Chapter 40: The truth about the assassination (3):

"Childe, we've arrived... This is where Ren Mo currently resides," commented Yu Xuan as we slowed down into a walk to adjust our breathing and inner energy. I looked around myself just to spot many houses built in the same ways mostly with wood and clement. Commoners don't live in very high classed brick houses. In terms of riches, Jiang Zhou is already the second to Chang'an however after duke Chong died this place is slowly falling. Su province would probably take over its place economically. I wonder who would be the next leader of this place?

The guards seeing me bowed as I nodded my head to the guards standing outside. Most of the villagers were staring at me and gossiping with their neighbours. Must it be that much of a matter? The guards opened the door to Ren Mo's house as I stepped inside I glanced around curiously. Ren Mo himself seemed to be fine. The guards hadn't done anything bad towards him apart from the fact that they were watching him like a hawk. Seeing me enter his house Ren Mo bowed and greeted me. "Ren Mo greets Prince Tian You,". I nodded my head in reply as Yu Xuan smartly shooed everyone out along with himself. I grabbed a chair and offered Ren Mo to sit beside me, he took the chance to sit beside me. I didn't know how to start but he did. "Young master looking for me know must be because he knows the truth?" he asked as I nodded. "Why? Your father's closest ally you must know the answer," I stated as Ren Mo sighed got up and moved towards his closet. He fished something out and handed it to me. On it was addressed to Li Tian You, me. I opened it up quickly as I recognized my father's handwriting almost tearing the letter.

In the letter it wrote:

Dear Li Tian You:

How do I start this letter? To be honest with you, before writing this I had a clear mind I've thought deep and hard about what to say. But when it comes to writing this letter it is harder than I thought. So I can only presume that I've died when you see this letter. I've instructed Ren Mo to never let you see this letter unless you know half of the truth. But I know with your stubborn personality you wouldn't rest until you found the so-called truth. I know I needed to write this letter just in case something happens out of my expectation but Tian You I strongly suggest you don't continue reading. Sometimes the truth will hurt harder when you didn't know anything. Since you're reading this letter then you probably know half of the truth, so it's time to stop. Let the matter rest. His majesty won't continue to investigate after what Rong Xia finds out for him. Brother was always the one who strive for peace among us.

But my heartbeat grew stronger and quicker as I averted my eyes and looked outside the window thinking ' should I stop or continue ?'. If I don't read this I end up feeling more guilty than ever... My eyes focused back on the letter as I continued reading.

Back to the letter:

Tian You have you decided? If you wish to stop I won't blame you but I'll rejoice with you however if you wish to continue I hope you won't blame yourself after you finish this letter...

Since you've chosen to read on then this will be the truth you seek for...

I met your mother when both of us were young and our love could be called a whirlwind romance... But not every romance has a good ending. After the second year of our marriage, Yue Ying realized she had you... 9 months later you were born and I was more than happy. You were created because of the love me and your mother shared. Your existence proved our love for each other. We named you Tian You because I had hoped that God would protect you everywhere you go. All of your sibling's first letter in your name has the word 'Tian'. Do you know why? Similar to your name I hoped that God would protect you guys and look after you guys when I'm not here.

Out of all of your siblings do you know why I was extremely harsh on you? Because I wanted you to be successful in both your career and love life. I remember the dejected expression on your face when you heard that Xiao Wei Wei*(1) had fallen in love with someone else and requested for you to cancel your engagement with her. Although your heart hurt and bled for her you were willing to her let her go even though you were unhappy. After all, you two were childhood sweethearts, you're generous Tian You. I knew you truly loved her because you were willing to give her the happiness and freedom she wishes for, this was true love. When you love someone it isn't the desire to have her but it is the idea to let the girl you love find her happiness. If I was to tell this in front of your face I knew you would've denied ever liking Wei Wei but when I saw how you secretly wept for her and even got drunk in a brothel I knew you would never forget her that easily. Who would've guessed that the next day you would be fine and acting as if nothing happened? Stop acting so tough, sometimes you need to show emotions or no one would know that you have a heart.

Glossary:

1. Xiao Wei Wei is the daughter of a retired physician. Her father once saved Tian You's father. So Prince Zi promised that if they both had daughters then these two daughters would be sworn, sisters. If they both had sons then they will be sworn, brothers. But if it was a son and daughter then they will be engaged to each other. In the end, it turns out that Prince Zi had a son and Xiao Long had a daughter. These two grew up together in Su province so they became childhood sweethearts. Li Tian You had truly fallen for her but as for Xiao Wei Wei that might not be the case. Who knows? (We don't need any spoilers yet. hehe.)