Chapter Three: Born Yet Unnurtured—Is There No Guilt Within the Heart?

In the dead of night, in the backyard of the Third Prince's residence, a biting wind swept through. Yet it could not compare to the chill in Zhou Hao’s heart at this moment. Gazing at the Empress, Zhou Hao clenched his fist lightly. This was his beloved mother, the very person who once held him, tears streaming down her face, unwilling to part with him.

But now, in the deep night, the Empress appeared—yet why did she so completely forget her own son?

Facing reality, Zhou Hao finally found his answer deep within: Perhaps he had long been forgotten. Not only had the Emperor abandoned his original promises, but even the Empress before him had erased his existence. In their eyes, from the moment he became a hostage, he was as good as dead. Who would care about the feelings of a dead man?

“Hao’er, you’ve gone too far. Don’t forget your place!” The Empress, her face dark and grim, finally responded. Zhou Hao’s words had enraged and humiliated her, and now she glared coldly, indifferent.

“Qing’er is your younger brother and now the undisputed crown prince. You struck him—this affects the entire dynasty! If you are wise, you will get up at once. Otherwise, I will report this to His Majesty and have you punished!”

So soon, no more pretense? Seeing the Empress omit even the false pretenses of familial affection, a cold sneer spread across Zhou Hao’s face. Want to accuse me? Perfect—I was just about to seek out my real father for some answers.

Born but not nurtured, does he feel no shame?

“Mother, if you seek to accuse, there’s no shortage of reasons. How could you not know what I have suffered?” Zhou Hao said bitterly. “When I slept in the outhouse, eating scraps even dogs refused, why didn’t you descend from the heavens to deliver justice?”

Saying this, Zhou Hao grabbed the Third Prince by the hair. “Mother, you consider this younger brother a person, but am I nothing more than a dog? If you truly want to report to Father, then go ahead! I’d rather die than endure this humiliation!”

His voice fell cold and ruthless. With a sudden burst of strength, he slammed the Third Prince’s forehead against the ground. A dull thud sounded as the Third Prince immediately lost consciousness.

“My son!” The Empress’s voice rang out venomously, echoing through the night. “Seize him! Capture this wretched beast and bring him to the palace. At dawn, I shall have him stand trial in the hall!”

“I dare you!” Zhou Hao roared fiercely. “No need to capture me—I will go myself!”

...

At the morning court, the Empress wept and wailed as she recounted Zhou Hao’s crimes. The ministers bowed their heads respectfully, listening intently; royal affairs were not to be meddled with casually.

“Your Majesty, Zhou Hao, as the elder brother, is truly detestable! He injured Qing’er, who has yet to regain consciousness. They are brothers—why must they harm each other?”

“Qing’er has always treated him with respect. Such ungratefulness demands punishment, Your Majesty, as a warning to others!”

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