Sunlight shone into the imperial palace of Yan State, yet brought the emperor not the slightest warmth. Watching Murong Ke being carried away, he felt that what was leaving him was not merely a minister serving as assistant regent, but everything.
He could not help recalling how, when he was still a little child, his imperial father had brought this royal uncle, who actually bore no blood relationship to him, to his side.
He had told him to treat this royal uncle respectfully in the future.
Back then, he had not understood much of this. He had only thought that this royal uncle was extraordinarily handsome. Later, it was this royal uncle who had taken him to court.
As he gradually grew older, more and more voices arose around him. Some praised Murong Ke, calling him King Wen of Luo reborn and the hope of the nation.
Others said he was an overmighty minister who had seized his power. Such voices grew increasingly numerous, especially his mother's, who often spoke ill of this royal uncle.
The emperor was somewhat grateful that his imperial father had given him a reasonably clever mind. He could sense the goodwill Murong Ke showed him, and so he responded in kind. Faced with a dilemma, he could still make a relatively fair judgment.
Provided imperial authority was not greatly affected.
Murong Chui's appearance and rise were the fundamental reason cracks had appeared in his relationship with Murong Ke. Inevitably, he had begun to wonder which of them, himself or Murong Chui, mattered more to Murong Ke.
The emperor desperately wanted to be the more important one, but whether he thought rationally or irrationally, there was one and only one answer: Murong Chui was closer to Murong Ke.
That was why Murong Chui had been given