Chapter 1017 — The Crown Prince of the Eastern Palace
The Herdsman of the Wasteland · Page 4 of 4
Your several elder brothers, in their day, all rebelled against me once they had achieved something, so that father and sons were parted as man from ghost. That is why I have kept you at a distance — I do not wish you to come to the same end as your brothers. " The Crown Prince of the Eastern Palace hastened to kneel and bow again, and said, choking, "Father, your son's loyalty to Father is plain to heaven and earth; he would never dare harbor a second heart!
These years, seeing the Ten Heavenly Venerables grow daily stronger, grasping the Heavenly Court's government, reducing Father to a figurehead, your son's heart has been anxious for Father's safety!
" Shen Mu's expression stirred slightly, and he said coldly, "What great daring you have, to presume to criticize the Ten Heavenly Venerables.
Do you know what a capital crime is? " The Crown Prince of the Eastern Palace bowed himself deeply to the ground, not daring to rise, and said, choking, "In the court today, which Ancient God does not bow and scrape to the Ten Heavenly Venerables, fearful that the slightest displeasure on their part will bring a cruel death?
Your son fears that, should this go on, Father will have no one left to employ! " Shen Mu looked at him coldly, and after a moment said, "Rise. What you have said — how could I not know it? I know your loyalty, and I have my own means to deal with them. " The Crown Prince of the Eastern Palace rose and wiped the tears from the corners of his eyes.
Shen Mu was moved beyond measure, sighing again and again: "Good child, a truly good child. You are not like Hao—" He seemed unwilling to speak of Heavenly Venerable Hao, and changed the subject: "In this Heavenly Court there is hidden the place of my birth. Do you know where that precious ground lies?
" The Crown Prince of the Eastern Palace was struck with awe; he bowed and said, "Though your son would not presume to inquire after that precious ground, he has heard the people of the palace mention that forbidden zone.
But your son has never entered it! " Shen Mu smiled and said, "Today I — today your father shall take you to see this ancestral ground. Come, lead the way.
" Hearing him change his self-appellation, the Crown Prince of the Eastern Palace was overjoyed at heart, and led the way before him. Shen Mu followed him, secretly troubled: "This Crown Prince of the Eastern Palace — what is his name?
Not knowing his name, I fear I shall be exposed sooner or later.
.
. And who was his mother among the consorts?
Surely it cannot be the Empress herself? "