The Divine Doctor and Adorable Consort: The Demonic Emperor is Too Cunning

Suddenly, a figure rushed into the hall, breaking the deathly silence: "Father, has Eighth Brother returned?"

The figure, travel-worn and covered in frost, rushed into the hall and went straight to Emperor Mingde, who was sitting high on the dragon throne.

This person was none other than the eldest prince, Luo Qianhao.

In that instant, Emperor Mingde's gaze suddenly darkened.

Emperor Mingde remained silent, but Luo Qianmo turned to the eldest prince and smiled slightly: "Brother, I'm back."

This time, he almost didn't make it back, but he did.

Luo Qianmo noticed the fleeting disappointment in the Crown Prince's eyes, his expression remained unchanged, but a pang of sadness welled up inside him.

The brothers of the imperial family were never really brothers.

Over the years, he had indeed shown some sincerity towards the eldest prince, but he never expected that in the face of the throne, that sincerity would be so laughable.

Like mother, like son. He knew better than anyone what Empress Qin was like, so how could he expect the eldest prince to treat him sincerely?

He was foolish.

"Eighth, eighth brother." The eldest prince's voice was somewhat stiff, and his feelings were even more complicated.

In fact, the First Prince had already received news of Luo Qianmo's arrival before he rushed into the Golden Palace, but seeing him standing unharmed in front of him now, he still couldn't quite believe it.

Or rather, it's a reluctance to believe.

Luo Qianmo actually came back!

After this incident, he could never regain the brotherly affection he once had for Luo Qianmo, and could no longer treat him as an ordinary brother.

He didn't know if it was just his imagination, but even though Luo Qianmo was smiling at him, he felt uncomfortable with that smile.

It's dazzling, ostentatious, and provocative.

It felt as if the person standing in front of him wasn't his close brother, but a formidable enemy whom he feared and dreaded.

He had always known that Emperor Mingde favored Luo Qianmo, but it was because he felt that Luo Qianmo had no ambition for the throne and was wholeheartedly assisting him that he was so close to him, almost like his own younger brother.

However, reality dealt him a heavy blow. Luo Qianmo's disappearance made him realize how much Emperor Mingde cared about Luo Qianmo.

This made him realize the reality: Emperor Mingde would never pass the throne to him unless Luo Qianmo died and disappeared from the world forever.

Therefore, when the First Prince saw Luo Qianmo standing right in front of him, he couldn't bring himself to smile.

Unbeknownst to the eldest prince, his expression caused Emperor Mingde's gaze to darken further.

"Hao'er, we are discussing state affairs. You may step aside for now and reminisce with Mo'er about brotherhood later."

"Yes, Father." The eldest prince quickly responded and stepped aside.

He felt somewhat fortunate; if Emperor Mingde hadn't spoken up, he might not have known how to face Luo Qianmo.

At the same time, he felt a little sad. He and Luo Qianmo were both princes. At this moment, he was standing in the Golden Palace, but Emperor Mingde was only discussing state affairs with Luo Qianmo.

Seeing Luo Qianmo in his everyday clothes when he went to court again only intensified the bitterness and grievance in my heart.

During the three days and three nights that Luo Qianmo was missing, he had been searching for him the whole time. Now that he had returned, Emperor Mingde hadn't even asked about him.

Because Luo Qianmo has already returned, she doesn't care at all how she spent the past three days or what she went through.

So all the things I've done have been in vain?

Seeing that the eldest prince had obediently stood aside, Emperor Mingde turned his gaze back to the group of ministers, but a sharp glint flashed in his eyes.

The eldest prince's obedience was merely an act; in reality, he had been listening intently the whole time.

"My esteemed ministers, do you have a suitable candidate in mind to handle the insect plague in the south? Is there anyone willing to recommend one to me? Just now, the Minister of Revenue and several other officials recommended the Eighth Prince. I wonder if any of the other ministers have other candidates to recommend? The insect plague in the south is a major issue, and I must treat it with utmost care."

When Emperor Mingde asked the question, he frowned slightly and seemed to unconsciously pinch the bridge of his nose, looking very anxious.

Seeing Emperor Mingde's anxious expression, the eldest prince couldn't help but feel anxious. He knew about the insect plague in the south. In the past few days, while he was searching for Luo Qianmo, Empress Qin had repeatedly sent people to bring him news, and each time she mentioned the insect plague in the south.

Empress Qin wanted him to return immediately to see if there would be an opportunity to deal with the matter. At that time, he still had some brotherly affection for Luo Qianmo and some expectations for Emperor Mingde, so he did not follow Empress Qin's arrangements.

Now, hearing Emperor Mingde say this, the eldest prince is filled with regret. If he had listened to Empress Qin, he might have been the one chosen to handle the southern insect plague, instead of Luo Qianmo!

The reason for his regret was that the eldest prince felt that the insect plague in the south should not be too difficult, as long as he brought capable people with him.

If there is any danger, Empress Qin will definitely make arrangements for him.

As long as he quells this disaster, the enormous achievement will be his own.

While the eldest prince was pondering his options, the ministers began offering their advice to Emperor Mingde.

"In my humble opinion, the southern insect plague can only be quelled by the cooperation of warriors and strategists. As for warriors, General Dingyuan is incomparably brave and is undoubtedly the best choice. As for strategists, all the princes, dukes, and heirs are sharp and resourceful. Your Majesty would be most suitable to choose any of them."

"Your Majesty, I recommend the Second Prince."

"Your Majesty, I also recommend the Second Prince."

"Your Majesty, I recommend the Sixth Prince."

"Your Majesty, I recommend the Seventh Prince."

Several ministers expressed their opinions one after another, but none of them mentioned the eldest prince.

This situation made the eldest prince even more anxious, and he finally couldn't help but come out and kneel before Emperor Mingde.

"Father, the insect plague in the south is bound to be perilous. As the eldest son of all my brothers, I must shoulder this responsibility. I wish to share your burdens, and I hope you will grant my request!"

This scene was expected and was part of Emperor Mingde's plan, but seeing the eldest prince eagerly step forward still made him feel very uncomfortable.

He had experienced the pain of fratricide back then, so he did not want such pain to happen to his sons again.

But now, it seems that this has become a foregone conclusion.

It was wishful thinking on his part. This was the fate of the Tian family brothers, yet he wanted to break this fate. Wasn't that just a pipe dream?

It was at this moment that Emperor Mingde felt that his eyes had been covered by a pair of hands for many years. He only learned about the insect plague in the south today, but the eldest prince seemed to know a lot about it.

Emperor Mingde, having reigned for many years, quickly suppressed his distress and stared intently at the eldest prince: "Hao'er, you have volunteered to go to the south to quell the insect plague. Do you have any good strategies?"