After a brief moment of endearment, Xia Lin got into the sedan chair and headed to the palace alone. When he reached the palace gate, he had to get off and walk to meet the emperor on foot. This was the rule, and even though his public identity was the emperor's nephew, he had to abide by it.
Xia Lin entered the palace with a tense body and a straight face. He bowed to the emperor and said, "Long live the emperor! Long live! Long live!"
"Rise," came a deep voice from the front. Xia Lin's nervousness reached its peak. He was granted a seat, but the emperor remained silent. Xia Lin couldn't fathom the emperor's thoughts and didn't dare to speak casually. The two of them sat in an awkward silence for about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn.
Finally, just when Xia Lin even felt the urge to urinate due to nervousness, the emperor mercifully spoke, "I've summoned you today for a straightforward matter. I won't beat around the bush. Did Concubine Shu tell you your true origin before she went mad?"
Although it was a question, the emperor didn't sound inquiring when he said this. Obviously, he had already found out that Concubine Shu had told Xia Lin his origin. Maybe the emperor had even anticipated Concubine Shu's madness. After all, he was the emperor, the supreme ruler of the land, and surely had many means that ordinary people didn't have.
Xia Lin carefully replied, "Yes, Your Majesty. Concubine Shu told me half a month ago, and I now know my true origin."
The emperor asked him, "Do you want to become the third prince?"
Oh, that was really direct. Xia Lin shook his head. Holding the amulet that Jiang Yun had bought for him, he suddenly felt less afraid. "Your Majesty, I cherish my current life and have no intention of changing it."
The emperor let out an "oh" sound. Seemingly finding it quite interesting, he asked, "Let me ask you, isn't being my son and a prince more honorable than your current status?"
Xia Lin nodded. "Yes, Your Majesty. You're right. The status of a prince is indeed more honorable than mine. But I don't care about this. I like my current identity and my present life. I don't want any changes."
The emperor smiled. "Very well. After hearing your words today, I understand why Concubine Shu went mad."
Xia Lin lowered his head. The emperor really knew everything. Would he blame Xia Lin for Concubine Shu's matter?
The emperor was also good at reading people's minds. He directly assured him, "Don't worry. As long as you don't cross my bottom - line, I won't blame you. You're my own son by blood. I won't harm you. So, Xiaolin, you don't need to be so nervous and scared."
Hearing this, Xia Lin tried to relax a bit. "I was too harsh in dealing with Concubine Shu."
The emperor shook his head. "No, you weren't too harsh. If it were me, I wouldn't have spared her life. Those who covet what doesn't belong to them and fail to recognize their own status will end up like this. So, Concubine Shu can only blame herself for her fate. At least now I've provided her with good food and drink, and eunuchs and maids to serve her. I've already treated her well enough."
Xia Lin nodded. "Thank you for your understanding, Your Majesty. Your Majesty, I hope my parents won't know about my true origin. Is that possible?"
The emperor stood up from his dragon throne and walked up to Xia Lin. He stared at Xia Lin intently for a while before sighing, "Now that I look at you, you really resemble me."
Seeing Xia Lin lowering his head even more and remaining silent, the emperor patted Xia Lin on the shoulder and said, "I promise you. I won't let those who shouldn't know find out. From now on, you're just the second legitimate son of the general's mansion, and our relationship is just that of nephew and uncle!"