Chapter 16: A Midnight Scheme

"Sister, I have an idea. It might be able to help you."

Ye Xi's voice echoed softly through the quiet room as her gaze turned to Qian Renxue, who stood by the window.

"Oh?"

"What idea? Let's hear it."

Qian Renxue seemed intrigued. She returned to sit on the bed, her pale golden eyes fixed attentively on Ye Xi.

"Based on what you just told me, I think going ahead and eliminating the Fourth Prince, Xue Beng, would be an excellent move."

Ye Xi met Qian Renxue's gaze calmly, her voice steady and composed.

"Not a good idea," Qian Renxue shook her head gently. "I considered it before, but Prince Xue Xing took Xue Beng into his residence specifically to protect him. If I make another move now, it might expose more clues than we can afford."

"Besides, Xue Beng is nothing more than a spoiled playboy. He poses no real threat to my position, so I decided to let him be."

"But this time is different, Sister."

Ye Xi's expression remained serene, but her eyes gleamed with clarity.

"Even though Xue Qinghe is the Crown Prince now, as long as Xue Beng is alive, Emperor Xue Ye still has options. So do the civil and military officials in the court."

"But if Xue Beng were to die, then the only person left who could inherit the throne of the Heaven Dou Empire would be Xue Qinghe. The emperor would have no choice, and neither would the court."

As Ye Xi spoke, a slight smile curled on her delicate face.

Qian Renxue nodded thoughtfully, waiting for Ye Xi to continue.

"The only real concern here," Ye Xi continued, "is that Prince Xue Xing might discover something and use it to undermine you. But if Xue Beng dies, then Xue Qinghe becomes the only heir. Even if some suspicion does fall on Xue Qinghe, Emperor Xue Ye would have to suppress it."

"Because if anything happened to Xue Qinghe after that, the entire Heaven Dou Empire would be left without a successor…"

A quiet smile played in Ye Xi's deep blue eyes as she calmly laid out her logic.

"Hmm…"

"I think this could work. Being the only heir to the throne carries more weight than just being the Crown Prince."

A flash of cunning light gleamed in Qian Renxue's eyes as she nodded slowly.

Ye Xi's analysis made perfect sense.

In the Heaven Dou Empire, most civil and military officials typically avoided interfering in matters of royal succession. If they chose the right side, they'd be rewarded—but choosing wrong could spell disaster.

Although Xue Qinghe currently held the title of Crown Prince, many court officials remained neutral, simply because Emperor Xue Ye was still alive. As long as the emperor lived, the Crown Prince could always be replaced.

But if Xue Beng died, the equation changed entirely.

With only one option left, there was nothing left to choose.

"Xiao Xi, you've truly helped me a great deal this time."

"If I'd known you were so capable, I would've had Grandfather send you to the Heaven Dou Empire much sooner."

Qian Renxue gently stroked Ye Xi's hair, her beautiful face lighting up with a rare, sincere smile.

Ye Xi only smiled in return, saying nothing more.

"This matter can't be rushed. We'll need to plan it carefully and move slowly."

With that, Qian Renxue began discussing strategy with Ye Xi in earnest.

Ye Xi's insights proved incredibly useful to Qian Renxue, and as they talked, the two became increasingly close and familiar with one another.

Unknowingly, the sky outside had begun to lighten with the coming dawn.

Qian Renxue glanced at the time and reluctantly stood from the bed.

"Xiao Xi, it's almost morning. I should head back."

"If anything comes up, have Ling Yuan come find me at the Crown Prince's residence."

As she stood, she reached out and gently pinched Ye Xi's cheek.

"I got it, Sister."

Ye Xi also stood and walked with her to the door.

Once they stepped outside, they found She Long, Ling Yuan, and Yang Wushuang standing quietly nearby.

"Yang Wushuang, my sister needs your help. Go with her."

Ye Xi's tone was calm as she turned to Yang Wushuang.

"Yes, Second Miss."

"Greetings, Young Master."

Yang Wushuang bowed respectfully to both Ye Xi and Qian Renxue.

"Mhm. Come with me."

"Xiao Xi, until next time."

Qian Renxue gave Yang Wushuang a beckoning gesture, then left for the Heaven Dou Palace with She Long and Yang Wushuang in tow.

After they left, Ye Xi turned her gaze toward Ling Yuan.

"Elder Ling Yuan, where are the items Yang Wushuang retrieved yesterday?"

Ye Xi asked softly.

"Second Miss, they're in Yang Wushuang's room."

"Please wait here—I'll go get them."

With that, Ling Yuan turned and headed to retrieve the items.

Ye Xi returned to her room and quietly waited.

Soon, Ling Yuan came back carrying a stack of documents, which she placed beside Ye Xi's desk.

"Young Miss, the top file contains information on Dugu Bo's residence. Below that are properties listed for sale, and the rest are intelligence reports from within Heaven Dou City."

Ling Yuan explained the contents as she pointed to each section.

"I see."

Ye Xi nodded slightly and took out paper and a pen from her storage bracelet, writing out an invitation.

"Elder Ling Yuan, please deliver this letter to Dugu Bo's residence."

She handed the note to her.

"Yes, Second Miss."

"But before I go, please ensure that you and Miss Tian Yao remain indoors until I return, just to be safe."

Ling Yuan reminded her solemnly.

Her top priority was to guarantee the safety of Ye Xi and Tian Yao. If anything happened to either of them, she'd have no way of reporting back to the Grand Worshipper and Second Worshipper.

"Don't worry, Elder Ling Yuan."

"Tian Yao and I won't leave until you come back."

After giving her word, Ye Xi began to go through the reports on the table.

Ling Yuan released her spiritual power to scan the surroundings. Once she confirmed that Tian Yao was still asleep and there were no suspicious presences nearby, she finally relaxed and left the hotel with the invitation in hand.

Her destination: Dugu Bo's residence.

Dugu Bo lived in a secluded courtyard in the far north of Heaven Dou City.

Despite the remote location, the area had a quiet charm.

Dugu Bo lay leisurely on a rattan chair, sipping tea in contentment.

Soon, the sound of approaching footsteps reached his ears. Dugu Bo opened his eyes and looked toward the source, a hint of surprise flashing in his gaze.

After all, his reputation wasn't exactly stellar. Hardly anyone ever visited his residence, and few even passed by.

(End of Chapter)

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