’How could this be... How could this be...’

In Qingzhu Hall, all the women were getting accustomed to their new Magical Treasures. Only Lu Mingyuan was pacing back and forth in the rear courtyard, muttering to himself nonstop.

He had thought he could lie low for a while longer, making plans only after breaking through to the Tenth Realm.

But now, after learning of the Great Nether Empress’s Holy Decree...

He was overcome with anxiety.

’I originally had plenty of time to prepare, to slowly lay my plans after dealing with the Infinite Faction. But with the way things are now, Father Emperor won’t make an example of me, will he?’

’That Demoness... what a vicious heart she has!’

’To think she’d try to drive a wedge between me and Father Emperor. Isn’t this just harming me, putting me under public scrutiny to be roasted alive?’

Before long, everyone in the Imperial Capital would know that the Great Nether Empress wanted to save him.

Those who didn’t know the full story would think he had struck some deal with the Great Nether Empress, defected to the Holy Netherworld, and become a traitor to Great Yan.

If that happened, it wouldn’t be as simple as being confined to the Cold Palace. It would likely be a crime punishable by death.

This was the last thing Lu Mingyuan wanted to see.

He would rather be locked in the Cold Palace for another hundred years than die.

If he died, what was the point of any of it?

For now, the Six-Yao Turtle Shell showed no reaction, which meant there was likely no immediate danger.

Lu Mingyuan let out a small sigh of relief. His Glazed Heart began to circulate slowly, and his mood soon calmed, his Sea of Consciousness becoming incomparably clear and serene.

’This means Father Emperor still trusts me. He hasn’t made any moves.’

After all, he had just granted him a pardon. It was impossible for him to issue an order in the morning and rescind it by evening.

Thinking about it from another angle, if public opinion in the Imperial Capital became too severe, if the people of Great Yan and the scholars from all over despised him with a burning passion, perhaps that could delay his release from the palace. He could stay in the Cold Palace a little longer.

"Alas, that Demoness has been my undoing," Lu Mingyuan couldn’t help but sigh.

He never imagined that the old case involving the Demoness, after so much time had passed, could still take such a turn.

"What an adorable little girl. She’s smiling at me."

"Hong Wan, is this an adopted daughter His Highness took in?"

"Reporting to you, Madam, this is the Spirit Pet His Highness adopted. It seems she consumed a Transformation Pill."

"So young, and she has to be someone’s slave? How pitiful. It would be more fitting to raise her as an adopted daughter."

Lu Mingyuan watched as Qi Muxue and the others doted on the young Lu Xiaohuang. In Qi Muxue’s faint smile, he saw a glimmer of motherly light. It was such a heartwarming scene.

"Your Highness, have you come to a decision?"

Seeing Lu Mingyuan’s gaze, the women stopped their playful teasing. They had respected his request to be left alone to think and had not disturbed him. They believed His Highness had his own judgment.

In their eyes, Lu Mingyuan was no longer the simple, profligate son of the past, but the future Crown Prince of Great Yan, who would one day claim the Eastern Palace. They had come to respect his choices all the more.

"I haven’t decided."

Lu Mingyuan shook his head.

"I don’t know what that Demoness’s true goal is. I can only take it one step at a time."

As if sensing his unease, Qi Muxue said with a serious expression, "No matter what happens, I will stand by my husband’s side."

"Me too." Huo Hongling’s clear, dark eyes also showed a look of determination.

"Mu Xue, Ling’Er."

Lu Mingyuan called their names, deeply moved.

The next second, Qi Muxue’s tone shifted. "However, if husband wishes to claim the Emperor’s Throne, there is one person who will inevitably become an obstacle."

At these words, Huo Hongling’s expression froze. Along with Zi Yun and Hong Wan, she silently averted her gaze.

They all knew who Qi Muxue was talking about.

How could Lu Mingyuan not know who his wife meant?

He understood that he would eventually have to face this day. He sighed and said, "The person you’re talking about is Prince Chongwen, the Eighth Prince, Lu Yunqing, isn’t it?"

"Indeed. Husband must make plans soon," Qi Muxue said, nodding seriously.

Lu Mingyuan said in a low voice, "When the time is right, I will use the most appropriate method to persuade him."

If it were the old Lu Yunqing, he might have said that the Eighth Prince was indeed well-suited to be a Defender of the Realm.

But ever since Princess Consort Ning’s death, he had sensed something was off about Lu Yunqing.

It seemed he was developing in a rather unfortunate direction.

Back then, the aura of Confucian Dao True Words emanating from the Prince of Silver Frost was not the unique Destiny of the Dragon Slaying Skill from Prince Jin’s lineage, but the pure, orthodox Destiny of the Confucian Temple.

This meant the culprit was one of Lu Yunqing’s people.

He had understood Lu Yunqing’s intentions at that moment.

Lu Mingyuan didn’t believe Lu Yunqing himself had acted, but rather that his subordinates had done the deed.

The goal was to suppress him.

It was just like with the Third Prince back then. When King Chu was leading troops on the frontier, did he truly want to rebel?

No.

He was forced into it. The drama of the "yellow robe being thrust upon someone" was a common occurrence during dynastic changes.

Lu Yunqing was very likely facing a similar dilemma.

Therefore, he decided he would find the time to have a good talk with his Eighth Brother.

If he could prevent a conflict from erupting, that would be for the best.

There shouldn’t be too much conflict between him and Lu Yunqing, further draining Great Yan’s internal strength.

"Da...ddy..."

At that moment, Lu Xiaohuang called out in a tiny, milky voice.

Hearing her, Lu Mingyuan gave a helpless smile and instructed Qi Muxue and the others:

"Help me take good care of her. I might not have the energy for it recently."

