Chapter 1318: Side Story: Concubine Zhao (2)
He grabbed her hand and said in a low voice, "Royal Father is my father, and the Crown Prince is my elder brother. Also, I have four younger brothers. Has it occurred to you that my father would be sad when you asked me to fight for the throne? That my elder brother would be hurt, and that my younger brothers would be led astray with me setting such an example?"
Concubine Zhao pushed him away and asked sternly, "What do they have to do with me? I’m your mother. You were born by me, so you should listen to me. Otherwise, what’s the point of me giving birth to you?"
Qi Wensu laughed bitterly and stood up. "You’re right. They’re just strangers who aren’t related to you by blood. You’re just Royal Father’s concubine, and my brothers are completely unrelated to you. But it’s different for me. Royal Father is my father, and my big brother and younger brothers are related to me by blood. Because of this, you and I have a fundamentally different stance. Why should I force you to think from my standpoint?"
Concubine Zhao’s expression changed. She looked at her son with heartache. "Are you looking down on me for being a concubine?"
"No." Qi Wensu looked at her in amusement. "I’m your child. How can I possibly look down on you?"
At this moment, Qi Wensu already knew that his Mother Consort did not at all share the same worldview. As such, it’s useless to continue discussing this. Hence, he said with a smile, "Mother Consort, since Royal Father has already issued a decree, just abide by it. Don’t worry, I’ll visit you often. If you lack anything in the palace, just let me know. I’ll get someone to bring it to you."
He was gentle and kind. If it weren’t for the fact that the corners of his eyes were still red, one wouldn’t have been able to tell that he was the one who had questioned her angrily just now.
Instinctively sensing that her son was getting further and further away from her, Concubine Zhao grabbed his hand as if she was clutching onto her last life-saving straw and asked in panic, "Are you going to leave me alone in the palace? I’m your biological mother. You can’t leave me to fend for myself."