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Chapter 454: Brothers Smile In Front Of Baoyue Brothel

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

Fan Xian stared at Guangxin Palace in a daze. Looking at the column in front of the Palace, he wondered whether or not the hole in the column had been filled with lime.

When he had investigated the Royal Palace for the first time at night, it was behind the column in this palace that he was stabbed with a sword by that serving girl. The sword had pierced through the thick wood post and almost entered his waist.

Even now, Fan Xian seemed to still be able to feel the murderous intent on that sword, although that serving girl had been killed by him on scene. It was also that night he had overheard the collusion between the Eldest Princess and Northern Qi royal family, the truth of Yan Bingyun being sold out, as well as blocked Yan Xiaoyi's arrow that seemed to have come from the ends of the earth.

The snow had stopped, and a cold wind blew through the Royal Palace, however, it was colder than the past few days. Fan Xian shivered with cold and shook his head with a self-ridiculing smile. Along with Eunuch Yao, he left this place and went toward the Eastern Palace where the empress and Crown Prince lived.

Although the Eldest Princess was his mother-in-law and he would eventually have to see her, it was best to maintain his distance from that charming, cold, and emotionless woman. If he could delay their meeting by a day, then he would delay it by a day.

These years with the Emperor's secret arrangements and cooperation of Chen Pingping, as well as various other parties, Fan Xian had gradually taken over all of the Eldest Princess' power. It had long become impossible for both sides to live together. There would eventually be a final showdown. Although the Eldest Princess' power, for a long time now, had been a far cry from before, Fan Xian still remained cautious. Not only because she was Wan'er mother, but also because of that strange feeling in his heart.

In his previous life, he had heard girls sing a song to give something to him…Fan Xian also felt like this. The Eldest Princess had given the palace treasury to him, her daughter to him, her lover to him, the Cui family to him, and the Ming family she was also about to give to him. It looked like there were still many things she was going to transfer to him. If he was the Eldest Princess, he would probably also bite his lip and keep his silence, while fire sprayed from his eyes to burn this bad son-in-law to death.

There was also the Junshang Conference and the restless people in the military. Although the Eldest Princess was not a fire-breathing dinosaur, on the contrary, she was very alluring, Fan Xian was still somewhat afraid. He was afraid of the craziness and charm in her warmth.

To be with such a 30-something-year-old mother-in-law who was known as the most beautiful woman in the world, it felt a bit awkward. So, until now, Fan Xian had only met her, his greatest enemy in this life, once.

This had always been very amusing.

…

…

Eunuch Yao glanced at the silent Fan Xian and didn't say anything. He caught up with quick steps. In a moment, they arrived at the Eastern Palace. Unfortunately, the empress was in Guangxin Palace chatting with the Eldest Princess, so there was only the Crown Prince who was being tutored by the grand tutor.

Seeing Fan Xian enter the palace, the Crown Prince came forward with a laugh. "How is your injury? I was going to visit you at your manor, but I was afraid it would disturb your rest, so I decided not to."

Fan Xian bowed and made his greetings. Only then did he straighten up and smile. "My body has always been sturdy, I only had to rest for a few days. Today, I came into the Palace by edict, so I came to visit you to stop you from worrying."

"When is sister Chen coming back?"

"Probably tomorrow."

The Crown Prince smiled. "While she is not here, you need to make the most of it and have some fun."

The two of them smiled and sat down. They talked about Jiangnan's scenery and beautiful woman. Not one of their words strayed toward unhappy topics. Actually, if their relationship was traced back a few years, the Crown Prince had treated Fan Xian very well. Although he had listened to Xin Qiwu's sugestion and treated Fan Xian well with the intention to bring him to his side, when Fan Xian first entered the capital, they two had gotten along very well.

However, no one had expected that later matters would develop in such a strange way.

Fan Xian was actually a prince.

Furthermore, the problems left over by history had not been resolved.

Fan Xian had risen up, and the Crown Prince became someone on the other side. Both sides knew that because of the historical problem, it was impossible for the two sides to work together. Inevitably, both sides sighed sadly. However, in the past two years, Fan Xian had mainly been attacking the Second Prince's faction and had not attacked the Crown Prince's faction wholeheartedly. On the surface, these two people could still maintain a sense of joyousness and harmony.

Even if the two of them had shed their cordiality, in the Palace, they still had to be joyous and harmonious.

The warm conversation came to an end and Fan Xian rose to bid his farewell. He moved closer to the Crown Prince's ear and said in a quiet voice, "Your Highness, you must come tonight."

The Crown Prince smiled. "Speaking of it, I actually haven't been to that building of yours…"

This progressively marginalized proper Crown Prince sighed. "As you know, for the past few years, I've been cultivating my moral character and very rarely leave the Palace to play. Speaking of this famous Baoyue Brothel outside, first it was Second brother and later it's you. Neither of you had any ideas, so there's nothing I can do."

Fan Xian wasn't sure whether these words had a hidden meaning, but he couldn't be bothered to guess. He chuckled and respectfully bowed before leaving the Eastern Palace.

Outside the palace, he, not unexpectedly, saw a familiar face.

That eunuch with a face full of acne, the current head of the Eastern Palace eunuchs, Hong Zhu.

Hong Zhu quickly moved to the side and greeted him.

Fan Xian's attitude was very cold. He made a sound of acknowledgement and walked forward. In his heart, there was a strange feeling. Looking at Hong Zhu's expression, it seemed as if he had something to say. Between this little eunuch's brows, there was some fear, but he didn't know what he was fearful of.

While in the Palace, Fan Xian would not pay attention to Hong Zhu. He still had to act like he looked down on him with disdain. This pawn buried in the Palace could not lightly be used.

Following that, he came to Lady Shu and Lady Ning's palace. He brought a list of books for the Second Prince's birth mother, Lady Shu. They were all ancient book collections printed at the Jiangnan Tianyi Pavilion. It was clear that Lady Shu was surprised. She had not expected for Fan Xian to serve her with such care given his life and death battles with her son, so she felt slightly moved.

While in Lady Ning's palace, Fan Xian was thoroughly scolded.

This was the first time this outspoken and straightforward woman, born in Dongyi, had seen Fan Xian after learning of his past. Looking at the expression between Fan Xian's brows, Lady Ning couldn't help but remember the Lady Ye who had once saved herself and the child in her womb. So, she was angry that Fan Xian would treat his life so lightly and lectured him while Fan Xian nodded his head vigorously.

Then, she spoke of some stories from the past. Lady Ning's eyes grew warm and soft. Looking at Fan Xian like she was looking at her own son, she gently rubbed his head. She exhorted him to bring princess Chen often into the palace to see her if he had the time.

Fan Xian agreed to everything. When he left the palace, he happened to turn his head and saw that Lady Ning seemed to be wiping away the wetness from the corner of her eyes. His heart couldn't help twisting with an unspeakable sorrow.

These were all people from the past and matters from the past.

…

…

Busily walking, Fan Xian also began to feel irritated. This was just like his first visit to the Palace to visit the various imperial concubines after his marriage. The things he did and the conversations in each palace he walked through were more or less the same. The constant repetition truly wore down both parties' state of mind.

Fortunately, he could relax a bit in the last Shufang Palace.

Having chased away Eunuch Yao, Fan Xian leaned like an exhausted dog against the chair. Slanting his eyes, he evaluated the serving girl who was busily bringing him tea. This serving girl's brows were clear and smooth, and her head was constantly lowered politely. Fan Xian couldn't help his heart thumping. When he accepted the tea, he squeezed her white wrist.

The serving girl glared at Fan Xian.

Fan Xian laughed and said, "Xing'er, when I first saw you, you were only 13. As you grew, so has your temper."

Yi Guiping, who was lying on the low couch, watched as Fan Xian messed around with the child. She couldn't resist opening her mouth and saying, "You can mess around outside, but don't come mess around with people in my palace."

Xing'er was indeed the girl who had led Fan Xian all around the Palace to offer his greetings back then. After being talked about by both of them, her face immediately flushed red. She ran quickly into the back.

Fan Xian drank some tea to soothe his throat. He then seriously said, "Aunt, I have to leave the Palace soon, so I won't talk long with you."

"Leave the Palace?" Yi Guiping was slightly surprised and immediately understood that something was happening. A glimmer of worry rose between her brows and she said, "What exactly are you going to do tonight?"

Fan Xian was also surprised and asked, "You know about this?"

Yi Guiping covered her mouth and smiled. "Sir Fan junior is hosting a feast tonight and the people he has invited are all major figures…this matter has long spread out and is the most sensational news in the capital. Although I live in the Palace, how could I not know about this?"

Fan Xian forced a smile and said, "It has only been a day, so how could it have grown to such a ruckus? It's just that I haven't been back to the capital in over a year. Inevitably, I'll have to invite everyone out."

Yi Guiping said seriously, "Although there are things I want to say to you, at least to thank you on behalf of my child for your discipline this year, I know your event at night is important, so you can leave first."

She paused and then said, "Did you invite Hongcheng?"

Fan Xian shook his head and smiled. "I'll take Wan'er to King Jing's manor another day."

Yi Guiping nodded.

Fan Xian smiled again and said, "I can't leave right now. I'm here especially to pick up the Third Prince. At this time, Teacher Liu is still tutoring him, so how can I leave?"

Yi Guiping started and worriedly said, "Ping'er is also going?"

"It's just brothers getting together. I'll be there. What are you worried about?" Fan Xian smiled warmly with unspeakable confidence.

