Filial son?

What an interesting term indeed.

Being addressed thus, Na Yan didn’t get angry.

He said lightly, “A Tuo, we’re both Father Emperor’s sons. Does caring about Father Emperor constitute conspiracy theory in your mouth?”

“Whether it’s conspiracy theory or not, Imperial Brother knows best in his own heart.”

“I don’t quite understand your meaning.”

“Some things, I think, need not be stated so plainly. Now that Father Emperor is gravely ill and the position of heir apparent remains undecided, whether you or I will be sovereign or subject in the future is yet unknown.” Na Tuo threw down these words, flicked his sleeve, and strode away.

Na Yan stood in place, his expression calm. Watching Na Tuo’s retreating back, he laughed coldly.

“You’ll get yours soon enough.”

Afterward, the two arrived at King Huyi’s sleeping quarters one after the other.

Inside the sleeping quarters, King Huyi was propped up in bed drinking medicine.

From lying ill in bed for so long, his complexion had grown increasingly pale.

He also looked much more haggard.

Li Qiao, because he was deeply valued by King Huyi, had been constantly attending at his side. During this period of King Huyi’s grave illness, unless there were unexpected matters, he entered the palace to serve almost daily at the hour of the rabbit.

He now stood to one side.

He watched as the two princes entered together.

Cupping their hands in salute.

“Greetings, Father Emperor.”

Most respectfully!

King Huyi made no sound. Instead, after finishing his medicine and wiping his mouth, only then did he look at the two sons before him.

It must be said that they both inherited several features of King Huyi’s youthful bearing.

Yet each had his own distinctive characteristics!

King Huyi remained silent for a long while before saying, “From now on, you two need not come to see me so frequently. Just manage state affairs properly.”

“Yes!” Both responded in unison.

“Tuo’er.”

“Your son is here.”

King Huyi said, “You grew up by my side from childhood. I’ve always had very high expectations for you. But your experience is insufficient, so when encountering certain matters, you inevitably lack familiarity. Therefore, you must be more attentive and cannot be careless. Do you understand?”

“Your son understands. Everything is primarily for the kingdom, the state, and the people of the realm.”

“Mm, it’s best that you understand.”

Na Tuo secretly rejoiced. Father Emperor suddenly speaking to him about these matters—the meaning was quite obvious.

It seemed to hint that the position of crown prince belonged to none other than him!

Just as he was thinking happily—

King Huyi suddenly called out, “Yan’er.”

Na Yan replied, “Your son is here.”

“These years, you’ve expended considerable effort to pacify the border conflicts. I’ve seen it all.”

“This is what your son should do.” Na Yan responded.

“But you are still a prince after all. Now that my health is far worse than before, regarding court matters, you and Tuo’er must assist each other mutually.”

“Yes.”

As the elder brother, Na Yan naturally carried an additional measure of composure.

However—

Na Tuo’s expression became extremely dark.

The secret joy in his heart was swept away entirely!

But he still suppressed the fury and jealousy in his heart, not revealing them.

After King Huyi finished saying those words, his body couldn’t endure. He coughed forcefully.

Seeing this, Na Tuo immediately stepped forward several paces.

His face full of worry.

“Father Emperor? Are you alright?”

King Huyi recovered somewhat and felt better. “I’m fine.”

“We should still summon the imperial physician to examine you.”

“No need. I know my own body.”

“But Father Emperor…”

“Enough. You need not worry.” King Huyi’s tone was weak.

Na Tuo opened his mouth but ultimately swallowed the words of “concern.”

His steps moved backward, returning to his original position.

And just as he stepped back, Na Yan suddenly, while he wasn’t paying attention, extended his leg and tripped his heel.

“Uh!”

Na Tuo’s steps stumbled.

His body unstable.

He tilted backward.

Na Yan then timely extended his hand, hypocritically supporting his arm. His five fingers happened to grasp the wound where Jingrong had previously cut him with a dagger, then he exerted force…

Because the wound hadn’t completely healed yet!

Being grasped like this, the pain made Na Tuo involuntarily cry out softly.

Cold sweat poured out!

Taking advantage of the situation, Na Yan quickly released his arm, deliberately revealing a shocked expression. “A Tuo, your arm is truly injured? It’s been several days—how can you not treat it? We should still have the imperial physician come examine it.”

“You…” Na Tuo clutched his arm, his expression stiffening.

He knew Na Yan did it deliberately!

He’d done everything possible to conceal from outsiders the fact that an assassin had entered his residence, and had also ordered that no one was permitted to reveal that he’d been injured. Yet he hadn’t expected that he still couldn’t hide it from his cunning and devious imperial brother.

“What’s going on?” King Huyi asked.

Na Tuo endured the pain and lowered his head. “Your son is fine!”

“Fine?” King Huyi naturally didn’t believe it and directly asked Na Yan, “You speak. What exactly happened?”

“Father Emperor, this…”

“This what? Speak!”

“Yes!” Na Yan revealed an expression of difficulty, then told the whole story clearly. “A few days ago, your son heard that an assassin entered Third Prince’s residence. A Tuo ordered all the household guards to search, but… they didn’t find the assassin. It seems A Tuo was also injured. Your son thought it was merely rumor, but just now I inadvertently touched A Tuo’s wound. It appears this matter must be true.”

Na Tuo felt as if someone had stripped off his skin.

Then severely slapped him several times!

A dignified prince, injured by an assassin in his own residence—if word got out, wouldn’t it be equivalent to digging his own grave?

King Huyi turned to question him. “Is this true?”

“Father Emperor… your son…”

“Speak the truth!”

Na Tuo bit his teeth hard, glared fiercely at Na Yan, then forced out a sentence: “Yes… this matter is indeed true.”

“Has the assassin been found?”

“Not yet!”

“Absurd!” King Huyi rebuked sharply. “A prince, actually allowing an assassin to infiltrate his residence and injure you, not to mention the assassin now remains at large. What kind of prince are you being?”

“Please forgive your son, Father Emperor!” Na Tuo knelt down.

Na Yan immediately said, “Please calm your anger, Father Emperor. I believe from now on, A Tuo will certainly increase security at the prince’s residence. Moreover, he’s also been injured. Please, Father Emperor, do not punish him.”

The fury in Na Tuo’s eyes grew heavier.

In his heart, ten thousand alpacas stampeded past.

He had to admire Na Yan!

This move was vicious enough!

King Huyi had anger in his heart and didn’t care at all whether his son was injured. He waved his hand. “Forget it, forget it. Everyone leave.”

Na Tuo called out, “Father Emperor…”

“Leave!”

An angry shout.

Li Qiao at the side quickly spoke up to persuade, “Both princes should leave first. The King needs rest.”

Na Tuo, holding the ball of anger in his heart, rose from the ground. Looking at Na Yan beside him, only then did he bow respectfully with cupped hands.

“Your son… takes his leave.”

Each word forceful.

Na Yan also followed closely behind and left.

Just as the two emerged from the great hall, Na Tuo’s steps halted. He turned to question Na Yan.

“What do you mean by this?”

Na Yan smiled slightly. “Those words—I don’t seem to understand them.”

“You deliberately forced me to reveal my injury before Father Emperor to bring me down! Imperial Brother, oh Imperial Brother, you’re truly formidable.”

“You’ve misunderstood. Just now you nearly fell. I inadvertently touched your wound. Is it wrong to show concern? Moreover, it was Father Emperor who told me to speak.” Heh heh.