Martial Cultivator

After the meal, at least on the surface, everything seemed fine. After chatting with Chen Chao for a while, the Third Prince looked somewhat embarrassed as he spoke up, "Elder Brother, I might have to leave now. I still have classes to attend today."

Chen Chao nodded with a smile, "Please, Your Highness."

The Third Prince turned to Princess Anping and said cheerfully, "Imperial Sister, you're really skilled. This is the best food I've had in years."

Princess Anping glanced at him, unimpressed by his words. She sighed softly, "Imperial Mother hasn't been gone long, and you've already forgotten her?"

Upon hearing this, a shadow crossed the Third Prince's face briefly. However, Princess Anping quickly waved her hand, "Get lost, get lost, stinking brat."

After giving a bow to Princess Anping and Chen Chao, the Third Prince turned and left.

Watching this biological brother's departing figure, Princess Anping murmured softly, "This stinking brat's temperament is still alright now, it's not annoying. I just wonder if he'll turn out like the other two stinking brats when he grows up."

Listening to her, Chen Chao replied, "It's hard to say."

Princess Anping glanced at Chen Chao and the latter smiled in return.

Princess Anping waved her hand, and the attendants nearby naturally withdrew to the sides, leaving only this pair of siblings in the courtyard.

Princess Anping walked slowly into the courtyard, looked up, and murmured softly, "This mansion has been standing for many years, but truth be told, I haven't visited many times over the years."

Chen Chao smiled and said, "Your Highness..."

Princess Anping waved her hand impatiently and interrupted, "Call elder sister, how many times do I have to say it?"

Chen Chao smiled bitterly and nodded, "Alright, Your Highness."

"Forget it, you stinking brat. You insist on being so distant, suit yourself. Whether you call me elder sister or not, this imperial highness will always be your sister."

Princess Anping looked at Chen Chao, not wanting to treat this cousin the way she dealt with the Third Prince.

"Actually, if Princess has the time, you could come here more often and breathe some fresh air."

Princess Anping shook her head, "Leaving the imperial city, whether here or there, we're still like caged birds. What difference does it make to change the place?"

"Got it. Your Highness means you're feeling weary of the Divine Capital and want to go out for a walk."

Without the Third Prince present, Chen Chao seemed much more relaxed, at least not overly tense.

Princess Anping said calmly, "This imperial highness wants to leave this city and never come back."

Chen Chao fell silent for a moment, not speaking. But after a pause, he probed again, "Will His Majesty oppose this?"

The Great Liang Emperor was not easily understood by conventional standards. While these matters might be a problem for other emperors, Chen Chao felt they might not trouble the Great Liang Emperor much.

"Imperial Father naturally won't oppose it. It's just that while Imperial Father doesn't mind, as his daughter, this imperial highness has to care about these things. Chen Chao, do you truly think it's all that great to be a part of the imperial family? At least, if this imperial highness had the choice, this imperial highness would rather never have come to the Divine Capital at all."

Princess Anping smiled at Chen Chao, "Many things, don't seem like much at first. It's only after missing out and experiencing them that one regret deeply. Of course, whether this imperial highness comes to the Divine Capital or not isn't something a mere woman like me can decide. But this imperial highness often thinks, if that elder brother of yours hadn't pressured Imperial Father, Imperial Father might truly have spent his life leisurely with Imperial Mother. Imperial Father hasn't been overly concerned with us children in this lifetime, except for Imperial Mother, whom he has always cherished. When this imperial highness was young, I felt aggrieved too. But as this imperial highness grew older, I understood that if a woman has a husband who treats her like that, it's the best thing in the world."

Chen Chao murmured softly, "Your Highness is thinking of that person?"

Princess Anping did not hide anything from this younger brother, saying softly, "On many nights, this imperial highness will toss and turn. If only this imperial highness had fewer worries and been more courageous at the beginning, if this imperial highness hadn't dwelled on those things, perhaps I would have made Imperial Father happier these years."

Chen Chao comforted gently, "Many things are hard to reconcile. Your Highness, try to come to terms with it."

Princess Anping chuckled self-deprecatingly, "This imperial highness knows I'm just consoling myself. But if feelings were easy to come to terms with, there wouldn't be so many stories."

"Forget it, it was a missed opportunity in the end."

Perhaps only she knew how many times over these years she had told herself to let it go. But after all was said and done, could letting go truly settle it all?

Some things, no matter how others tried to persuade, were only truly reconciled when one decided to let go. But if Princess Anping could truly let go, would she have been dwelling on it for so many years?

Probably not, should not, definitely not.

"Let's talk business, stinking brat. I invited you to dinner this time, bringing along the Youngest. I bet you're wondering in your heart if this imperial highness, your elder sister who helped you once before, is now trying to recruit you for the Youngest. You must feel uncomfortable about it, but find it hard to put into words."

Princess Anping grinned at Chen Chao.

Chen Chao shook his head. "Your Highness is jesting."

