Chapter 445 - 199: Old Belongings
"Absurd," Mo Yuanhao said coldly, "You are the Emperor, the ruler of a nation, yet you compete with your vassal younger brother for a woman, without feeling it tarnishes the Imperial Family’s reputation."
Mo Yuanlin did not agree with this view.
He slightly raised an eyebrow, leaned languidly back on the wide throne, a look of overbearing arrogance and insolence on his brows.
"It seems, dear brother, you truly do not understand. The most disgraceful thing for the Imperial Family has never been the licentious affairs of the harem, but rather the incompetent policies of governance."
"As long as I can make the foreign barbarians bow and submit, annihilate Da Xuan, Da Yu, and Da Zhao, unify the world, establishing unparalleled prestige for Da Wu Country, and allow the people to live in prosperity and peace..."
"Then, even if I indulge in excess, I will still be considered a wise and virtuous sovereign in the people’s eyes, a great emperor noted in history for my exceptional talents and accomplishments, earning the praise of future generations."
"A great emperor deserves any woman. My love affairs would merely become anecdotes spoken of by the people in idle chat over meals."
"Conversely, implementing harsh and oppressive rule, making the people unable to eat or clothe themselves, destitute, and even leading the nation to ruin, that would truly disgrace the Mo Family’s Imperial Family."
What use is there in the Emperor being virtuous and adhering to rites?
Can it make the people’s lives better?
The world has never evaluated an emperor based on his virtues or harem affairs, but solely based on his achievements.
Allowing the people of the world to live good lives, establishing supreme dignity and honor for the nation, laying a good foundation for future generations...
These are what the Imperial Family should do.
As long as these are accomplished, then it is an impeccable, great Imperial Family.
Moreover, how does it matter even if the world hurls insults at him?
He wouldn’t care in the slightest.
"..."
Listening to these words, Mo Yuanhao was deeply shaken.
Never having been in the position, he had never considered that the reputation of the Imperial Family, the good or bad of an emperor, could be defined in such a way.
Indeed, the people only wish to lead prosperous and good lives.
So in the eyes of the people of the world, compared to the issues of livelihood and achievements in governance, what would royal affairs in the harem count for?
They are merely trivial, insignificant amorous tales.
To have such insights, Mo Yuanlin is unmistakably born to be a ruler.
Mo Yuanhao was left speechless.
And Mo Yuanlin, as if unaware of his complex feelings, continued speaking with casual indifference.
"I am the Emperor, and regardless of the consequences this matter incurs, I will bear them alone. If dear brother cannot rest easy and genuinely considers the reputation of the Imperial Family, then might as well withdraw happily..."
"And, announce to the public that you and Yun Wanyao are incompatible, devoid of affection, and have mutually agreed to dissolve the engagement."
Mo Yuanhao: "..."
Without consulting him, his engagement is forcibly dissolved, and now he is expected to swallow his pride and explain the matter.
"I, your vassal younger brother, cannot do it. Elder brother’s actions truly compel me against my will."
"Hehe..."
As anticipated, Mo Yuanlin let out a faint chuckle, the sound brimming with sarcasm.
"It seems, dear brother doesn’t care much for the reputation of the Imperial Family. In that case, why use it to lecture me?"
Mo Yuanhao: "..."
If he cares, must he then make concessions?
"Elder brother..."
Mo Yuanhao’s expression darkened, still wanting to say more, attempting to dissuade Mo Yuanlin over Yun Wanyao, but was ruthlessly interrupted as soon as he spoke.
"Enough. My decision is made. If dear brother has no other issues, then return early."
The man on the high seat, with an inscrutable look, waved a hand, his eyes subtly showing impatience. Mo Yuanhao pursed his lips, bowed, and left in anger.
The next morning.
Yun Wanyao organized all the things Mo Yuanhao had given her over the years, along with the compensation gifts prepared by her parents, and had them sent to the Prince Qi Mansion.
Receiving the items, the already furious man was further enraged.
Over the years, he had given her so many things, yet she had barely used them and returned them all.
As if fearing he would deny it, she even included an inventory.
What does she mean by this?
Was she long prepared to break off the engagement with him and return the items at any time?
Good, very good!!!
Mo Yuanhao, steaming with anger, ordered the items to be placed in storage and in a fit of pique, instructed that everything Yun Wanyao had given him be organized and sent back as well.
Used hairpins, a used sachet, a used jade pendant, a used folding fan, a used sword tassel, and the ring he wore daily...
Seeing the box full of used items, Ting Feng and Chi Yun were speechless.
Does the Prince really intend to return things he has used?
Everything Miss Yun sent was new.
The Prince sent items, some of which Miss Yun used, like a set of hairpins and some pearls, but she supplemented with more expensive jewelry.
Unlike the Prince, who returned everything he had used while keeping what he hadn’t, how will the Yun Family view this?
Yun Wanyao sent more than just these, but others had been intentionally suppressed by Mo Yuanhao.
He couldn’t care how the Yun Family perceived him; he only knew that he was very unhappy, and since he was unhappy, others shouldn’t expect to be happy either.
Yun Wanyao wants to leave him and be with elder brother, but there is no way!!!!
Claiming she wanted to fulfill his wish to be with Su Qianxue, thus breaking off the engagement, when in fact, it’s because she knows elder brother likes her, and she wants to climb higher, right?
The more he thought, the more certain he became of the truth being this, Mo Yuanhao squinted his eyes, a trace of ruthlessness quickly flashing through them.
At noon, Yun Wanyao received the items sent from the Prince Qi Mansion.
Seeing those items that seemed to still carry Mo Yuanhao’s body warmth, she was utterly astonished.
Never had she imagined that the esteemed Prince Qi would do such a thing.
Regarding the dissolution of the engagement, she was already at fault, so he was under no obligation to return the items she had given him. Why send back used items?
The other members of the Yun Family were also very baffled.
Yun Wanqing looked for a while and began to express opinions internally.
[Tsk, could it be that the male lead is upset about being dumped, and deliberately did this to annoy my sister?]
[If that’s the case, then he is indeed quite childish.]
Everyone: "..."
Hmm, if that is indeed the case, then the dignified Prince Qi is indeed childish.
"This is quite troublesome to deal with since they are things that have accompanied Prince Qi personally; we can’t just burn them for fear he’ll use it against us later."
Lady Yun rubbed her forehead, particularly troubled. These used items seemed like hot potatoes, they couldn’t be discarded, burned, or kept.
After all, these were used by Prince Qi, and since Prince Qi and Yun Wanyao were once betrothed, if kept, it would damage Yun Wanyao’s reputation if discovered by malicious parties in the future.
"I don’t have any good solutions either."
Yun Wanyao was also distinctly troubled.
The items were sent after all, naturally, they cannot be sent back; the dissolution of the engagement had already caused him considerable bitterness towards her, and sending them back might give him an excuse to cause trouble.
She truly didn’t know what to do.