…

…

The end of the year was drawing near. The heavy snows had suddenly stopped, and no one knew when they would start again. Jingdou was freezing cold, however, there were red lanterns hovering in the air in the buildings beside the street. The red candles burned brightly and warmly enveloped the surroundings. They spilled out as if the precious bamboo charcoal was worth nothing.

Three layers of thick leather curtains hung in front of Baoyue Brothel's front door. Occasionally, a servant would pass through. When they lifted the curtains, the warm air from inside the building would spill out. For a moment, the air on this street seemed slightly warmer than elsewhere.

There was no one passing by on the streets. The bailiffs from the Jingdou government and soldiers from the Jingdou garrison that were stationed here rubbed their frozen hands. Looking at the brightly lit building, they didn't say anything out loud, but in their hearts, they were cursing loudly that they had to stand guard outside while the nobility inside could wash in spring breeze.

Of all the restaurants and brothels in the world, probably only Baoyue Brothel would be so luxurious. However, it was not usually like this. It was only because this day was special.

Baoyue Brothel did not open for business this day. In fact, half the street had been sealed off by people and horses from the Jingdou government and garrison. These were the preparations that Baoyue Brothel had reported to the government ahead of time. Without any time being wasted, it was granted with special permission.

The leading official of the Jingdou government did not have the authority to participate in this gathering, but he still did his best to arrange all the defenses. Not only him, but all of the officials in Jingdou thought like this. Regardless of which faction they belonged to, today, they all had to give their service to Baoyue Brothel.

Because, on this day, everyone who was considered a master in Jingdou was going to Baoyue Brothel.

The Siye of the Imperial College, vice-minister of Taichang Temple, leader of the palace treasury transport company, the Commissioner of the Overwatch Council, the inspector of Jiangnan, the imperial envoy…Fan Xian was hosting the gathering.

With the dazzling and powerful Sir Fan junior, whose titles were almost longer than his family tree, gave an invite, who dared to not come? Who had the face to not come? Although everyone knew that this Sir Fan junior was an isolated official who was bold and willing to offend officials, his guests of honor were the Crown Prince, the three princes, two Deputies of the Bureau of Military Affairs, and a few other powerful figures. If even these people had to give Fan Xian face, let alone the rest.

In Baoyue Brothel, all the powerful people were congregated. If someone had the power to kill every guest of honor tonight, Qing Kingdom would probably fall into chaos. No wonder the Jingdou government and garrison were so careful and guarded it so tightly. It was almost comparable to the depths of the Royal Palace.

A few high-class sedan chairs stopped in front of the Baoyue Brothel in the dusk. Another few major figures came forth in carriages, and a few other powerful military figures rode forth on horses.

None brought too many personal attendants to be an eyesore to Fan Xian. The princes only each brought two or three Tiger Guards. These major officials were all certain of their safety. Although there had been the attack in the valley recently, everyone knew that Baoyue Brothel was the property of the Fan family.

The Great Prince, the Left and Right Deputies of the Bureau of Military Affairs, Xin Qiwu, and Reh Shao'an arrived. Baoyue Brothel was operating fully, so the girls helped these major figures to side rooms to rest and wait for the feast to begin.

Fan Xian leisurely talked with a few people and said some mischievous things. He then led the child by his side to the door because he had heard the news that the Crown Prince had arrived.

Seeing that child willingly had his hand held by Fan Xian, the two Deputies from the Bureau and some other officials at the feast who were watching felt shock in their hearts. The scene in front of them was enough to make these major figures think of many other things.

Since ancient times, there had been officials who controlled the Emperor to command the nobles. Sir Fan junior held that child's hand, so who knew whether or not the future Qing Kingdom, the future world, would belong to these two?

Fan Xian was holding the hand of the Third Prince.

…

…

Outside the leather curtains, it was slightly cold. The Third Prince shivered and turned his head to gaze at his teacher, who was two heads taller than him. A glimmer of worship flashed through his eyes. He immediately asked, "Sir, your injury is not yet better. Why did you come out to greet him?"

Fan Xian shook his head and explained gently, "The person who is coming is the Crown Prince, the heir of the country. His status is not the same. Furthermore, he is also your older brother. Whether as an official or as a brother, respect should be shown."

A small carriage under the protection of a dozen guards stopped in front of Baoyue Brothel. Fan Xian's eyes were sharp and could see there were a few Tiger Guards with long knives around them, waiting coldly. In order to prevent the common people from talking too much and making things awkward for the court, all of the guests had removed their usual honor guard. Even the Crown Prince, who was arriving, could be considered traveling lightly.

Fortunately, it was so. Otherwise, this street would probably be completely blocked the major figures' show of extravagance.

The carriage curtain was lifted, and the Crown Prince, in an outfit of light yellow, stepped down from the carriage with a face full of smiles. He raised his eyes to see Fan Xian and the Third Prince waiting outside the building to welcome him. The Crown Prince's mood was pretty good. Although this was necessary, given Fan Xian's current power, this kind of respect was something the Crown Prince needed.

Fan Xian and the Third Prince bowed first. The Crown Prince quickly raised them up. In a moment, everyone in the building knew that the Crown Prince had arrived and rushed out to welcome him. Only the Great Prince seemed to have already drunk too much and had forgotten. However, the Crown Prince knew that his older brother was born into the military and had always been like this, so he didn't care that much.

Just as the group of people standing around outside the building was about to go in and talk, another carriage slowly drove up.

The Crown Prince raised his head curiously, wondering who had even greater airs than himself to arrive even later than him?

Everyone gazed over only to see a thin and slight middle-aged official come out of the carriage. This official did not wear any clothing to symbolize his ranking, but everyone immediately recognized him and couldn't help but feel surprised and shocked that he would also come.

The newcomer wasn't just anybody, it was the Governor of Jiangnan Road, Xue Qing. Of the seven roads under heaven, Xue Qing controlled one of them. He was a super ranked official and controlled the wealthiest road under heaven. Most importantly, he was also the Emperor's confidant and had once been the teacher of many princes in the Cabinet of Official Papers. For these officials in court, his position was particularly revered.

Xue Qing looked at the crowd and smiled slightly. He first bowed to the Crown Prince.

The Crown Prince quickly said he dared to not accept. With him in the lead, everyone hurried to bow to Xue Qing.

Fan Xian smiled and said, "Sir Xue returned to the capital to debrief. As we had worked together for this year in Jiangnan, and I had been greatly favored by you, I dared be so rude and presumptuous as to invite you over."

Everyone oohed and said that Sir Fan junior had great honor to be able to invite Governor Xue Qing out. In their hearts, they secretly slandered Fan Xian. Because of the attack in the valley, Fan Xian had to demonstrate his might to various powers so had even brought out Xue Qing.

It was no wonder that these powerful figures would think like this. The feast in Baoyue Brothel tonight could be considered a gathering of the younger generation. Director Chen, Shu the Scholar, and other such elders would certainly not be disturbed. Even if he wanted to invite them, the Emperor would probably not allow it.

Furthermore, everyone was wondering why Fan Xian had invited such different classifications of people to gather in Baoyue Brothel.

"It is only to eat and drink and chat. Everyone has been busy with official matters this year. There has to be rest at the end of the year," Fan Xian stood at the door to the Baoyue Brothel and explained with a smile.

He saw group of people and horses approaching. A the front was the Second Prince. It was that Second Prince who looked similar to Fan Xian and whose temper seemed to be of the same mold, but who fought with Fan Xian in Jingdou, in the North, and in Jiangnan until blood flowed like rivers.

Of course, the temporary victor was Fan Xian.

Fan Xian met the Second Prince's eyes. With great mutual understanding. Without the division of first and second, without regard to seniority, they raised their hands at the same time, bent slightly at the waist, and greeted each other.

Then, the corners of their lips tilted slightly and a glimmer of a shy smile rose at the same time.

Both of them sighed in their hearts. This smile .hadn't been seen for a long time.

Chapter 455: Discussing History At The Feast At Hongmen [JW1] (1)

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

On the east side of the third floor of Baoyue Brothel was the large Flower Hall. Half of the room hovered over the empty air and the large hall on the first floor could perfectly be seen. The large and wide carpet from the Hu people was covered with a fresh red color. It added another distinct style.

Since there were noble guests in the building, this half of the Flower Hall had also been emptied. As he entered the flower hall, the Second Prince's eyes unconsciously glanced up at the door and saw there were two characters written there in gold paint. He couldn't help but be curious as to what these two characters meant.

"Hongmen."

As the host, Fan Xian smiled calmly as he welcomed the crowd into the hall. Flower Hall had been divided by screens and hanging woolen curtains. The hot air rose. As each figure entered the hall, he was stripped of his large capes and jackets by the girls beside him, leaving only the inner, unlined clothing.

It was enough. There were already all kinds of exquisite teas and desserts on the tables. The plates used were the best in Jiangnan, and the cups for alcohol were also the best glass ones. The alcohol served was the most expensive liquor in the world, Wu Liangye. The girls serving on the side were all gentle and quiet beauties.

Naturally, the Crown Prince sat in the most honorable position. He gazed at Fan Xian and laughingly scolded, "Only you could enjoy life like this. Look at all these things. They're all from the three workshops. The Palace is counting on them to exchange for silver. They certainly don't spend like you do."

The customs of Qing Kingdom were simple and plain, so even the officials of the royal family had taken extra to be cautious. They were definitely not as extravagant as the Northern Qi court. For a feast like the one Fan Xian gave, it was indeed stepping over the boundaries a bit. Everyone knew that right now, the palace treasury was single-handedly controlled by Fan Xian. It wouldn't be a problem to transfer some expenses over. However, they weren't sure if the Crown Prince's laughing remark was a silent jab.

