Rong Fei is not honored

Chapter 719 Representing the Eldest Brother

"Mother, do you not believe in my abilities? I chose this path of my own volition, and I will not let myself regret it." Saiyinchahun rested his head on his mother's lap, letting those soft hands stroke his head gently.

In fact, Sainchahun knew long ago that he was different.

Aside from their unique names, which of the older princes and princesses didn't grow up by their own mothers' side? The only difference was that she, living in Shou Kang Palace, was different from Yinti, who was raised outside the palace.

The reason why Sainchahun was able to get along with Yinti was initially because of their similar circumstances.

Even though his maternal grandmother treated him very well, and even though his mother and elder brother visited him every day, it was still different. Therefore, Sainchahun had begun to ponder this question long ago: why?

Why does my mother love me so much, and why does my older brother protect his younger brother, but I didn't grow up in Zhongcui Palace?

Later, Sainchahun noticed something amiss in his elder brother's attitude towards his maternal grandmother. His elder brother was always gentle, but there was a subtle distance between him and his maternal grandmother.

Rather than the rumors of her "selling her son for personal gain," Sainchahun believed that his mother was forced into it, even though he was not entirely willing to believe the truth.

Sometimes, Saiyinchahun would think that if the Empress Dowager were willing to wait a few more years, after all, at that time, raising Yinti, who was in a dangerous situation, would be more likely to win the hearts of Consort Hui and her son.

That way, he wouldn't become a liability in the eyes of the Cining Palace, someone they neither wanted to give up nor wholeheartedly support. Nor would they resent his mother's existence and try to harm her during childbirth.

Unfortunately, nothing in this world can change that he was indeed the one raised by his maternal grandmother.

"What should I do, Mother?" Ji Nai was truly worried; she didn't want to see her children fight each other.

Saincha, feeling pampered by his mother, thought contentedly, "Since we've already talked so deeply today, why not just get straight to the point?"

"Today, I'll just say what's on my mind. If it were my elder brother, I would of course be willing to help him, but... my elder brother and I have no chance."

As for the three of you, I can only say that since we are brothers, I won't just stand by and watch you get into trouble, but I will only lend a hand if your lives are in danger.

Don't think I'm being cold-hearted. The struggle for the throne is fraught with danger, and we can't afford to sacrifice all of Mother's children. So, my elder brother and I are unwilling to get involved in those matters.

Yinhua and Yinfu both looked at their second brother, their expressions becoming serious.

Yin Hua said, "Could it be that Second Brother intends to watch another brother ascend to that position? At that time, I'm afraid the entire Zhongcui Palace will have a hard time."

Yinfu asked, "Did you and your eldest brother discuss this with your second brother before he said it? Is he willing to let you represent him fully?"

Yin Zhi: "..." What is that saying? I don't understand. Oh well, I'll just write it down for now. He's also a member of Zhongcui Palace; even if he doesn't understand, he can't be excluded.

Sainchahun first gave Yinhua a cold look. He knew that this younger brother was restless. What bad habit of encroaching on territory? Isn't it just a desire for control and possession?

Then, with a half-smile, he said to Yinfu, "Why can't I represent my elder brother?"

“We all know our elder brother’s temperament; he can’t possibly stand idly by,” Yin Fu said slowly and deliberately.

"You dare! If you dare to drag him into this just because your elder brother is soft-hearted..."

“If I don’t take the initiative, will my eldest brother not take it? With his personality, even if you force him to stand by and do nothing, he won’t be able to truly let go; he’ll just drive himself to his death.” Yin Fu looked at his second brother disapprovingly and said, word by word, “You think that’s for his own good?”

Rong Xian's voice trembled as he said, "What are you saying? Don't..."

"Rongxian, let them continue." Ji Nai's face was very ugly. He was trying hard to suppress his anger and panic. He said, "It's better to talk it out in front of me than to have ulterior motives and create rifts between us."

The three of them initially didn't want to continue, but after hearing their mother's words, they felt she was right. Besides, since they had already started, stopping abruptly would only worry their mother.

But ultimately, out of consideration for his mother and Rongxian, he softened his tone and his expression became less agitated.

Yinhua spoke first: "With Mother here, no matter how bad things are between us brothers, we won't kill each other, but others might not be so."

Saiyinchahun sneered, "You're saying all this just to get us all to help you."

Yin Hua retorted angrily, "It's true that I had that thought, but am I wrong? Putting aside everything else, just look at the one who now holds the legitimate title. Have you forgotten how my elder brother hurt her? Why should her son be allowed to take that position!"

"You don't need to tell me!" As a brother-obsessed man, how could Sainchahun not remember? That's why he couldn't stand seeing his elder brother being so good to Yinreng.

The claim that it was Empress Heseri who caused the harm, and that it had nothing to do with her son, is utter nonsense! Didn't Yinreng enjoy any benefits brought by Empress Heseri? Then why was he made crown prince when he was still a baby?

Isn't it just because he is the Empress's son, the legitimate son, that he is more legitimate than his poor older brother—the sickly eldest son?

“Anyone other than my brothers who sits in that position will have to rely on others for a living unless they don’t have a mother.”

I know your plans, but have you considered this: throughout history, there have been countless power struggles between the Empress Dowager and the Empress Dowager's legal mother. Regardless of the outcome, the process is always fraught with danger. Are you willing to let your mother take such a risk?

Yinfu then added, "Moreover, brothers from the same mother are naturally closer. If you say you don't want to get involved, do you think others will believe you?"

The struggle for the throne has always been a life-or-death struggle. Even if none of us five brothers had this intention, some people would still resort to any means to gain the support of Zhongcui Palace.

"If any princes from Zhongcui Palace are involved, everyone else, including Mother and my sister, will become their targets. Second brother, I don't believe you haven't considered this."

The group looked at Saiyinchahun and saw him smiling as he said, "There's no way around it. Just as Mother said, although this is my own choice, I'm still a little unwilling."

Yinhua, Yinfu, and Yinzhi, remember, blood ties are not a reason for you to take things for granted, so you have to fight for what you want.

For example, if you want my support, you'll have to convince me to willingly submit. If not, don't blame me for standing idly by.

Then, Saiyinchahun added, "Of course, the same goes for my elder brother."

As Ji Nai listened, his face grew increasingly dark.