At this moment, The Eldest Princess was recounting to Qin Wudi the ordeal of encountering the wolf pack earlier that day.
After listening attentively, Qin Wudi drew his daughter closer for a thorough inspection. Gazing at this most beautiful and sensible child of his, his expression overflowed with tenderness. “My dear, you’ve had a fright today. Later, be sure to drink a bowl of Anshen Tea and rest properly!”
“As for those brave young men and ladies who fought the wolves, your father will reward them handsomely.”
“Just think—those four youngsters managed to save my two princesses and so many other noble youths entirely through their own capabilities. That in itself is remarkable.”
“Particularly that ‘Shenjianshou’ you mentioned, and that extraordinary young lady from the Dingbei Marquis Household who rivals any man—I’m quite curious about them. In a couple of days when I have some free time, I shall summon them for an audience. I want to see exactly what kind of remarkable figures they are, to have earned such admiration from my good daughter.”
As father and daughter conversed, their gestures and expressions remained intimately affectionate, painting a perfect picture of familial devotion.
A scene that would evoke anyone’s envy.
While they spoke, four handsome princes stood tall and elegant on either side, none interrupting as they quietly listened to the conversation.
Meanwhile, an exceptionally handsome yet aloof man sat expressionlessly in a nearby chair, leisurely sipping tea with an air of complete detachment.
As if nothing in his surroundings could capture his interest.
He occasionally covered his mouth with a light cough, appearing rather frail.
Though present during The Eldest Princess and Emperor’s discussion, he seemed to drift in and out of attention—his mind clearly elsewhere.
This was the current Crown Prince Huo Yuchen, also The Eldest Princess’s full-blooded elder brother.
The former Crown Prince had been refined and courteous, treating everyone with spring-like warmth that made people naturally drawn to him.
But starting over three years ago, that gentleness had gradually eroded, replaced by gloom and aloofness. His temperament became unpredictable, making his thoughts completely inscrutable.
Even his clothing style underwent a dramatic transformation.
Where he once favored light-colored robes that complemented his frequent gentle smiles—creating an aura as comforting as a soft breeze—he now exclusively wore dark attire. His face rarely showed even a trace of smile, maintaining an perpetually impassive expression that projected premature solemnity and unapproachable dignity.
He consistently gave off an air of keeping others at arm’s length.
In recent years, his health had also deteriorated significantly, frequently falling seriously ill.
His coughing never truly ceased, becoming a constant companion.
His hair, once cascading like a waterfall—glossy and black, inheriting Empress Wei’s beautiful locks—had now turned dry and grayish, utterly devoid of its former luster.
Huo Yuchen perpetually bore a sickly pallor, his face ghastly pale and lacking any of his previous vibrant spirit.
Despite consulting countless imperial physicians and healers, no one had ever identified the root cause of his condition, let alone achieved any improvement.
The Eldest Princess Huo Yaoshi cast a deep glance at her brother. Seeing his extreme indifference, she abandoned any thought of attempting conversation with him.
Qin Wudi glanced at his sons who had now grown into adulthood—each dashingly handsome and elegant. While maintaining the facade of a doting father, he was constantly scrutinizing them, determined to see through their actions and thoughts completely.
As he aged and his body grew weaker, his sense of crisis intensified day by day.
He feared that his sons, now towering like mighty trees, might covet his throne. It could be said that for any son who dared reach out with ambition, he would mercilessly sever their hopes without hesitation, showing no regard for fatherly affection.
Qin Wudi swept his gaze around before settling it on The Eldest Princess and the Crown Prince.
Seeing the siblings so distant—never interacting privately and now, even when they finally met, exchanging not a single unnecessary word—he actually felt relieved and let out a soft chuckle.
Currently, Empress Wei’s faction was vast and deeply entrenched.
Although he had been the one to build it up, as he grew older, his concerns multiplied. He thought more deeply, and his suspicions grew heavier.
No matter how beloved a woman had once been, over time, she inevitably lost her luster.
Now, Empress Wei had long aged and lost her beauty. Qin Wudi no longer felt the intense passion he once had for her; his love had vanished without a trace over the years.
His attention had long shifted to the younger and more beautiful Consort Li, Consort Zhao, and Consort Wang.
It was those youthful and enchanting figures that captivated him, making him linger and delight in their company.
Apart from superficial courtesy and the ties of their children, his relationship with Empress Wei had grown increasingly distant.
With suspicion in his heart, he naturally did not wish for the Empress’s faction to become too powerful or too united.
Seeing the siblings act like strangers, Qin Wudi was actually pleased.
In recent years, the Crown Prince’s health had been poor, and he showed little interest in state affairs—something Qin Wudi was also glad to see.
As his own health declined, he dreaded the scenario of “the father weakening while the son grows strong.” Though aged, his desire to control power only grew fiercer.
He did not want anyone to take even a sliver of his imperial authority—not even his own sons.
Now, he had eight formidable sons, all grown up, and the position of Crown Prince was not necessarily reserved for Huo Yuchen.
If asked who his most favored woman was now, it would undoubtedly be Consort Li. He now preferred the Fourth Prince and Sixth Prince, both born to Consort Li, especially the Fourth Prince Huo Yu, whom he deeply trusted and favored.
In recent years, many important tasks had been assigned to Huo Yu, making his intention to groom him quite evident.
Currently, the Crown Prince had committed no major faults, making it impossible to depose him. All they could do was wait for an opportunity.
Qin Wudi cast a faint glance at the Crown Prince and instructed the princes, “Go and convey my regards to the injured young masters and ladies on my behalf. Comfort them well and bring ample medicinal supplies.”
Huo Yuchen and the other princes bowed solemnly. “We obey your decree!”
With that, they turned and walked out.
Qin Wudi kept The Eldest Princess behind and asked, “I’ve heard that after your younger sister was rescued, she secretly returned on her own. Is this true?”
“My younger sister said she came back to seek reinforcements. I haven’t seen her yet,” The Eldest Princess replied truthfully, not questioning how her father had come to know of this.
Qin Wudi’s eyes narrowed slightly, but his expression remained unreadable.
He continued asking, “Did Huai An not even try to save her cousin Lin Chuyan?”
“That’s right! Huai An said if her Shadow Guard got injured, there would be no one left to protect her. When I told her she couldn’t just stand by and let someone die, she righteously declared she would go seek reinforcements. But after she left, she never returned.”
Upon hearing this, Qin Wudi’s expression turned grave. He never imagined his daughter could be such a heartless creature – completely different from the obedient and sensible image she presented before him.
It appeared this daughter of his was truly full of surprises!
She wore two entirely different faces – one for him and another for outsiders!
Father and daughter continued their affectionate conversation for a while longer before Qin Wudi finally permitted the Eldest Princess to take her leave.
After the Eldest Princess departed, Qin Wudi’s gaze gradually sharpened, his expression growing several degrees colder.