The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Imperial Palace.

Emperor Chu looked at his second son kneeling on the white jade floor, hands behind his back, without saying a word, just watching as beads of sweat formed on the cowardly yet somewhat timid son’s forehead.

He really couldn’t understand how this son, who had always been overlooked and seemed somewhat timid and weak, dared to propose such a thing as leaving to govern a vassal state?

Is he truly timid or is it wisdom disguised as ignorance?

While Emperor Chu was pondering this, King Wu was about to cry, his knees were sore and numb, and his heart was on edge, like hearing someone sharpening a blunt knife on a grindstone, squeak squeak, seemingly right about to chop his neck.

King Wu was depressed.

If only he had known beforehand, perhaps he wouldn’t have suggested it, and wouldn’t be subjected to Father’s lingering punishment, this blunt knife cutting him was worse than a swift chop.

”Second son, is your desire to govern a vassal state sincere or feigned?”

King Wu trembled, prostrating himself on the ground, responding respectfully: ”Father, naturally I am sincere. Now that the Crown Prince is established, I should govern my vassal state, manage it well, assist Father and the Crown Prince, stabilizing the empire.”

”You certainly have some intention.” Emperor Chu’s tone was neither praising nor criticizing.

King Wu replied cautiously: ”The son is not clever and dares not covet things beyond reach. I only have this heart of devotion, heaven can testify. I am willing to serve diligently for Father, and work to support my younger brother the Crown Prince, ensuring the eternal stability of our Great Qing Empire.”

Emperor Chu’s mouth twitched, feeling a bit irked.

”Stand up, it’s winter, kneeling on the ground doesn’t hurt your knees?” He kicked him lightly.

King Wu quickly kneeled, thanked him deeply, and stood up, bowing his body.

Emperor Chu looked at this son, who was quite robust, his belly sticking out, face round, like a white bun.

Strange, even though he’s seen him every day, why suddenly does he seem puffed up like a bun?

”Second son, have you gotten a bit fatter recently? Look at your eyes, squeezed small by the fat on your face.”

King Wu: ”...”

After mental torment comes personal attack.

I truly am not a favored prince, boohoo!

King Wu awkwardly rubbed his hands, saying with a smile: ”The son just enjoys good food and drink, plus with the Princess recently pregnant, I’m so happy, couldn’t help eating a bit more. Made Father laugh.”

”Feasting is a blessing, but you must show restraint. Otherwise, how can the body withstand it?” Emperor Chu patted him on the shoulder.

King Wu, moved to tears, said: ”Father’s care, son is deeply grateful. Upon returning, I will eat lighter meals, not letting Father worry.”

So overly sweet.

Emperor Chu couldn’t listen anymore, said meaningfully: ”If you are willing to listen, then you are filial. Second son, remember, if you love food, enjoy it freely. Everyone must have something they love. As long as you are obedient, you can enjoy the prosperity and wealth this lifetime, and relish the fine food of this world, becoming the idle Taotie King.”

King Wu felt slightly fearful, quickly bowed, saying: ”Son obeys Father’s teaching.”

”Good, kneel and leave.”

King Wu obediently knelt on the ground.

Emperor Chu: ”...”

”Father, should the son then govern a vassal state?”

Emperor Chu said with a darkened face: ”If you are going to govern a vassal state, there’s no rush. Didn’t want even the reunion during New Year to stay in the capital to spend with Father? We’ll discuss in spring!”

King Wu hurriedly bowed: ”Son obeys the decree.”

Emperor Chu watched him bow as he exited the hall and said to Duke Zhou: ”Look at this second son, truly foolish or feigning ignorance? Doesn’t seem very smart.”