无翼乌工口里番无色无摭挡

His current appearance seemed almost like a senior citizen.

His once upright posture now stooped over.

Truth be told, Li Hongyuan’s feelings for his Emperor Father were even deeper than those for Concubine Jin.

As the Emperor deeply loved Concubine Jin, it was natural for him to regard the son she bore as a precious treasure.

Seeing his father’s current state, Li Hongyuan couldn’t help but feel troubled as well.

He stepped forward and spoke softly, “Emperor Father.”

The Emperor recovered his senses and glanced at him, “Ah, it’s the Crown Prince. You should also accompany your concubine mother. Although she comes off as cold, she is actually someone who fears loneliness deep down.”

His voice was hoarse.

Due to his days of not eating and drinking properly, the Emperor’s mental state had deteriorated.

Li Hongyuan said, “Perhaps concubine mother just enjoys tranquility.”

“That’s because you don’t know her well enough.”

Emperor then lowered his head to look at the small portrait. The woman in the painting was in the prime of her life, with lively eyes and full cheeks. She possessed both the loveliness of a girl and the innocent charm of extreme youth, while also carrying the hint of unparalleled beauty.

Li Hongyuan looked at the painting and felt that it resembled his mother, but it was also different.

Upon further reflection, he realized the truth.

This painting was not of his mother, but of Madam Jiang’s Lin Zizi.

Although it was said that the reason why Concubine Jin was favored by the Emperor was because she resembled Lin Zizi, Li Hongyuan, who was the closest to them, could easily identify the differences between them.

Lin Zizi was incredibly beautiful, whereas Concubine Jin was inferior to her. Moreover, she did not have the innocent and naive charm that Madam Jiang possessed in her youth.

Even as her son, Li Hongyuan had to admit that in terms of appearance, demeanor, and even personality, Concubine Jin was inferior to the young Lin Zizi.

Lin Zizi was truly an unparalleled beauty in her generation.

However.

Even if the Emperor loved Lin Zizi very much, he shouldn’t be holding her portrait to mourn another woman, right?

Li Hongyuan frowned.

But the Emperor said, “Do you see anything special about this painting?”

“This is not my mother.” Li Hongyuan coldly replied.

“Indeed, it is not her, but she is also in it.” The Emperor seemed to fall into his memories, “This is a painting of Lin Zizi that I ordered the painter to draw based on your mother’s appearance when she first entered the Harem and received my favor.”

Li Hongyuan was stunned.

“I was too infatuated with Lin Zizi when I was young.” the Emperor sighed, “You’re still young and cannot understand that the first love of one’s youth is something that is hard to forget for a lifetime. But it is just that, nothing more.”

“Your son does not understand.”

“It’s true that I like Lin Zizi, but my love for your mother…Is genuine love.” The Emperor shed tears, “It’s just a pity that no one believes it, not even your mother. Over the years, she has been cold and indifferent to me, unloving both heaven and earth, and treating you poorly. I don’t mind, I am willing to spoil her.”

Li Hongyuan thought to himself, she treats me poorly because of your fickleness, Father.

He then advised, “Emperor Father, the spirit of concubine mother in heaven knows your heart. You mustn’t be too sad, and take care of your body. The imperial harem and the people of the world are depending on you”

“Did the Empress send you?” The Emperor’s voice grew fainter.

Li Hongyuan did not deny it.

Emperor sneered, “Naturally, she is happy that Concubine Jin is dead.”

Li Hongyuan stood up, “Emperor Father, do you not wish to be the Emperor any longer?”

“What?” The Emperor looked at him in astonishment.

No one had ever dared to talk to him this way before.

Li Hongyuan continued, “If you no longer wish to be the Emperor, you can become the Retired Emperor. At that time, even if you stay here for ten years, nobody would dare to say anything. I have managed the country quite smoothly as Regent these past few days..”