The First Prince's expression darkened; completely unlike his usual elegant and mild demeanor. The steward immediately knelt down, "Your Highness, please forgive me!"
Having followed this First Prince for countless years, the steward believed he already understood the First Prince's thoughts well. However, at this moment, he suddenly realized that he had never truly seen through the First Prince in front of him.
Considering his imperial background, intrigues and schemes were things they were exposed to from a young age. Over the years, even the most gentle person might not truly be as kind and modest as they appeared. In other words, even if he was genuinely kind and modest, it did not mean he lacked any cunningness.
At this moment, the steward felt a chill in his heart. He felt bitter, thinking that he had spent so many years before grasping such a simple truth. He really did not deserve to be a steward here.
The First Prince, lost in thought, remained silent for a long time before slowly saying, "Keep an eye on that side. Second Brother won't be able to resist taking action. Even if we have to make a move, we should wait for my second brother to act first."
The steward acknowledged, and then the First Prince waved his hand, signaling the steward to leave.
After the steward left the study and closed the door, the First Prince coughed a few times. He covered his mouth with a handkerchief, and when he removed it, there were traces of blood on it.
At this moment, a gentle voice sounded from behind the screen, "Your Highness, you must take good care of your health in your current condition."
A woman with a dignified appearance walked out. Although she could not be called beautiful, she possessed a delicate charm that made people feel comfortable just by looking at her. She was the First Prince's principal wife and the youngest daughter of the Northern Frontier Great General. Previously, the court officials of the Great Liang Dynasty had always believed that the Second Prince had no chance to contend for the throne with the First Prince. This was because the principal wife of the First Prince was the youngest daughter of the Northern Frontier Great General. With the Northern Frontier Great General standing behind him, and the Northern Frontier Army supporting the First Prince, what uncertainties could there be in this throne contention?
In the struggle for the throne back then, it was also because the Northern Frontier Army watched from the sidelines. Otherwise, the current result might not be the same.
Except, a new variable had emerged, that Northern Frontier Great General did not have much lifespan left. How much longer could he hold on? Once the Great General died, the entire Northern Frontier would definitely undergo a reshuffling. At that time, what would this First Prince's advantage be?
The First Prince smiled bitterly and said, "Old ailment, it hasn't gotten better after so many, I doubt I'll die just like this. On the contrary, I'm afraid Father-in-law doesn't have many days left."
The imperial consort felt a deep sorrow upon hearing this. Although she had been separated from her father for many years and they had never met, the emotional bond between them remained strong. She said softly, "Father should hold on for a while longer, at least until Your Highness ascends to the throne."
The First Prince's expression darkened upon hearing the words "ascend to the throne." He had an angry look, "What nonsense are you spouting? Such treasonous words, are you allowed to say them?!"
The imperial consort was startled, looking at the overturned medicine bowl on the table. She lowered her voice and said, "Didn't Imperial Father already pass away in the Northern Frontier?"
Although she was the youngest daughter of the Great General, ever since marrying into the First Prince's residence, she had considered herself a member of the First Prince's household. Her thoughts and considerations were aligned with those of the First Prince, and she had not thought much about the Great General's interests.
In fact, most women in the world were similar to her. After marriage, they considered themselves part of their husband's household, which was not unreasonable.
The First Prince had initially wanted to reproach her, but seeing her expression, he sighed softly and said, "How can someone like Imperial Father die just like that? Earlier, with the uncertainty of life and death, the people in the Divine Capital might still speculate. But now that this news has spread, this imperial highness is more inclined to believe that Imperial Father is still alive. If Imperial Father had truly passed away, we wouldn't have received such news. Perhaps only someone like Second Brother would genuinely believe that Imperial Father has died."
The Imperial Consort looked puzzled. Regarding the Emperor, she had not seen him much and could not claim to understand him. She simply believed her husband's words unconditionally and asked softly, "Then are we doing nothing?"
