Resisting the Wind and Splendor

During this period, Lu Qingnian lived in constant fear in the palace.

He knew all too well the rules of survival in the palace.

Even though his mother committed a grave mistake, the fact that he is still safe and sound and not confined to his quarters is already the greatest mercy his father has shown him.

But his father was too suspicious. When he got older, he might punish him and imprison him at any time.

No matter what, Lu Qingnian was just a seven-year-old child.

He was also very afraid of being locked up, and afraid of living a life of darkness and despair.

Lu Beimo squatted down in front of him and said softly, "You don't want to stay in the palace? Are you afraid that the Emperor will punish you?"

Lu Qingnian nodded.

Chu Yue was also feeling a little uneasy.

He is too young.

The former empress always put pressure on him and never showed him much care.

Now, Lu Beimo has pushed him before the Emperor once again.

I wonder if I'll be able to withstand the various pressures in the palace in the future.

Lu Beimo gently squeezed Lu Qingnian's shoulder, his voice somewhat deep: "But Father Emperor just decided to take you by his side and personally teach and raise you."

"What...did you say?" Lu Qingnian was shocked. What did this mean?

Is his father going to personally guide him as he grows up?

“I didn’t say it wrong, and you didn’t hear it wrong either. Your father has decided to personally teach you to become a talent. This is because your father can no longer trust any of the adult princes, but you are still young and have potential.”

Lu Qingnian just stared wide-eyed, not daring to speak.

A pair of big, bright eyes kept staring at them.

It was unbelievable, but upon reflection, it seemed I understood.

“You are a smart child, you should understand what your father means.”

"But... my mother did such a thing, doesn't my father have any suspicions about me?" He may be young, but he's not stupid.

He was fortunate that he wasn't implicated in his mother's rebellion.

What merit or ability do I possess to deserve the Emperor's personal guidance in nurturing me?

"But you have also rendered meritorious service. Since your merits and demerits cancel each other out, Father Emperor does not intend to hold you accountable for the Empress's rebellion."

Lu Beimo patted his shoulder, the force of his hand heavy, which Lu Qingnian could feel clearly.

"Since you are not to be punished, and have neither merit nor demerit, then you are no different from the other princes. Now that your father intends to cultivate you into a capable person, are you willing?"

"Why not you, Fourth Prince?" Lu Qingnian looked up at him, his question sincere.

In his view, his fourth brother was the most suitable to be emperor.

The fourth prince is talented, capable, has military power, is resourceful, and has a benevolent heart.

He should be the crown prince chosen by the emperor.

Why a child like him?

"I never wanted to be emperor, because once you become emperor, you need to have a harem in order to balance the various forces."

He turned his head and glanced at Chu Yueli, his smile seemingly helpless.

But actually, she was smiling happily and contentedly.

"If your fourth brother has a harem, your fourth sister-in-law will definitely leave me. Where am I supposed to find my wife then?"

Lu Qingnian seemed to understand, and yet he also seemed not to understand.

However, there is one thing he is certain of.

That is, in order to keep his fourth sister-in-law, the fourth prince was willing to give up his harem.

This kind of feeling was unfamiliar to him, but it seemed to be quite good.

"In short, you must remember that the northern frontier is entrusted to your fourth brother and fourth sister-in-law. You should focus on being a good ruler and, in the future, govern diligently and love your people. Use your life to benefit the entire Dongling."