Eastern Palace
Study
Creak.
Cui Rong pushed the door open and walked in.
Looking up, he saw the Crown Prince still poring over something by candlelight. His brows drew together, and he could not help reminding him, "Your Highness, it's getting late..."
At Cui Rong's voice, the Crown Prince stiffened slightly, his gaze wavering despite himself. "Little Uncle, you're here..."
"What are you reading, Your Highness?" Cui Rong walked over to his side and asked curiously.
The Crown Prince grew nervous at the question, his lips parting. "These were all sent by Empress Mother... Emperor Father wants me to choose a Crown Princess as soon as possible..."
By the end, an inexplicable guilt had crept over him. He abruptly looked away, no longer daring to face Cui Rong.
Cui Rong froze at his words.
His heart sank, and the light in his eyes dimmed at once.
His hands clenched beneath his sleeves. "Then, have you made your choice, Your Highness...?"
The Crown Prince silently lowered his head. "Not yet..."
With that, silence fell between them.
Cui Rong lowered his eyes. He desperately wanted to step forward and tell him, loudly, not to choose anyone.
But he could not.
His Highness was the heir apparent, the future ruler of a nation. He was destined to marry and have children, carrying on the royal line for the Jin Kingdom.
He could not become grounds for the imperial censors to impeach His Highness.
Or a stain on his name.
The Crown Prince pressed his lips together, his fingers curling.
He desperately wanted to tell Little Uncle that, in truth, he did not want to choose anyone.
But he could not.
He was the Crown Prince, the heir to the throne. He could not disregard his country for his own selfish desires.
Nor could