***Imperial Palace***
King Lin along with his eldest brother, King Lin Jingze, was sitting in a luxurious room. Both of them were focused on the "GO" game's board. However, today King Lin's luck was really bad as he was constantly losing all the rounds.
"Ha-ha-ha... See little brother? I win again. Didn't you always boost around me that playing 'Chess' and 'GO' can broaden the tactical understanding of wars? Today I'll show you how to play, harrumph!" Mocked King Jingze.
"Humm...", King Lin silently nodded his head admitting his loss. If it was any other time, he'd still try to refute with his elder brother about his past triumphs. However, today he didn't have the mood to do so.
Sensing his brother unusual absentmindedness, King Jiagze silently dismissed the room servants. He then deeply looked at his younger brother and asked in a low voice.
"What happen Lin-er? It's such a joyous day, but your mood seems rather off! Tell me what happened so that this royal brother can help you."
"Nothing special...." King Lin answered curtly.
"Really! But your face is telling me something else... Hey, don't tell me that you are still upset on father that he didn't punish that young general?"
King Jingze asked. After getting no response, he thought that his guesses were correct, his brother was upset with his emperor father. So he declaimed.
"Lin-er, you have to understand the war is still ongoing with the Qiu Empire. I have to admit that whatever the general did was unforgivable. But the enemy Qiu Empire is really strong. It's impossible to win without the strengths of our generals. Moreover, the Bai family is influential."
"Tsk tsk... That sly friend of yours is turned out to be a wolf in sheep's cloth! He has such a genius son. He even made so many connections with the other royal families through his daughters' marriage alliances."
"But speaking of the Qiu Empire... they are so persistent! It's almost been three decades and they are still not retreating. By the way, did you hear there is a possibility of changing their heir? I heard that recently there is a cold war going on between the different Qiu family fractions. Ah!!! This is the best opportunity to turn on the tables. We can use some distractions to remove them from the border."
"Humm.. you are the right. Actually, I am not upset or anything. So don't worry." King Lin's tensed expression slowly broked into a small smile.
"It's you who are worrying. Listen, Liena is also my daughter. So we'll protect her no matter what. Rest assured, from now on better days will come. I'll personally punish that arrogant lad, dare to lay hands on royal family! But you know what, I'm so happy that she has finally recovered. She even talked to me yesterday. Ahhh... It must feel good to be a father." King Jingze said excitedly. There was a dotingly smile on his lips. However, suddenly it turned into a sour expression.
King Lin didn't proceed with the discussion further because he knew whatever his elder brother's genuine love and concerned for his children. After taking more than ten wives and thirty concubines, they realized, King Jingze was infertile. He was so unfortunate that forget about producing an heir, he couldn't even impregnate anyone.
So, even though King Jingze was the firstborn, initially was the crown prince and based on traditions, he was meant to be the future heir, but, his emperor father broke the so-called traditions when He passed the succession to his younger brother, King Lin. King Lin became the successor of the future Emperor after his son Prince Bengt was born.
King Jingze suddenly felt uncomfortable for showing his weakness in front of his younger brother. So to break the sudden awkwardness, he hurriedly bid his farewell.
"Brother, I'll take my leave now. Hopefully, your mood will get better."
King Lin nodded approvingly. He was also looking for this excuse to avoid talking about sensitive issues since his brain was already filled with the important stuff. After King Jingze left, the head eunuch entered his room and kneeled.
"Your Highness, the head of Eagle guard, Ruo Xie, is waiting to meet you."
King Lin's warm smile suddenly turned cold. But he still accepted the request. A moment later Ruo Xie entered his room and started to kowtow.
"Forgive this lowlife, Your Highness."
"You may rise." King Lin ordered indifferently. "Tell me now what did you find out."
Ruo Xie's entire body turned stiff as he became nervous. He never expected that His Majesty would be so direct. Though it was logical, besides King Lin already forgave everyone's punishments after they constructively begged for two days. Moreover, King Lin also ordered him to personally investigate everything. So without dilly-dallying, he uttered,
"Thanking your Highness. Yes, this servant is here for discussing something else."
"What is it?" asked King Lin sternly.
"I-It's about the bullying incident. This servant just investigated and found out t-that, general Bai Qiang didn't bully Her Highness." Ruo Xie almost muttered, he felt his whole energy drained.
"Did you mean the princess lied?"
This time Ruo Xie was on the verge of crying. So he stuttered without even adding honorifics.
"Y-Yes."
King Lin's entire demeanor changed after hearing the full incident from the trembling bodyguard Ruo Xie. He felt his blood was flowing in the opposite direction. It was not because he was angry but, because he was disappointed and upset.
His child not only lied to him on such a serious issue but also defended the criminal! And worst of all she defamed an innocent person. Her actions were insane!
To tell the truth, he felt very weird with his daughter's sudden change of attitude. So he became doubtful and asked to investigate secretly, even though he went with the pursuits of punishing Bai Qiang.
"This king understands. You may leave now." King Lin said. But before Ruo Xie could step out from his chamber, he roared,
"Wait a moment."
"W-What is it your Highness." asked the confused Ruo Xie.
"Summon general Bai Qiang. And keep your mouth shut. Never let any living soul know what we discussed today. Otherwise...you know..." King Lin threatened.
Ruo Xie shivered, he was so scared that he cried out, "T-This servant dare not." And left the chamber almost running after King Lin gestured.
King Lin breathed out frustratingly. He tiredly laid on his chair and murmured while looking at the ceiling.
"Why, my child? Why!"
[Note: Unedited chapter.]