Chapter 1557: Cold Heart

Editor: Henyee Translations

The Emperor was aware of Shao Yunduan’s assassination attempt, intending to inquire about it when they met. Shao Yunduan could choose to inform the Fourth Prince, allowing dissatisfaction to take root even if no immediate action was taken.

Shao Yunduan felt a heavy weight in his heart.

This was the benevolent Crown Prince he served!

The Fourth Prince was increasingly favoring him. In a bid to swiftly resolve the matter, he was even willing to feign self-inflicted harm!

Shao Yunduan, however, dismissed the notion that the Fourth Prince’s saving of his grandson was mere coincidence. In his eyes, it was a calculated scheme.

Yet, the Crown Prince believed otherwise.

Furthermore, such accusations could not be made without evidence.

Shao Yunduan, preoccupied with shock, couldn’t fathom the Crown Prince’s stance. Despite diligently planning for the Crown Prince’s benefit, putting his wife in jeopardy to navigate political intrigue and offend rival princes, he found himself utterly blindsided.

Had his wife been even slightly vulnerable, she would have been torn apart long ago. Yet, she never blamed him. They, as a couple, never held the Crown Prince accountable.

However, after narrowly escaping death, the Crown Prince’s request stunned Shao Yunduan. He was asked to do nothing, to forgo revenge against the Fourth Prince, and to pretend the incident never occurred.

Such a compassionate and considerate brother!

But what did the Crown Prince truly take him for? What had all his devoted efforts amounted to?

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Shao Yunduan had once thought that the Prince’s kindness, while perhaps excessive, was preferable to cruelty. However, the current realization struck him: kindness could be as heart-wrenching as cruelty.

Disheartened, he contemplated the idea of retreating…

A lord like this was not worth the sacrifice. It truly wasn’t worth it.

The Crown Prince sensed the weight of his request and felt uneasy. Internal discomfort led him to grumble silently. After all, Fourth Brother had saved his grandson’s life. Persisting in pressuring him would only lead to disappointment. If he relented, Ms. Qiao would remain unscathed, her reputation intact.

Why couldn’t Officer Shao simply let it go?

He professed loyalty to her. Couldn’t he endure this minor grievance for her sake?

Shao Yunduan maintained silence, deepening the Crown Prince’s grievances. A sense of helplessness and mild panic crept in.

Struggling to find a solution, the Crown Prince suggested, “How about this? I’ll grant you Sun Bai and Sun Qian as a reward. From now on, they will have no ties to me and will solely follow your orders. Their martial skills are commendable, and they are trustworthy. With their protection, I can rest assured!”

Stepping back, Shao Yunduan bowed to the Crown Prince. “Thank you, Crown Prince!”

The term ‘thank you’ carried a layer of sarcasm.

The Crown Prince felt a sense of relief as the awkwardness dissipated. He raised his hand, chuckled, and dismissed formalities. “No need for ceremony! Officer Shao, there’s no need to be overly polite with me. I’ve always regarded Officer Shao as one of us!”

He patted Shao Yunduan’s shoulders, offering reassurance, and then instructed someone to summon Sun Bai and Sun Qian.