no worry...father just had worked for long thus this old body acting up...just need rest for sometime..."

Xiuzhi moves little closer and grabs his hand and speaks gently "Fuhuang...do not work so hard till your body feels unwell...Second is very reliable and intelligent...he has the ability to take some burdens of your shoulders...if still need person have this son attend some minor things...

son is not saying you have become old...you are in your prime but too many matters and work can take a toll in health...you are our strength and sky...please rest well and ease your worries"

Emperor felt a bit emotional after Xiuzhi's speech he looks at his son whom he normally didn't think of. He seemed to grown taller and sturdier, his face no longer had youth but manly aura. He was the perfect mix of himself and his consort whom he had favored till now. He felt it was a regret that he lacked the ruthlessness and intellect of Shiyou if not perhaps he too..

Emepror quickly stops his thoughts from going further as he didn't want any internal issue to arise. Still he couldn't help but feel little guilty for having this son cast far aside and forced in the shadow of his youngest brother. He gives a gentle smile and answers.

"Father knows...father is feeling much better after taking the divine rejuvenating pill gifted by lord of the valley...father is happy that you have grown reliable...these few days father won't be appearing in the morning court...I have ordered for your brother to handle the matters...you help him to run the court smoothly...even without the crown you are a prince with authority...huajin needs your capable shoulders for many matters..father expects good things from you.."

Xiuzhi's eyes becomes red his face trying to maintain his smile even though it seemed he was about to cry and very gently he replies "Fuhuang...with time and age son has learned many things...for son you are a perfect being...whatever you do and say cannot be wrong...son won't boast saying how capable son is...but son promises to put best efforts to ease some of your burden...

It is unfortunate for son doesn't have intellects as the second to help you in big matters...but son will support second as best as this son can...so Fuhuang while you heal do not worry further..."

Emperor was now overwhelmed by his sons love and care. He looks at his son putting on brave face despite the red teary eyes. He would feel the warmth from his sons hand that had cupped his hand and slowly he pats the cupping hands with his free hand.

He felt as if something was scratching his throat hence with his hoarse voice he replies "look at you about to cry...still a child...don't worry father will be healthy as a horse...you too take care.. the weather is turning for worse.."

Xiuzhi gives a shy and awkward smile and after helping his father cover with blankets he leaves the chamber. Outside he wipes his eyes with his sleeves and calming his face exits the palace to his mothers place. The personal eunuch after seeing the scene felt a pinch in his heart and enters inside to check on the emperor.

Emepror sending the eunuch presence speaks softly "Zheng...is the eldest gone?...this emperor feels guilty for having him pushed in the shadows..only today this emperor realized how much he has grown...his growth makes this emperor feel old..ah...perhaps this emperor should have given him a bit more attention..."

Zheng his personal eunuch upon hearing his masters lament replies "emperor..you are in your prime...eldest prince has indeed grown a lot...he understands your difficulties hence won't feel slighted...

his love and care for you is pure...earlier this servant saw him wiping tears but soon calmed his emotions before leaving...such devoted son won't hold anything ill towards you...hence for the time being focusing on recuperating should be the only thoughts.."

Emperor feels calm and agrees with his eunuchs words. Before entering in the dreamland he decides to compensate his eldest son after his health is restored.