My Sexy CEO Wife

Why is the concept of familial affection so weak in an Emperor Family?

This question is rather complicated, and somewhat difficult to answer.

First of all, the descendants born into an Emperor Family get involved in the struggle for power and profit, and it's inevitable that contradictions and hatred will arise in the process. Moreover, the Emperor Family has too many offspring. As the saying goes, scarcity is what makes something valuable; the rarer something is, the more valuable it becomes. If something is overly abundant, its importance diminishes greatly. For an emperor, there are two vital tasks: governing the state and raising offspring. Any physically fit emperor could sire dozens of children, or even more, in his lifetime. These children will marry and have their own children, generation after generation, and the number will significantly increase. When the number of descendants reaches a certain point, their value greatly decreases.

Let me give you an example. If an emperor has only one son and one grandson, he would undoubtedly love and cherish his son and grandson dearly. The son and grandson would also sincerely respect the emperor. The family would live together in harmony and happiness. After the emperor's demise, the only son would inherit the throne without any disputes arising.

If the emperor has several sons and grandsons, he will display favoritism towards some of them. Intelligent and well-behaved descendants will receive affection and gain significant power. Those of mediocre ability who do not flatter will be marginalized, receiving little in the way of power and wealth.

The bonds between people are reciprocal; if you are good to me, I'll be good to you. If you are very good to me, I'll be very good to you. If you are exceptionally good to me, I'll be exceptionally good to you.

If the emperor has only one son, then he will give all his love to that son, who, feeling grateful, will grow up and reciprocate with utmost filial piety.

If the emperor has several sons, then he will have to divide his love into portions—some sons may get thirty percent, while others may only get ten. The disparity becomes apparent straight away. At this point, the son who feels neglected will wonder, "Aren't we all his sons? Why is there such a big difference in treatment? I won't accept this! I'll rebel! I'll strive for what's mine!" During the struggle for recognition, brothers turn against each other, culminating in armed conflict until one side perishes.

Several days later.

Gao Fei and He Hentian arrived at the Imperial Capital, which was as bustling as ever. The streets were teeming with pedestrians, and the commercial districts were particularly overcrowded, with soldiers in official uniforms maintaining order.

"The citizens living in the Imperial Capital are the happiest," Gao Fei remarked reflectively. "The taxes here are relatively low, business is booming, and many citizens can find work. Although the pay isn't much, it's enough to solve the problem of food and clothing. By the end of the year, they can even afford to buy some new clothes. Compared to other cities, the citizens here are quite fortunate."

"This is the Imperial Capital, the face of the official government. Every Emperor will treat the Imperial Capital well, striving to manage it effectively. As the Imperial Capital prospers, the Emperor gains face," He Hentian explained bluntly.

"Yeah, all for the so-called 'face,'" Gao Fei said with a wry smile.

"Old Gao, how's your practice of Phoenix Dance to the Heavens coming along? Any progress?" He Hentian asked.

"Still researching," Gao Fei replied, rubbing his head in frustration. "The incantation of Phoenix Dance to the Heavens is too profound. I've studied for such a long time, but I haven't penetrated its depths."

"If only we could receive guidance from Senior Duanmu, the likelihood of our understanding would greatly increase."

"Stop daydreaming. It's already amazing that Senior Duanmu gave us the incantation. And you still aren't satisfied, hoping for Senior Duanmu to clear up your doubts. Do you think that's realistic? Do you think it's possible? Do you think Senior Duanmu would agree?"

He Hentian was rendered speechless, unable to respond for a long time.

Gao Fei sighed, "Relax. There's no need to be so tense. If a person is always on edge, it can create negative effects."

"What? There's such a thing?" He Hentian's face changed drastically.

"Cultivation is a very tedious and bland affair. To achieve great heights, you need extraordinary luck! When luck comes your way, success is not far off." Gao Fei patted He Hentian on the shoulder. "Don't rush. Take it easy. You have plenty of life ahead of you and ample time to cultivate."

Soon, the two arrived at the imperial palace.

After their identities were checked, the guards let Gao Fei and He Hentian enter the palace.

A few minutes later, the two met Emperor Liu Yifei in the bright and clean great hall. Liu Yifei's face was gloomy, and he seemed quite displeased.

"May I know why Your Majesty the Human Emperor has urgently summoned us here?" Gao Fei asked.

Liu Yifei held up a finger, "Firstly, you have seriously offended the Myriad Buddhas Sect, and they will blame me for it. I have been made a scapegoat for no reason at all, and it doesn't sit well with me."

"How can you say that?" Gao Fei was taken aback. "My rescue operation at the Myriad Buddhas Sect with He Hentian was our own doing and had nothing to do with Your Majesty the Emperor."

"Exactly," He Hentian nodded. "When we attacked the Myriad Buddhas Sect, I made it very clear to those monks that it was a spontaneous act, completely unrelated to the Emperor and the official stance."

"How can it be unrelated?" Liu Yifei snorted. "You are my subordinates. When you cause trouble, people will naturally hold me accountable. It's obvious."

"I get it now." He Hentian smacked his lips. "You're scared, aren't you? You're afraid of retaliation from the Myriad Buddhas Sect, right?"

"Nonsense! I'm not afraid of the Myriad Buddhas Sect at all!"

"Really not afraid?"

"Not afraid!"

"If that's the case, why are you still worried that the Myriad Buddhas Sect will blame you? If they dare to cause trouble in the Imperial Capital, just send your troops to suppress them, kill them," He Hentian countered.

"You're the ones who caused this mess! Why should I take the blame for you!" Liu Yifei retorted.

"Don't forget, when my imperial grandfather left, he repeatedly instructed you to take good care of me," He Hentian said somberly.

"You..." Liu Yifei's cheeks twitched with rage. "It's precisely because I respect the late Emperor that I have tolerated you again and again! The last time you led troops to attack the Myriad Buddhas Sect without permission, I merely scolded you lightly, without imposing any substantial punishment on you! I won't even mention the other incidents! In a word, I have treated you fairly!"

"You..." He Hentian was about to retort when Gao Fei stopped him. Gao Fei shook his head, signaling He Hentian to keep quiet and not to argue any further with Liu Yifei. After all, Liu Yifei was the Emperor, the nominal ruler of the Human Race. It was in no one's best interest to strain the relationship too far.

"Your Majesty the Human Emperor is right, we truly were not thoughtful enough initially, and our actions were too extreme. I offer my self-criticism and assure you that such incidents will not occur again," Gao Fei said. With that, he tugged at He Hentian, signaling for him to admit his wrongdoing.

Feeling utterly frustrated, He Hentian thought to himself, 'Fine! I'll give Gao Fei this much.' He Hentian stepped forward and slightly bowed his head, "I offer my self-criticism, and I admit my mistake. I assure you it won't happen again."

Seeing Gao Fei and He Hentian taking the initiative to admit their faults, Liu Yifei's expression softened a bit.