Chapter 2060: The Mind of the Superior

He didn't know how long he had kept these words bottled up, but today, he finally got them off his chest.

Did he feel guilty about his eldest son? Yes, he did.

But if he could turn back time, he would still do the same thing! Fate had left him no other choice.

Hearing this, He Yue's face flushed crimson, and his fists clenched involuntarily.

Madam Ying sensed the simmering anger between father and son and quickly intervened to smooth things over: "Alright, alright, isn't the most important thing right now that Chuan'er is still alive? This is wonderful news. Why are you sulking with your father, Yue'er? Your brother is alive, shouldn't you be overjoyed?"

He Yue took two deep breaths, knowing that he couldn't remain at odds with He Chunhua any longer. After all, he was now "His Majesty," the dignified monarch of a nation.

The two men glared at each other like bulls, both suppressing their anger.

"Mother is right," He Yue said, using the opportunity to de-escalate the tension. "What arrangements does His Majesty have regarding this?"

In other words, 'You old man, you spread rumors that my brother was dead for years, so why are you suddenly revealing the truth now?' From his understanding of his father, His Majesty would have kept this secret until his death unless absolutely forced to reveal it.

"The State of Shen is going to establish diplomatic relations with Shanjin. Many of Shanjin's specialty products are needed by Shen, and Shen's specialties can also be transported eastward, benefiting both sides. Conveniently, the Cape of Baihe collapsed during a volcanic eruption, shortening the voyage from Baisha Bay to Shanjin by over half a month," He Chunhua said slowly. "The State of Shen is also on the rise and cannot miss the opportunity to profit from maritime trade."

The mother and son exchanged a glance, both secretly thinking to themselves.

King Shen saw that He Lingchuan would likely annex Shanjin and become dominant, which is why he was rushing to establish diplomatic ties with him. This is what's called 'relatives appear when you're rich in the mountains, and people only come for profit.'

He Yue couldn't help but ask, "Will Big Brother be willing? After all, he chose to leave back then. Won't he resent Father after learning the truth? Will he be willing to reconcile with him?"

"This request for diplomatic relations was initiated by your brother himself."

Under their astonished gazes, He Chunhua snorted, "This is called 'public good over private concerns.' How can a little personal grudge from the past compare to matters of state? Yue'er, you are still far from grasping this kind of statesmanship!"

"Just talk about Chuan'er; why do you have to put Yue'er down?" Queen Ying instinctively defended her son, then added anxiously, "But can Chuan'er truly let it go? Could it be that..."

He Lingchuan, as he was now, had become so unfamiliar that she felt a little afraid.

He Chunhua gave a faint smile. "Could it be what? Shanjin Plain is truly ten thousand miles away from the State of Shen. This distance is as safe as can be. Even if He Lingchuan harbored ill intentions, could he harm Shen in any way?"

"Since you sit in this position, you must have the broad mind of a superior, seeking peace, stability, and development! Let bygones be bygones. For the long-term benefit of the nation, what personal grievances cannot be set aside?" He Chunhua patted his younger son's shoulder, partly educating him, partly making amends. "I have also agreed to his request. Once winter is over, I will dispatch an envoy."

The winter sea winds were fierce, and the direction was unfavorable, making long-distance sailing unsuitable.

He Yue's heart warmed, and he immediately said, "I'll go."

Queen Ying was startled. "Yue'er! The journey is long and dangerous; how can you put yourself at risk?" She and He Chunhua had only this one son, and they could not afford any mishaps along the way.

He Yue understood her concern and immediately reassured her, "The spring sea winds are gentle, and as long as we hug the coast, the journey's risk isn't great. Besides, you have two grandsons in your hands, so there's nothing to fear."

"Can you speak properly?" Queen Ying glared at him angrily. "What do you mean 'in your hands'? Are the children hostages with me?"

"I will send another envoy," He Chunhua also told his son. "You are the sole prince of Shen; no mishaps can be allowed."

"Precisely because I am the prince, my personal visit to Yangshan or Shanjin will better demonstrate Shen's sincerity for establishing diplomatic relations!" He Yue immediately retorted. "This is a matter of doing it properly or not at all. Isn't that what His Majesty thinks too?"

He Chunhua let out a long sigh and rubbed his temples.

Queen Ying disagreed. "The journey is long and distant, and traveling by sea is too dangerous. In fact, if you think about it, Chuan'er was vastly different when he returned last time. He's been away from home for so long and committed extensive killings on the Shanjin Plain; I don't know if his nature has changed."

She advised, "Let's send an envoy to establish relations first. The first time is new, the second time is familiar. Then it won't be too late for Yue'er to go!"

"Big Brother proactively sought diplomatic ties with Shen; this is a rare opportunity. He will also be observing how we respond, to see if we have sincerity." He Yue looked intently at his father, saluted solemnly, "Your Majesty, I volunteer to go as the envoy!"

He Chunhua rubbed his face, hesitated for a long time, then finally said, "Blood is thicker than water. Your brotherhood has always been strong. Alright, you may go."

He Yue was overjoyed. Queen Ying let out a heavy snort, knowing her objection was futile.

After the meal, He Chunhua drew his son into the study for a private discussion.

He cautioned him beforehand: "On your journey, you will first pass through many regions, including Beijia and the State of Mou. Before reaching Yangshan, do not express any closeness towards Yangshan, the Great Emperor Jiuyou, or the Dragon God Army in your words. It's best to conceal your identity as well, and pretend to be part of a merchant caravan."

He Yue asked in surprise, "Why is that?"

Did he have to go on this diplomatic mission secretly?

With no outsiders in the study, He Chunhua lowered his voice: "Do you still recall the chaos in Lingxu City that shook Beijia five or six years ago?"

He Yue nodded. "Yes, I heard that the Celestial Palace was invaded, and Lingxu City was trampled by monsters, which even attacked the core areas."

When the news first arrived, everyone who heard it was shocked; He Yue even thought it was false intelligence for a time.

That was Lingxu City, the heartland of Beijia, the very center of the world's strongest nation!

Who would dare, who *could* run wild there?

Afterward, this unbelievable tale was proven true, and He Yue heard the name "Spiritual Mountain" for the first time.

"I heard that Spiritual Mountain came forward and claimed responsibility for it."

He Chunhua couldn't help but rub his temples again. "Actually, it was your Big Brother who did it."

He Yue lost his composure again, his voice rising three octaves. "What did you say?!"

"The Heavenly Gods recently verified this matter, and your brother also admitted it himself," He Chunhua said, troubled. "It was indeed him."

He Yue's mind was a chaotic mess, his gaze somewhat blank.

He Chunhua looked at his expression, recalling that he had reacted much the same way when he first heard about it from Naluotian.

That brat, He Lingchuan, was utterly audacious!

"He, he..." He Yue stammered incoherently, "Why did he burn the Celestial Palace?!" Not just a normal person, but even a madman wouldn't conceive of such a thing. What exactly had Big Brother experienced in the years since he left the State of Yuan? The most terrifying thing was that he actually pulled it off!