"I used to be your favorite daughter! How many things have I done...just to make you smile? Our memories back then...don't you remember?"
Gong Yi Mo's voice was soft, but it was enough to rend the hearts of its listeners. The people were moved. This princess was simply an ordinary girl who sought her father's love. She let out her complaints, her grief, and her tender face was full of tears!
The onlookers couldn't understand why a wonderful princess like her, someone who was dedicated to the people, someone who was once favored, could end up standing on the opposing side of the emperor, completely alone. How can she withstand the pressure and persecution of the entire imperial power?
This isn't right, the princess committed no sin!
Emperor Gong Sheng's heart ached, but he dared not look at her.
She wasn't his real biological daughter, but Gong Sheng couldn't deny that he invested more of his friendship with her than all of his own daughters put together!
But...why didn't she believe in him?
Speaking of belief, Gong Sheng grinned bitterly. Yes, he didn't believe that his daughter could hide such a weapon for a lifetime and only use it for his sake. Wasn't it the same with her? She didn't trust him either, believing he would use it to cause chaos in this world.
Both of them were considering the lives of the people of the kingdom, but they can only do so standing on opposing sides.
The two of them were aware that this was an irreconcilable knot between them!
Gong Yi Mo finally wiped her tears. At this time, her sad and gloomy appearance caused many of the neutral ministers to feel uncomfortable. They couldn't help but think that out of the countless fathers in the world, how few of them were blessed with a child who was as good as the one in front of them.
Gong Sheng hesitated before replying, but his voice was only half as loud as before.
"Your three reports, ha....I have received them."
Gong Yi Mo bowed down deeply towards the emperor as she cried out in grief.
"But I still have three requests from Your Highness."
Gong Sheng's words were stuck in his throat.
"...say it."
"My first request concerns the people who have escorted me all the way to the capital. They are innocent, and were simply deceived by me. I hope Your Highness will not pursue them and will allow them to enter the city."
When the students saw that the Princess thought of their safety first above all things, one of them cried out,
"Chaoyang Princess! We are willing to follow you!"
"We will follow you til death!"
Gong Yi Mo smiled in gratitude, but she didn't turn around to look at them. Gong Sheng nodded and said he would promise.
The emperor agreed, even if the ministers were afraid that Gong Yi Mo would lead the students for a rebellion. Since city gates were now opened to the newcomers, the tired civilians who joined in the princess' long journey finally entered the city to find a place to rest. The officials remained silent despite their displeasure. No one dared to resist Gong Yi Mo at this time.
Seeing that the common people safely entered the city, Gong Yi Mo felt relief. She smiled lightly and looked up at her father.
"My second request...concerns the prince's uncertain life and death. I hope that father Emperor would release the Empress and allow her to care for him. Please recognize the Crown Prince's merits and give back to him the honor that he deserves."
When he recalled how he used Gong Che to threaten Gong Yi Mo, the emperor couldn't help but feel shame. He as a father was hard-hearted, but Gong Yi Mo did everything a sister could to care for the boy. Gong Che may be unfortunate, but how lucky is he because he had someone like the princess?
So the emperor nodded and agreed to her second request.
Gong Yi Mo smiled. Her face was pale was pale from lack of blood. Just a few days ago, she threw up blood because of the heavy emotional burden she carried, but now, she had to be firm to ensure the safety of those around her.
"The third request...Gong Jue is innocent....He has always been alone since childhood. I was only able to care for him once or twice. In the future, I hope that Father Emperor can take over this responsibility and ensure that he's no longer lonely in the future."
Gong Sheng nodded solemnly, but after nodding his head, he suddenly felt that her words weren't quite right!