Yuwen Tuo listened to Emperor Xiexin's words, his heart seemingly struck by something.
Indeed, this old man, seemingly siding with Star Luo, actually has ulterior motives. Could it be...?
Yuwen Tuo had also learned some politics from his master back then. He somewhat grasped Emperor Xiexin's thoughts. So, next, it was time to cooperate with him.
Yuwen Tuo, from this moment on, was to transform into Yuwen the Green Tea!
He was going to use PUA tactics.
Yuwen Tuo spoke, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. You truly expressed my current thoughts profoundly. In fact, for me, after learning of my background, compared to the Emperor of the Sun and Moon Empire, the person from Star Luo makes me feel more sympathy.
That day, when I had Princess Jiujiu relay such heartless words to her, I truly felt some regret, because at that time, I only thought she abandoned me, but never considered her reasons for abandoning me. It turns out she also had her hardships."
Xu Jiujiu's eyes lit up. That's right, they also had their advantages.
It was Star Luo who abandoned Yuwen Tuo, true, but what was the reason for abandoning him?
It was because the Emperor of the Sun and Moon Empire brought unimaginable humiliation to his mother, Xu Yueran. Although Xu Yueran abandoned her son, it was understandable. The Sun and Moon Emperor was the root of all this suffering.
"Little Tuo, you are truly a good child," Xu Jiujiu exclaimed.
"However, that Emperor of the Sun and Moon, at least one thing he proved is that, while you, Star Luo, ignored me, he truly spared no effort to find me. He came to the Heavenly Soul Empire before you, and even offered such generous conditions to bring me back. That is the best proof." Yuwen Tuo's tone shifted.
"Imperial Prince Tuo truly understands the greater good. Your subject admires you." These words greatly pleased Jing Hongchen again. That's right. No matter how much their Majesty wronged Xu Yueran, he absolutely did not wrong Yuwen Tuo. For thirteen years, he never gave up searching for him.
"So what do you want me to do? One side is pitiful yet hateful, the other is hateful yet sincere. Now I can only choose one of two. When you were contending, did you consider my feelings?" Yuwen Tuo asked furiously.
At this moment, he was precisely like a pitiful child in his previous life, whose parents were divorcing, asking him which side he would choose.
Yuwen Tuo muttered to himself, "Master, you taught me everything, but you never taught me how to act. Fortunately, Master's wife's situation is itself a kind of 'green tea' behavior. Learning from her shouldn't be a problem, right? I think I'm acting quite well, aren't I?"
Yuwen Tuo secretly glanced at Xiao Xiao, and saw that she was already teary-eyed, crying with snot and tears. This was because of Yuwen Tuo's tragic background and his current indignant outburst, which made her feel heartbroken.
Alright, judging by this little loli's crying expression, he must have acted well enough. Anyway, she's definitely been "PUA'd."
Xu Jiujiu and Jing Hongchen were speechless for a moment. Yes, they had been contending for so long, but had they considered Yuwen Tuo's own feelings? He was caught between his father and mother, and could only choose one of the two. How painful must that be?
"Your Royal Highness, your humble subject was inconsiderate. How about this: you may take a few days to reconsider. Your humble subject will not pressure you." Jing Hongchen immediately said.
"Thank you, Hall Master Hongchen," Yuwen Tuo said gratefully.
"Damn it!" Xu Jiujiu secretly cursed. Jing Hongchen is indeed an old fox. His words seemed like a step back, but this step back was actually a huge step forward. The person who said this first would definitely gain a lot of favor with Yuwen Tuo.
That remark, she actually wanted to say it too. Now, even though it's already late, she still has to say it. Better late than never.
"Little Tuo, your Auntie won't pressure you either. You think about it carefully. Your Auntie will also prove to you that Star Luo will make amends to you, and our love for you will not lose to the Sun and Moon Empire."
Yuwen Tuo nodded, then looked at Emperor Xiexin and said, "Your Majesty, my heart is troubled today. Please allow me to return early to rest."
Emperor Xiexin looked at Yuwen Tuo suspiciously. Is this guy genuinely emotional, or is he acting, having grasped my intentions?
He felt it was the latter, after all, he had heard about his personality from his daughter Vina before. He seemed to care nothing about who his parents were.
If it was the latter, then this child was truly intelligent, and very good at acting!
Emperor Xiexin immediately said, "I grant it. You are Vina's friend. It's rare for you to visit the Imperial Palace, so I cannot neglect you. Rest here tonight in the Imperial Palace."
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Yuwen Tuo said, taking Xiao Xiao's hand, and left the hall with a heavy expression.
Emperor Xiexin gave Vina a look, and Vina understood. She also retreated and followed Yuwen Tuo.
Not long after they walked out of the main hall, Yuwen Tuo's solemn expression suddenly changed. He chuckled and turned to look at Vina, who had followed them. "Senior Sister, you really followed. Let me ask you a question. Did your Imperial Father accept the Rank 9 Soul Tools from the Sun and Moon Empire after we notified Star Luo, or before?"
"It was after. After you suggested bringing in a third party and I reported to Imperial Father, he immediately accepted the Sun and Moon Empire's gift," Vina replied truthfully.
"Haha, so that's how it is. He really is an old fox, and a ruthless one at that. He's probably planning a very ruthless game of chess," Yuwen Tuo said.
Xiao Xiao looked at her beloved in confusion. Yuwen Tuo's mood was clearly heavy just now, so why did it suddenly change back?
Did he change too quickly, or was he acting just now?
"Little Tuo, are you sure you want to cooperate with His Majesty in this game of chess? Do you know how bloody this game will be?" Miaoxin was serious for the first time.
She didn't guess Emperor Xiexin's purpose like Yuwen Tuo did. Instead, she directly used mind-reading to read Emperor Xiexin's mind just now.
Only then did she realize how cruel Emperor Xiexin's plan was.
"I know, but I must participate in this plan, because it will be very helpful to me. I will not give up this great opportunity!" Yuwen Tuo clenched his fist, his eyes filled with killing intent.
Yun Yi sighed helplessly. She also vaguely guessed something. Vina, on the other hand, was completely unaware. She was very smart, but she wasn't as mature as her master and Yuwen Tuo, nor did she have Miaoxin's mind-reading ability.
"Junior Brother, what exactly do you mean? What plan do you and Imperial Father have?" Vina asked.
Yuwen Tuo looked at her with a complicated expression. "Senior Sister, this matter doesn't concern you. You don't need to get involved. You just need to know that everything your Imperial Father does is for your sake and for the good of this country. I hope that in the future, you can understand him."
Some things could not be told to Vina now; otherwise, she would not be able to bear it.
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