The situation in Beirong had finally stabilized and the emperor at last let out a long breath of relief.
The recent events had given him no small amount of trouble.
Although he knew he should not have acted on impulse by handing over the state to Shang Qinghua, he truly could not bear the thought of his son with Empress Suyin living out in the world, forgotten.
Even if it was only as a prince, that would have been enough.
Yet who could have expected Shang Qinghua's plans to be so meticulous?
Not only had he reclaimed his position as a prince, he had even secured the position of Crown Prince.
The only thing that worried the emperor now was whether Rong Zishen might suddenly return and compete with Shang Qinghua for the throne.
He did not care much for his own life, but everything had gone far too smoothly this time, so smoothly that it felt unreal.
Rong Zishen had simply vanished.
He had sent people to search, yet no trace could be found.
