Chapter 1819 - 164: Methods and Intentions

Li River Palace.

Inside the hall, golden sunlight spilled onto the transparent dark tiles, reflecting bright rays.

At the same time, the flickering flame from the copper lamp illuminated the hall brightly.

Light cast on Jiang Ning’s face, making the expression on his face clear in detail.

Ji Minghao glanced at Jiang Ning twice, then smiled lightly: "Brother Jiang, shall we take a walk?"

"Alright!" Jiang Ning nodded.

"Mengyun, you shall stay!" Ji Minghao said to Shen Mengyun who stood by.

"Yes, Holy Emperor!" Shen Mengyun nodded in response.

Thereafter, the two walked out of the grand hall, strolling through the palace.

"Brother Jiang, do you know why I wanted to walk with you?" Ji Minghao asked again.

"Holy Emperor, why not speak directly." Jiang Ning said.

"Brother Jiang is as direct as ever!" Ji Minghao smiled lightly, then continued, "The reason for asking Mengyun to stay and walking with Brother Jiang is to maintain the image of the Holy Emperor before outsiders!"

Saying this, Ji Minghao sighed gently.

"Before ascending the throne, I indeed had aspirations for this position! With immense power, a single word could decide the fate of millions! Now, truly sitting in this position, I realize how tiring it is! Exhausting both mind and body!"

Ji Minghao sighed once more, then said: "I cannot speak of this before outsiders, for as the current Holy Emperor, I cannot reveal my inner weakness before them."

Upon hearing these words, Jiang Ning stopped walking, looked at Ji Minghao, then shook his head.

"Holy Emperor, Shen Mengyun is not an outsider; she is the Empress, the one you openly wedded, proclaimed to the world."

"You do not understand!" Ji Minghao shook his head with a slight sigh, "I made Shen Mengyun Empress because of General Shen Xiao. I am weak and alone; even with Brother Jiang’s support, sitting in this position, there are not many I can command! If not for marrying Shen Mengyun and making her Empress, even General Shen Xiao’s power would not heed me."

Upon hearing these words, Jiang Ning’s gaze focused sharply.

"Holy Emperor is not fond of Shen Mengyun?"

Looking at Jiang Ning’s gaze, Ji Minghao pondered for a moment, then nodded: "I do not wish to deceive Brother Jiang, indeed!"

On hearing this, Jiang Ning glanced at Ji Minghao, then shook his head, unsure of what to say.

He understands Ji Minghao’s actions.

Such is the way of the imperial family.

Five thousand years of history have already chronicled power plays.

But considering this, he feels it’s somewhat unfair to Shen Mengyun.

Although he has no friendship with Shen Mengyun, he understands that Shen Mengyun has always been fond of Ji Minghao.

Even when Ji Minghao had little prospect of ascending the throne, lacked maternal clan support, was a prince with no one to rely on,

Shen Mengyun never swayed in her affections.

Moreover, she had previously approached him, hoping to persuade him to ally with Ji Minghao.

Thus, he has always understood Shen Mengyun’s thoughts.

Now, these words, if heard by Shen Mengyun, would be undeniably cruel.

"Therefore, Brother Jiang..." Ji Minghao fixated his eyes earnestly on Jiang Ning, "In the entire Royal Capital, the only one I can truly confide in, without guard, is Brother Jiang!"

Saying this, Ji Minghao sighed again, his expression somewhat dejected.

"Even Shiqi no longer likes to talk to me, nor responds to me!"

Seeing the forlorn expression on Ji Minghao’s face, Jiang Ning felt a twinge of sympathy.

He can comprehend Ji Minghao’s choice, even if it were him in such circumstances, he could not guarantee he would act differently.

The imperial family is the most heartless.

Not fighting or contending often brings more harm to those close, those at one’s side, and those cared for.

"Holy Emperor, since you have ascended to this position, you are no longer yourself, no longer Ji Minghao, but the ruler of Great Xia, the ruler of Nine States; what you say and do is beyond personal whims, governed by responsibilities."

"The actions of the Holy Emperor are without fault. Since you have taken this position, these are duties to be fulfilled!"

"Taking this position, proceed only keeping the welfare of all before any action!"

Jiang Ning comforted.

Hearing these words, Ji Minghao’s gaze moved as he looked at Jiang Ning.

"Thank you, Brother Jiang, for your words. I understand, these are my duties! Having ascended the throne, my actions are involuntary!"

"Brother Jiang’s words have further strengthened my resolve!"

"Be assured, Brother Jiang, I shall not disappoint your support!"

"Since I have taken this position, I will fulfill the responsibilities and mission it entails!"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Ning nodded to Ji Minghao.

"Holy Emperor’s thinking in such a manner is indeed excellent!"

"Additionally, I have an earnest request, and I hope Brother Jiang can accept!" Ji Minghao spoke, bowing his hands to Jiang Ning in a gesture of respect.

"Holy Emperor, please speak first!" Jiang Ning replied.

"At tomorrow’s morning assembly, I hope Brother Jiang can attend court; there are proposals I wish for Brother Jiang, as my only friend, to embolden!" Ji Minghao pleaded sincerely.

Faced with Ji Minghao’s earnest gaze, Jiang Ning hesitated briefly, then nodded.

"Since Holy Emperor has requested, how can I refuse!" Jiang Ning said.

"Thank you, Brother Jiang!" Ji Minghao expressed earnestly.

"Holy Emperor is too gracious!" Jiang Ning chuckled.

Ji Minghao said, "Currently, my position is indeed weak, with few officials supporting me in the court; Brother Jiang’s support is crucial!"

With these words, he bowed his hands in thanks to Jiang Ning.

"I look forward to seeing Brother Jiang at tomorrow’s morning assembly! Today, I should return! Initially, I should have engaged in a celebration with Brother Jiang, a revelry to end only with inebriation, but having stayed away from the palace too long, having just ascended to the throne, there are still many matters to handle!"