You will always be my son

Xianwu took the sketch of his mother from his father. The paper had turned yellowish brown because it had been kept in the trunk for years. He found solace in seeing his mother after so many years. The face that had faded in his memories had become clear again. 

"If Grand Empress Dowager knows about all this, then she may send a spy closely behind you. I'll provide you with a stronger person, who will follow you like a shadow," Lee Shimin stated. 

"I don't need anyone. I can take care of myself," Xianwu said. His tone was still laced with bitterness toward his father. 

"Do you wish to die in the palace then? Grand Empress Dowager has ruled the Empire once and she knows the politics better than you. She can use any way to bring you down even if it comes to taking your life," Lee Shimin pronounced. 

"Father, I appreciate your concern. However, I have a question for you," Xianwu asserted. 

"Ask," Lee Shimin said.