Qi Qian personally poured a cup of tea for Yu Changkong, handed it over with both hands, and said with a faint smile, "Sir, you must have had a tiring journey."

His tone was respectful and sincere, making one feel warm and comfortable.

Yu Changkong took the tea, looked at Qi Qian, and said, "From today onwards, there must be double the number of Hidden Guards following the prince, and choose some skilled hands. You must also diligently practice martial arts, as relying on others is always a secondary choice; being strong yourself is the greatest weapon for survival."

Qi Qian was somewhat surprised: "Is there something amiss for Mr. Changkong to be so cautious?"

Ever since Qin Liuxi pulled him onto the ship named "rebellion," he had gone from being shocked by the people showing up around him to being calm now. But having a Yu Family member who only assists worthy masters come to serve as his strategist hit him like a sesame pancake from the sky.

Especially during the series of clever strategies Yu Changkong provided when he led troops to attack the rebel Prince Xinyang, which caused minimal damage and quickly won the battle, he became more convinced of Yu Changkong’s abilities. Although he wasn’t blindly obedient to his words, he seldom questioned them.

On this journey back to the capital, although Yu Changkong analyzed his current advantages and disadvantages, he never provided such serious instructions as now. And now, he had given them.

Yet this caution was to remind him to focus on his own safety.

Yu Changkong said lightly, "Being by the prince’s side will be a signal, a signal that I, Yu Changkong, want to assist you in becoming the emperor. In this way, the prince will immediately become a threat in the eyes of other princes. Threats will always be eliminated while wings are still budding, rather than giving them the opportunity to grow."

He took a sip of tea, looked at Qi Qian, and said, "It means the prince will find himself in the midst of turmoil from now on. Whether you intend to compete or not, others will think that you want to."

Qi Qian’s heart shuddered; he understood Yu Changkong’s words, meaning that starting today, he would encounter various assassination attempts or accidents, which are the necessary thorns and difficulties of vying for the throne.

Yu Changkong looked at his expression, smiled, and said, "Is the prince scared?"

Qi Qian shook his head with a smile: "From the moment I agreed to walk this path, I no longer have the luxury of fear."

Qin Liuxi had gathered a makeshift group for him, everyone striving to push him forward, and now that this immense wealth was within reach, he accepted it. Now, hearing about the potential difficulties, could he say he was scared? What place would that leave the people on this ship?

He could not betray Qin Liuxi’s trust, nor disappoint those standing on his ship.

Just take his ennoblement as an example, having merited such a reward after only twice achieving功, was it due to good fortune or favoritism?

It wasn’t.

He understood well that this status was fought for by the people on the ship, not just for his功or the Saint’s guilt over his displaced illegitimate son.

The helpers on the ship slowly perfected his identity, marking the beginning of his rise, and with the prince status, things to be pursued would proceed more smoothly.

Thus, he treated the people around him with utmost courtesy and humility, keeping gratitude at heart.

Seeing him understand, Yu Changkong said, "It’s good for the prince to know. Shortly, Prince Zhao and Yu Linglan will arrive, so be prepared."

He had already seen Yu Linglan earlier, and the other had seen him too. It wouldn’t do not to greet him. After all, being both his elder brother and the Yu Clan Leader, greeting him would not be an excessive courtesy, it’s basic etiquette.

And knowing that Qi Qian was with him from Yu Linglan, Prince Zhao would surely come to make inquiries.

Sure enough, after just a short while, the attendant came saying Prince Zhao and Yu Linglan requested to see them.

Yu Linglan soon entered, walking directly towards Yu Changkong, bowed with cupped hands, and smiled saying, "It’s been so long since we last met, elder brother, I didn’t expect to see you in Shengjing."

Following him, Prince Zhao stepped forward, with a broad smile, cupping his fists, "I’ve long heard of the Yu Clan Leader’s elegance, now seeing you in person, truly the reality surpasses the tale, extraordinary indeed." He then smiled at Qi Qian, saying, "I didn’t expect Brother Qian to know the Clan Leader, you really are full of surprises!"

Though smiling, the smile didn’t reach his eyes, and his words carried profound implications, imbued with sharpness.

Qi Qian returned the gesture, smiling, "Mr. Changkong is a scholar of extraordinary knowledge, being able to learn from him is my great honor."

Prince Zhao’s handsome face twisted slightly with anger, he said with a sarcastic tone, "Indeed? You should then cherish this hard-won opportunity and ensure you don’t disappoint the master."

"Certainly."

Turning towards Yu Changkong, Prince Zhao asked, "May I ask what brings the Clan Leader to Shengjing? Bo Yin serves as a strategist under my command, since you’re his elder brother and now here, perhaps you could rest at my residence, I could host you a welcoming feast, how does that sound?"

Yu Changkong smiled faintly, "No need to go through such trouble, Prince. I’m merely escorting my student back home, and visiting friends. I already have a place to stay."

Prince Zhao hesitated, student, who was his student?

Instinctively, he looked at the handsome young man standing behind Yu Changkong, finding his face faintly familiar as if seen somewhere before.

Yu Linglan glanced at Qin Mingyan, saying, "This must be Consort Qin’s younger brother, I remember he’s called Qin Mingyan."

As a strategist, one must grasp the details of individuals in high circles, like Consort Qin’s family, and those not yet drawn in such as Qin Liuxi.

Prince Zhao’s eyes widened, what, this was someone from the Qin family, his uncle?

No wait, as a younger brother, he should be from the main branch of the Qin family, meaning he is Consort Qin’s cousin, the very same sibling of Master Qin from Qingping Temple, who’s touted highly.

Master Qin’s younger brother being Yu Changkong’s student, Yu Changkong serving as Qi Qian’s strategist, in terms of familial ties, both brother and sister should be close relations to him, their network ought to be his, but the reality was they belonged to Qi Qian!

Prince Zhao felt enlightened to a painful truth, feeling utterly uncomfortable himself.

However, he approached smiling profusely, grabbing Qin Mingyan’s hand, saying joyously, "I’ve heard your second sister talking about her younger brother studying outside, didn’t expect it was with the Yu family. She’s missed you over these years. Come, come, return home with your brother-in-law, your sister misses you."

Qin Mingyan withdrew his hand, cupped his hands, "Prince, having returned from my journey, I must first pay respects to my parents. Pardon my discourtesy, I will apologize to Sister Ming Yue thereafter."

"Indeed, it should be so." Prince Zhao’s face showed displeasure, thinking the brat was as unappreciative as his close kin.

Seeing Qi Qian calm and composed, the frustration surged higher, why was every benefit on this bastard child’s side?

Looking at Yu Changkong, Prince Zhao sharply asked, "I’ve heard Bo Yin say the Clan Leader’s erudition and vision are remarkable, what’s your opinion on the vacant Eastern Palace? If selecting an heir, whom would you choose?"

Yu Linglan frowned slightly.

Yu Changkong glanced at him, the look carried an air of scrutiny and probing, questioning if the strategist he nurtured this long ended up being an idiot with wet brains.