The three members of the royal family rarely enjoyed such a harmonious atmosphere together. They ate and chatted, and before long, it was already late.
Li Chuan had rarely experienced such fatherly affection, and it felt almost unreal.
But he soon understood. His Imperial Father was probably acting this way because of his elder sister's sacrifice. So, after they had left Li Ming's bedchamber and walked some distance away, Li Chuan suddenly said, "Sister, you don't have to sacrifice so much for me. As long as you're doing well, I'll be happy!"
Seeing how much her younger brother cared for her, Li Rong smiled and comforted him. "Actually, I'd also like to be as free as my cousin from the Shangguan Family. I'd like to find someone I love and marry him someday, instead of being arranged by Mother to marry into one of the great noble families.
"So, going up the mountain to study under a master was my own choice. Chuan, you don't need to feel guilty."
Li Chuan was still reluctant. After all, once Li Rong went up the mountain, he probably wouldn't see her every day.
But he understood that Wang Yue must have some kind of trump card if he dared to defy the Shangguan Family, and that was exactly what the Imperial Family needed.
As Crown Prince, he had studied the art of ruling since childhood. He knew perfectly well what he should and shouldn't do.
But this involved his own elder sister. Li Chuan didn't want to use the art of ruling to scheme against her, so he said solemnly, "Sister, if you can't stay on the mountain, come down anytime. Chuan will always be here for you."
Hearing that her younger brother wanted to protect her made Li Rong very happy, and