Capítulo 1639: Chapter 1640: Becoming Less and Less Human

Ning Wenxian immediately grasped one of Su Chengyu’s hands, tightly.

“Emperor, I do not think you are wrong. You are the Emperor; is there any Emperor who does not want to secure his throne and maintain his control over this vast country?”

Su Chengyu lightly patted Ning Wenxian’s hand, shaking his head and said, “Wen Xian, I don’t want to be like them.”

After a pause, Su Chengyu continued, “I remember Brother Yi once told me that if I were to inherit the throne, I would be different from other Emperors. I have always believed that. But the actions I have taken after inheriting the throne are increasingly like those of other Emperors.”

“Father said he hoped I would become a monarch for the ages, renowned through millennia,” Su Chengyu continued, “I promised him, and I have been striving towards this goal. However, I neglected the fact that to be a monarch for the ages, one must excel not only in governance but also in character.”

At this point, Su Chengyu sighed heavily, “I have been solely pursuing political achievements and have increasingly lost my ability to engage with people.”

“Emperor…” It was the first time Ning Wenxian heard Su Chengyu speak like this. For a moment, she did not know what to say.

Su Chengyu continued, “From now on, I will not guard against him anymore, but my mother was killed by his imperial consort. I cannot pretend as if it never happened, so as Brother Yi said, let us each be well.”

Ning Wenxian said, “No matter what the Emperor does, I will support you.”

“Mm.” Su Chengyu embraced Ning Wenxian’s shoulders, and Ning Wenxian naturally leaned against Su Chengyu.

Husband and wife should always advance and retreat together.

…

The next day, as soon as the morning court session was over, Su Chengyu left the palace.

Having been attacked by an assassin yesterday, he originally dared not leave the palace, but after much thought, he decided to go out. Just because he wanted to find Gong Juechen. He had something to say to Gong Juechen.

When Su Chengyu went to find Gong Juechen, Gong Juechen was together with Ye Zhi, tending to the children.

Seeing Su Chengyu arriving, Gong Juechen let Ye Zhi take the children back to the room. Ye Zhi pursed her lips but obediently took the children inside.

Su Chengyu and Gong Juechen stood facing each other in the courtyard.

Seeing Su Chengyu dismissing the guards to speak with him alone, Gong Juechen sneered, “Aren’t you afraid of encountering an assassin again? Don’t expect me to save you!”

Su Chengyu laughed, a particularly assured laugh: “If I were really attacked again, you would still save me.”

Gong Juechen was slightly stunned for a moment, seemingly not expecting this response, then rolled his eyes at him and sat down on the stone table beside him.

Su Chengyu did not sit but took a few steps towards Gong Juechen and stood beside him. After looking at the flowers and plants in the courtyard with Gong Juechen, he slowly said, “Chenglin, whether or not you have a powerful force behind you, I will not guard against you anymore. If in the future, you become the Emperor, then so be it.”

Gong Juechen immediately retorted with irritation, “Who wants to be Emperor! If you love the throne, keep it; if not, let it go. I don’t care either way!”

He never had the ambition to be Emperor.

Nor did he believe he was suited to be an Emperor.

Hearing Gong Juechen scold him, Su Chengyu laughed again. This time, his smile was filled with relief and acceptance.

After a while, Su Chengyu spoke again, “Father wished for us brothers to be united, but Brother Yi knew we couldn’t achieve that, so he stepped back, hoping for our well-being individually. Now, I too hope we can each be well.”

Gong Juechen just let out a snort, saying nothing.

Su Chengyu slightly turned, looking at Gong Juechen, and after a moment, said, “Chenglin, thank you.”