That afternoon, Wang Chen walked home in high spirits. He hadn't expected that today's visit to the Treasure Pavilion would yield such a huge gain, unexpectedly learning news about Life-Gold.
But in his heart, Wang Chen felt this was something he deserved. As the saying goes, opportunities always favor the prepared.
Every time he came to the Treasure Pavilion, he would habitually use his VIP privileges to check the latest Sun and Moon Empire intelligence. Even if he hadn't come today, he would have returned in a few days or next week, and he still would've found this news sooner or later. This was Heaven's reward for diligence.
With that pleasant mood, Wang Chen soon arrived back at the Wang Family estate. The very first thing he did was report to the clan leader, Wang Yan.
Not because he believed the task was truly important, but because, as the one carrying it out, he had to show he had done so conscientiously.
No matter how perfunctory he had been in truth, his report must sound impeccable. After all, Wang Yan lounged on his grand chair all day—would he really go to Jing Hongchen to verify anything? Of course not.
Clan Leader's Hall
Wang Chen bowed respectfully.
"Grand Ancestor, Wang Chen greets you. The task you assigned to this grandson, I was unable to complete. I ask Grand Ancestor to punish me."
Wang Yan tapped the armrest of his reclining chair with his fingers and asked casually,
"Tell me, what happened?"
Seeing that Wang Yan showed no urgency or anger, Wang Chen grew more certain: the clan leader truly didn't care about this task.
With that assurance, he launched into his performance.
"Reporting to Grand Ancestor—this grandson had originally intended to visit the Hongchen Family today to strengthen ties with Meng Hongchen. But before I could even set foot into their estate, I was blocked by their guards.
They refused to let me enter or meet her… I racked my brains, tried everything, but it was useless."
Upon hearing this, Wang Yan's expression revealed only the look of someone who had long expected it.
Indeed, Jing Hongchen had already taken precautions against this sort of thing, thoroughly cutting off any chance for outsiders to approach his granddaughter.
To Wang Yan, such clumsy tricks could never deceive an old fox like Jing Hongchen. If he were truly so foolish, how could he have risen to his current position and cultivation?
Were it not for humoring the Second Prince, Wang Yan wouldn't even have bothered sending Wang Chen to attempt it. The method itself was laughably crude, the kind that only invited ridicule among old schemers.
"That's enough," Wang Yan said flatly. "Since the Hongchen Family refuses visitors, you needn't go again. Just return and focus on your cultivation."
"Yes, this grandson obeys."
Wang Chen bowed once more, then slowly backed out of the hall and headed for his own residence.
Meanwhile, outside Mingdu
On the outskirts of the capital, within a lavish garden estate.
The grounds spanned over a hundred acres, grand and imposing from the outside. Yet inside, its design evoked a classical elegance—arched bridges and flowing water, pavilions and towers, all steeped in ancient charm.
Exotic flowers and rare plants filled the space, and under the sunlight, a hazy mist rose, creating an ethereal beauty like an immortal's domain.
At the center pavilion of the garden, two young men sat facing each other.
One appeared to be around twenty, the other about eighteen.
The elder wore a crimson brocade robe embroidered with eight vivid purple flood dragons. Though not especially handsome, his eyes shone with commanding authority.
The younger bore a strong resemblance, clad in the same style of robe but in blue, with silver dragons embroidered upon it. His bearing exuded nobility.
These two were none other than First Prince Xu Tiannan and Third Prince Xu Tianshi. Behind each stood a retainer of unfathomable strength, their auras thick, making the atmosphere oppressively heavy.
Despite the tension, Xu Tiannan remained calm. He raised his teacup, took a sip, moistening his throat, and then smiled.
"Third Brother, ever since Father ascended the throne, we brothers have hardly had a chance to simply sit down and share tea. This scene truly brings back memories."
Xu Tianshi watched him warily, then gave a cold snort.
"If you have something to say, speak it. Don't tell me you went to such lengths to summon me here just to drink tea. If that's the case, then I'll be leaving."
He knew full well: the princes had already fought countless times, both openly and in secret, for the position of Crown Prince. Whoever won, the others would never fare well.
And he knew Xu Tiannan's character intimately. Though he looked upright and forthright, beneath lay a scheming, venomous heart. Carelessness meant falling into his trap without even realizing it.
Seeing his brother's bluntness, Xu Tiannan didn't bother with pretenses. He spoke directly:
"Third Brother, the reason I invited you here today is simple. I want to cooperate with you."
Xu Tianshi raised an eyebrow, suspicion flashing.
"Cooperate?"
"Yes," Xu Tiannan said gravely. "Cooperate—against Second Brother."
His face grew solemn.
"Not long ago, Second Brother gained the support of the Wang Family of Marquis Ying. With that, the forces behind him now surpass ours by far.
If things continue like this, more will rally to him. When that happens, the Crown Prince's seat will be his.
Tell me, Third Brother—surely you don't want Second Brother to become Crown Prince, do you?"
Xu Tianshi's expression darkened, shifting rapidly.
Xu Tiannan said nothing further, simply waiting in silence.
He was certain his younger brother would agree. After all, Xu Tianshi and Xu Tianyu (Second Prince) were sworn enemies. If forced to choose between the two, Xu Tianshi would side with him without hesitation.
Sure enough, Xu Tianshi fell into deep thought.
If that bastard Second Brother becomes Crown Prince and one day ascends the throne, he will never let me go. He'll torment me endlessly, perhaps worse than death itself. With his growing power, I must ally with Xu Tiannan. Once Second Brother is crushed, then I can wrestle with Xu Tiannan for the position myself.