Xiao Jue's Shattered Dream

Of course, he knew Jia Wen had rendered great service, winning thirty years of prosperity for Great Yan.

But Great Yan was, in the end, the Xiao family's Great Yan.

His father had indulged and relied on Duke of Qi far too much.

Xiao Jue had read many history books. Most emperors, in order to secure imperial authority, did everything they could to clear away obstacles for their successors before they took the throne.

But his father was different.

He wanted to bury a land mine for him.

No matter how hard he tried, Xiao Jue couldn't understand it. His father might not have been a sage ruler, but history would surely remember him as a wise one.

So why had his father done this?

"Duke of Qi is no human being."

The late emperor had let out a long sigh. Those were also the last words he had ever said to Xiao Jue.

Faced with his father's final instructions and expectations, Xiao Jue had agreed for the time being.

If Jia Wen served Great Yan—and him—honestly and faithfully...

"Your Majesty, I've recently taken a fancy to a young woman."

Several years ago, in the third month after Xiao Jue ascended the throne, Jia Wen had said this to him.

Xiao Jue looked at Jia Wen in surprise, seemingly unable to understand why Jia Wen had suddenly brought up such a topic with him.

Suppressing his shock, Xiao Jue gave a soft laugh.

"Duke of Qi, since when do you trouble yourself over such things?"

"It's really no trouble at all. I've already brought the young woman back to my residence."

Jia Wen said this calmly.

Xiao Jue was even more at a loss. He had no idea what Jia Wen was talking about.

It just felt bizarre.

"Lord Jia,