A thousand-year-old family begins with one fighting against ten thousand.

Liu staggered backward, the bitterness on his face could no longer be concealed, and tears streamed down his face like a spring.

"Just because he's my brother, I've always had to give in to him!"

"Just because he's my brother, whatever arguments we have are always my fault!"

"Just because he's my brother, even if he kills someone in the street, it's because I, as the older brother, failed to set a good example and I have to take the blame for my brother!"

"Just because he's my brother, I have to give him whatever he wants!"

"Just because he's my brother, I have to give him my life, all my money, all my talents, my retainers, and my power! Otherwise, if he comes to you crying and complaining, he'll say I'm not good to my brother, not respectful enough as a brother, and that I have to hand everything over!"

"I watched helplessly as my dearest brother stole the woman I loved most and killed the brother who once saved my life!"

"Just because he's my brother!!!"

"I'd rather not have a younger brother like that!"

Liu Mai unleashed all the grievances he had held in for so many years, leaving Li speechless and feeling a pang of regret.

But he still stubbornly retorted, "Your most beloved woman, your brother who would risk his life for you? Then tell us, do you think we can force you to?"

"Hahahaha, yes, I'm afraid Mother has forgotten how I knelt before your and Father's bedroom, begging and threatening to kill myself, and how I begged my brother to spare his life like a dog!"

"In Mother's eyes, these are all insignificant memories, so naturally she wouldn't remember them, but I do!"

Liu Mai acted as if he were going crazy.

"It's all because you didn't persevere. If you had, would we really have forced you to your death?"

Li became increasingly confident as she spoke, saying, "What kind of parents would drive their own son to suicide!"

"It's because you weren't firm enough that we thought these two were nothing special."

Liu Mai was filled with grief and indignation, but you can never wake someone who is pretending to be asleep.

Finally, staring into the eyes of Queen Li of Liang, Liu Mai saw only anger at the violation of her dignity, and no remorse whatsoever.

Liu Mai was completely disappointed with Li Shi. He didn't even bother with formalities and turned to leave.

"Oh, look at this child, he doesn't know any manners at all. All those teachers we found for him were a waste of time. He has no filial piety at all, and he makes a big fuss over the smallest things. He should learn from his younger brother, who is so filial."

Li's mouth was trembling as she kept muttering, but Liu Mai could no longer hear her.

Liu Mai stepped into Chao Cuo's temporary residence with a blank expression.

"Lord Chao, His Majesty's grace is boundless, extending to the sons of the Liu family. I am willing to offer my full support. If you need any assistance, please feel free to come to me at any time."

Chao Cuo looked at Liu Mai with surprise. His plan was to make Liu Bushi feel panicked and seek his help, and to take advantage of the Liang King and Queen's affection for Liu Bushi to promote the Liang Kingdom's enfeoffment system.

Unexpectedly, Liu Bushi didn't come, but the Prince of Liang did.

That's quite unusual.

"Given the favor that his father and mother have for Liu Bushi, the throne of Liang will surely be his."

"If I get the support of the imperial court, I can inherit the throne of the Prince of Liang. Even if it's only half, it's better than nothing."

Liu Mai noticed Chao Cuo's confusion and got straight to the point.

He needs Chao Cuo's help, and Chao Cuo can also use it to complete his mission.

Chao Cuo was somewhat surprised. Regardless of what would happen in the future, Liu Mai was now the heir apparent of the Liang King, officially listed in the imperial records and the royal family's records. As the future King of Liang, he was naturally qualified to agree to the Emperor's decree on behalf of the Liang Kingdom, and no one could say anything about it.

Liu Mai was a brother who was kind and respectful to his younger brother. He was willing to respond to the call of the Holy Emperor and give half of his legacy to his younger brother. What a great brotherly affection this was! Everyone who saw it would give him a thumbs up.

Even the King of Liang had to swallow his pride and bear it; if he dared to utter even a single word of dissent, the spittle of the entire world would drown him.

What a surprise!

Despite the pain, Chao Cuo got out of bed, took Liu Mai's hand, and said affectionately, "Your Highness's deep affection for the princes is something I have deeply felt."

"Your Highness, rest assured, your humble servant will certainly report to His Majesty and issue a decree to the world praising the Crown Prince's elder brother's virtues."

"Then thank you very much, Lord Chao."

Liu Mai also understood the meaning behind Chao Cuo's words: the imperial edict was a declaration to the world, which meant that his position as heir apparent was secure and could not be shaken.

Even the King of Liang could not revoke his position as heir apparent.

Otherwise, it would be a great disrespect.

The imperial court wouldn't contradict itself by revoking the imperial edict, so he was already a shoo-in for the next Prince of Liang.

"I wonder if Your Highness could write a letter to convey His Majesty's deep affection and care for his younger brothers?"

Chao Cuo seized the opportunity to build the railway.

"There is nothing wrong with that."

Liu Mai expressed his admiration for his uncle, Emperor Jing of Han, and his love for his younger brothers. In expressing his love for his brothers, he also apologized to Emperor Jing, focusing on how he violated the law to protect his half-brother Liu Bushi and all the outrageous things he did.

Finally, Liu Mai stamped the letter with the seal of the heir apparent of the Liang Kingdom.

Chao Cuo ordered someone to keep the letter safe. Right under Liu Mai's nose, he also wrote a letter praising Liu Mai and pleading for his life. In it, he also described the tyrannical crimes of Liu Bushi, the fifth son of the King of Liang, which he had investigated, and subtly expressed that the court should show the world the brotherly affection between Liu Mai and his brothers.

Chao Cuo handed the two letters to the imperial guards around him and ordered them to deliver them to Emperor Jing of Han immediately.

After Liu left, Chao Cuo finally learned what had happened from the Embroidered-Robed Envoy.

He shook his head and sighed, "Those who reap what they sow will not escape punishment."

A few days later, the letter was delivered to Chang'an City by fast horse.

Emperor Jing of Han publicly praised Liu Mai's noble character at the grand court assembly, calling on all members of the Liu family to have such selflessness and support for the court's policies.

The King of Liang was also specially invited by Emperor Jing of Han to attend this grand court assembly and was not allowed to be absent.

Upon hearing the letter, Liu Wu's face turned pale and he looked extremely unwell.

They had to put on a smiling face and act as if they were proud of it.

"Since even the Prince of Liang has said so, it seems my decree of favor was the right thing to do!"

Emperor Jing of Han laughed heartily, "Since that's the case, then I grant your request."

"Your Majesty, you mustn't."

King Liu Wu of Liang instinctively spoke up to stop him.

"Um?"

Emperor Jing of Han snorted, "What does the Prince of Liang mean?"

Liu Wu's forehead was covered in sweat. "Mai'er is indeed an excellent elder brother, but he is still the heir apparent, not the King of Liang. He cannot make decisions on important matters of the Liang Kingdom."

"What King Liang said makes sense."

Wei Qing stepped forward. At this critical moment, Emperor Jing of Han must not be allowed to speak, for if he did, it would be tantamount to declaring war on the vassal kings.

"The heir apparent of the King of Liang is quite loyal and filial, while the fifth son of the King of Liang is rather tyrannical."

Wei Qing was somewhat angry; the things mentioned in the letter had infuriated him.

Over the years, he has truly put the people first.

Wei Qing found Liu Bushi's bullying and oppressive behavior towards men and women unacceptable.

"I wonder what the King of Liang thinks of the character of your four sons besides the Crown Prince?"