For years, he had also treated her well.
He even entrusted her with governing a region and holding military power. Was that not enough?
Now, for some unknown child, she could treat him like this, which truly chilled his heart.
However, this was no time for sentimentality; he had to find a way to resolve this matter.
His life had been a turbulent one, and even in death, he would not die in such a state.
But now, the only ones who could save him from this predicament were Zheng Xiang and the Grand Tutor.
Zheng Xiang's whereabouts were unknown, and even if known, he could not lead troops into the palace.
That left only Yi Zixie.
"Grand Tutor, Grand Tutor!"
Sima Hao pushed Jiang Yu Bao aside and rushed towards Yi Zixie. Just as he was about to kneel, Yi Zixie lightly grabbed his arm, rendering him immobile.
"Speak if you have something to say. This is not good."
Yi Zixie spoke with a smile that did not reach his eyes. He disliked being threatened.
"Grand Tutor, you heard the situation just now. Princess Zande intends to harm me. I beg you to lend me a hand, and I will be eternally grateful."
Yi Zixie chuckled, "I actually think the Grand Emperor might be overthinking things. Perhaps it's because there are too many people in the Forbidden City today, and Princess Zande is here to protect the Grand Emperor on the Emperor's orders. After all, the Grand Emperor is the Emperor's own father; how could the Emperor bear to see the Grand Emperor in danger?"
Yi Zixie's words sounded so earnest and plausible that if Shen Xiao Yan didn't know the truth, she would almost believe him.
However, Sima Hao was not a fool. When his life was at stake, he was definitely not easily fooled.
"Grand Tutor, please don't joke. If the Emperor truly sent someone to protect my safety, it would not be Princess Zande."
"If the Grand Tutor has any conditions, feel free to state them. As long as I can fulfill them, I will never refuse. I only implore you to save my life."
Yi Zixie carefully observed Sima Hao for two full moments, then finally shook his head, "I should not meddle in the grievances of your royal family."
His words made Sima Hao feel as though a mouthful of blood was stuck in his throat.
But at this moment, he could not show any displeasure.
If he dared to show the slightest dissatisfaction, he was certain that Yi Zixie would stand up and leave without the slightest hesitation.
Although Princess Zande dared to surround him, she had not made a move yet, likely waiting to ascertain Yi Zixie's stance.
As long as Yi Zixie made a move, Princess Zande would surely welcome it with a smile, without any dissatisfaction.
Sima Hao was extremely anxious but did not know what else he could say.
He understood Yi Zixie's temperament. Since he had said he would not help, unless something extraordinary happened, his mind would not change.
Sima Hao's gaze shifted from Yi Zixie to Namujin.
Although they had known each other for many years, he had had very little contact with Namujin and did not know what kind of person she was.
However, judging by her appearance, such a delicate and frail girl must have a very kind heart, right?
Thinking this, Sima Hao intended to approach Namujin and persuade her to intercede with Yi Zixie.
Before he could speak, his peripheral vision suddenly caught sight of Sima Han, who was quietly drinking tea.
This was his son.
Moreover, he was a son with a softer heart. He had not done anything truly heinous to him.
Now that he was in dire straits, surely Sima Han would not stand by and watch him die?
Thinking this, Sima Hao strode to Sima Han's side, his eyes brimming with tears, his lips trembling as he said, "A'han, can you really stand by and watch your Imperial Father die?"
Sima Han raised his eyes and looked at Sima Hao.
This face was not like this a few years ago.
It had been many years since he had looked closely at this face.
It had aged, become weathered.
But the repeated glint in his eyes told him that the person before him had not changed at all.
Indeed, with the passage of time, he had become even more selfish.
If not for today's events, when would his eyes ever see himself again?
He thought with self-deprecation, and Sima Han let go of the last bit of lingering attachment in his heart.
Why trouble himself?
Since the other party did not care, why should he care so much?
"What does the Grand Emperor want me to do?"
Hearing Sima Han's reply, Sima Hao was instantly overjoyed.
Indeed, he knew he had not misjudged this time.
No matter how others changed, Sima Han was still Sima Han.
"A'han, your elder brother is cruel and ruthless. I passed the throne to him, and his attitude towards me has become increasingly unbearable over the years, wishing I would die immediately. Now, he has finally made his move. I cannot just sit here and wait to be killed by him."
"A'han, as long as you help me through this crisis today and apprehend that scoundrel Zande, I will immediately summon Zheng Xiang. Even if I have to resort to torture and rebellion, I will make that beast Sima Zhu receive his due punishment."
"Imperial Father is old now and will spend his remaining years in peace. The empire of Great Chu will be handed over to you in the future."
After Sima Hao finished speaking, he patted Sima Han heavily on the shoulder.
The comfort in his eyes was evident to anyone.
Shen Xiao Yan watched Sima Hao's series of actions from the side, deeply impressed.
This man's pretense and act had become a part of him.
Just now, he had been terrified to the point of losing his soul, and in such a short time, he had recovered and even knew how to speak to gain more sympathy.
Sima Han sat motionless, looking at Sima Hao, listening to his every word, and felt increasingly disheartened.
This was his Imperial Father.
So be it.
The bond between them had already been severed the moment he returned to the capital.
"I can."
"A'han, you can really stand by and watch Imperial Father... What did you just say?"
Sima Hao had intended to continue appealing to his emotions but suddenly realized what Sima Han had said and froze for a moment, asking blankly.
"I said, I can save you."
Sima Hao was ecstatic, "Really? You are truly my good son."
Everyone present could see Sima Hao's genuine happiness. After all, who wouldn't be happy if they could continue to live?
"However, I have a condition."
Upon hearing this, Sima Hao waved his hand, "Whatever the condition, as long as I can fulfill it, I will never refuse."
"My condition is..."