"This son greets Imperial Father." Xie Fang bowed slightly, deliberately ignoring the Regent on the other side of bed.
The emperor lay resting on the bed, his eyes closed. When he heard the Prince's voice, he slowly opened his blurry eyes.
"My child..." The emperor called out weakly. His cloudy gaze was unfocused as his head turned in Xie Fang's direction.
The emperor was in his late sixties, his head covered with gray hair. His face was wrinkled, and his eyes were clouded, bearing clear signs of old age.
In his youth, Emperor Xie had been a well-known warrior. His martial arts skills and knowledge were once a source of pride, something the people of Xie could boast about to other nations.
However, as his health deteriorated with each passing day, unease gradually took hold of the ministers. They began to conspire among each other to gain power.
"Come closer. Imperial Father wants to see you." He raised his hand weakly, waving it in the air.