The First Prince shook his head, "Someone like Imperial Father, since he has set up a plot, if this imperial highness doesn't walk into it, Imperial Father won't be pleased."
The Imperial Consort asked, "Should we write a letter to my father, then?"
The First Prince shook his head and said, "My younger brother is quite clever, he knows that doing nothing at this moment is the best course of action. So now, he truly won't do anything."
Although the Imperial Consort did not understand many things, she was not stupid. Upon hearing this, she asked, "Is that young man really the deceased Crown Prince's son?"
She naturally knew that the First Prince was not talking about the Second Prince.
The First Prince said calmly, "When Imperial Mother passed away, both I and my second brother couldn't see her one last time. Only he manage to enter the palace. Furthermore, Imperial Father even allowed him to see Imperial Mother. If it weren't for Imperial Mother's last wish, how could it be so? "Why did Imperial Mother treat a youth of uncertain origin in such a manner, summoning him into the palace before her death? When you add these things together, how can one not draw certain conclusions?"
When mentioning the late empress, the Imperial Consort's expression also became ugly. Whether it was in the Divine Capital or among those who knew the Empress, when mentioning the late empress, it was almost always praises.
There was no one who harbored any dissatisfaction with the Empress.
The term "Motherly role model for the world" used to describe the Empress was entirely fitting. In the history of the Great Liang Dynasty, only the founding Empress could compare to her.
In other words, in future historical records, the Great Liang Emperor might receive mixed evaluations, but the Empress would undoubtedly be showered with praise.
No one would think ill of her.
The First Prince waved his hand and said softly, "The Divine Capital is in chaos, and things are very complicated. Even this imperial highness finds it hard to understand some aspects."
He felt a sense of helplessness, mainly because when facing his Imperial Father, it seemed that no matter how many ideas he had, the other party seemed to be able to see through it. The First Prince already knew this when the Emperor rose in rebellion back then, and the First Prince witnessed the methods employed by his father.
"This imperial highness wants to meet Mr. Wei."
That scholar in the academy was definitely not ordinary. Not only was he not ordinary, he was undoubtedly a wise man.
Of course, if possible, who the First Prince wanted to meet even more was the Dean, and not Wei Xu.
However, it was evident that the Dean would not meet any one of them at the moment.
In this turmoil in the Divine Capital, the academy would not get involved because there was no need to. Regardless of who ultimately prevailed, the academy would remain the same without any changes.
The Dean's current high regard in the Great Liang Dynasty was not because of his good relationship with the current Emperor but because he was the Dean of the academy.
The academy was the foundation of the Dean's status.
The Imperial Consort shook her head and said softly, "Previously, the Wei Family announced that Mr. Wei wouldn't see any visitors during this time."
The First Prince coughed a few times and did not speak.
……
……
Wei Xu sat on the doorstep, continuously flipping through the old book.
This scholar from the academy had read many books in his lifetime, but in reality, there were still many books he had not read.
There were too many books, and one could never finish reading them all.
After an unknown amount of time, footsteps sounded out.
Wei Xu did not look up, just said to himself, "Didn't I say that I'm not seeing any visitors today?"
The footsteps stopped, and someone stood behind him, whispering, "It's the Commander of the Left Guard."
Wei Xu raised his head in surprise. In the current Divine Capital, both the Left Guard and the Right Guard were crucial offices. As the commander of one of these offices, why would he appear here?
But soon, Wei Xu realized. The commander of the Left Guard, was that not Chen Chao?
"Why would he come here?"
Wei Xu looked at the distant snowstorm. In the current Divine Capital, many places and people wanted to meet that young man, but he was not one of them.
But why would that young man want to meet him?
Wei Xu fell silent for a moment and then suddenly said, "Let him come to see me."
Before long, Chen Chao arrived.
Wei Xu stood up, looked at the young man with some snowflakes still on him, and said with vicissitudes of emotion, "You've grown up a bit too fast."
