Chapter 177: By Hook or By Crook
What the Emperor needed to be worried more about would be the Southern Duchy. He knew they were eyeing his throne but he was sure of his capabilities to thwart their attempts.
Their ambitions were no secret. He knew they were watching him, waiting for the right moment to act. They regarded themselves as the lifeline of the Empire because of their industry and businesses...
Hah... Overconfident. They really overestimated themselves, hadn’t they?
Yet, he was confident in his ability to outmanoeuvre them. His network of spies and loyalists ensured he remained several steps ahead, even against foes as cunning as the Southern Duke.
Especially with his most trusted advisor by his side. He knew that the Marquess valued the stability of the Empire more than anyone. Perhaps this was why he strengthened the military so much.
He had three beloved children and he hoped they would live and grow in a wonderful empire, and not one filled with hatred, schemes and power struggles.
He was amused by this friend of his time and again. What is it that made him this way? The Emperor did not understand the value of a family, maybe because he never experienced it. It could make a man so desperate? Hmm.
He was not like this before, was he? No, he was always like this, he just started to show it better. He started to be more open with his feelings. What brought out this change? It had to be that young daughter of his.
He rubbed his forehead. His ambitions were slowly dying down, he was not as young as he used to be. He used to live for this empire, he destroyed his siblings for this land... And yet, he was not satisfied.