Moon-Reflecting Lake, inside the pavilion.
It's over. This old man is going to see right through my underwear...
Ren Ye steadied his emotions and replied respectfully, "Your Majesty, I was born and raised in Qingliang Prefecture. With my father and mother's love and the help of several old retainers, I managed to scrape by to this day, stumbling at every step. If I am not Zhu Zigui, then who could be?"
The old emperor studied Ren Ye briefly, only to find his eyes as clear as water, transparent to their depths.
"Whether you are Zhu Zigui or an outsider, that is all in the past."
The old emperor offered only that casual reply, making no further attempt to get to the bottom of the matter or press him for answers. To those in power, what others said did not matter. They trusted only their own judgment.
A warm breeze drifted past, and the fragrance of tea filled the pavilion.
His body as thin as a rake, the old emperor sat upright in the yellow chair, his aged hands tucked together. "Qingliang Prefecture lies between two great dynasties and possesses the natural defenses of Dangshan Pass. From south to north, it is strategically vital territory. Though your strength is meager now, you have the Heavenly Dao's protection and the Mist Barrier. Unless you deliberately provoke trouble and launch a war between nations, others cannot attack you either. In eight or ten years, if you grow a little stronger, you, Little Prince Huai, will become someone both dynasties seek to win over. You could hold out for the best offer and sit secure above the fray."
Those words were exceedingly dangerous and touched upon his allegiance.
Without a moment's hesitation, Ren Ye declared through gritted teeth, "Great Qian and I cannot coexist