From beginning to end, Bai Wutong had merely hinted in a subtle manner that if Yunhe and Yunxi could recover, the Emperor ought to grant them the treatment they deserved.
In all her words, she had never once initiated the topic of appointing a Crown Prince, nor had she even offered a relevant suggestion. The source of all this was clearly the Emperor’s own mind. One really shouldn't dump the blame for everything on her. Although, deep down, Bai Wutong did indeed harbor such thoughts, she was well aware that she did not possess the heaven-defying ability to forcibly grab the Emperor’s head and compel him to act entirely according to her will. She had simply mastered the art of playing to the Emperor’s psychological need to be seen as a sage ruler, given how extremely concerned he was with his reputation.
At the time, with many of his consorts present, the Emperor had naturally wanted to make a grand gesture, speaking beautifully and promising the best possible outcome in order to project the image of a benevolent ruler who valued affection and righteousness. And in the royal court, for his eldest son, Yunhe, the position of Crown Prince was undoubtedly the most precious and weighty reward the Emperor could bestow.
Chapter 217