"Are you suspecting Prince Yi?" The Emperor's gaze on her was intense. It was as if he did not want to miss a single expression from his daughter.
Princess Lingchen immediately understood her father's gaze.
Prince Yi was the only brother he cared for. When the Emperor was younger, the battle for the throne was intense. His brothers schemed against him. At that time, Prince Yi was the only one who supported him and helped him to sit on the throne.
Later on, when she was born, the Emperor decided not to have more child. He did not want Lingchen to experience what he had experienced. The endless scheming and killing between siblings. But even after the Emperor had tried to protect his daughter so well, someone had dared to poison her.
"At my position now, isn't everyone around me will be suspicious?" The Crown Princess said.
The Emperor closed his eyes and heaved a long breath. As he had sat on the top for a long time, he knew that it was natural for them to be suspicious of everyone around them. It wasn't that they did not want to trust anyone around them, but this suspicious nature was born inside them and acted as a precaution. Or else, how were they going to protect their lives?
"It's good that you are careful with everyone around you. But I hope that you will have someone you could trust by your side." The Emperor said. "Or else, even when you sat on the throne with a lot of people around you, you will find yourself lonely."
"I understand, father."
The Emperor nodded. He always felt sorry towards Princess Lingchen after she was poisoned. But, his daughter was strong-willed to inherit the throne. Right now, there was nothing else he could do but to support her and to do everything he can to ensure that once his daughter ascended the throne, nothing will block her path.
It has been years since the night they found out she was poisoned. Since the Emperor had removed every servants and guard from the princess' court, they have not found any clues to find the suspect. The other party had not made any movement. In the end, their investigation ended up in a stalemate.
"I heard from your mother that you had received the profile of the princes who will be joining us in the spring hunt," The Emperor said. "Have you looked at them?"
Princess Lingchen lifted the teacup beside her table, and then she put it back when she recalled that her tea has turned cold. Mingyue would nag her for hours if she drank something cold. She took a peek at the princes' portrait the last time Mingyue visited her palace but quickly lost interest in them once she could not figure out which of the princes is prince number five. "I haven't," she answered.
"Why not?"
"Wouldn't it be interesting to meet the princes without knowing anything about them?" Lingchen said.
The Emperor laughed at her answer. "You're right. This way you wouldn't treat the princes with bias."
"Does Imperial Father have someone in your mind?"
"Of course I have. But, whoever you choose as your husband, later on, I will give you my blessing. Of course, if the one you choose is not worthy, I will not allow you to marry him no matter what you say."
"You have to trust me, Your Majesty. I certainly will not disappoint you with my choice."
The Emperor smiled. "The city has gotten livelier since some of the merchants from other countries have stayed in Da Cheng once they heard news of the upcoming spring hunt. If your body is well, why don't you ask your cousins to accompany you for a walk in the city? Just take a few guards with you."