"Don’t worry, Your Highness. Leave it to me. Huang’Er will definitely grow up strong and healthy," Zi Yun said, patting her magnificent chest in assurance.

"I will teach her some principles of how to behave and ensure she follows the rules in the palace," Hong Wan also agreed with a nod.

Hearing this, Lu Mingyuan finally felt relieved.

Lu Xiaohuang was of the Demon Race and had grown up outside the Capital City. Her presence could be controversial, and she might frighten people. Learning to abide by the palace rules might be a good thing for her.

KNOCK KNOCK!

Just then, a knock came from the door.

"I’ll get it."

Hong Wan immediately clasped her hands and hurried forward.

"So it is Prince Chongwen. Please, come in!"

Soon, a refined young man in a dark cyan Python Robe stepped through the doorway, led in by Hong Wan.

Lu Mingyuan glanced at the visitor. The brand-new, dark cyan Python Robe looked very familiar. It seemed to be made from the hide of the Cyan-eyed Green Flood Dragon they had captured in the Grotto Heaven. To refine the hide of a Great Flood Dragon—a Demon King Realm existence comparable to a human Nascent Soul cultivator—into a Magic Robe would certainly require a great fortune and the secret services of a master craftsman.

From this small detail, Lu Mingyuan knew that Lu Yunqing had a host of capable people under him, and that the Prince of Silver Frost might have made some sort of deal with him.

Lu Yunqing no longer kept his hands tucked in his sleeves, feigning profundity and putting on airs. Instead, his placid face broke into a smile. The Eighth Prince, who was treated with such reverence and unspoken awe by countless Guest Scholars in his own manor, opened his arms and placed a hand on Lu Mingyuan’s shoulder.

"It’s only been a few days, Sixth Brother, but you’re looking even better than before!"

Qi Muxue and Huo Hongling, who were nearby, all bowed. "Greetings, Prince Chongwen."

Lu Yunqing waved his hand with a faint smile. "The two Madams need not be so formal."

Lu Mingyuan smiled. "Is the Empress in good health?"

The Empress he spoke of was, of course, Lu Yunqing’s mother, who had been installed as the new Empress by his father half a year ago.

Lu Yunqing nodded vigorously. "She is!"

Lu Mingyuan sighed. "In any case, the Empress is my aunt. I should pay her more visits."

Lu Yunqing said nonchalantly, "What’s the big deal? My mother sometimes chatters about you, saying how handsome you are and all that. Why are you being so distant, Sixth Brother?"

Lu Mingyuan got straight to the point. "Did you come to the Cold Palace this time for something important?"

Lu Yunqing’s expression faltered, and he offered a placating smile. "It’s nothing major. Just a few thoughts from your younger brother."

"Speak. If it’s something I can do, I won’t hesitate," Lu Mingyuan nodded.

Lu Yunqing hesitated for a moment, glancing at Qi Muxue and the others around them.

Lu Mingyuan understood immediately. He said to Qi Muxue, Huo Hongling, Zi Yun, and Hong Wan, "You may all leave for now. I have something to discuss with my younger brother."

"Yes, husband."

Qi Muxue lowered her eyes and led the other women out of the main courtyard.

As she left Qingzhu Hall...

She saw numerous Cultivators standing guard outside the Cold Palace.

There was a white-bearded old man, eyes closed in meditation as he held a sword; a dashing young Confucian Scholar in green robes engaged in conversation; and a tall woman in close-fitting robes with a flying sword at her waist.

Of the group, these three had the highest Cultivation.

The young Confucian Scholar even smiled and nodded at Qi Muxue.

Qi Muxue lightly cupped her hands in response, then narrowed her eyes and waited at a stone bench outside the gate.

「On the other side.」

Lu Mingyuan and Lu Yunqing sat opposite each other. With a calm expression, he poured a cup of hot tea for each of them.

"So, what is it?"

Lu Yunqing’s expression was slightly reserved. "Sixth Brother, I heard you were pardoned by Father Emperor?"

Lu Mingyuan nodded. "Yes, the Holy Decree came this morning."

Lu Yunqing spoke softly, his tone casual. "But I also seem to have heard that the Great Nether Empress has ascended the throne, and now the various Academies have a lot to say about you, Sixth Brother."

"The petitions from Shengjing Academy, Xiangnan Academy, Luochuan Academy, and others have already piled up on the desks of the Advisory Platform Bureau this afternoon."

Lu Mingyuan waved a dismissive hand. "Let them curse. It’s not like I haven’t been insulted enough already. One more or one less makes no difference."

"As expected of my Sixth Brother, your mindset is truly excellent!"

Lu Yunqing laughed heartily. After the praise, he became serious. "They can curse all they want, but the influence is still there. It will undoubtedly obstruct your plan to leave the palace, Sixth Brother."

A faint, ethereal echo entered Lu Mingyuan’s ears, causing him to frown. *’Sixth Brother, don’t blame me. I don’t want this either...’*

"What are you trying to say?"

Lu Yunqing quickly said, "I want to help you sweep away this negative public opinion, Sixth Brother! I know you aren’t that kind of person, that you have nothing to do with that... that Demoness, the Great Nether Empress!"

Lu Mingyuan smelled a scheme.

In an instant, he fell silent.

Lu Yunqing was terrified of Lu Mingyuan’s silence. He had clearly noticed a flicker of disappointment in Lu Mingyuan’s eyes a moment ago. He decided to throw caution to the wind and said earnestly:

"Sixth Brother, I can help you walk out of the Cold Palace and make the talk about the Great Nether Empress disappear from the Capital City. And in exchange..."

"Can you give the Emperor’s Throne to me?"

...

*Author’s Note: I’d like to recommend a book by a master author,* Divine Deceit Era Night Watcher. *He’s a veteran, so the quality is guaranteed. Everyone should check it out if you’re interested.*