Let Me Explain, Fairy
Chapter 530 - 342: Suffering

Chapter 530: Chapter 342: Suffering

The fragrance of incense wafted through the air, disrupted by the river breeze.

Leaning against the soft couch, with hand supporting his cheek, Xu Yuan stared at the gentle smile on Li Zhaoyuan’s handsome face, feeling slightly disappointed in his heart.

Although some things are known to be conducted by someone, the outcome of acknowledging and not acknowledging is vastly different.

Evidence is a good thing.

Even if you know who is behind the act but lack evidence, you can’t justly move against him.

To act, you would have to use underhanded means as well.

In fact, before coming here, Xu Yuan had held onto a sliver of hope in his heart.

He hoped that Li Zhaoyuan would drop his guard, face the brewing storm, and then do something impulsive.

Unfortunately, Li Zhaoyuan turned out to be more patient than he anticipated.

"You... sure can endure," Xu Yuan said.

"...."

Upon hearing this, a touch of fitting doubt surfaced in Li Zhaoyuan’s eyes:

"Hmm? What do you mean by that?"

Xu Yuan was not surprised by this response and chuckled lightly:

"Haha... It’s nothing, once bitten, twice shy, the assassination attempt this time has made me somewhat paranoid."

Li Zhaoyuan’s brows furrowed slightly:

"Changtian, are you suspecting me?"

Upon hearing this, Xu Yuan didn’t hide his thoughts and replied very directly:

"I indeed had my suspicions before coming here, but now..."

Just then, he suddenly laughed, a sunny laugh, glancing at the porcelain pot that was left with only soup and spices:

"...I no longer hold those suspicions.

"After all, anyone should find it difficult to harm their own beloved."

Li Zhaoyuan’s lips curved in a Wan’er smile, his voice soft yet deep and magnetic:

"So Changtian, that’s what you were getting at. No wonder you said those words during my meal. However, Changtian, there’s something I’d like to remind you of regarding certain matters."

Raising an eyebrow, Xu Yuan leaned in a bit closer and said with a laugh:

"Xu Yuan is all ears for Brother Emperor’s teachings."

"It’s not a teaching, just a reminder," replied Li Zhaoyuan.

Li Zhaoyuan casually dropped the napkin he used to wipe his mouth into the slag bucket, his gaze tender and his smile gentle:

"The person who dared assassinate you and Qingyan won’t care about this; don’t you think that using such methods for revenge seems rather childish?"

Xu Yuan expressed a hint of confusion, leaned in even closer, and whispered softly:

"Killing a man, breaking his heart, how can you call that childish?"

Upon hearing this, Li Zhaoyuan chuckled warmly, his voice steady and hearty:

"Changtian, as I already said, the person who dares to assassinate you and Qingyan won’t care about these things and cannot even be regarded as human. So how can we speak of breaking his heart?"

A flicker of intrigue passed through Xu Yuan’s eyes, and he licked his lips lightly:

"Then, Brother Emperor... if you were me, what would you do?"

Li Zhaoyuan lowered his gaze, gently toying with the jade ring on his finger:

"To slay a great demon should be celebrated with the army and the people. Since your prediction aligns, it could also boost morale and earn you fame and profit."

"...."

The conversation fell silent, as the river breeze brushed through his tied-up hair and the quiet light in his inky eyes.

"Hehehahaha....."

A bout of low laughter broke the silence.

Bracing himself against the table to rise, Xu Yuan patted the dust-free robe on his body and bowed:

"Brother Emperor, Changtian is enlightened. Qingyan is waiting for me tonight, so I shall not disturb you any longer here."

Having said that, he turned and walked toward the ancient wooden door of the attic.

His boots tapped gently on the ground, and his footsteps were soft; as he reached the door, he suddenly paused.

Xu Yuan seemed to recall something abruptly and asked:

"Brother Emperor, why... did you originally think of establishing a mansion and power within the capital?"

It was an ancestral tradition in Dayan for princes to either establish a hidden residence within the capital or to be directly appointed to govern a territory outside of it.

However, in nearly five hundred years, very few princes born to palace maids have dared to apply to establish a residence and power within Di’an City.

The reason is simple,

They would die.

A summary of historical experience.

Setting aside the princes born to the Empress, compared to those born to consorts and imperial concubines, a palace maid could not lend any support to a prince. On the contrary, it can even be a burden.

Once princes of palace maids establish their residence, on average, within one to two years they would be deposed and then quietly die of illness after a new emperor ascends the throne.

Not vying or snatching leads to a life of peace and prosperity.

"...."

As his voice trailed off, Li Zhaoyuan watched the man in the brocaded robe at the doorway, his tone soft:

"Changtian, you’re actually curious about this?"

Xu Yuan turned back, facing the prince in white by the window:

"Just curious. If it’s inconvenient..."

"No matter."

Li Zhaoyuan chuckled lightly:

"But do you want to hear the truth or a lie?"

Xu Yuan was taken aback, somewhat surprised the other was still capable of joking, then laughed:

"Naturally, the truth."

Li Zhaoyuan nodded slightly, his expression tranquil as a touch of reminisce danced in his deep, dark eyes.

After a long pause, he chuckled softly, with rare self-mockery in his voice:

"Because... I didn’t want to be bullied by those incompetents."

"...."

"Don’t believe me?"

"What do you think?" Xu Yuan replied with a forced smile.

"Although you don’t believe it, Changtian, that is indeed the truth," Li Zhaoyuan’s voice returned to its usual calmness.

Shaking his head, Xu Yuan chuckled softly:

"Your Highness, as a prince, speaking such words seems a bit disingenuous."

Li Zhaoyuan’s gaze upon Xu Yuan was serene, his tone laced with an almost imperceptible smile:

"Changtian, not every father is like Minister Xu, nor is every home like the Prime Minister’s Mansion."

Xu Yuan narrowed his eyes:

"Are you suggesting there are malevolent servants in the Imperial Palace who would oppress their lord?"

Li Zhaoyuan did not answer this question; instead, he looked out the window:

"For such matters, you might as well ask Yunqing."

With that,

The warm light of the Fire Spirit Lamp cast half brightness, half shadow on his handsome face.

Xu Yuan narrowed his eyes, pondered for a few moments, and chuckled lightly, waving his hand:

"Well then, I’ll take your word for it, Brother Emperor. Take care."