Fan Xian's expression didn't change, and he smiled. "If one can enjoy, it's best to grasp the opportunity to do so."

Xue Qing sat on the first table on the left side. He was here by edict to watch the show, so he did not care about much. Besides, he had long lived in Jiangnan and was used to such luxuries. Seeing the sighs of admiration from these major figures in the capital, he couldn't help the corners of his mouth twitching up and smiling. He thought to himself that although it was difficult to make a living in such a big city as Jingdou, their luxuries were still far from that of Jiangnan.

The feast began. The girls were quiet and speechless as they began to place dishes and pour wine for the guests at each table. Although they had gone through special training the past two days, the girls' hearts couldn't help but be nervous at suddenly seeing so many major figures of the Qing court at once. Their red lips were pressed tightly together.

The princes and officials present had all made their way through the romance scene before. However, suddenly having so many people gathered in one hall, they were truly at a loss for what to do.

Actually, there were not that many guests of honor. There were about 10 people, each with a girl sitting beside them and a personal attendant kneeling behind them, yet they still filled Flower Hall.

The person serving Fan Xian wasn't just anybody. It was the shopkeeper of Baoyue Brothel, Sang Weng.

In a setting such as this, it would not do to open with too much yelling, endlessly drinking games, and inappropriate fondling, particularly with Xue Qing and the two Deputies of the Bureau present. The young nobility were all conscious of their status, so the room was somewhat quiet and stuffy for a moment. They only talked about some of the idle jokes from the court, such as Shu the Scholar falling drunk into the snowy street again last night and such.

In any case, Shu Wu's personality was easy going and didn't care about how juniors mocked.

No one dared use the princes and Fan Xian as the butt of jokes, particularly Fan Xian. Everyone was still guessing at the true purpose of this meal.

In the air of awkwardness, Xue Qing minded his own business drinking the alcohol and playing with the hands of the girl beside him. This man immediately removed his air of officialdom and felt a bit more like a middle-aged loafer. It looked like the scholar of the Cabinet of Official Papers has also battled his fair share with the skeletons of the red tower.

The Second Prince took a shallow sip and gazed with a slight smile at Fan Xian across from him. "An Zhi, I haven't been to Baoyue Brothel in a year. I've discovered that the girls here are much prettier than before."

Immediately, the atmosphere in the room relaxed. Between Fan Xian and the Second Prince, someone had to take the lead and speak first.

"What nonsense," Fan Xian laughingly scolded. "For today's set up, for just Baoyue Brothel to serve you all, that's impossible…to be honest, the 13 girls in the building today are not only girls from here. I've invited all of the most famous women in the capital...regardless of whether it is the pleasure boats on Liujing River or at the teaching workshop, if you leave this building tonight and can find another famous girl, then I'll have lost."

Everyone was shocked, thinking it was a very grand scale, but not the issue of money. Rather, to make the romance industry in Jingdou obediently give up their most famous girls in just one day, Fan Xian's might was indeed at a hair-raising level.

Everyone turned to take a glance only to see the girls beside them all had their heads lowered shyly. After a closer look, everyone couldn't help but laugh. They recognized someone from Liujing River and someone else as from the teaching workshop. They were all familiar people.

Only the Second Prince's gaze was a bit dark. It was absurd to speak of it, of the dozen girls in the building tonight, there four that belonged to Liujing He, arrangements that the heir Hongcheng used to be responsible for. However, Yuan Meng died in Jiangnan and Shi Qing'er defected to Fan Xian while Li Chenghong was put under house arrests by King Jing.

He raised his head and took a distant glance at Fan Xian only to see that Fan Xian's expression was calm, except, his eyes held a not-quite-there smile. For the moment, he wasn't sure whether he was demonstrating his might through this small matter or had other plans.

The Second Prince smiled slightly and said, "Baoyue Brothel's smooth running must all be due to Sang Wen's cleverness and acumen. I drink to you."

After saying this, he raised the cup in his hand and moved it to drink to Sang Wen beside Fan Xian.

To put himself lower, despite his princely status, aligned with his usual warm and gentle way of doing things. Furthermore, they were in a romantic setting. If notions of seniority were constantly upheld, it wouldn't be fun. Thus, no one really cared. They only cared that…Why did he drink this first cup to Sang Wen? Where was he putting tonight's host, Fan Xian?

Sang Wen was right beside Fan Xian bringing a sliver of lichen toward his lips. Suddenly hearing these words, she couldn't help but feel startled and turned her head to glance at Fan Xian.

Fan Xian smiled slightly and nodded. Sang Wen stood, bowed slightly toward the Second Prince and then emptied the cup. Without waiting for the Second Prince to say more, she poured herself another cup and raised it to the Crown Prince, sitting at the head, and the Great Prince.

The Crown Prince was acting a bit strange, but he was only having fun with the beautiful woman in his arms. The beauty's body had long turned soft under the attentions of the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince looked very pleased and was not paying much attention to the undercurrents on the feast between the Second Prince and Fan Xian.

However, the Great Prince drank with Sang Wen and then sighed.

The Second Prince's expression didn't change. He smiled slightly and said, "Today, it is rare that everyone is present. There needs to be some performance to add to the fun. Sang Wen, ever since you became the shopkeeper of the Baoyue Brothel, the ears of the people of Jingdou have no longer been blessed. I wonder whether I could ask Sang Wen to sing a song for us."

Sang Wen smiled slightly. Her warm expression was calm. As she rose to get her qin, her hand was unexpectedly pulled on by Fan Xian.

Fan Xian looked calmly at the Second Prince. "Sang Wen doesn't sing now."

Sang Wen was startled, thinking, Why upset the feast because of something so small? Ever since she was young, she was a singer. She had long gotten used to performing at feasts. For a moment, she had forgotten that Fan Xian was a master who hated having his people serve others.

The Second Prince furrowed his brows as a look of confusion flashed across his handsome face. He seemed to not have expected for Fan Xian to be so unyielding. After the feast started, both sides were testing the waters. He also wanted to know just what Fan Xian wanted to do during his return to the capital, thus, he had spoken consecutively.

Unexpectedly, Fan Xian's reply was such a spoilsport.

Fan Xian glanced at the Second Prince. He thought to himself that he had provided the fun today, but the purpose was to spoil it. Sitting below him, the vice minister of Taichang Temple, Ren Shao'an, pulled on his sleeve to remind him to be careful. He only smiled.

The Deputy of the Bureau of Military Affairs narrowed his eyes and said, "Sir Fan junior, look at what you're saying…given these princes' statues, so what if they ask this girl to perform a song?"

Fan Xian's confrontation in front of the Bureau of Military Affairs had already created a split between himself and the military. With the attack in the valley not yet cleared up, there would not be a day of peace between the two sides.

The soldiers of Qing Kingdom had always been simple, direct, and rough. This deputy, Qu Xiangdong, he was the vanguard of the last Northern expedition. He had a substantial military merit to his name, so he was not afraid of Fan Xian's power. At this moment, hearing Fan Xian's cold tone, he spoke out to prick him.

However, Fan Xian did not become angry. He only smiled and said, "Lady Sang now only sings in Chen Garden. If Deputy Qu wishes to hear, you may go out of the capital to ask Director Chen. There is no point in asking me."

The black shining words Director Chen were tossed out. The Second Prince smiled but didn't say anything while Deputy Qu's expression changed and forcefully swallowed the following vicious words back into his stomach.

"Drink!"

In the awkwardness, it was a like a thunderbolt in the silence. The long silent Great Prince suddenly raised his cup and roared in a loud voice. He was born into the military, and his personality was open-minded. He had originally thought to repair the relationship between Fan Xian and the military, and, at the same time, he wanted the gap between the brothers to become smaller. However, seeing the strange situation in the feast, a mysterious anger rose in his chest, so he roared loudly.

The two Deputies of the Bureau were also born of the military and were open-minded and impertinent. They furrowed their brows and emptied the three liang [JW2] wine cup in one go and turned their wrists to show Fan Xian.

Fan Xian smiled slightly. He raised the cup to his lips and slowly tilted it. Although his speed was slow, he did not stop at all. Like spring flowing into a lake, the cup tilted and the alcohol emptied.

Sitting at the head, the Crown Prince helplessly held out his cup to the Great Prince and said, "Brother, I was just drinking when you shouted. You almost scared the wine out of my cup."

Everyone laughed.

The Crown Prince then smiled toward the two Deputies of the Bureau. "Don't you think to bring the military model into Baoyue Brothel. I know there is resentment between you and An Zhi, but before this matter is cleared up, why should there be anger between officials? Even if there is anger, don't compete with alcohol."

He pointed at Fan Xian and gazed smilingly at the two Deputies. "Did you forget? The year before last, Sir Fan junior drank 3,000 cups in front of the palace in one night. He drank that Northern Qi Marquis under the table. To speak of tolerance, An Zhi would not be afraid of you old military men."

As one of the Eastern Palace, Xin Qiwu knew what his master wanted to do. He quickly followed suit and said, "Generals, I think that it would do no harm to compete with Sir Fan junior in drinking. After that night, Sir Fan junior has not written any more poems. If you can make him drink enough to write another 300 poems so that the Banxianzhai Poetry Anthology received a sequel, then the Bureau of Military Affairs would have done a great service for the world. Even the Emperor would probably be overjoyed."

After these words were spoken, everyone announced their approval. Even Xue Qing became interested and invited Fan Xian to drink a few cups. Then, he forced the two Deputies to compete with Fan Xian.

After a vat of alcohol, the atmosphere immediately became livelier. Fan Xian's heroic drinking also made the two officials of the Bureau much happier.

