"The Crown Prince understands well that the love of a king is a love for all. A king must prioritize the nation, placing state affairs above all else. Even within the harem, affection should be evenly shared like rain upon every flower. Therefore, the share of affection you can offer Madam Shen is pitifully small." Cui Ji's tone was calm. "But Madam Shen has lost her family and is highly sensitive and delicate. What she needs is partiality, a love that disregards right or wrong, an exclusive devotion akin to fetching a single ladle of water from a boundless stream. Such partiality and devotion, Your Highness cannot provide. However, I can."
Cui Ji's indigo silk robe swayed faintly in the night breeze, while the jade pendant at his waist glimmered hazily.
He continued, "I live in this world because of Madam Shen. I can wholly and entirely belong to her. Your Highness cannot."
Lu Ying twirled the Moyu Ring on his finger.
