The Emperor sent men to bring the Fifth Prince to Yuqing Mountain.
However, what awaited them was the devastating news of the Fifth Prince's death.
The Emperor, as if struck by lightning, froze in place, unable to believe it was true.
Even though Consort Liu and Liu Ze had made mistakes, Li Yan was still the Emperor's own son. The Emperor had watched him grow up; it was impossible for him to feel nothing for the boy.
The Emperor had originally planned to grant Li Yan a princely title and a prosperous fiefdom in the future. He would have sent him far from Shangjing to live out his days as a carefree prince, safe and sound.
But he never expected that Li Yan would just be gone.
'He was only fifteen this year!'
'His life had only just begun.'
'How could he just...'
'How could he be gone?!'
The Emperor felt a sharp, wrenching pain in his chest.
He clutched his lapels tightly, bending over in agony. His breathing became labored, his face pale.