The Second Prince suddenly smiled and said, "Speaking of the fact that An Zhi has never written another poem after that night, it is indeed a great loss for the world. However, I heard that while An Zhi was in Northern Qi he had written a small poem for that Northern Qi sage girl. I wonder if that is true?"

This was the biggest scandal in the world last year. The Northern Qi people were very unhappy, but the Qing Kingdom people were incomparably joyful. Hearing these words, the helplessly intoxicated officials all began to make a clamor, insisting on hearing Fan Xian tell of the specifics of this story.

Fan Xian laughingly scolded and would not go into details. He casually fooled around. However, he slanted a glance toward the Crown Prince with some astonishment in his heart. This Crown Prince had indeed grown up a lot compared to the last two years. However, the Crown Prince's power was gradually decreasing. Was he watching him and the Second Prince fight like this because he wanted to gain the fisherman's benefit? But, where did his confidence come from? He wasn't his father.

…

…

The feast gradually fell apart as people's intentions dispersed. The Crown Prince stood up and grabbed people, forcing them to drink. Fan Xian secretly smiled as he saw this sight. He thought to himself that it was probably because the Northern Qi Great Princess kept too close an eye on him in the manor. Now, he finally had a chance to let loose, so he wouldn't pass up this opportunity.

Fan Xian also saw that the Crown Prince seemed a little drunk while the Second Prince still maintained his clear-minded state. He couldn't help but smile a little and opened his mouth to say, "It's been a year since I've returned to Jingdou. I've rather missed everyone in the capital."

His manner suddenly changed and he quietly sighed. "It's unfortunate that before I entered the capital, I was ambushed by traitorous people. A dozen of my subordinates died. These were all officials of the Overwatch Council, talents of the court. They had worked hard for the court in Jiangnan and was finally about to return to Jingdou to reunite with their families, however, they died tragically dozens of li from the Jingdou city walls. Those wives and children at home anticipating their return are probably living through sorrowful times right now.

He raised his cup of liquor and emptied his cup. In a heavy voice, he said, "Thinking of this, I…actually can't drink this cup."

The originally endlessly clamoring on the third floor of Baoyue Brothel immediately quieted down. They knew the key point of tonight had finally arrived.

…

…

In a quiet alley about five li away from Baoyue Brothel, at the head and tail of this alley, a group of black-clothed people suddenly appeared and tightly sealed the little alley.

The leader, Mu Tie, wore a heavy expression. He looked at the three people in the middle of the alley and pointed at the leader. "Is your name Yang Gongcheng?"

The right hand of the leader slowly pressed down on a bulge at his waist. Coldly, he said, "I am, what comments do you have?"

Mu Tie bared his teeth in a smile and a strange expression flashed across his black face. "Just confirming your identity as one of the eight generals so I don't kill the wrong person.

Then he flashed and left. The two groups of black-clothed men at the head and tail of the alley charged forward.

[JW1] This has historical roots: "banquet set up with the aim of murdering a guest."

[JW2] It's the same character as the measurement for silver, but here it's measuring liquid.

Chapter 456: Discussing History At The Feast At Hongmen (2)

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

Yang Gongcheng, one of the Eight Generals. It looked like a very simple thing, but when these words were put together in one place, they had completely different meaning. Everyone knew that this referred to the eight aces that the Second Prince privately kept in his manor. These eight aces always followed beside the Second Prince and were one of his most powerful martial forces.

During the battle between Fan Xian and the Second Prince, it was these eight generals that had held Fan Xian down in the tea shop outside of Baoyue Brothel. Although, in the end, they didn't manage to keep him down, they still left a deep impression on Fan Xian.

They were indeed eight aces.

Outside the Jingdou government, in that Baoyue Brothel case that was closely related to Fan Sizhe, Fan Xian had suddenly struck. He shattered the soul of ease and triggered the zhenqi problems in his body. This was the first time.

Beside the royal mountain in the autumn rains, swordsmen of the Sixth Bureau of the Overwatch Council struck out to silence all with their metal drills. It shocked Fan Wujiu, causing him to disregard the Second Prince's attempts to have him stay after the event and left for far away. This was the second.

After that undeclared small-scale battle, there were only six left of the Second Prince's eight generals. The Second Prince was a guest at the Baoyue Brothel and very confident that Fan Xian would not dare do anything to him. In order to show his noble and benevolent character, he had not brought a single person. He had also sent back the remaining six of the eight generals.

Yang Gongcheng was one of them. In such a night where one's gaze could see only white snow and in which the layers of cloud had hidden the silver moon, his path and escape had both been cut off by a group of black-clothed men.

During the day, it had been clear. The snow on the eaves of the alley had melted into water and was dripping down, soaking the alley. As day entered into night, the dripping water gradually decreased and formed into icicles. Yet, there was still a drip of water at the tip of the icicle hanging down and waiting to drop.

Yang Gongcheng's pupils constricted slightly. He flipped his hand to pull out the sword at his waist. He rose to his toes. His entire body swept forward, chopping down at the icicles beneath the eaves.

The icicles broke with a crack, becoming sharp tips that pierced toward the black-clothed people.

Immediately, Yang Gongcheng stepped onto the shoulders of two of his cohorts and pushed them in the directions of the black-clothed people coming in from two sides. His figure had already risen and was about to escape through the top of the small alley.

He knew this was an attack, and one that had been planned for him for a long time. The other party had confirmed his usual walking route, thus, they could perfectly block him in the small alley.

However, he didn't want to die. He would rather sacrifice two of his cohorts or disciples and have them be the dummies blocking the attacks, giving him enough time to escape.

To escape, not to fight. At this time, Yang Gongcheng had long lost his drive. There were few who dared set up and ambush to kill in Jingdou, and there was only one person with a grudge against the Second Prince.

The people that person sent out to kill him were not people he could stand against.

It had to be said, Yang Gongcheng lived up to being one of the Second Prince's eight generals. His reaction and style of retaliation were first rate. By the time the black-clothed men had chopped his disciples to the ground and dodged those icicles imbued with his true strength, he had already flown into the air.

He only needed a brief instant before he could reach the head of the alley and escape into the night sky.

Unfortunately, the attackers did not give him this brief instant. An arrow flew over, silently, directly toward his chest.

Yang Gongcheng gave a muffled grunt. Flipping his wrist, he chopped down and chopped away the arrow in a flash.

That being the case, since the crossbow had fired, there was more than one arrow.

Phew! Phew! Phew! Phew! A dozen arrows shot out at the same time. He was in midair, so how could he block them? Although with his extraordinary cultivation he managed to narrowly dodge a few fatal arrows, a few arrows still slipped by and sunk deeply into his thigh.

Yang Gongcheng's leg throbbed with pain one moment and was numb the next. His eyes were opened wide and he, hopelessly, fell from midair.

He only had time to jump into the air in the middle of the alley for a moment. He saw seven crossbowmen standing in the corners of the eaves of the private residences in the alley. Standing in different positions, they had completely blocked the sky.

Assassins below and crossbowmen up top, this was an inescapable net. How could he avoid it?

…

…

During Yang Gongcheng's fall, he wanted to open his mouth to cry for help. However, out of the corner of his eyes, he saw the black-clothed man in the alley also take out a crossbow from his clothes. A bolt flew toward his face and entered his mouth. Blood sprayed out and forced back his cry.

He wondered hopelessly to himself, Why did the other party use so many high-quality crossbows to defeat such a minor figure as himself? Because of the overly dense arrows, his body had already been pierced a dozen times while he was in the air. He looked as funny as a hedgehog.

With a slap, Yang Gongcheng's body fell into the snowy water and sprayed up a puddle of bloody water. However, his cultivation was truly very elevated. After taking such heavy injury, he was still not yet dead. He knelt with one knee on the ground with his sword stabbed into the ground. He watched the leader of the black-clothed men come closer and closer to him. A glimmer of a wild beast's panic and fierceness right before death appeared in his pupils.

Yes, he was an ace. But, he was an ace that had been attacked by a dozen quality crossbow bolts so could not do much unless he was Ye Liuyun.

Fresh blood followed the dense arrow shafts in his body and flowed down. It carried out his essence and blood soul. Yang Gongcheng made choking noises in his through but refused to fall down.

The leader of the black-clothed men stopped in front of him. He turned his hand and pulled out the straight knife at his waist. The blade of the knife was as bright as snow, without a speck of dust.

Most of the icicles on the eaves in the alley had already been broken. There were only a few lonely ice columns. The drop of snow water that had been gathering for a long time finally became a large pearl of water and dripped down. It landed in the bloody water in the alley and a light sound rose.

The leader of the black-clothed men drew his knife and silently chopped down. The knife chopped of Yang Gongcheng's head cleanly.

Yang Gongcheng's headless body remained kneeling.

The leader of the black-clothed men waved his hand. The crossbowmen standing on the private residences flipped and landed on the ground. The attackers in the alley silently approached and took away all of the arrows. They then destroyed all the evidence in the alley.

The group of people took off their black clothes and disguised themselves as ordinary commoners. They left the small alley and merged back into the seemingly never-changing life in Jingdou.

The little alley was completely quiet as if no one had passed through. However, there were an additional three bodies. That headless corpse finally fell without the surrounding support of the arrows, making a muffled crash in the alley.

…

…

"In the past, I had never thought that things like arrows could be so terrifying." Fan Xian lifted his wine cup and slowly drank. His eyes were filled with a perplexed expression, "As everyone is aware, the Overwatch Council is used to using arrows. However, I still had not thought that when a murder object reached a certain number, it would become so terrifying."

At the feast in Baoyue Brothel, everyone listened quietly to Fan Xian's story. These were the details of the attack in the valley. Everyone could hear the glimmer of melancholy and darkness in his tone.

