Creating Trouble

Andis felt a faint stab in his heart. Father, you really are clearing the way for Third Brother. You're actually sending me off to the northwest. Once I leave, there really won't be anything left for me when I return.

At that thought, his mind began furiously calculating every possibility.

Of course, the matter had not yet come to a head. These were merely scattered fragments his subordinates had overheard, and time was still needed to confirm them.

He had to have Mother probe Father's intentions. This could not go on.

He was miserable. He had only just created a little trouble for Third Brother, only for another problem to land squarely on his own head—and one concerning his future at that.

Watching Dole and Aixi's departing figures, the Emperor looked first toward the depths of the royal palace, then in the direction Little Third had left. He let out a sigh.

An emperor did not need to be too sharp-edged. What he needed was mastery of the art of balance; upon that foundation, he needed the spirit to forge ahead. That was what made a qualified emperor.

Though Andis was personally powerful, had a great many supporters, and enjoyed tremendous prestige among the common people, he did not understand the art of balance. He only knew how to suppress others with force. That was not what an emperor should do.

An emperor needed to balance all sides, making each side work for him without letting them lose hope. He could not see that in Andis. Little Third, on the other hand, was quite sensible. He knew how to use the resources in his hands to win over every side, and he understood some methods of conciliation and suppression. That was enough.

As for the other children, they were