Echoes of My Heart Throughout the Court

Chapter 195: Emperors Regal Disdain (2 / 2)

[Hiss—]

In Wuying Hall, a sharp intake of breath broke the silence.

The Crown Prince, passing by, caught the sound. His eyes sparkled with curiosity, and he stepped inside.

Another commotion? Perfect—time for this prince to join in the fun!

[The Jin Prince’s methods are ruthless. When others talk about breaking legs, they start at the knees, shattering the bones. But the Jin Prince ordered the Jinyiwei to begin by hammering the toenails!]

[The toenails were smashed open, leaving bloody, mangled flesh.]

[Hiss—]

[Fu Prince fainted and woke up again repeatedly. Honestly, he deserved it, but it looked excruciating to watch…]

The Crown Prince subconsciously touched his own feet. Imagining the scene, he couldn’t help but take a sharp breath.

Thankfully, when his father broke his legs back then, it was just to stabilize the army’s morale. Otherwise, it would have been far more horrifying…

[But the Jin Prince and Fu Prince don’t have a grudge against each other. Why would he suddenly think to smash the fingernails?]

[Could it be that the old Emperor secretly instructed it?!]

[It must be! Otherwise, why would the Jin Prince act on his own? Besides, the old Emperor has always been ruthless. When it’s time to act, he doesn’t hesitate!]

The old Emperor was utterly stunned.

Since when did he become that kind of person? Sure, he had been harsh in military campaigns and ruthless in suppressing political threats, but this kind of brutal torture wasn’t his style at all!

His approach was bold and decisive, not underhanded cruelty!

Turning his head, he saw his exasperating son’s face light up with sudden understanding, and his fist clenched tightly.

So, this is how you see your father?!

“What are you sneaking around for at the door? Get in here!”

The Crown Prince’s expression froze, and he shuffled in nervously. “Father…”

The old Emperor gestured to a tall stack of memorials on the table beside him and sneered.

“I’ve told you countless times to take governance seriously, but you refuse. And now look —every random nobody dares to covet your position. Come here and finish reviewing these memorials!”

The Crown Prince’s eyes widened in shock. “Father! This stack is taller than you!”

Though it only reached his sitting height, it was still a massive pile!

Immediately, he resorted to the imperial physician’s excuse. “The imperial physician said I’m physically frail and shouldn’t overwork myself.”

The old Emperor: “Oh, really?”

The Crown Prince looked at him earnestly. “It’s true, Father. If you don’t believe me, summon the imperial physician and ask.”

The old Emperor spoke in a gentle tone: “That won’t be necessary. How could a father not trust his son?”

Before the Crown Prince could savor his relief, the old Emperor glanced at Xu Yanmiao.

“Xu Yanmiao, come over here.”

Xu Yanmiao, who had been enjoying the show, hesitated and replied reluctantly: “…Yes.”

With a fake smile, the old Emperor said, “Since the Crown Prince cannot handle much, you will assist him. Just follow the usual routine I assign you when reviewing memorials.”

[Work more, think less.]

“You handle the trivial matters; the Crown Prince will deal with the significant ones.”

Xu Yanmiao: “…”

Crown Prince: “…”

The two exchanged a glance, suddenly feeling an odd sense of shared misery.

A day passed, and both Xu Yanmiao and the Crown Prince staggered out of Wuying Hall, looking like two dried, salted fish.

Xu Yanmiao wanted nothing more than to lie down and indulge in gossip.

The Crown Prince also wanted nothing more than to lie down and listen to gossip.

Inside the hall, the old Emperor poured himself a cup of water and clicked his tongue twice.

“I’m over sixty years old, and I manage to process two or three hundred memorials daily on my own, with enough energy left to discuss state affairs with the ministers.”

Yet when it came to these two, reviewing a mere hundred documents left them utterly drained.

Young people these days…

The old Emperor sipped his water, his expression full of regal disdain.

Outside, Xu Yanmiao felt his heart start beating again as he distanced himself from the pile of documents, filled with a newfound joy for life.

“Your Highness, I’ll take my leave now. There’s a court assembly tomorrow morning…”

Suddenly, Xu Yanmiao froze.

He realized something.

[Holy crap!]

[Today was supposed to be my rest day! Only one rest day in ten days, and the old Emperor made me work overtime! Without pay!]

Inside the hall, the old Emperor choked on his water.

“Cough, cough, cough—”

For a moment, his guilty conscience flickered in his gaze.

Young people are full of energy. What’s wrong with doing a bit more work after being entrusted with such responsibilities?

Besides, the civil and military officials of the court would give anything to spend their rest days in Wuying Hall. If they knew they could review memorials for the Emperor, they would be overwhelmed with gratitude and tears!

He was grooming Xu Yanmiao to take on greater responsibilities! How thoughtful! Who needs overtime pay?

Thinking this, the old Emperor quickly regained his confidence.