Long Live the Emperor, Minus Me (Completed Main Story) - Side Story 4

“Isn’t His Highness the Prince still far too young? Surely His Highness the King’s Brother should…”

At that time, the boy’s elder brother had not been childless. It was just that his nephew was merely a baby who had just begun to take his first steps.

The child was far too young to be entrusted with the nation, so the boy willingly took on the responsibility.

After all, the fate of their house at that time hung entirely on the wars of conquest his elder brother had launched.

“Very well. From now on, I shall lead you all.”

Yet, hope still remained back then. Once his nephew grew up, he thought, he could surely hand over this position.

Then, he would be able to return to the life he had always desired. Whether as the king’s younger brother or his uncle—it was merely a difference in title. He could quietly step away from the center of power and live inconspicuously, diligently assisting in the governance of the realm.

And once that happened, he could resume his own life plans once more. Just a few more years of waiting…

It was this single hope that enabled Zi Qingling to endure the throne—a role utterly unsuited to his nature.

His sister-in-law, upholding his brother’s will, desired endless war, which weighed heavily upon him. Yet, since he believed it was all for the sake of his nephew who would one day inherit the throne, he found it difficult to voice strong objections.

“When His Highness the Crown Prince comes of age…”

“Goodness! His Majesty the King is governing so admirably—how dare anyone even utter such words!”

“But doesn’t legitimacy rightfully belong to His Highness the Crown Prince?”

“What legitimacy? His Majesty the King is none other than Lord Zi Qingling himself—how can you even speak of legitimacy!”

The real problem, however, lay in this: even if he himself held no attachment to the throne, it mattered little if his ministers did not see it the same way.

Read full content of this chapter on r e d c a t t y . c o m