Before leaving the Divine Capital, Chen Chao had already jumped realms to defeat Song Changxi in the martial examination. Not long after that, Chen Chao had already broken through. Now, he was a martial artist in the Bitter Sea Realm.
"I was just lucky."
Chen Chao looked at this Mr. Wei.
Wei Xu said, "What did you come to see me for?"
Getting straight to the point, this was a good example of it.
Chen Chao said, "I want to see how Mr. Wei chooses."
He was also very direct.
Wei Xu found it somewhat amusing and said, "Do you think I will answer that question?"
Chen Chao did not speak.
Wei Xu looked at the young man and continued, "You're a bit strange."
Chen Chao shook his head and said softly, "Actually, I have a question, I just don't know how to ask."
Before leaving the Left Guard's office, Chen Chao had thought about many things. But in the end, he decided to come here to ask this Mr. Wei about a certain matter.
Wei Xu said, "Do you think I'll answer you?"
Although Chen Chao had not voiced the question, it seemed that Wei Xu had already guessed what it was.
Chen Chao said, "When it comes down to it, Mr. Wei actually owes me something."
By the lakeside, Wei Xu had once stopped Chen Chao. Although he just asked him to choose wisely, in reality, he was imposing his will on him.
Wei Xu said calmly, "On the day Zhu Xia entered the Divine Capital, I saved your life."
The meaning was quite clear, indicating a settlement of debts.
Chen Chao furrowed his brows, finding no issue with this explanation.
Hence, after bowing, he turned and left.
Wei Xu watched his departing figure, somewhat surprised. He had not expected Chen Chao to come and go so straightforwardly.
This was rather illogical.
Yes, since he had mustered the courage to come here, why leave so easily?
However, Wei Xu did not stop him, he just watched Chen Chao's back view for a long time.
……
……
Chen Chao walked out of the Wei residence and headed toward a long street, at the end of which stood a horse-drawn carriage bearing the insignia of the academy.
In the carriage, a young girl was reading.
The First Prince's expression darkened; completely unlike his usual elegant and mild demeanor. The steward immediately knelt down, "Your Highness, please forgive me!"
Having followed this First Prince for countless years, the steward believed he already understood the First Prince's thoughts well. However, at this moment, he suddenly realized that he had never truly seen through the First Prince in front of him.
Considering his imperial background, intrigues and schemes were things they were exposed to from a young age. Over the years, even the most gentle person might not truly be as kind and modest as they appeared. In other words, even if he was genuinely kind and modest, it did not mean he lacked any cunningness.
At this moment, the steward felt a chill in his heart. He felt bitter, thinking that he had spent so many years before grasping such a simple truth. He really did not deserve to be a steward here.
The First Prince, lost in thought, remained silent for a long time before slowly saying, "Keep an eye on that side. Second Brother won't be able to resist taking action. Even if we have to make a move, we should wait for my second brother to act first."
The steward acknowledged, and then the First Prince waved his hand, signaling the steward to leave.
After the steward left the study and closed the door, the First Prince coughed a few times. He covered his mouth with a handkerchief, and when he removed it, there were traces of blood on it.
At this moment, a gentle voice sounded from behind the screen, "Your Highness, you must take good care of your health in your current condition."
A woman with a dignified appearance walked out. Although she could not be called beautiful, she possessed a delicate charm that made people feel comfortable just by looking at her. She was the First Prince's principal wife and the youngest daughter of the Northern Frontier Great General. Previously, the court officials of the Great Liang Dynasty had always believed that the Second Prince had no chance to contend for the throne with the First Prince. This was because the principal wife of the First Prince was the youngest daughter of the Northern Frontier Great General. With the Northern Frontier Great General standing behind him, and the Northern Frontier Army supporting the First Prince, what uncertainties could there be in this throne contention?
In the struggle for the throne back then, it was also because the Northern Frontier Army watched from the sidelines. Otherwise, the current result might not be the same.
