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"Since ancient times, emperors have had no private matters. To want ease and comfort is to meet a grim end. Since Your Majesty has already ascended the grand throne, I implore you not to belittle yourself. Remember your original grand ambitions, lest my father and I have misjudged our monarch."

It was a voice extremely light in tone yet crushing in weight, causing Phoenix Eyes to narrow his eyes a fraction further. He offered a deep smile, withdrew his unruly hand, placed it behind his back, and stood tall, resuming a thoroughly noble imperial bearing. "What Xiaojing says is entirely correct. Since I have passed Prime Minister Li's numerous trials among the many imperial heirs and ascended the grand throne, I should live up to Prime Minister Li's staunch protection and assistance to govern state affairs well. As for consorts and heirs, he can select them on my behalf. After all, from the day I sat upon the dragon throne, I was no longer the little prince residing in Prime Minister Li's estate, but the pivotal figure tied to the honor and disgrace of the Li family, am I right?"

"...You know full well I didn't mean that."

"Whatever Xiaojing's meaning may be, it is useless to both you and me. What matters is that your father, Prime Minister Li, means this, and that is enough. It matters not whether I am an enlightened ruler or a mediocre one; what matters is that you cause no trouble and obediently obey..."

"So Your Highness being intimate with me was simply to humor my father into obedient obedience?"

"Perhaps."

This teasing reply caused the beauty to let his face fall. Suddenly casting off his gentle and graceful demeanor, he raised a hand with formidable boldness and grabbed the noble young master's lapel,