Chapter 1647 - 600: The Fake True Daughter (Part 21)

Prince Yongchang entered the palace, of course, to "plead for pardon."

He sought He Tiantian’s help in concocting medicinal meals and even didn’t hesitate to conduct experiments with similar cases to curry favor with the Emperor.

In a sense, it was also for the Emperor’s benefit.

However, this does not conceal one fundamental issue, which is that Prince Yongchang secretly obtained the Emperor’s pulse record using his connections.

This is "spying on the Emperor’s movements," which is highly disrespectful!

If we must press the matter, it could even be labeled as an intention of treason, bearing a disloyal heart!

Prince Yongchang is not a particularly intelligent person, but he has one major advantage — he is self-aware.

He believes that with his level of ability, he is not yet fit to play mind games in front of the current Emperor, who has ruled for over a decade!

He was very straightforward; upon entering the palace, he immediately began confessing, disclosing in full how he obtained the pulse record and sought out similar cases, among other things.

Of course, when narrating these, Prince Yongchang tried to slightly beautify his intentions: his heart was solely for the Emperor, for the bloodline inheritance of the Royal Family!

Emperor: ... To be secretly observed, and for the other party to engage in such antics indeed feels uncomfortable.

But, that is not the focus!

The focus is —

"Have those three men truly caused their women to conceive?"

The Emperor somewhat understands his half-brother; he’s not an exceptionally good person, yet he’s not a plotter either.

He watches me, seeks ways to help, and finds "folk remedies" only to appease me and find means to earn merits.

Perhaps Dongchang even wishes for his princely rank to be elevated or to hold a real position within the Imperial court.

... In fact, the Emperor doesn’t mind these; he truly doesn’t favor Dongchang, this convenient brother, but if he indeed accomplishes something, the Emperor is still willing to grant ample rewards!

And if that childbearing remedy truly works —

The current Emperor, having been ruler for over a decade and mastering the skill of calm demeanor regardless of internal storms, couldn’t help but feel a bit anxious at this moment.

Who wouldn’t be anxious?

Ordinary men, even if they possess only a few rundown houses, wish for a son to carry on their lineage, inherit their estate.

As for him, he holds the reins of the world, possessing vast Jiangshan.

His family truly has a throne that needs succession.

In recent years, the current Emperor often keeps the Heir of Prince Qi by his side, nurturing him like an heir.

The Heir of Prince Qi is the legitimate son of his own brother, the grandson of his most revered Aunt An Le; the Emperor is very fond of this legitimate nephew.

Yet, no matter how good a nephew is, he cannot match one’s own flesh and blood.

Not to mention, adoption is really challenging to sever blood ties.

When he passes, should his nephew, the adopted heir, ascend the throne, surely he would still honor his biological parents as Supreme Emperor and Empress Dowager.

The throne indeed remains in their family line, but those who hold absolute power and enjoy the sacrificial incense are his brother and sister-in-law.

And then there’s his Empress, Noble Consort; if they do not die before him, how should they establish themselves in the harem in the future?

The Emperor might not be exceedingly affectionate, but he retains some degree of respect for his first wife and immense compassion for the woman he loves.

He hopes that even after he’s gone, the Empress and Noble Consort can enjoy the minimum honor.

If he could have his own son, instead of having the adopted nephew succeed him, the Empress and they, holding status and righteousness, ought not lead a harsh life.

What’s more, if heaven shows mercy and allows him to have a legitimate son, rightfully inheriting the throne... it would undoubtedly be a mutual joy!

"..." Prince Dongchang crouched prostrate on the ground, though he feels his "plea for pardon" might not truly incur punishment.

Yet, faced with absolute imperial power, he couldn’t help but feel fearful.

His clothes were drenched in sweat, limbs somewhat stiff, heart pounding like a booming drum.

At this moment, Prince Dongchang heard the Emperor’s voice: "Their situations truly resemble mine?"

Ah!

There’s hope!

Prince Dongchang’s tense nerves slightly relaxed.

He hurriedly raised his head and respectfully replied, "Reporting to Your Majesty, the situations of those three men truly resemble yours!"

"One is twenty-five this year, been an adult for nine years, has three wives and concubines, yet none are pregnant."

"Another is thirty-seven this year, married nearly twenty years, having married two wives successively, and taken a concubine reputed to be incredibly fertile, but has only a frail daughter!"

"And another is forty-six this year, married nearly thirty years, with multiple wives and maids, yet has no offspring!"