A Shocking Dream

Qin Ruoyu listened quietly, feeling a surge of emotion. He had never seen his father so affectionate, and he felt sorry for his father's unfulfilled love. An occasional breeze rustled through the window, rustling the leaves and adding a melancholy melody to the story.

"Father, your sentiment is truly touching."

Qin Ronghuan smiled bitterly, "That's all in the past. Now, she may no longer be alive, and I can only miss her in my memories. But those experiences, those emotions, will always remain in my heart.

"This is a secret between us, father and son. You must not tell your mother," Qin Ronghuan said, gently patting Qin Ruoyu's shoulder. His eyes held a solemnity, as if he were entrusting him with something extremely important. Then, Qin Ronghuan slowly withdrew his hand, placed it behind his back, and slightly straightened his spine. His dragon robe exuded a majestic aura in the sunlight.

Qin Ruoyu was slightly startled, then nodded solemnly. He lowered his head slightly, his eyes revealing understanding and respect, and his hands unconsciously clenched into fists. "I understand, father, don't worry."

A subtle atmosphere permeated the imperial study, as if this secret had built a special bridge between father and son. Outside the window, a gentle breeze rustled the branches, adding a touch of mystery to the secret. Sunlight filtered through the window, casting patches of light onto the ground, like fragments of memories left behind by the passage of time.

Qin Ronghuan looked at Qin Ruoyu, a hint of relief in his eyes. He paced slightly, walked to the window, looked out the window, and looked at the scenery thoughtfully. "Remember, this secret belongs only to us father and son. It carries a past and an emotion that cannot be easily shared with others."

Qin Ruoyu nodded again, looking up at his father's back, a strange feeling of emotion welling up in his heart. He could sense how much his father cherished this secret, and he understood the weight of that trust he carried on his shoulders. He took a small step forward and said firmly, "Father, I will keep this secret."

"Everyone has their favorites in life. If you haven't met them now, you might meet them in the future." Qin Ronghuan looked at Qin Ruoyu, his eyes filled with the emotion of someone who had experienced it. "Our status is different from that of ordinary people. There is no restriction that prohibits multiple marriages, but there can only be one principal wife. I can't be as infatuated as your uncle." As an emperor, it is common to have three harems and six courtyards. Qin Ronghuan raised his chin slightly, and although there was resignation in his words, there was also the natural right of an emperor.

Qin Ruoyu listened quietly, his mind churning. He pursed his lips slightly, carefully considering his words before speaking, "Father, I understand that being a member of the royal family carries a heavy responsibility, and marriage often involves many complexities. But I still feel that matters of the heart shouldn't be overly weighed."

Qin Ronghuan frowned slightly. "You're still young, and there are many things you may not understand now. But as a member of the royal family, your marriage often concerns not only yourself but also the stability and future of the nation." He turned and walked back to his desk, gently stroking the memorials on the table, as if they held the fate of the entire nation on them. "Just like when I married your mother, it was also due to many considerations."

Qin Ruoyu was silent for a moment, then continued, "Father, it's not that I don't understand these principles, but if I can't be with the one I love, I will always feel regretful."

Qin Ronghuan sighed softly, "You're still too naive. Feelings can be cultivated slowly. Your uncle's infatuation doesn't necessarily guarantee true happiness. Sometimes, responsibility is more important than feelings. Yunshuang's death must have been a huge blow to your uncle. Be sure to visit him more often when you have time." Qin Ronghuan frowned slightly, his tone filled with deep worry and concern. His gaze slowly shifted from Qin Ruoyu, as if penetrating the thick walls of the imperial study, to the grief-stricken uncle.

Qin Ruoyu's heart suddenly tightened. He knew full well the deep, ocean-like bond between his uncle and Yun Shuang. "Yes, Father, I will definitely visit you," he replied respectfully, his eyes revealing deep concern. His voice was steady and resolute, as if he were making a solemn promise.

Qin Ronghuan sighed softly, a sigh filled with endless emotion and regret. "Your uncle has been a lifelong lover, first with Lin Bingshuang, now with Yunshuang. Seeing his loved ones leave him one after another has dealt him a heavy blow. I truly hope you can spend more time with him, so he can quickly recover from this endless grief." He shook his head slightly, his face filled with pity for his uncle.

Qin Ruoyu nodded heavily, "I understand. The emperor's uncle's deep affection for Yunshuang is truly touching. I will do my best to comfort him." A complex emotion surged in his heart. He felt sad for the emperor's uncle's pain, but was also full of admiration and yearning for that deep feeling.

In the imperial study, the conversation between father and son flowed like a warm stream, filled with tenderness and care. And their concern for the emperor's uncle was like an invisible bond, tightly connecting their hearts. Qin Ruoyu knew that he shouldered this heavy responsibility. He had to visit the emperor's uncle and bring him a touch of warmth and comfort, like a ray of light in the darkness, illuminating the emperor's uncle's world shrouded in sorrow.

"Go down. I think your grandmother has been waiting for a long time." Qin Ronghuan waved his hand slightly. Although his tone was flat, it carried a hint of unquestionable majesty.

Qin Ruoyu immediately bowed, his expression respectful and solemn. "I'll take my leave," his voice was steady and clear. He slowly took a few steps back, then turned and walked steadily out of the imperial study.

Sunlight streamed through the windows onto the floor of the imperial study, creating patches of golden light. Qin Ruoyu's figure gradually receded in the light, his steps light, yet each one firm. His magnificent attire shimmered faintly in the sunlight, as if denouncing the dignity and responsibility of his position as crown prince.

As he left, the door to the imperial study slowly closed, making a slight sound. The sound echoed in the silent air, as if drawing a period to the end of this conversation between father and son.

Inside Hanmei Villa, Su Yijing stood before the wall where the scroll once hung, his brow furrowed, his eyes filled with confusion. "What secrets are hidden in this scroll that someone would risk such a huge risk to steal it?" His voice softly echoed in the quiet villa.

He reached out and gently stroked the empty wall, as if he could still smell the aura of the scroll. Su Yijing narrowed his eyes slightly, his mind racing with possibilities. What secrets did this scroll hold? Why would a thief so boldly break into Hanmei Villa and steal it?