Liu Erlong spoke at length, then looked at Subei expectantly with wide eyes. "Xiao Bei, do you know what mother means?"
Subei shook his head, puzzled. Why was Liu Erlong so nervous about an imperial decree ceremony?
Liu Erlong sighed deeply. "Well… actually, mother wants to ask—how do you feel about Xue Qinghe?"
If that was the question, Subei wouldn't feel sleepy any longer.
"Xue Qinghe, the great prince of the Tiandou Empire and now the official prince, the future emperor. He is decisive and firm and has been very kind to me—he gave me the imperial permit. I like him very much."
Subei spoke honestly, though what he truly liked was not Xue Qinghe, but Qian Renxue behind the guise.
Hearing this, Liu Erlong's expression grew complicated as he gently removed Subei's mask and kissed his cheek. "Xiao Bei, if Xue Qinghe kissed you like your mother does, would you feel uncomfortable?"
Isn't that a blessing, a free reward?
Subei instantly shook his head. "Of course not!"
Liu Erlong's heart tightened, sweat breaking out on his face. Xiao Bei was still young and oblivious to gender boundaries and social taboos.
As a mother, he must guide him right—to instill correct values and save him from future dangers.
Thinking of such a beautiful child sharing a bed with other men, Liu Erlong shuddered—infinitely more unsettling than imagining Subei with other girls.
Could he bear to see such a handsome soul wither away?
He vowed to lead him to greatness, not ruin.
"Xiao Bei, you can't do that."
Liu Erlong straightened his chest and tried to guide gently.
"Xiao Bei, you can't like boys! What you need is to like a beautiful, strong, and virtuous girl… like your mother!"
He emphasized 'girl' carefully, worried Subei might not understand.
"You're so smart, you must understand what I mean."
"Uh… huh?" Subei looked surprised.
"Godmother, where did this come from? The relationship between prince brother and me is pure as water!"
"That's just friendship," he insisted.
Liu Erlong pressed on, "Then at Notting College, you winked at that average boy…"
"Winked?"
Subei was taken aback. When did he wink at Tang San before he left?
Is mother really watching all this?
"That was a man's promise!"
Liu Erlong glanced meaningfully, "My dear son, I just hope you don't go astray."
Several days later under a warm, sunny sky.
Since the Royal Seal Ceremony, Xue Qinghe ascended as crown prince of Tiandou.
Meanwhile, forces from Wuhundian secretly influenced the main hall to publicize the event.
Emperor Xue Ye was stunned.
Though the royal family tried to block and beautify the news, rumors from the Ministry of Households still pointed to royal family troubles.
The emperor puzzled, "Which minister can't keep quiet? Expose him!"
But the Ministry of Households continued its leaks, causing frustration.
After returning from the palace, Liu Erlong grew uneasy about Subei's sexual orientation.
His thoughts shifted from trying to keep Subei away from women to hoping he would enjoy spending time with beautiful women—as long as he was safe.
They often had deep discussions to help Subei appreciate the melody of the opposite sex.
Subei enjoyed these moments.
Following Subei's advice, Liu Erlong established the Tianjiao Group of Blue Tyrant Academy to recruit the most captivating soul master geniuses of the Tiandou Empire.
To ensure healthy growth for Northern Jiangsu, Liu Erlong personally set strict rules.
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