Fan Xian placed his cup on the table and smiled slightly. "The sky was raining with arrows. I had never seen such a sight in this lifetime. I had probably never seen it in a past life either. This was not an attack, it was more like being on a battlefield. It was only at that time that I realized that one person's strength was indeed limited."

Across from him, the Great Prince nodded slowly with a complicated expression on his face. Perhaps he was thinking of year after year of killing with the Hu tribe during the Western expedition.

"The sound of the arrows landing on the carriage was like the knock of a soul stealer." Fan Xian furrowed his brows, he seemed to be remembering the specific details of that time. "That feeling of being blocked in and killed is not very good."

The Crown Prince sighed and comforted, "Fortunately it has already passed. As you were able to survive, those rebels and traitors will eventually be executed. The court is investigating closely. Presumably, they will have results any day now."

"Thank you, Your Highness." Fan Xian raised his cup to drink to everyone. He smiled and said, "Yes, at least I survived. Presumably, many people were disappointed. Even the city-guarding crossbows were used, yet it could still not kill me. What does this mean?"

No one took his cue. The coloring of the two Deputies of the Bureau of Military of Affairs did not look very good. Without question, the attack in the valley implicated the military. Although the court's investigation had not yet yielded any results, this point was already ironclad. Speaking to here, Fan Xian could not allow these military elders to secretly analyze it.

"I am a very self-confident person." Fan Xian showed everyone he had already drained his cup. He smiled and said, "Including the Emperor and the Director, elders have all once asked me, 'why are you so self-confident?'"

Everyone focused their attention and listened, but an absurd feeling grew in their hearts. The feast was filled with important Qing Kingdom figures, there were also the Crown Prince and the three princes, yet, as long as Fan Xian opened his mouth, everyone's attention would be drawn by him. This was not only because he was the host of tonight's feast, but because…it was if everyone unconsciously admitted that he was the truly the most powerful one.

It was truly very absurd. Perhaps there were powerful officials in history who could overturn the court known as "Faction of the Nine Thousand Year Old [JW1]," but there had never been a young illegitimate royal child full of deterrent force as this. He was also a very dazzling illegitimate child.

Everyone unconsciously glanced at the Crown Prince.

However, the Crown Prince was smiling slightly and listening to Fan Xian speak. There was not a glimmer of unhappiness in his expression. On the contrary, it was full of comfort and understanding.

The Great Prince coughed gently.

Fan Xian's left hand gently played with the large wine cup. His gaze was on the table in front of him as if he was looking at a very beautiful artwork. "Why am I so self-confident? Because I believe I am the person with the best luck in this world. No one else could have better luck than me."

For a clearly already dead person to mysteriously come alive again, and, furthermore, have such a rich and exciting, even monstrous and multi-colored, life, this kind of luck needed to be slowly celebrated through the years.

Fan Xian smiled and said, "As I said earlier, the Overwatch Council is also very used to using arrows. Those arrows cannot kill me, and my enemies are certain to not have as much good luck as me."

…

…

In the Overwatch Council, not very far from the Royal Palace, in Director Chen's favorite secret room, Yan Bingyun wore an outfit of pure white cotton and was staring in a daze at the case file on the table. A moment later, he sighed and rubbed his temples. The pain in his temples was difficult to stop.

Knocking came from the door. An official of the Second Bureau's intelligence service came in and handed him three small and sealed bamboo containers.

Yan Bingyun used his fingernail to pick apart the wax seal. He took out the intelligence report from within and swept his eyes over it, and then moved to stand beside a candle and burned it. Under the confused gazed of the intelligence officer, he tiredly said, "Don't put tonight's events into the record."

The intelligence officer immediately lowered his head an acquiescence, "Forty-three targets, three had already been cleaned out."

Yan Bingyun seemed to have a headache at hearing these words. He shook his head irritably and waved his hand to indicate that he knew and had him leave.

The secret room once more returned to silence. Yan Bingyun looked at the pieces of wax on the table and his mind began to wander again. Fan Xian was hosting a feast in the Baoyue Brothel while the Overwatch Council was in a state of second-class emergency. In the darkness of the Jingdou night, countless people were moving and countless people would die. And all of this was because of Fan Xian's craziness.

The night's plan had been personally formulated by Yan Bingyun. Although he had determinedly expressed his opposition to Fan Xian's face, he would continue to do what needed to be done. In this plan, they needed to kill 11 people and capture 32 people. Of the 11 people that needed to be killed, the first ones were the six of the Second Prince's eight generals.

This was a crazy revenge mission.

Three of the Second Prince's eight generals had already died. Given the Overwatch Council's full strength crazy retaliation, the power of a mere royal manor was not enough to shake the bigger picture. Presumably, he would receive news of the death of the rest of them.

Yan Bingyun walked to the window and lifted a corner of that black cloth just like how Chen Pingping used to do so. He gazed toward the not very distant Royal Palace through that narrow space. The Royal Palace was still brightly lit and gave off an air of holiness and majesty in the dark night.

He gazed at the Royal Palace and thought with worry, The Emperor wants you to be an isolated official, not an extreme official.

[JW1] "Nine-thousand-year-old" is another name for Wei Zhongxian – a late Ming eunuch who is considered the most powerful and notorious in Chinese history.

Chapter 457: Discussing History At The Feast At Hongmen (3)

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

Jingdou's nights were always heavy, particularly in such cold winter days. There were not many people walking on the streets after night fell. Actually, it there were absolutely no people. There were no pedestrians. There were only nightwalkers.

Who knew how many nightwalkers were using the cover of darkness to hide in the streets, alleys, and under the eaves in Jingdou using nooses, sharp knives, metal drills, chains on doors, and powder to ensnare people's necks, slice open their throats, rip through someone's body, and confuse somebody's eyes.

Fresh blood covered everyone's eyes.

A black chain hung from the main door of Zizhu Park. At the end of a chain in their death throes, their feet kicked weakly in the cold wind.

The light from the lantern was very dim. It swayed in the wind like the legs and cast sinister shadows and faint light onto the ground. In the corner, Deng Zi Yue's pale face was sometimes in the light and sometimes in the dark, looking like a demon of the night. He stared at the person and turned to leave after confirming his death.

On Guili Lane, inside a brothel, the sheets were all tossed about and the ace on the bed with strong and powerful muscles suddenly opened his eyes wide. Threads of blood appeared on his eye whites. The prostitute on him looked at him coldly. Her legs were opened very wide, yet they tightly held down his waist. The position was obscene but fatal.

After an indeterminable amount of time, the prostitute's slender, clever, and pale hands slowly moved away from the man's ears and drew out two very slender metal drills. A faint blue light lay on top of the drills, as well as black-colored blood.

At Gaoshan Tower, the sound of a panicked chase rose up. A person was panicked and fearful. They ran toward the foot of the tower with shock and fear in their faces. The clothes on his body had already been sliced into countless pieces and fresh blood dripped down.

A moment later, he was trapped by the killer beneath the tower. The black-clothed man chasing after him spat out a mouthful of saliva that had a trace of blood in it and waved his hand. Black-clothed men charged forward and surrounded the man in the center. Although his martial ability was very powerful and he resisted with all his strength, he was still like a whale being besieged by a group of sharks. Gradually, they became unable to endure.

In the darkness, only the sounds of metal entering a fleshy body and the whistling of the wind could be heard. The black-clothed men silently stabbed and swung until the person in the middle no longer had any reaction, not even a glimmer of nerve reaction. They were like a piece of rotten meat lying on the ground.

…

…

Yan Bingyun brought the report to the candle flame to burn it. His hands did not shake at all, and his brows were no longer furrowed. Since the matter had already happened, there could not be a trace of doubt, just like how after the crossbow was triggered, there was no one who could make that arrow, which could kill people, disappear into thin air.

The Eight Generals the Second Prince personally led were a total of six people and had all died under the Overwatch Council's attack from different methods and at different locations. They had all disappeared into Jingdou's dark night.

From today onward, the Eight Generals would become a trite mention in history or, perhaps, it didn't even have the right to be recorded in history.

Yan Bingyun lowered his head and looked at the piece of paper on the table. He unconsciously squeezed the bridge of his nose to clear his state of mind. According to the plan, the next step should immediately be carried out. As for the rest of the five people that needed to be killed, there were already particular people responsible for them.

Each part of the plan hooked onto another. Although this was the Overwatch Council's crazy revenge on the attack in the valley, Yan Bingyun still had to think of ways to control the situation within a certain range. The Second Prince's eight generals were not officials, they were just private generals of his manor. For these kinds of people, as long as the Overwatch Council killed them cleanly and did not leave behind any evidence, the court could not do anything to Fan Xian.

However, those five people were not the same.

The officials they had to capture were also not like that. Although the officials were all unremarkable people from various departments, they were all paid by the court. What kind of chaos would they create after capturing so many of them in one night?

Yan Bingyun sighed and informed the subordinates outside to come in through a secret mechanism and gave out his second order. After giving his order, he habitually walked back to the window to glance distantly at the not very far away corner of the Royal Palace. He thought to himself that what the Director had initially said was very correct. Below Fan Xian's warm and gentle exterior was indeed hidden a great factor of craziness.

He had only lost a dozen trusted aides in the valley, yet Fan Xian was already demented to this extent. If it was as the Director said, when the Director passed in the future what kind of terrifying person would Fan Xian become?

…

…

Inside Baoyue Brothel, Fan Xian's expression was warm and calm with his brows slightly raised. He was unspeakably agreeable as if he had no idea of what was happening outside in Jingdou's night.

