Chapter 473: Chapter 473
"Your Highness, you should understand that this temple is not a place for you to linger for long!"
Because the spiritual energy here was indeed quite good, and amidst the lush vegetation, the air quality was top-notch. An Ning had unusually spent a longer period in seclusion, and the moment she stepped out, she ran into the source of trouble himself.
Her gaze paused briefly on the still childish little face of the child before her and the meticulously arranged dark blue robe, but An Ning's expression remained cold and aloof. Her cool, elegant features seemed to hold frost and snow, and her tone was not particularly polite either.
The intention to see him out was already very clear.
However, the little brat before her seemed not to have noticed at all. With his chubby, baby-faced cheeks, his dark, bright phoenix eyes curved slightly upwards, making him appear even more exquisite, adorable, and pleasing to the eye.
Not a trace of the dignified majesty he once possessed as the designated crown prince could be seen.
His tone at the moment was also quite lively:
"True Person, you may call me A'Rui! True Person, please rest assured, since I have decided to enter the temple, my mundane identity no longer holds any concern for me!"
Sensing that the person before him did not like trouble, the seven-year-old Sima Rui immediately spoke up to assure her:
Well, aren't you quite the little expert at shifting the focus!
But is this really about a name?
Although she hadn't been in the capital for very long, An Ning hadn't missed a single piece of information she should have inquired about.
Sima Rui, the legitimate eldest son born to the current emperor's first empress, was deeply favored by the emperor since childhood. Most importantly, the former Empress and the current emperor had supported each other even when he was just an unfavored prince. Their relationship was said to be quite profound. Later, during the palace coup to seize the throne, in order to prevent the emperor from being constrained, she even publicly threw herself upon a sword and died.
With such a background and such a tragic sacrifice, one could say that if it weren't for this legitimate eldest son's somewhat frail health in his early years, coupled with the emperor's recent ascension and opposition from many forces in the harem, he would have likely been named crown prince long ago.
Even so, it couldn't withstand the emperor's absolute authority. The first thing he did after initially grasping power was to establish his own precious son.
In fact, just before, all the crown prince's ceremonial attire, even the Eastern Palace, had been prepared for this eldest prince. All that was missing was the final decree.
Ahem, and then it just happened to coincide with her business!
Well, thinking of this, An Ning felt a tiny bit of awkwardness. Of course, it was impossible to show it on her face.
She remained noncommittal about the 'A'Rui' he mentioned and reached over to pick up the tea set nearby.
Before long, the quiet room was filled with the faint, subtle fragrance of tea.
"Your Highness, you have your own path and future ahead. Why insist on wading into this muddy water?"
"You must understand, cultivation is not an easy matter."
"The difficulties of cultivation... my Imperial Father has already admonished me about these before. The fame and glory of the mortal world are indeed hard to relinquish, but..."
Amidst the misty aroma of tea, the seven-year-old child before her suddenly looked up:
"Then, True Person, what do you think? Given Imperial Father's current state, what chance do I have of inheriting the throne?"
And what fate awaits a crown prince, or even a legitimate eldest son, who cannot inherit the throne?
Hearing the implication in his words, An Ning's hand holding the teacup paused imperceptibly for a moment.
Actually, no further words were needed. The answer was already quite clear.
If there was a thirty to forty percent chance before, now, one could say there is none.
How difficult it is to be the crown prince of a long-lived emperor can be understood just by looking at the tragic lessons in history.
It has nothing to do with whether the crown prince before her is intelligent or not. It's simply because challenging from below has always been extremely difficult since ancient times.
Moreover, this emperor is one who holds military power and is well aware that he is very likely to live a long life. His need for an heir is far less urgent.
To put it bluntly, I'm afraid before this prince even reaches adulthood, the emperor's wariness will have already begun.
At that time, the position of crown prince would have a powerful, overwhelming father in front and a large group of ambitious, scheming younger brothers behind.
Hmm... An Ning couldn't help but take a small sip of the clear tea, thinking to herself that it's not just difficult; it's practically stacked with multiple layers of buffs.
Sympathy wasn't really appropriate, but remembering that she had a hand in this, An Ning felt a tiny, tiny pang of conscience.
But that was all. She could see clearly that even without her, that emperor's own constitution was that of a long-lived person.
"So, wishing to become my disciple is Your Highness's own idea?" An Ning said as if casually.
"In fact, before coming here, I had already persuaded Imperial Father. I will definitely not cause you any additional troubles."
Seeing that the True Person's face remained as cold and indifferent as ever, Sima Rui showed no sign of discouragement. He still respectfully performed a bow.
Only then did he raise his eyes and speak earnestly:
"I am aware that my arrival has, to some extent, caused you trouble. But, True Person...
With your intelligence, you should understand that since Imperial Father has such intentions, even if it weren't me this time, there would definitely be others sooner or later."
Abandoning the earlier ingratiating expression, the face of the seven-year-old child now displayed a wisdom and clarity that did not match his age:
"True Person, you should also understand how terrifying an emperor's desire for control and his suspicion can be.
Imperial Father had attempted to enter the Dao several times before but failed. Now, he appears to have let it go, believing it was his own inability. But in private, he is not without suspicion.
Sending someone here is only a matter of time."
"Moreover, when a person's bodily functions visibly decline, youth is gone, yet he has held great power for many years and is complacent and satisfied, will he truly retain the rationality he has now?"
Is this person before him deliberately hiding the true methods?
Is what she teaches him not the orthodox way to enter the Dao?
Various suspicions and tests will inevitably follow one after another.
"Since that's the case, why not choose one who has little to lose? Besides, regardless of whether one can successfully enter the Dao or not, wouldn't you have a good buffer here?" Sima Rui slowly raised his eyes:
If he succeeds in entering the Dao, the first target of Imperial Father's pressure would only be him.
Even if he fails, with his own son by his side, Imperial Father would not need to send many others.
Truly... impressive. At such a young age, he can willingly act as a shield and a conflict deflector, and do it so smoothly.
An Ning couldn't help but think to herself, yet she still made no move.
Time passed slowly. Seeing that her expression remained unchanged, Sima Rui paused briefly, then respectfully performed another bow:
"Disturbing your cultivation, True Person, was my presumption."
"I know that with your abilities, you are not afraid of these things. But you are not alone. If you can reduce some trouble, why not do so?"
It was noon, the time of day when the sunlight was strongest. By the window, occasional rays of lingering sunlight spilled in.
Having not heard a reply from the person before him for a long time, Sima Rui did not speak up. He still maintained his previous posture. After who knows how long, he finally heard the other party speak:
"And what about you, Your Highness?" Without any extra words, An Ning slowly raised her eyes. Her voice was cool and exceptionally direct:
"The crown prince position, even the throne that was within reach... will you truly not regret it in the future, Your Highness? Will you not even feel resentment?"