Arc 1: Part 39
In ancient times, people used posthumous titles to evaluate the merits and demerits of historical figures for convenience. Titles such as 'Wen', 'Wu', 'Jing', and 'Xuan' are commendations, while 'Hui' is more mediocre. On the other hand, 'Li', 'Ling', and 'Yang' all have negative connotations.
Xi Chen Zhao couldn't hear what the expert was saying. As the girl unconsciously leaned more on him, his body became increasingly tense.
"Tong Su."
He gently reminded her.
"Especially this 'Li' chosen for Xiao Lingchen, it's quite clear that the abdicated Emperor Mu Sheng had ill intentions. 'To kill the innocent is called Li; to be cruel without family is called Li; to be stubborn and disrespectful is called Li; to support evil against righteousness is called Li.' All these labels are curses upon him."
On television, the expert spoke eloquently, while Tong Su absentmindedly responded: "Hm?" She was still attentively listening to the expert explaining history.
"The 'Li' character that Mu Sheng chose for Xiao Lingchen was as if he was pointing at his nose and cursing: 'This guy who took my throne, who kills the innocent, is cruel without family ties, and engages in countless wrongdoings, deserves to die.' Therefore, it's clear that the new emperor of the restored Dakang dynasty, Mu Sheng, is a vengeful person."
Xi Chen Zhao uncomfortably moved his arm, but Tong Su hugged him even more tightly and said discontentedly, "Don't move."
"You... loosen your grip a little."
He opened his mouth, feeling increasingly unwell. It seemed as if from the spot where she touched him, there was a gradually rising heat; it was like a kitten's tongue with its soft but prickly bristles, licking bit by bit, making his heart itch with tingling.
Perhaps sensing his uneasiness, Tong Su finally relented and turned her head back, looking at him in surprise. "What's the matter?"
Her eyes were filled with confusion and clarity, revealing her innocence.
Xi Chen Zhao held back, using the coldest tone possible, "You've grown up. Sometimes, when you're with others, you should be mindful of appearances."
Tong Su laughed, her eyes resembling crescent moons, shining even brighter.
"I thought it was something serious! Of course, I'm cautious around other people. You're like Ji Yu; I hardly hold hands with him a few times. You can relax."
Before Xi Chen Zhao could even let out a sigh, he heard Tong Su continue.
"And you're my brother; why should we worry about appearances? When we were young, our parents were so busy, not coming home for days and nights. Didn't you accompany me during meals and sleep? Brother, you can relax. I'm vigilant with others, but I trust you the most!"
________________________
"Brother."
"Brother."
The most trusted brother.
Xi Chen Zhao felt that something was really wrong with him lately.
When he heard Tong Su call him "brother", a faint sense of dissatisfaction rose in his heart.
Of course, he knew he was just her brother, several years older than her, and she had a boyfriend - no, that guy surnamed Ji was more or less the same, and soon, they would completely end that relationship - the only thing that made Xi Chen Zhao happy.
In the future, there would be better people by her side. She would grow up and meet suitable peers.
Maybe they would come from wealthy families too, or have similar interests and hobbies. That person would treat her well, and they would get married.
And he would sit in the church, by the red carpet, watching that person take her hand from her father's while she wore a white wedding gown.
That person would put a diamond ring on her finger, a large and bright diamond, so bright that - it would be unbearably dazzling.
No!
He couldn't!
He could not accept it!
Xi Chen Zhao found himself constantly lost in thought lately, fiddling with the pen in his hand subconsciously. When he suddenly snapped back to reality, he realized that the paper was filled with the words "Tong Su."
Yan Yiqing curiously looked at him, moving his finger slightly. Xi Chen Zhao's phone on the table lit up, and a WeChat message popped up on the screen.
"Boss, we're still in a meeting right now. Can you please put away your notebook?"
Xi Chen Zhao's movements paused, and with a rustling sound, he tore off the page and crumpled it into a ball.
The startled subordinates all looked up at once. With no change in his expression, Xi Chen Zhao said, "Continue the report."
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