“Elder Brother, fortunately, we withdrew early,” Xiao Changying, who had just recovered enough to leave his sickbed, couldn’t help but sigh upon seeing his brother.

In two consecutive days, the Second Brother died and the Eighth Brother was ruined – the succession struggle grew clearer.

Xiao Changying’s words startled Xiao Changqin, fragments of memories unexpectedly flashing through his mind.

“My Prince, imperial power is paved with blood; the throne is reached through conscience.”

Her cool voice echoed in his ears. In their marriage, he never guarded against her. Though he hid his ambitions from everyone else, he never concealed anything from her.

“Qingqing, do you want me to abandon this path?”

In that moment, he had unconsciously asked this question, his heart holding unknown expectations – whether hoping she would open up to him and say more, or hoping she would make demands of him. He didn’t know if that day had she said yes, he would have truly abandoned years of careful preparation for her sake, truly become an idle prince, spending a lifetime of wealth and prosperity with her…

However, she hadn’t given him that chance, saying instead: “I merely remind My Prince that indulging in romance might cost you that final step on the imperial path.”

A bucket of cold water doused his stirring, eagerly hopeful heart.

She was always like this. Whenever he showed her slightly more kindness or delayed matters for her sake, she would respond with cold words, shattering his heart.

In his proud youth, he had his temper. When his heartfelt sincerity was met with distant rejection, he couldn’t suppress his anger. He couldn’t remember how many times they parted unhappily, him storming off again.

Past events appeared vividly before him.

Xiao Changqin’s heart was pierced by countless fine needles. The waves of sharp pain made him take a deep breath to suppress them.

Looking down at his worried and regretful brother, he finally felt some warmth in his heart. He knew his brother worried because he cared, remembering that his withdrawal came from his awakening after eternally losing his beloved.

Having unintentionally reopened his wounds, his brother was now full of remorse.

Gently patting Xiao Changying’s shoulder, then squeezing it, Xiao Changqin pondered before saying: “Brother, I came to tell you the Eastern Palace has joyous news.”

After today’s court session, Eastern Palace servants waited outside the hall, announcing before all officials that the Crown Princess had fainted. The Crown Prince, face pale, had rushed stumbling toward the Eastern Palace. Everyone waited expectantly for the unsurprising result.

The Crown Princess was pregnant, three months along, the pregnancy stable.

Xiao Changqin immediately turned to observe the Emperor’s expression. Though highly controlled, the ferocity and hidden rage didn’t escape his notice.

Just thinking of the Emperor’s expression from earlier brought Xiao Changqin a trace of pleasure.

He hoped Shen Xihe would bear a son. He would do everything in his power to help this child ascend to the throne.

Not because of the Crown Prince’s threats, not due to political constraints, not from fear of opposing the Eastern Palace.

Only to ensure His Majesty would die without peace!

As much as His Majesty hated the Shen clan and dreaded an heir with Shen blood sitting on the Xiao family’s dragon throne, that’s how much Xiao Changqin hoped this child would become emperor.

The best would be telling him this “good news” in His Majesty’s final breath. Just imagining that scene made Xiao Changqin’s blood surge with excitement!

Xiao Changqin knew he was “sick,” but he didn’t want to be cured. The living need hope and aspiration. Since she left, he felt he had nothing, but he wouldn’t be a coward who ended himself, nor would he become depressed and lose ambition.

Because such a version of himself would have no face to meet her in the afterlife – she would despise him even more.

His only belief was wanting to see the person who held power over life and death, who never treated them as living beings capable of pain and suffering, fall into endless despair and agony!

The Crown Prince and Crown Princess were proper husband and wife. Whether they truly loved each other or the Crown Prince’s feelings were one-sided, Shen Xihe’s path required a child – Xiao Changying had long understood this.

However, understanding was one thing; hearing it still left him dazed and heavy-hearted.

Head lowered silently, Xiao Changying didn’t see the obsession and madness in his brother’s eyes.

The unusual silence between the brothers was broken by a loud shout: “Anyone who dares stop me, I’ll die right before you!”

Both brothers came to their senses, looking toward the ornamental gate where Gu Qingshu, dagger at her throat, forced back the guards blocking her way as she burst in.

Seeing Xiao Changqin in his snow-white robes, Gu Qingshu’s tears immediately poured forth, her bloodshot eyes fixing on him with intense resentment: “Your Highness, I refuse to marry into the Chu family!”

The Chu family of Jiangnan was a prestigious clan, mostly devoted to scholarly pursuits. Though many entered official service, they didn’t seek power, typically remaining honorably aloof.

Xiao Changqin coldly watched Gu Qingshu: “Even if you die, you must be buried in the Chu family tomb!”

Gu Qingshu hadn’t committed any major offense, but she had touched Xiao Changqin’s bottom line. Keeping her in the capital would eventually lead to her death by her actions.

Moreover, her feelings toward him made him uncomfortable, reminding him of what cousin Gu Qingzhi had pushed onto him.

If not for considering she was the last of the Gu bloodline, and that her father had been both a mentor and father figure to him, he would have disposed of Gu Qingshu carelessly long ago!

Back then he could only save Gu Qingshu. The Gu family’s male members were watched too closely. The only one who could seize the opportunity was her father. Thinking back now, it was all within His Majesty’s control – His Majesty knew her father wouldn’t let him save them.

Whether testing him or her father, whenever he thought deeply about it, his teeth grew cold.

Gu Qingshu stood stunned, tears streaming. She hadn’t expected Xiao Changqin to be so ruthless!

She didn’t believe it!

He had risked everything to save her alone when the entire Gu family was executed!

Even with the Gu family bearing the crime of treason, he had worked tirelessly to clear their name, allowing her to return to public life and enjoy wealth and status!

He was just testing her! Yes, that must be it!

Harboring such delusional thoughts, Gu Qingshu unhesitatingly drew the dagger across her throat.

Blood sprayed forth, the immense pain dropping Gu Qingshu to the ground. Xiao Changqin stood on the steps, watching her coldly.

He made no move to stop her and showed no panic in calling for doctors. Meeting his cold, emotionless eyes, the boundless darkness and frost made Gu Qingshu unprecedentedly clear-headed – he truly didn’t care whether she lived or died.

Tears burst from her eyes like a breaching dam. The pain in her heart made the wound on her neck seem negligible in comparison.

After an unknown time, perhaps just an instant, as darkness crept into Gu Qingshu’s vision, she finally heard his icy voice: “Summon the physician. Request the Imperial Physician from the palace.”

Before losing consciousness, Gu Qingshu felt no joy, remembering only his words: Even in death, she must be buried in the Chu family tomb!