Princess Anping was indifferent, "Of course it was in jest. If you would feel this way, this imperial highness wouldn't have invited you. After all, we've finally become brother and sister, and if these things create distance between us, it's better not to do them. This imperial highness watched the Youngest grow up, and he spent the most time with this imperial highness, so naturally, he's the closest to me. This imperial highness watched him for so many years, so I naturally understand him the best. If he were like my other two brothers, this imperial highness wouldn't have brought him here to dine with you."

"Because this imperial highness values family ties, I helped you before, but this imperial highness won't always be around."

Princess Anping looked at Chen Chao and asked, "Do you understand what this imperial highness means?"

Chen Chao said helplessly, "I half understand."

Initially, Chen Chao did not intend to discuss these issues, but Princess Anping's next words completely changed the atmosphere to a serious one.

"The eldest is alright, but if the second becomes emperor, I reckon that it will be very difficult to guarantee your life."

Princess Anping said calmly. "He's not as magnanimous as Imperial Father. Consider yourself warned; prepare yourself.

Chen Chao had thought about these matters himself and reached a conclusion too, that was: as long as his fist was strong enough, he would be able to protect himself.

"You're a martial genius. Perhaps you'll become a peerless martial artist like Imperial Father in the future. But the Youngest doesn't have that ability. If Second becomes emperor, he might not be able to protect himself. When the time comes, since he calls you his elder brother, won't you protect him?"

With this statement, Princess Anping finally laid all her cards on the table.

Chen Chao smiled bitterly and said, "Your Highness beat around the bush so much, but in the end, you wanted to talk about this."

Princess Anping smiled, "Won't it seem a bit too sudden without any foreshadowing?"

Just as Chen Chao was about to speak, Princess Anping shook her head and said, "You don't need to tell me your answer. By saying this, this imperial highness has made my point, and you've heard it. Whatever path you choose in the future, whether it's protecting personal interest and staying out of trouble, or doing something else, this imperial highness will accept it and will still regard you as my younger brother. But as an elder sister, there are things that need to be said, and actions to be taken for the sake of my younger brother. In other words, if you don't turn out to be an extraordinary martial artist later on, this imperial highness has also made arrangements with the Youngest to help you as much as possible."

"You both are this imperial highness' younger brothers, and this imperial highness hope both of you can live well."

Princess Anping said softly, "Perhaps this is all that this imperial highness can do."

Chen Chao sighed, "Your Highness, are you thinking too far ahead? His Majesty is still alive, and you still have many years ahead of you."

Princess Anping replied calmly, "This imperial highness doesn't know how long Imperial Father will live, but this imperial highness won't be able to live for much longer."

From their first meeting, Chen Chao had noticed that Princess Anping seemed unwell, but he had not paid much attention to it then. Now that she brought it up, Princess Anping seemed to know that she did not have long left to live. <‏‏‏‏‏‏‏‏p>

Chen Chao opened his mouth.

Princess Anping spoke softly, "This imperial highness knows it's an ailment of the heart. As the Tutor Liu of the former dynasty said so well, 'The belt gradually loosens, yet no regrets remain; for him, one dissipates and grows haggard.' This imperial highness cannot escape the feelings, I've accepted this fate."

This time, Chen Chao felt genuinely heavy-hearted.

Princess Anping smiled, "Stinking brat."

Chen Chao looked up at Princess Anping and suddenly asked, "Your Highness, don't you want to see him?"

Some light appeared in Princess Anping's eyes momentarily, but quickly dimmed. She shook her head and whispered, "Since he already has a wife, what's the point of seeing him again?"

To cherish a memory is one's own affair, but if the other party did not share the sentiment, why disturb them? Perhaps after disturbing them, it would only shatter the beautiful memories in one's heart.

Chen Chao whispered, "I have some precious medicinal herbs..."

"No matter how precious your medicinal herbs are, can they be more than those in the imperial palace? Imperial Father found many rare medicinal herbs for me years ago, but my body continues to deteriorate day by day. Heartache cannot be cured, so don't trouble yourself." Princess Anping smiled, "Your concern for me shows I haven't doted on you in vain."

Chen Chao remained silent.

For some reason, he thought of the Great Liang Emperor at this time. He had recently lost the Empress, who had accompanied him throughout his life, and now, in a matter of days, he might lose his eldest daughter as well.

Even if he was the emperor, he was pitiful too.

Presumably, his hair would be turning even grayer.

"Go on, you stinking brat. If you truly have a conscience, remember to come and chat with your elder sister when you have some free time. After all, in a few days, who knows if you'll still have an elder sister around."

Princess Anping reached out and ruffled Chen Chao's hair, and this time he did not dodge.

"I held you once when you were a child, but now, this imperial highness can't carry you anymore. Time flies, and it's been so many years. Stinking rascal, let me give you one last piece of advice: if you love a woman, don't let her down. Don't think about how she might be better off with someone else. Strive to be with her, hold her hand, and walk through life together. Don't leave any regrets for yourself."

Chen Chao lowered his head, his eyes slightly red, and softly said, "Big Sis."