Xiajun Yanli's brows furrowed. His body shook, seemingly tired.

Seeing Xiajun Yanli in this manner, Xie Limo didn't force him. "It's been exhausting for you taking care of His Majesty over this period. You'd better go back and consider this carefully."

"Hao'er is only five. He's only five."

Xie Limo replied blandly, "Since ancient times, there were plenty of emperors who took the throne at two or three years old, taking over the reins of government upon coming of age at sixteen. Isn't that normal?"

No matter how calm and elegant Xiajun Yanli usually was, he was indecisive in matters involving Hao'er.

"Hao'er is suited to living a carefree life."

Xie Limo shook his head. "You're wrong. Hao'er was born in the royal family, and this isn't an ident.i.ty he can change. If he wants to truly be carefree, he needs to grasp power, the highest of power. This is the only way to protect everything he had, just as Majesty Kang. If back then, he was the king, wouldn't he have been able to guard his princess consort well?"

Xiajun Yanli sighed forlornly. "Perhaps you're right."

"Xiajun Yanli, I think you ought to consider carefully what is good for Hao'er. You're scared and worried of this and that, and I can understand why. Regardless if it's you or Majesty Kang who will take the throne, it's not right."

Xiajun Yanli knew those closely involved cannot see as clearly as those outside.

Xie Limo continued, "If Majesty Kang takes the throne, once he knows of Hao'er's true ident.i.ty, how can he not take Hao'er back? But if you're the one sitting in that position, if Majesty Kang comes to know everything, wouldn't he stage a rebellion?"

Xiajun Yanli was speechless.

"Plus, looking at the current situation, your good sister Xiajun Yanwu wants that position too. If she takes the throne, will you and Majesty Kang willingly serve as her aide? Don't forget what happened six years ago. Ever since then, you should know that your younger sister has changed."

Xie Limo dissected every piece of truth before his eyes, making Xiajun Yanli unable to deceive himself and others now.

"That's all I'm saying. You need to think through this carefully!"

Before Xie Limo was about to disappear from view, Xiajun Yanli chased him and said, "If Hao'er sits in that position, won't he be a puppet?"

"If the Xie family wishes to interfere in all of Country A's matters, we wouldn't have waited till now. Country A belongs to Hao'er, but it has to be within the Xie family's control. With me and Yun Bixue around, Hao'er won't be a puppet."

"I get it now." Xiajun Yanli said. This was the greatest promise as well as the greatest concession Xie Limo could give.

Perhaps this was the only way. It was unavoidable for the imperial capital, even the entire country, to go through a period of turmoil.

Xie Limo quickened his pace. His mind was on his wife, and he wanted to get home quickly, afraid something would happen to her.

Xie Limo called home as he walked out. Only when he heard Yun Bixue's voice did he heave a sigh of relief.

"Ah Xue, I'll come home soon."

Yun Bixue glanced at the clock. "Why so early today? It's only three-thirty!"

"Why? You don't want me back? You don't miss me?"

Yun Bixue pouted, her eyes twinkling with a smile. "You know how I feel. I'm just curious."

Xie Limo didn't disguise his worry. "I'm worried about you. I heard Xiajun Yanwu went to look for you this morning."

Yun Bixue pursed her lips and chuckled. "So you heard. Are you worried about me over this matter? You're belittling me."

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