The woman he loved had died in childbirth, leaving him to raise their son all by himself, painstakingly caring for him through every hardship. Before the boy turned eight, father and son had slept in the same bed every night. He had personally taught him everything he knew, guiding him hand in hand.
He had poured all his love for his wife and all his affection as a father into his son, hoping only to give him the very best.
Yet now, because of his negligence, his son had suffered so much, been misunderstood by the world, and might even live only to the age of fifty. It was as if someone had carved out his heart!
The worst part was that the ones who had brought his son to this state were his other sons. He wanted to kill them but could not; he wanted to curse them, yet felt that no words would be of any use.
Over the years, he had indeed favored his eldest son somewhat, but he had never neglected his other sons.
He had hired the best teachers to educate them, found the finest riding and archery masters to train them, arranged their marriages, bestowed estates upon them, and assigned them to various departments of the court so they could gain experience.
Could it be that they had not seen any of this?
Why did they focus only on their eldest brother?
Why did they care only about the position of Crown Prince and the throne?
Xi Hanzhou was somewhat moved as well, but for the sake of the future, he still hardened his heart.
"Father, I only wish to spend the rest of my life in peace. Qiao'er and I will find a tranquil place where no one can disturb us, and where