He had finished telling about the attack in the valley. Regardless of whether the various officials at the feast felt fear or regret, they all expressed their sympathies to him. Immediately after, he talked about matters relating to Jiangnan, the Ming family, and Palace Treasury. He then furrowed his brows and said, "Actually, there is something I never understood. While I was working hard for the court in Jiangnan, why was there always someone in the capital who liked to make trouble?"

Everyone at the feast was surprised, thinking to themselves, What was he talking about? In the year that Fan Xian was far away in Jiangnan, if one were to say that no one put rocks in his way, that was definitely impossible. But, to speak of tripping stones…365 days and one each day, just which one were you talking about? The investigation into the Ministry of Revenue? Sending books into the Palace? Besides, these tripping stones had long been taken care off by those old men, and you're completely fine. What are you bemoaning about here?

The Crown Prince couldn't resist laughingly scolding, "How can you feel so wronged? If you're speaking of those who don't see eye to eye with you, they certainly exist. But if you are talking of those who purposely pull you back, you won't be able to name anyone."

Fan Xian also smiled and shook his head. "It is just that I haven't been back to Jingdou in a year, I think, perhaps, there are many people in Jingdou who had already forgotten what I am like."

The Second Prince was holding the wine cup and closely savoring the alcohol. Hearing these words, a sudden chill twisted from the bottom of his heart for some reason. The Crown Prince's behavior was too strange, while Fan Xian's attitude was too arrogant. It was arrogance that did not follow reason, and that did not follow rules. It was of no benefit to him at all.

Was it just because he was feeling very stifled about the valley matter?

The Second Prince's eyebrows furrowed together prettily, thinking, It hasn't even been found who did it. What are you trying to do by making a ruckus here with us?

The downstairs of Baoyue Brothel suddenly became lively and the clip-clop of horse hooves could be heard. It seemed like a number of people were coming this way.

The Crown Prince, who was sitting at the head, furrowed his brows and said unhappily, "Who dares to make such a clamor?"

Everyone at the feast furrowed their brows and gazed out the window.

It seemed like someone wanted to enter Baoyue Brothel. They had already successfully passed through the layers of defense that were the Jingdou garrison and the bailiffs of the Jingdou government, but they had been stopped outside by the people of Baoyue Brothel.

Fan Xian glanced at Sang Wen, and she understood. She lifted the hanging cotton curtain and flashed past the dividing screen. In just a moment, following a thunder of footsteps, Sang Wen brought five people upstairs.

These five people were wearing official robes. Presumably, they were officials of the court. However, today they were not somewhere where they could discuss important matters of the court, rather, they were in a romantic setting. Various people at the feast recognized certain persons to be their trusted aide and couldn't help but be surprised, thinking, What was happening? To come find them so openly and publicly, had something major happened in the capital?

The five officials looked at each other and saw the unease, fear, and panic in each other's eyes. They didn't consider much. They first bowed to nobles at the feast and admitted to their fault then they glanced fearfully at Fan Xian and bowed to him. Without any other digression, they went forward to find the official they were looking for. Moving closer to them, they said something next to their ears.

Fan Xian watched this scene with a slight smile. He raised his wine cup and drank to Ren Shao'an, who was beside the Crown Prince and Great Prince. The Great Prince's Imperial Army system was clearly limited to the Palace area, so his reaction was a bit slower, while the Crown Prince seemed to have guessed something. He had purposely cut himself off from his spies and had only come to Baoyue Brothel to get drunk.

The Great Prince looked at the tense atmosphere around him and glanced at Fan Xian with furrowed brows to question him. Fan Xian shook his head to indicate that he didn't know what had happened.

At the tables to the side, the colorings of the officials who had heard their subordinate's reports gradually became uglier and uglier, particularly that of the Second Prince. His delicate appearance gradually became white, then it immediately flushed red. Yet, three breaths later, it had become normal.

Fan Xian watched this scene with slanted eyes. He knew that the other party had already learned of the news of all the deaths of his Eight Generals, but he had not thought that the Second Prince would immediately able to restrain his expression. He couldn't help but feel a little admiration.

The Great Prince furrowed his brows and asked, "What happened?"

Everyone in the building knew that something had happened, but not everyone knew just what had happened. The Second Prince lowered his head slightly. Lifting his wine cup, he took a very shallow sip. Raising his eyes, he gazed at Fan Xian with a heavy smile in his eyes. Enunciating each word, he asked, "Presumably, Sir Fan junior knows very well."

The atmosphere became cold. The officials who had received reports from the capital all stared at Fan Xian's face. They now knew that while they had been feasting in Baoyue Brothel, a number of murder cases had suddenly happened in Jingdou. The Second Prince's most capable Eight Generals had completely been wiped out.

The officials all had a great number of spies in the city, and their eyes and ears were very clear. Combined with the Bureau of Military Affairs' officials responsible for the defense of the city, they knew how horrifying this matter was. Since the power needed to kill the Eight Generals so cleanly and smoothly was not something just anyone could do.

Connecting it to the fact that Fan Xian held a feast today in Baoyue Brothel, everyone faintly guessed that this matter had been done by the Overwatch Council.

Everyone was waiting for Fan Xian's reply. The atmosphere was dangerous and heavy.

Fan Xian asked gently, "What matter?"

The Second Prince smiled. His smile was rather bitter. The depths of his heart was icy cold. The legs crossed on his body felt numb and sore. Looking at the young Overwatch Council Commissioner sitting across from him, it was like looking at a slightly smiling demon. As a prince, he didn't know what reaction he should immediately make.

So, he raised his cup and drank alone. He emptied the cup. A slight burn and pain grew in his chest.

After a moment of silence, the Deputy of the Bureau of Military Affairs, Qu Xiangdong, stared at Fan Xian and said in a cold voice, "Tonight, murder cases happened repeatedly. The six generals in the Second Prince's manor were killed at the same time. Sir Fan junior, do you know of this matter?"

After these words came out, the Great Prince, who didn't know what exactly had happened, looked at Fan Xian in shock. The Crown Prince, who had been hiding in the beauty's arms and pretending to be muddled, also let out a surprised cry and suddenly sat up from the beauty's embrace.

The Crown Prince stared at Fan Xian's calm expression in a daze, feeling incomparable shock in his heart. He knew that Fan Xian did not have good intentions, but he truly did not think that Fan Xian's retaliation would be this simple, direct, cruel, unreasonable, and uncaring of consequences.

Under everyone's gaze, Fan Xian…tilted his head. With a glimmer of confusion and disdain, he lightly said, "Oh? Are they all dead?"

The Second Prince was just putting down his wine cup when he heard Fan Xian's question. The emotions in his chest surged. That anger, frustration, glimmer of confusion and responsibility for hate could no longer be controlled. He placed his cup down a little hard. The wine cup thunked onto the table, knocking askew the wine-jar beside it.

Learning from the expressions of the people at the feast that the six generals had truly all died, Fan Xian's heart was as smooth as if it had a pure spring running through it. He didn't purposely hide his expression and smiled slightly. "What do the Second Prince's home generals have to do with me? I've always heard that these home generals of the Second Prince walk very arrogantly in Jingdou. They've must have offended many people they could not afford to offend."

Since the beginning of this feast, this was the first time he had referred to himself as an official. As for who in Jingdou the Eight Generals had once offended but could not afford to do so…it was very clear, the person's surname was Fan.

The feast was absolutely silent. The Second Prince gazed in a daze at Fan Xian and then suddenly smiled. He knew that regardless of whether or not the other party had done this, to have the power to completely wipe out his martial force during the feast in such a short time, the power of the Overwatch Council was not something this prince could oppose face-to-face.

He raised his cup and toasted Fan Xian. Sincerely, he said, "The Commissioner has incredible methods…and boldness."

Fan Xian raised his cup to meet his and comfortingly said, "Your Highness, please limit your grief. If the dead didn't go, then the living couldn't come. The new replaces the old. Everything is like this."

The Deputy of the Bureau looked at these two "princes," who bore a remarkable resemblance to each other, and couldn't help an absurd emotion rising from the depths of his heart. Looking at the present situation, the Second Prince was not a match for Fan Xian. In terms of titles, Fan Xian was, after all, an official, how could he be so daring?

Qu Xiangdong suddenly felt like he was old and timid, but he still couldn't resist opening his mouth to ask Fan Xian, "Sir Fan junior, you should know about the matter of the Overwatch Council going around tonight capturing a dozen court officials, right?"

Fan Xian carefully used both his hands to return the wine cup to the table. He raised his head and said, "I am the Commissioner of the Overwatch Council as well as the leader of the First Bureau, by imperial order, I inspect the style of governance in Jingdou. Without my nod, who dares to capture those vermin?"

Chapter 458: Discussing History At The Feast At Hongmen (4)

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

In this world, there were no officials that were not corrupt. The only difference was the level of corruption. The court was full of vermin. The only difference was that some were fatter than others. If it were not so, why would there be as abnormal an organization in the Qing court as the Overwatch Council?

Fan Xian discovered while he was rectifying the First Bureau that even the Overwatch Council is made up of people. Where there are people, there are politics. It was impossible for the Overwatch Council to continue being this cold and severe forever.

Furthermore, the Overwatch Council was not a god. It could not interfere with those above the third rank. Without the Emperor's edict, it could not interfere in military matters. Even with Chen Pingping and Fan Xian together, the Overwatch Council could not change much of the current situation. When all was said and done, the Overwatch Council was not used to investigating corruption officials. It was only to, according to the Emperor's wishes, occasionally clean out the departments, calm the people's anger, make some room, and maintain the rule of the country.

