Chapter 174: A Conversation

Chapter 174

A Conversation

That evening, Kang Wang dined with his parents. Mu Zhao Yi no longer dared to say anything, making the atmosphere silent. After the meal, the Emperor turned to his son and said,

"Wuqian, come walk with me."

Knowing his father had something important to discuss, Kang Wang agreed and followed him outside. The palace was built amidst trees, providing a cool, serene environment during the day, but as the sun set, the air became much colder. The two tall figures walked along the stone path. When they reached a pavilion in the garden, the Emperor sat down.

"Wuqian, are you truly serious about Young Miss Nie?"

"Yes, Father,"

Kang Wang, seated across from him, replied firmly.

"Even if it means losing your title, would you still be willing?"

Kang Wang lifted his gaze to meet his father’s eyes and spoke with unwavering conviction.

"Father, I was born into the royal family, and I understand the great responsibility I have to the empire. But my heart belongs to her alone. If I must choose, I am willing to give up my title and live as a commoner."

Hearing this, the Emperor fell silent. From a young age, Wuqian had been a calm and reserved prince, never vying for power. As he grew older, he volunteered to govern the southern cities and showed no interest in forming factions like his half-brothers, Rui Wang and Jun Wang. Over the years, there had never been any scandal attached to Kang Wang. Moreover, he regularly sent offerings of fine tea leaves and rare herbs from the southern parts, not to mention the funds he contributed to military campaigns through the tea taxes. All this was done without the Emperor ever having to ask.

Wuqian was a Wang who had amassed wealth through legal trade taxes, unlike Rui Wang, the son of the Empress, who had exploited his influence for illicit gains. Under Kang Wang’s governance, Nan Fang province had flourished. Losing such a son would destabilize the southern province’s prosperity and security.

"You’re putting me in a difficult position. Young Miss Nie is not a suitable match for you, and your mother will surely disapprove."

"Father, you are well aware of what my mother and the Zheng family desire. I do not crave immense power. When the time comes, if you wish to grant it to someone else, I will be content to remain governing the southern province."

The Emperor looked at his son warmly.

"Wuqian...A man should have some ambition. You are still young, and yet you already wish to renounce worldly power?"

Kang Wang smiled at his father but said nothing. It had been a long time since the two had spoken so openly.

"In truth, you could simply take Young Miss Nie as a secondary consort or a concubine. There’s no need to upset Xian Fei like this."

"Young Miss Nie is a capable woman. If she were to marry into the family as a lesser wife, she would never be happy. Didn’t you hear her, Father? She’s content running her tea house and has no intention of marrying."

The Emperor chuckled.

"Young people these days have such strange ideas."

His words didn’t just refer to the young couple like Kang Wang and Young Miss Nie but also his beloved daughter, Princess An Le, back in the capital. Soon, she would be married, and the Emperor marveled at how quickly time had passed.

"Wuqian, you’re not young anymore. Both Rui Wang and Jun Wang already have heirs. Xian Fei has been meticulous in choosing a suitable match for you, searching for years. I sympathize with you. As for your marriage with Young Miss Nie Ying, I won’t oppose it. You should speak with Xian Fei and sort this out."

Hearing these words from his father, Kang Wang bowed his head with gratitude.

"Thank you, Father, for your kindness. I am deeply grateful."

As the father and son walked back, Xian Fei was still waiting in the hall. Seeing the delighted expression on her son’s face, she frowned, her demeanor stern.

"Your Majesty, Wuqian is still a hot-blooded young man. He often acts without thinking things through. If he has said anything inappropriate, I implore Your Majesty to reconsider."

The Emperor waved his hand dismissively.

"You two should talk. I am tired."

With that, he left the room. Xian Fei looked at her son and motioned for the attendants to leave the room, leaving only her trusted servants standing outside the door.

"Wuqian, even if your father won’t oppose you, I will never agree to this."

Kang Wang knelt before his mother.

"Mother...this isn’t because I don’t care about our family. But there are many things I have never told you for fear of secrets leaking out. My marriage with Young Miss Nie could actually benefit our Zheng family greatly."

Xian Fei scoffed and responded in a stern voice,

"You’re just making excuses for your own actions. In truth, you’re merely infatuated with this woman. Be honest with me: have you already been intimate with her?"

Xian Fei speculated, as someone who had seen much of the world. Kang Wang wasn’t an unreasonable person, having been careful and reserved for many years and had never been infatuated with women. Suddenly, he became so infatuated with Young Miss Nie, leaving her to suspect that he had already been with her.

Hearing this direct accusation, Kang Wang’s face reddened. Unable to deny under his mother’s sharp gaze, he straightened his back and answered boldly.

"Yes, she belongs to me now, but she has never demanded anything. It is I who desires her as my wife. The matter is more complicated than it seems. If you have the time, Mother, I will explain everything to you without holding anything back."

Xian Fei cut him off.

"If you’re so taken by her, then make her a concubine. Wuqian, you hold a high position. Once your goals are achieved, you can have as many women as you want. Surely you understand this, don’t you?"

"Mother, I don’t want to end up like Father. Of all the women surrounding him, is there anyone who truly loves him? They all seek power and the benefits he can grant them."

Hearing this, Xian Fei was momentarily stunned. She, too, was one of the women her son referred to. Her relationship with the Emperor was driven by a desire for power. She had never felt emotional attachment to the man who shared her bed, always focused on how to secure what she wanted.

"I didn’t mean to insult you, Mother. But Young Miss Nie...she has no desire to enter the Wang’s palace. She would rather be with Wuqian as a simple commoner."

"Wuqian..." Xian Fei’s voice wavered. "Young love is always like this. Right now, it was intense and overwhelming, causing you to make a rash decision. But as time passes, those feelings fade. When that time comes and you look back, won’t you regret letting go of your greater ambitions? I won’t pressure you about marriage any further, but please...don’t throw everything away for that woman..."

As Xian Fei finished speaking, tears began to flow from her eyes. Seeing this, Kang Wang quickly moved to wipe them away for his mother.

"Mother, the situation is not as dire as it seems. You’ve taught me since I was young about my duty to the region and our family, and I’ve always taken it to heart. Please don’t cry anymore—let me explain everything first."Kang Wang spoke gently, comforting his mother. Gradually, Xian Fei’s eyes softened. She accepted the hot tea that Kang Wang poured for her and took a sip. He then sat beside her and began to recount the entire story, hiding nothing.