...
"Reporting to all generations of Emperors –
We acknowledge our inadequacy.
Unable to bear the Crown Prince responsibility.
We voluntarily withdraw from this succession battle.
We beg everyone's approval!"
"..."
The hall was silent.
The withdrawal was entirely expected, but the way they did it—publicly, right after Lan An finished the betrothal ceremony—left Bing Changkong and the ministers flabbergasted.
They were all clever people. They understood immediately.
Lan An had created a situation where Bing Dung's victory was cemented before the crown even touched his head.
The Ruan Clan was suddenly backed by two Body Integration masters. The Imperial Family was pacified with a True-grade method (which, by default, would go to the strongest elder, the Retired Emperor, who had the final say in succession). The two most powerful forces now fully supported Bing Dung.
The other princes saw the writing on the wall. Continuing the fight meant death, or at best, utter humiliation.
Withdrawing now was the wisest move, earning them a chance at survival and maybe a decent king title from Bing Dung later.
"Approve! Why shouldn't we approve!"
Grand Emperor laughed heartily.
He had always supported his daughter's son, Second Prince. But now that his cultivation path was secured by the True-grade method, the political games mattered little. As long as the Bing bloodline ruled, he was content.
The matter was settled.
Bing Changkong smiled with relief and a hint of gratitude towards Lan An.
This monster had solved the succession crisis that had plagued him for years, doing it cleanly and quickly.
"Everyone, rise!" Bing Changkong announced, "The First, Second, and Sixth Princes are wise and virtuous. I will bestow upon them suitable titles, allowing them to contribute to the Empire."
He avoided punishing them, which was another sign of Bing Dung's impending reign—merciful and unifying.
The ministers praised the princes' wisdom and the Emperor's benevolence.
Third Princess's Mansion, midnight.
Lan An and Bing Lan Xi hadn't seen each other for too long.
Like drought meeting rain, they crashed into each other, wishing they could fuse into one body.
Bing Lan Xi was utterly spent.
Even as Late Void Refining, after rounds with him, her limbs turned to jelly.
Lan An proudly held his exhausted wife, heart swelling seeing her blissful face.
"Husband… let me be selfish just once…"
Bing Lan Xi curled in his arms like a kitten, voice sweet and coaxing:
"You must take Feifei too… let us sisters serve you together, okay?"
"Didn't you two always compete?"
Lan An stroked her hair, puzzled.
Her invitation to Feifei at the banquet already felt strange.
"We only fought for victory, never hated each other.
Feifei is still my little sister…
I can't bear watching those old men turn her into a bargaining chip!"
Sisterly love – how could it be discarded so easily?
"The princes already surrendered.
Soon Bing Dung ascends.
He can protect Feifei then."
Lan An suggested gently.
He didn't mind another beautiful, talented woman – just worried the sisters would clash later.
At the banquet, both Retired Emperor and Grand Emperor publicly confirmed Bing Dung as Crown Prince.
Only needed to receive imperial inheritance, reach Late Void Refining, learn ceremonies – then officially crown himself Emperor.
Bing Changkong would become the next Retired Emperor, seclude for cultivation.
"Even if little brother ascends tomorrow, consolidating power takes time.
How can he watch over Feifei?
He still has to secretly eliminate Second Prince's mother and son to avenge our mother.
Hmph! Surrendering doesn't mean mercy.
Second Prince dreams sweetly!"
Bing Lan Xi's eyes flashed with killing intent.
According to the siblings' plan:
First and Sixth Princes had no deep enmity – after Bing Dung's ascension, grant them king titles, let them contribute.
Rebellion later? Eliminate then.
But Second Prince – irreconcilable.
Must be completely eradicated.
Lan An didn't want to interfere deeply.
He already gave Bing Dung the best fishing rod.
Whether he caught fish depended on the kid.
With Fire Mountain, Fire Power, and Chen Jiang assisting – if Bing Dung still failed, Lan An would be truly disappointed.
"Decided to take Feifei?"
Lan An asked one last time.
"Yes.
I believe one day you'll love her…
just like you love little Lin'er now…"
Bing Lan Xi whispered, thinking: I gave you Lin'er before – didn't you fall completely?
To please her man, she stuck out her pink tongue, gently licking his nipple.
Instantly – the dragon below swelled fiercely again.
Bing Lan Xi paled:
"Husband, I surrender! You're too strong…"
They hadn't used Dragon Immortal Sacred Scripture – pure mortal passion.
Her legs were still trembling.
"Hehe, no surrender!"
Lan An flipped her over, ready for another charge.
"Stupid girl outside – get in here!
I'll die alone!"
Bing Lan Xi panicked, shouting toward the door.
Bing Lin'er, eavesdropping outside, jumped.
But the bold little maid giggled, pushed the door open, stripped instantly.
Youthful sculpted body revealed – only a red dudou above, T-back below…
Soul-stealing.
"Young Master… let Lin'er and Miss serve you~"
She whispered, climbing onto the bed, hugging him.
"Mmm…"
Lan An groaned in pleasure.
Bing Lan Xi finally exhaled, collapsing beside to recover.
Lan An turned to pamper Bing Lin'er, melting into her.
"Ah… Young Master… Husband…!"
Bing Lin'er moaned, watery eyes biting her lip.
She was tough – refused to cry from pain.
Seeing this, Lan An's heart ached more.
He lowered his head, claiming her soft lips.
"Still hurt?"
"No… never hurt.
Only happiness!"
Bing Lin'er smiled sweetly.
Lan An's love overflowed…
Spring night – beyond description…
…