Except, a new variable had emerged, that Northern Frontier Great General did not have much lifespan left. How much longer could he hold on? Once the Great General died, the entire Northern Frontier would definitely undergo a reshuffling. At that time, what would this First Prince's advantage be?
The First Prince smiled bitterly and said, "Old ailment, it hasn't gotten better after so many, I doubt I'll die just like this. On the contrary, I'm afraid Father-in-law doesn't have many days left."
The imperial consort felt a deep sorrow upon hearing this. Although she had been separated from her father for many years and they had never met, the emotional bond between them remained strong. She said softly, "Father should hold on for a while longer, at least until Your Highness ascends to the throne."
The First Prince's expression darkened upon hearing the words "ascend to the throne." He had an angry look, "What nonsense are you spouting? Such treasonous words, are you allowed to say them?!"
The imperial consort was startled, looking at the overturned medicine bowl on the table. She lowered her voice and said, "Didn't Imperial Father already pass away in the Northern Frontier?"
Although she was the youngest daughter of the Great General, ever since marrying into the First Prince's residence, she had considered herself a member of the First Prince's household. Her thoughts and considerations were aligned with those of the First Prince, and she had not thought much about the Great General's interests.
In fact, most women in the world were similar to her. After marriage, they considered themselves part of their husband's household, which was not unreasonable.
The First Prince had initially wanted to reproach her, but seeing her expression, he sighed softly and said, "How can someone like Imperial Father die just like that? Earlier, with the uncertainty of life and death, the people in the Divine Capital might still speculate. But now that this news has spread, this imperial highness is more inclined to believe that Imperial Father is still alive. If Imperial Father had truly passed away, we wouldn't have received such news. Perhaps only someone like Second Brother would genuinely believe that Imperial Father has died."
The Imperial Consort looked puzzled. Regarding the Emperor, she had not seen him much and could not claim to understand him. She simply believed her husband's words unconditionally and asked softly, "Then are we doing nothing?"
The First Prince shook his head, "Someone like Imperial Father, since he has set up a plot, if this imperial highness doesn't walk into it, Imperial Father won't be pleased."
The Imperial Consort asked, "Should we write a letter to my father, then?"
The First Prince shook his head and said, "My younger brother is quite clever, he knows that doing nothing at this moment is the best course of action. So now, he truly won't do anything."
Although the Imperial Consort did not understand many things, she was not stupid. Upon hearing this, she asked, "Is that young man really the deceased Crown Prince's son?"
She naturally knew that the First Prince was not talking about the Second Prince.
The First Prince said calmly, "When Imperial Mother passed away, both I and my second brother couldn't see her one last time. Only he manage to enter the palace. Furthermore, Imperial Father even allowed him to see Imperial Mother. If it weren't for Imperial Mother's last wish, how could it be so? "Why did Imperial Mother treat a youth of uncertain origin in such a manner, summoning him into the palace before her death? When you add these things together, how can one not draw certain conclusions?"
When mentioning the late empress, the Imperial Consort's expression also became ugly. Whether it was in the Divine Capital or among those who knew the Empress, when mentioning the late empress, it was almost always praises.
There was no one who harbored any dissatisfaction with the Empress.
The term "Motherly role model for the world" used to describe the Empress was entirely fitting. In the history of the Great Liang Dynasty, only the founding Empress could compare to her.
In other words, in future historical records, the Great Liang Emperor might receive mixed evaluations, but the Empress would undoubtedly be showered with praise.
No one would think ill of her.
The First Prince waved his hand and said softly, "The Divine Capital is in chaos, and things are very complicated. Even this imperial highness finds it hard to understand some aspects."
He felt a sense of helplessness, mainly because when facing his Imperial Father, it seemed that no matter how many ideas he had, the other party seemed to be able to see through it. The First Prince already knew this when the Emperor rose in rebellion back then, and the First Prince witnessed the methods employed by his father.
"This imperial highness wants to meet Mr. Wei."
