Rong Fei is not honored

Chapter 720 Discussing Actions, Not Intentions

Ji Nai really didn't expect that his sons had so many ulterior motives without his knowledge.

Are things like vying for the throne and choosing sides something that children under ten years old should be thinking about?

Or is it that Cheng Rui and the others are indeed worthy of being imperial sons and grandsons, worthy of being royal children raised in the inner palace?

Ji Nai suddenly felt powerless. Perhaps from the very beginning, her desire for family reunion, peace, and joy was out of step with the times.

That was just her own idea; it was wishful thinking on her part.

"Mother?" Rongxian looked at his brothers, who seemed somewhat unfamiliar to him, and felt a mix of emotions. He subconsciously looked at his mother, only to find that her face was very pale.

Although the argument between Saiyinchahun and the others was quite heated, they kept their eyes on their mother, afraid that she would be unhappy. So when Rongxian spoke, they all stopped talking and looked at their mother cautiously.

Ji Nai perked up and said, "It's alright, you all talk. Mother is just... a little melancholy."

"Melancholy?"

“There are some things that your mother has not done well enough, but she has been trying her best to create an environment where you can have a wonderful childhood. I thought that you would only see this scene when you grow up, but in the end…” Ji Nai couldn’t help but smile bitterly.

"Mother, it's our fault, sons."

"No, it's Mother's problem. Mother is too naive. In this position and in this situation, how could one not fight for one's own interests? How could one remain unaffected? Mother's thinking is too innocent."

What makes her think that the struggle for the throne should only begin when the children are all grown up and ready? And what makes her think that she can definitely refrain from interfering?

Even in ordinary families, disputes over inheritance can result in bloodshed, let alone the imperial throne. Is her child truly safe?

Or perhaps, subconsciously, Ji Nai believed that none of the other princes would be a match for Cheng Rui and his brothers, and she was certain they would be the winners. As for Cheng Rui and his four brothers, because they were their own flesh and blood, and because of her presence as their mother, they wouldn't go all out. Therefore, Ji Nai didn't need to get involved. In fact, her involvement would only make the children feel that she was being unfairly treated.

So, has that always been her thought?

Humans are the most adept at fabricating lies; they deceive not only others but also themselves. And Ji Nai is just like that.

Having been given a second chance in this life, Ji Nai only hoped to reunite with her six children and for her family to be safe. She didn't want anything else, such as ambition or love.

But is this really the case?

Ji Nai's obsession with his child is noble and great, which is why he can openly express it. However, obsessions with ambition and love are somewhat worldly and more easily criticized compared to the former.

When she couldn't guarantee her own safety, and when she couldn't be sure that she wouldn't lose everything she had regained, how could Ji Nai say, how dare she say, that she wanted her son to become a true dragon, that she wanted Kangxi's whole heart?

It is said that you can't have your cake and eat it too. The painful lessons of her past life made Ji Nai afraid to be greedy, so she could only hide her little thoughts deep inside. In the end, even Ji Nai herself was deceived.

“Mother, no matter what, in my heart, you... our family is the most important.”

Sainchahun glanced at the cunning Yinfu and cursed inwardly: "Good lad, he knows where his mother's weakness is, so he said that on purpose."

“That’s right.” Saiyinchahun instructed his three younger brothers: “Whether to help or not, and who to help, is one thing, but if anyone dares to kill his subordinates for that position, then he is a traitor to Zhongcui Palace and no longer my brother.”

Sainchahun's meaning was clear: those within the circle were his own people, but anyone who laid a hand on them would be expelled. At that point, Sainchahun would show no mercy to those who betrayed them and caused their mother grief.

Yin Hua snorted coldly. Although he didn't speak, his attitude was clear: Second Brother was indirectly implying that they would harm their own brothers. What, you think only you and Eldest Brother have a good relationship, and everyone else is a cold-blooded bastard?

"Your mother also has some words of advice for you."

The three of them said solemnly, "Mother, please speak."

"Those who are in hell naturally hope that their suffering will end as soon as possible, but if life is comfortable, who wouldn't want to enjoy it for a few more days? Everyone says 'Long live the emperor,' and even though everyone knows that this is impossible, no emperor would wish that it were true."

"What Mother means is..."

"The wolf king knew very well that once he was replaced by a new wolf king, he would not have a good end. So, when he found that his situation was deteriorating and the cubs who could replace him had grown up and become stronger, how could he not be afraid?"

Fear breeds darkness, often accompanied by bloodshed and death. To avoid conflict, don't bare your fangs at the increasingly weakened wolf king, letting him know you pose a threat.

Your father is a blessed man. He contracted smallpox when he was young and was sent out of the palace to recuperate, which was tantamount to being abandoned. But he survived. Who knows if such a person will be blessed by God?

Throughout history, many rulers have died young, but some have lived long lives. Perhaps your father was one of them? While enduring a lifetime of hardship is difficult, it can prevent many unnecessary accidents.

"Mother, don't worry, your sons have remembered."

Saiyinchahun spoke earnestly, but Ji Nai shook his head with unease. The lifetime she spoke of was not only Kangxi's lifetime, but also the majority of the future princes vying for the throne.

In his previous life, who could have imagined that Emperor Kangxi would live such a long life?

“Even if you remember it, you may not be able to do it. So, your mother makes you promise that, whether you mean it or not, you must be filial sons to your father for the rest of your lives. You must never take off this mask.”

Rongxian was the most incredulous, "Mother! You loved Father..."

Ji Nai patted Rong Xian's head and said softly, "Do you doubt that your mother's affection for your father is genuine?"

"Mother, I didn't...I...I just..."

"Rongxian, do you know this saying: Of all virtues, filial piety is the most important, judged by intention, not by deeds, for if judged by deeds, there are no filial sons in poor families; of all vices, lust is the worst, judged by deeds, not by intention, for if judged by intention, there are no perfect people in the world."

Even among the closest of people, it's normal to have estrangement, conflicts, or even falling out; no one knows what the future holds.

Therefore, your mother requires you to be filial children to your father, regardless of what happens in the future, by observing your actions rather than your intentions.

If someone truly lives a lifetime as a dutiful child, who can say they aren't genuinely filial? Why bother debating whether it's sincere or not?