The chess game had finished, and the sky had grown dim when The Emperor invited Pei Hanze to dine together.
During their meal, the topic of appointing the Crown Prince came up unintentionally.
"What do you think of this matter?" The Emperor asked as if it was a casual inquiry.
Pei Hanze smiled indifferently, "Imperial Brother, rest assured, no matter whom you appoint as Crown Prince, your younger brother here will serve with utmost sincerity and never harbor any second thoughts,"
The Emperor slapped his thigh and laughed heartily, "Why would I doubt you have second thoughts? If you wanted to be Emperor, the one sitting on this throne right now wouldn't be me."
"Such serious words, Imperial Brother. Only you can maintain peace and prosperity in the land; I am not suited for such a position."
Pei Hanze had always been carefree, yearning for freedom; he disliked being trapped in this gilded cage.
