Yang Qiyuan

Translator: CinderTL

In a study within the Prince Rui's mansion in Xiang City, Prince Rui leaned on his desk, feigning sleep. Before him knelt a figure cloaked in black, their face obscured.

"Your Highness, the Fifth Prince has just left the Eldest Prince's residence and has taken people to Wang Chengming's dwelling," the figure reported.

Prince Rui's eyelids flickered slightly, but he made no comment.

The black-clad figure continued, "Bai Wuxia and Xu Sanyan have arrived twenty miles outside the city."

Prince Rui shifted his arm and spoke slowly, "Who contacted Xu Sanyan yesterday?"

"The Eldest Prince sent Wang Chengming and the Fifth Prince, the Third Prince sent the Fourth Prince, and the Second Princess went personally."

Prince Rui opened his eyes, "Qizhu went herself?"

"Yes."

Prince Rui frowned in contemplation. Xu Sanyan's arrival had stirred the already murky waters, causing many to reveal their hands.

Yang Qizhu was not a concern, but the Cui Family behind her was not to be trifled with.

For behind the Cui Family stood Cui Yousheng.

No one knew if the Cui Family and Yang Qizhu were important to Cui Yousheng, as he hadn't returned in over a decade, but no one dared to gamble.

The Cui Family was like a shield in Yang Qizhu's hands, firmly protecting her, and no one dared to break it.

If Xu Sanyan joined Yang Qizhu's faction, this shield would grow thorns and become aggressive.

Prince Rui feared not a shield alone, nor a spear alone.

But a shield with thorns and a spear with armor—that was what he feared.

Yang Qizhu was the shield, the Third Prince was the spear, and the Eldest Prince was the viper.

Prince Rui rubbed his temples. None of his children were easy to handle. He should have dealt with them earlier.

Now, they had all grown powerful, and it was too late to act.

He had never intended to abdicate. At just over forty years old, as a Celestial Being Realm martial artist, he had at least another century to live. If he broke through to the Foundation Establishment stage, his lifespan could extend to three hundred years.

Thus, he had no desire to pass the throne, but his sons seemed impatient.

The State of Qi had only been established for three hundred years, yet it had already seen four emperors, each meeting an untimely end—either sudden death or assassination. This was the reason.

Someone was in a hurry.

Prince Rui's eyes closed lightly, "Send someone to investigate Xu Sanyan's background in Li Prefecture."

"Yes."

The black-clad figure vanished from the room.

...

As dusk approached, a massive city appeared in the distance. Xu Sanyan breathed a sigh of relief. After days of travel, they had finally arrived.

Above the city hung a large stone plaque inscribed with the words "Xiang City."

"We're here. Let's go pay our respects to the Prince first," Bai Wuxia also relaxed, though the journey had been tiring despite the lack of danger.

"Alright."

Xu Sanyan led his horse behind Bai Wuxia as they passed through the bustling streets. His keen senses detected several people following them, though he couldn't tell which faction they belonged to.

Bai Wuxia brought him to a grand palace, guarded by a squad of soldiers. He produced a token from his pocket, "Bai Wuxia, Tier-Two Night Scout from Taian City, Li Prefecture, accompanied by Xu Sanyan, requests an audience with the Prince."

A officer stepped forward, took the token, and said, "Master Bai, please wait."

Shortly after, the officer returned, "The Prince will see you."

They were searched, and their long swords were confiscated before they were allowed inside.

Led by the officer to a grand hall, Xu Sanyan's eyes flickered, sensing more than ten people hidden in the shadows—likely the Prince's guards.

"Please enter," the officer stopped at the hall's entrance.

Xu Sanyan stepped over the high threshold and looked towards the hall's depths. At the far end, on a high platform, stood a desk, behind which sat a pure gold dragon throne. On the throne sat a scholarly middle-aged man.

The vast hall was empty except for Prince Rui and a few attendants.

Bai Wuxia hurried forward and knelt with a thud, "Your subordinate, Bai Wuxia, pays his respects to the Prince."

Xu Sanyan stepped forward at a leisurely pace and clasped his hands in greeting, "Commoner Xu Sanyan greets the Prince."

Prince Rui stroked his beard and smiled warmly, "Rise, and be seated."

Attendants brought chairs, and they sat to one side. After a few pleasantries, Prince Rui got to the point.

"Bai Wuxia, hear the decree."

Bai Wuxia knelt again.

"Second-Class Night Scout Bai Wuxia, having ventured deep behind enemy lines to provide warhorses and armaments for the army, has performed meritorious service. He is hereby promoted to Enemy Crushing General, granted the title of Marquis of Anping, awarded ten thousand gold, a mansion, and ten maids."

Prince Rui thought for a moment and added, "Bestowed with three Spirit Ascension Pills."

Bai Wuxia's face lit up with joy, and he thanked the Prince loudly.

The other rewards were insignificant; the Spirit Ascension Pills were the key. With these three pills, he could take a solid step towards the Mid Stage of the Celestial Being Realm.

Prince Rui was pleased with Bai Wuxia's attitude and then turned his gaze to Xu Sanyan.

Xu Sanyan remained standing with a bow, not kneeling.

Prince Rui's face still bore that amiable smile, "I have long heard of Xu Sanyan's exceptional talent and virtuous character. With such a great talent serving me, how can I not achieve great things?"

"Thank you for your praise, Your Highness. This commoner is unworthy."

Xu Sanyan couldn't tell if he was being praised or insulted. Was "virtuous character" really referring to him?

Prince Rui smiled faintly, "I have a daughter, kind-hearted and beautiful, whom I wish to betroth to you. What do you think?"

Xu Sanyan was stunned. Had Prince Rui gone mad? Forcing him into Yang Qizhu's faction?

Bai Wuxia's eyes showed envy. A twenty-year-old Celestial Being Realm expert was indeed worth Prince Rui's investment.

Xu Sanyan hesitated, "Your Highness, are you referring to Yang Qizhu?"

Prince Rui shook his head with a smile, "I am referring to my youngest daughter, Yang Qiyuan."

Xu Sanyan understood. This made sense, as it would completely isolate him.

Prince Rui watched him quietly, waiting for Xu Sanyan's response.

This was a royal decree, seemingly asking for Xu Sanyan's opinion, but in reality, there was no room for refusal.

Xu Sanyan naturally understood this, so after a slight hesitation, he clasped his hands and said, "Thank you, Your Highness."

Marrying was no big deal, and there was no need to refuse. Moreover, marrying Prince Rui's daughter would make it easier for him to collect precious medicine, better access the Immortal Cultivators behind Prince Rui, and have a woman delivered to him for his pleasure.

A triple win!

Prince Rui's lips curled into a smile. He believed he had achieved his goal.

As for his daughter's opinion, it didn't matter. He didn't care, and neither did Xu Sanyan.

Without strength, one should be at the mercy of the strong. This was an eternal truth.

Prince Rui threw his head back and laughed heartily, "Hahaha, excellent! With such a fine son-in-law, my life is fulfilled."

Bai Wuxia, ever perceptive, congratulated, "Congratulations, Your Highness."

He considered himself on good terms with Xu Sanyan. With Xu Sanyan's sudden rise, he might also benefit.

Xu Sanyan lowered his eyes slightly, a faint smile playing on his lips.

(End of the Chapter)

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