If they were truly to investigate, then the beauties in Chen Pingping's garden, the profits Fan Xian had scooped out of the palace treasury…how long would it take to clean these out? Not to mention that highly respected figure who sat in the Royal Palace.

Don't say that the Emperor's wasn't greedy, he was the greediest under heaven. Even if his greed encompassed the entire world, what could the Overwatch Council do?

…

…

Since everyone was corrupt, when the Overwatch Council was going to do something because of Fan Xian's craziness, it appeared to happen too easily and naturally. In the dark night, all the members of the First Bureau moved into action and spread out into the manors in those alleys and streets, capturing who knows how many of the lower level officials who were closely tied to the Second Prince and Xinyang's side.

None of those above the third rank could be touched, but it was these lower-level officials that the court truly needed to rely on. The people in Baoyue Brothel already knew of the Overwatch Council's earlier actions and had received Fan Xian's personal confirmation. They couldn't help but reveal incomparably shocked expressions.

The Deputy of the Bureau of Military Affairs, Qu Xiangdong became silent and looked deeply at Fan Xian without saying anything more. Although tonight's information was not clear, he could see that the Overwatch Council's first targets were Xinyang and the Second Prince's group. There was not any deep connection to the military.

Although he didn't understand why Fan Xian would suddenly use such a low method, the power of the Overwatch Council's actions and Fan Xian's ruthlessness already made him feel a thread of fear.

Inside the building, they had beauties in their arms. Meanwhile, outside, people were being killed and captured. Even the snow could not completely hide the stench of blood.

Not everyone had sunk into silence because of this sudden information. After the five messengers had carefully retreated beyond the screen, the Great Prince gazed at Fan Xian with a heavy expression and asked, "Why?"

The clash between the Overwatch Council and Xinyang's side had been going on for a long time. It began with the palace treasury fight six years ago. The reason lay in the incident of Second Prince using a feast to assassinate Fan Xian on Niulan Street and the Baoyue Brothel. Everyone sitting in brought out the story of that autumn.

In that autumn, Fan Xian took Baoyue Brothel, killed Xie Bi'an, tricked the Jingdou government, wrecked the reputations of the Second Prince and Li Hongcheng, the heir of King Jing, and forcefully beat the Cui family in the North into becoming rebels.

In the year after that, Fan Xian went to Jiangnan to deal with the Ming family, took over the palace treasury, and killed Chang Kun in Jiaozhou.

In everyone's opinion, Fan Xian had already exacted sufficiently severe revenge from the second Prince and Xinyang's side and had scooped up enough benefits. There was no reason to strike so strongly again.

Fan Xian was silent for a while then calmly said, "Why? Because I am investigating the governance by imperial edict."

The feast was silent. The Crown Prince sat up high and did not look at Fan Xian. On the contrary, he wore a thoughtful expression and looked at the Second Prince's expression. The Great Prince shook his head and sighed. "The capital has barely had a few days of peace. Why can't you all calm down for a while?"

Fan Xian knew that the Great Prince was speaking from his heart. The current leader of the Imperial Army had a good relationship with the Second Prince since their youth, but because of Lady Cai and Wan'er, he now stood on his side. Being put in this position, he would inevitably be in a difficult situation. Hearing these words, he couldn't help but sigh. "Peace? I haven't been back to the capital in a year so the capital must have had a year of peace. Perhaps I really am an evil portent…no wonder no one would let me have peace in the valley outside Jingdou."

The feast once more became silent. Everyone faintly understood that this was Fan Xian making a spectacle for the incident in the valley, but this spectacle was a bit too big and absurd.

"Many things in the world are very absurd." Fan Xian seemed to know what these people were thinking in their hearts. "Like the assassination on my life in the valley. The court has been investigating, but because they have no evidence, they still have no results."

He slowly said, "Who will acknowledge my subordinates? As I said earlier, my coachman. When the first arrow came, I wanted to pull him back into the carriage, but he persisted in standing up and took that arrow for me. I often ask myself, if no evidence is ever found, is there nothing I can do for him?"

The Jiangnan Governor, Xue Qing, looked at Fan Xian meaningfully.

The Crown Prince slowly said, "Naturally, the court has to investigate." This was the third time he had said this.

Fan Xian nodded and smiled. "It was this matter that suddenly made me think of a story I heard long ago."

…

…

"A long time ago, in a forest, there was only a little white rabbit. Early in the morning, he happily left his home, but he then ran into a big grey wolf. The big grey wolf grabbed the little white rabbit and slapped him twice in the face and then said, 'I told you not to wear a hat!'"

Everyone looked at each other. They didn't know why Fan Xian was suddenly telling a story for children. Fan Xian continued, "The next day, the white rabbit put on his hat and left his house again. As he walked, he ran into the big grey wolf again. The big grey wolf caught him again and once more slapped him twice on the face, 'That'll teach you to wear a hat!'"

"The little white rabbit felt very gloomy, so he ran to the old tiger to tell on the big grey wolf. The old tiger listened to the little white rabbit's grievances and said with heartfelt pain, 'Be at ease, naturally, I will find justice for you.' Following this, the old tiger found the big grey wolf and said, 'Old wolf, today, the little white rabbit has come to complain about you, saying that you always bully him for no reason. Do you think you can find a different reason to beat on him? For example, you could say, rabbit, go find me a piece of meat.'"

"If he found a fatty piece, you can say you wanted lean. Hf he brings a lean piece, you can say you wanted a fatty piece. In this way, you'll be able to beat him. Or, you can have him find you female rabbits. If he brings plump ones, you can say you like slender ones. If he brings you slender ones, you can just say you like plump ones!"

Fan Xian told the story very seriously, but his words were very childish and absurd. However, everyone in the feast wore an expression of deep thought. Even the Crown Prince and Xue Qing were thinking deeply. They faintly understood who that old tiger was…but no one dared to express it.

Fan Xian took a drink of wine and said seriously, "After the old wolf heard this, he was very happy and repeatedly praised the old tiger for being clever. However, their words were heard by the little white rabbit who was weeding outside the room."

"Very coincidental? But in stories, without coincidences, there wouldn't be a story. Continuing on…" Fan Xian smiled coldly and said. "On the third day, the little white rabbit went out again and once again met the big grey wolf. The big grey wolf said, 'Rabbit, go bring me a piece of meat!'"

"The little white rabbit said, 'Do you want fatty or lean?'"

"The big grey wolf furrowed his brows. Smiling, he thought, fortunately, I have a second trick. 'Never mind, never mind. I don't want meat, go find me a female rabbit.'"

"The little rabbit said, 'Do you like plump ones or slender ones?'"

Fan Xian furrowed his brows tightly and shook his head. "Having run into such a sly rabbit, what do you think should be done?"

Everyone at the feast also began to think, What would the big grey wolf do next? They couldn't help but be curious as to how Fan Xian would continue the story. Fan Xian pressed his slightly dry lips and smiled. "The big grey wolf was startled and slapped the little white rabbit twice on the face and cursed, 'I told you not to wear a hat!'"

The most unreasonable, shameless, boring, and nonsensical excuse was the most sufficient excuse. It meant that no excuse was needed. It just depended on whose fist was bigger.

In the end, Fan Xian seriously said, "I don't want to continue being the little white rabbit. I want to be the big grey wolf."

This was a joke he had heard in his previous life. However, telling it tonight, it was a bit heavy. Everyone was meant to laugh uproariously. At this moment, no one could muster a laugh.

Everyone sighed with fear in their hearts. The incident of the attack on Fan Xian would probably never be solved. The assassination of the Eight Generals by the Overwatch Council, under the circumstances, there was no evidence. If Fan Xian did not admit it, it would probably also never be solved. Things had always been like this. Since neither natural enemy could find sufficient excuses, then why bother looking for an excuse? Power was like a wild mountain, the wolf chases and the rabbit runs while the tiger watches from the side. It was the law of nature.

…

…

Although the feast had not fallen apart, the people had long lost their desire to continue. Jingdou's officialdom had never been peaceful, and tonight it was even more of a mess. As the Overwatch Council had borrowed the cover of night to act, presumably they had not startled many of Jingdou's commoners. However, these major figures still hurried back to their manors and offices to handle the aftermath. At the same time, they made mental and official preparations to face the new situation.

Fan Xian saw Xue Qing to the door. As Xue Qing was about to leave, he turned his head back and smiled warmly. "Wolves are pack animals. Don't make yourself into a lone wolf. That is always dangerous."

Fan Xian felt a slight warmth in his heart and bowed his thanks.

Xue Qing was silent for a moment and then said, "Although the Emperor has nodded, you still have to be careful of limits. Particularly with the court's face, you have to leave some."

Fan Xian once again agreed.

After waiting for a few of the people's carriages to slowly leave Baoyue Brothel, the Crown Prince also stretched and walked down holding the beauty. A servant beside him had already placed the expensive and magnificent fur coat over his shoulders. The Crown Prince glanced at Fan Xian and smiled. "Tonight's drama was very fun to watch."

The Crown Prince had the woman beside him and all people loitering around step back. He looked at Fan Xian and calmly said, "Speaking of that, that autumn a year ago, when I watched you and the Second Prince play out the first half of that drama, I also thought it was fun to watch. After thinking about it closely, it is actually you and I who haven't done much."

Fan Xian was slightly startled. He didn't understood the meaning of these words from the Crown Prince, who was acting very different from usual.

"You and I have never had any problems," the Crown Prince closed his eyes and slowly said. "If there are problems, those were in the past. They shouldn't become problems between you and me. I hope you will remember this point."