That scholar in the academy was definitely not ordinary. Not only was he not ordinary, he was undoubtedly a wise man.
Of course, if possible, who the First Prince wanted to meet even more was the Dean, and not Wei Xu.
However, it was evident that the Dean would not meet any one of them at the moment.
In this turmoil in the Divine Capital, the academy would not get involved because there was no need to. Regardless of who ultimately prevailed, the academy would remain the same without any changes.
The Dean's current high regard in the Great Liang Dynasty was not because of his good relationship with the current Emperor but because he was the Dean of the academy.
The academy was the foundation of the Dean's status.
The Imperial Consort shook her head and said softly, "Previously, the Wei Family announced that Mr. Wei wouldn't see any visitors during this time."
The First Prince coughed a few times and did not speak.
……
……
Wei Xu sat on the doorstep, continuously flipping through the old book.
This scholar from the academy had read many books in his lifetime, but in reality, there were still many books he had not read.
There were too many books, and one could never finish reading them all.
After an unknown amount of time, footsteps sounded out.
Wei Xu did not look up, just said to himself, "Didn't I say that I'm not seeing any visitors today?"
The footsteps stopped, and someone stood behind him, whispering, "It's the Commander of the Left Guard."
Wei Xu raised his head in surprise. In the current Divine Capital, both the Left Guard and the Right Guard were crucial offices. As the commander of one of these offices, why would he appear here?
But soon, Wei Xu realized. The commander of the Left Guard, was that not Chen Chao?
"Why would he come here?"
Wei Xu looked at the distant snowstorm. In the current Divine Capital, many places and people wanted to meet that young man, but he was not one of them.
But why would that young man want to meet him?
Wei Xu fell silent for a moment and then suddenly said, "Let him come to see me."
Before long, Chen Chao arrived.
Wei Xu stood up, looked at the young man with some snowflakes still on him, and said with vicissitudes of emotion, "You've grown up a bit too fast."
Before leaving the Divine Capital, Chen Chao had already jumped realms to defeat Song Changxi in the martial examination. Not long after that, Chen Chao had already broken through. Now, he was a martial artist in the Bitter Sea Realm.
"I was just lucky."
Chen Chao looked at this Mr. Wei.
Wei Xu said, "What did you come to see me for?"
Getting straight to the point, this was a good example of it.
Chen Chao said, "I want to see how Mr. Wei chooses."
He was also very direct.
Wei Xu found it somewhat amusing and said, "Do you think I will answer that question?"
Chen Chao did not speak.
Wei Xu looked at the young man and continued, "You're a bit strange."
Chen Chao shook his head and said softly, "Actually, I have a question, I just don't know how to ask."
Before leaving the Left Guard's office, Chen Chao had thought about many things. But in the end, he decided to come here to ask this Mr. Wei about a certain matter.
Wei Xu said, "Do you think I'll answer you?"
Although Chen Chao had not voiced the question, it seemed that Wei Xu had already guessed what it was.
Chen Chao said, "When it comes down to it, Mr. Wei actually owes me something."
By the lakeside, Wei Xu had once stopped Chen Chao. Although he just asked him to choose wisely, in reality, he was imposing his will on him.
Wei Xu said calmly, "On the day Zhu Xia entered the Divine Capital, I saved your life."
The meaning was quite clear, indicating a settlement of debts.
Chen Chao furrowed his brows, finding no issue with this explanation.
Hence, after bowing, he turned and left.
Wei Xu watched his departing figure, somewhat surprised. He had not expected Chen Chao to come and go so straightforwardly.
This was rather illogical.
Yes, since he had mustered the courage to come here, why leave so easily?
However, Wei Xu did not stop him, he just watched Chen Chao's back view for a long time.
……
……
Chen Chao walked out of the Wei residence and headed toward a long street, at the end of which stood a horse-drawn carriage bearing the insignia of the academy.
In the carriage, a young girl was reading.
