Li Liao wanted to pat his son's shoulder when he was upset, just as he had when he was a child, to help him pull himself together.
However, before his fingers could even touch Li Ji, they were violently swatted away.
"Don't touch me!"
His tone was filled with undisguised loathing.
Li Liao said bitterly, "You may not believe it, but I truly did see you as my own son."
He had even considered hiding the secret forever, letting Li Ji remain his son for all time.
But he owed the Crown Prince a great debt for his patronage. He couldn't let the Crown Prince be wrongly accused, so he had to make Li Ji learn the truth.
When Li Ji heard the words "my own son," he felt they were dripping with mockery.
He laughed in self-mockery.
"If I were really your son, would you have deceived and toyed with me like a fool?"
Li Liao explained earnestly, "I didn't deceive you on purpose. It's just that it would have done you no good to know those things too soon."