Fan Xian understood. He and the Crown Prince had actually long maintained some kind of peace. However, the matter that the empress had been involved in lay between them and made them natural enemies. He didn't know what the Crown Prince was preparing to do by saying this, but Fan Xian believed that the Crown Prince would not watch him kill his old mother in order to gain his support.

So, he was just talking.

…

…

Behind the screen, it was not empty. Very strangely, the Second Prince had stayed. He looked at Fan Xian coming up from downstairs and smiled slightly. Placing his left hand slowly on the table, he tried his best to suppress the feeling of absurdness deep in his heart. Using two fingers, he picked up some fruit offered as tribute from the South and slowly chewed it.

Fan Xian sat across from him. Lifting the wine pot, he began to pour and drink, quickly drinking 10 cups.

The Great Prince hugged the wine container and drank his fill as if he was trying to get drunk.

Fan Xian put down his wine cup and clapped his hands. The Third Prince walked out with great propriety from behind the curtain. He glanced at this eldest and second brother with some awkwardness and then sat beside his teacher.

The Great Prince glanced at Fan Xian with disapproval. His gaze seemed to say, Why bring the little one into adult matters?

In the Flower Hall on the third floor of Baoyue Brothel, there were three princes and Fan Xian. If the Crown Prince, who had left earlier, was not counted, all the bloodline that the Qing Emperor had left in this world were all gathered together.

The earlier Hongmen Feast and suddenly become a family feast with a strange atmosphere.

"You're afraid." The Second Prince put down the fruit he had eaten half off. Staring into Fan Xian's eyes, he spoke in a soft voice.

The hand Fan Xian had used to pick up the wine cup froze slightly. He slowly replied, "What am I afraid of?"

"If you're not afraid, then why make such grand moves tonight?" The Second Prince smiled slightly and gently said. "Only someone with fear in their hearts could act as carelessly as you did tonight. You killed my generals and captured my trusted aides, but does this have any effect on the big picture?"

Fan Xian took a deep breath. His expression became calm. "Right now, there are no outsiders, so there is no harm in speaking directly. Tonight, your subordinates have completely been cleaned out by me but…you don't have evidence. Just like what you said earlier, in the attack in the valley, I also have no evidence, but you still did it."

"I did not know of the attack in the valley, and I did not participate in it," the Second Prince stared at Fan Xian's eyes and said seriously.

Fan Xian shook his head. "Then what about the Niulan Street incident? The little white rabbit has been slapped too many times…I admit, up to now, I still don't know who did the valley attack, but this does not stop me from acting."

He lowered his head and said, "There are enemies in all directions. Since I don't know which enemy did it, of course, I will strike out randomly. If I happen to hit the main culprit, then it's a gain for me. If I hit bystanders, I also don't lose you and I still gain."

"Niulan Street…" A glimmer of bitterness flashed through the Second Prince's thinned lipped smile. "An incident from many years ago. Come to think of it, there is only this one incident, yet you still remember until today."

Fan Xian raised his head and calmly said, "I am a person who remembers a grudge. You also know, this matter has little to do with having a grudge. For each day you don't desist, I will not rest."

Without officials and the Crown Prince present, Fan Xian and the Second Prince, this pair of powerful nobility, whose aura were extremely similar, their words appeared to be very direct and blunt. They were both people who thought very meticulously and knew that, between them, there was no need to hide behind so many words.

The Second Prince glanced deeply at the Third Prince beside Fan Xian and suddenly opened his mouth to say, "Sometimes, I believe that life isn't fair…not to speak of matters such as the Cui and Ming families, just speaking of within the Palace. My favorite sister has become your wife, and my two brothers, who have been friendly with me since youth, both now stand on your side."

The Second Prince raised his head. HIs handsome face carried a trace of hidden anger. "If it was because I am not as capable as you that would be fine, but…this is only because of some absurd reasons, of some things that happened in the past that has created the situation today. If father was willing to hand the Overwatch Council to me, would I do any worse than you? If father was willing to hand the palace treasury over to me, would I not be able to make the national treasury became abundant? As for repairing the river banks, neither you or I know how to fix it. We can both only put in money…An Zhi, ah, An Zhi, do you not think this is unfair? After all, I am the true prince."

Fan Xian was silent for a long time. He knew that this strange and colorful life and the strange power he was able to obtain was completely because of the beneficence that woman had left behind. Of course, that woman had also brought him countless troubles and dangers. What the Second Prince said was not completely unreasonable. If they had switched places, he couldn't be certain he could do better. It was not because the Second Prince was incapable. Rather, it was that he never had a stage to demonstrate his capabilities.

He slowly said, "There is no 'if' in life."

"Correct. So, now, you have the Overwatch Council in your left hand and the palace treasury in your right…" the Second Prince ridiculed slightly and said. "Such power, presumably only your mother had it in the past…so now you are beginning to feel afraid."

Fan Xian's expression again became rigid.

The Second Prince calmly said, "Have you thought about the future? Who exactly are you working for and being busy for right now?" His gaze moved slightly and he glanced at the Third Prince. He smiled and said, "Of the royal brothers, not one is easy to get along with. You are one of us, of course, you understand the reasoning behind it."

The Third Prince lowered his head and didn't dare interrupt. Fan Xian knew that the Second Prince was not just using words to scare people. He had his own thoughts and plans.

Faintly, the Second Prince said, "You are truly scared…think about it, as an isolated official, you're about to step on to the road of being an absolute official. In the future, regardless of who takes the throne, how could Qing Kingdom tolerate you? How could it tolerate the Overwatch Council?"

Fan Xian listened calmly. The Second Prince continued, "You are afraid because you are a clever man. You know that although your power reaches the heavens at the moment, it is only like a floating cloud and not even as substantial as a thin piece of paper."

The Second Prince sighed. "All the power in your hands has been given to you by father. With only one edict, you will be banished to the mundane world, never to rise again…although father loves you, he still guards against you. Over these years, he has allowed you to charge down any path but refuses to let you touch the military. I trust you don't need me to remind you of the meaning behind that."

In the end, the Second Prince summarized, "You are afraid, so you have to…weaken your own power!"

…

…

The Great Prince took a drink of wine and coldly watched his two brothers talk like two fighting chickens.

Fan Xian was silent for a long time. He didn't comment on what the Second Prince said. He only quietly said, "All power is fleeting. When has there ever been a general who has never lost or a powerful family that has never fallen? Your Highness is a prince. Your heart is with the world, but I am only an official, I have to protect the safety of myself and my family clan."

The Second Prince interrupted and coldly said, "I know that you are an immortal poet and never use your royal bloodline for glory. On the contrary, you purposely avoid this point. But, ask yourself, if it was not because of your loathed royal bloodline, could you live to today and do so with such glory?"

Four brothers. Two were silent. Two were confronting.

"Let go," the Second Prince said sincerely. "Your power is truly an illusion. You don't dare to kill me and can only watch as each day goes by. Yet, each day you are in danger. Since you have already noticed this, why not just let go and make a clean break of it? Given your reputation under heaven, you are Wan'er's husband and father's son. You are an honored guest of Northern Qi. Who would make things difficult for you? Who would dare to brave unnecessary danger to make things difficult for you? Ling'er has said that your favorite thing to do is to travel the world, so why be limited to the dangerous Jingdou, unable to free yourself?"

Fan Xian's brows gradually furrowed. His fingers gently played with the wine cup. He opened his mouth and said, "Your Highness, as I said earlier…my thoughts are the same as yours."

He raised his head. His expression was clear. He gazed at the Second Prince calmly and said, "A year ago, in the tea shop outside this building, I once told you, if you don't let go, I will beat you until you do. Furthermore, reality has proven it. I now have this power…the Eight Generals in the tea shop, you will never see them again. This is sufficient evidence."

Hearing the words "tea shop," the Second Prince's expression immediately tightened. He thought of the autumn over a year ago and the conversation he had with Fan Xian in the tea shop outside Baoyue Brothel. The conversation at that time had happened between a prince and an official. Now, a year had passed and Fan Xian's power had blown up like a balloon. Most importantly, the true identities of the two people had gradually evened out.

"Why should I let go?" the Second Prince said self-mockingly, with a slightly unstable mental state.

"Your Highness has succumbed to the Eldest Princess' poison, so let me cure it for you," Fan Xian did not back down at all and said coldly. "What I said back then still holds. Whenever Your Highness maintains your distance from the Eldest Princess and truly let go, I will allow you…to live your life in peace."

"What gives you the power to say that?" The Second Prince looked seriously into Fan Xian's eyes. "Just because of the Overwatch Council and silver?"

Fan Xian shook his head and said, "Not because of anything. Only, I owe the princess a favor and Wan'er a promise. Tonight's events, as Your Highness should know, I was cleaning out Your Highness' personal power to scoop you out of this mess."

The Second Prince thought of the giant loss he had suffered tonight. Finally, he could no longer suppress the cold and desolation in his heart. Darkly angry, he said, "Why me? Father has more than one son, and you are also one!"

"I have not a trace of wild ambition. I am just an official," Fan Xian said. "In a few days, Your Highness will understand my sincerity. As for the rest of the princes, one is my student. I will make sure he is well-behaved. The Great Prince prefers to drink alcohol, and I will not pay attention to the Crown Prince, so I can only target you. What you said is right, this bloodline is always worth respecting a little, so I will do all I can to prevent that terrifying thing from happening?"

The Second Prince felt a chill in his heart. There was a gap in the screen that had not been blocked properly. The chilly wind of a winter's day began to slowly wind through the interior of Baoyue Brothel. Finally, Fan Xian said, "Please, remember one thing, Your Highness. The Emperor is in his prime. He doesn't wish to see this kind of thing happen."