Chang Geng knelt as he was told and saw two lines of tears flowing out of Emperor Yuan He's shriveled and muddy eyes, which followed along with the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes and then dripped down.

Chang Geng heard Gu Yun murmur: "Call him 'Royal Father'."

Chang Geng could not bear to say it. On the way over, countless people had snuck glances at him, to the point where he felt as if he would drown under their gazes, but he still could not see any resemblance between himself and the man on the bed, not even a single hair.

He heard Gu Yun come closer to his ear, speaking softly: "Just say one word, whether it is genuine or false, just once."

Chang Geng turned his head and met his little yifu’s eyes. His gaze was clear and cold, and there was not a hint of tears — not even pretense. He appeared both beautiful and ruthless at the same time.

This seemingly ruthless person sighed and whispered: "I'm begging you."

Even if there were more conflicts in Chang Geng's heart, more questions that he couldn't figure out, after hearing this sentence, he had no choice but to compromise. He thought: "Perhaps just let this counterfeit good comfort him."

He lowered his eyes and said with not much heart: "Royal Father."

Emperor Yuan He’s eyes suddenly lit up, as if he was trying to gather all the life force he had left to create a streak of light, his gaze resembling fireworks that illuminated the entire chamber. It almost seemed like no matter how long he looked at Chang Geng, it would still not be enough. After a while, he quietly spoke:

"I give... give you the name 'Min'*, hoping that my son shall grow to be bright and fair, worry-free and at peace...hoping that you shall be safe and sound for an entire lifetime...for hundreds of years... Do you have a childhood name?"

*旻[mín]: meaning the heaven, the sky

"Yes, I am called Chang Geng."

Emperor Yuan He's lips twitched slightly; there were sounds coming from his throat, but he momentarily could not say a word.

Gu Yun had to step forward and help the old Emperor up, gently patting his back and letting him spit out. He shakily gasped for air, panting heavily as he laid back down, his bony and frail hand grabbed Gu Yun's wrist.

Gu Yun: "Your subject is here."

Emperor Yuan He's voice sounded similar to a broken pipe: "His brothers have all grown up, only my Chang Geng,... I could not watch him become an adult ..."

Gu Yun seemed to have sensed something. Making eye contact with the Emperor, one old, one young — one still wet with tears, one with complete calmness, they only exchanged a line of sight, yet it seemed as if a hidden agreement had been made between them.

Gu Yun: "Your subject understood."