44: Yang Qiyuan

In Xiang City, within a study at the Prince's Mansion.

Prince Rui leaned on the desk, propping his arm, feigning sleep. Kneeling before the desk was a person shrouded in a black robe, their face obscured.

“Reporting to Your Highness, the Fifth Young Master just left the Eldest Young Master’s residence and took people to Wang Chengming’s dwelling.”

Prince Rui’s eyelids barely flickered, but he made no comment.

The person in black continued, “General Bai Wuxia and Xu Sanyan have already reached a spot twenty li outside the city.”

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

“The Eldest Young Master sent Wang Chengming and the Fifth Young Master; the Third Young Master sent the Fourth Young Master; and the Second Young Miss went personally.”

Only then did Prince Rui open his eyes, “Yang Qizhu went personally?”

“Yes.”

Prince Rui frowned in thought. It seemed Xu Sanyan’s arrival had caused many to stop hiding, stirring this already turbulent lake into even murkier waters.

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

Because 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 hand, firmly protecting her, and no one dared to break it.

If Xu Sanyan joined Yang Qizhu’s faction, then this shield would sprout sharp thorns and become offensive.

Prince Rui was not afraid of just a shield.

Prince Rui was not afraid of just a spear either.

He was only afraid when the shield grew thorns and the spear grew armor.

Yang Qizhu was the shield, the Third Young Master was the spear, and the Eldest Young Master was the venomous snake.

Prince Rui rubbed his brow. None of these children were easy to deal with; he should have shot them onto the wall long ago.

Now they had all grown powerful, and it was too late to make a move.

He had never considered abdicating. He was only in his forties, and as a Heavenly Human Realm Martial Artist, he had at least another hundred years to live. If he achieved Foundation Establishment Breakthrough, his lifespan would extend to three hundred years.

Therefore, he did not want to abdicate, but his sons seemed impatient.

The Qi Country had been established for only three hundred years, yet it had already seen four emperors, each dying an unexpected death—either sudden demise or assassination. The reason lay here.

Someone was impatient.

Prince Rui’s eyes gently closed, “Send someone to Lizhou to investigate Xu Sanyan’s background.”

“Yes.”

The black-clad figure flickered and vanished from the room.

...

As dusk approached, a massive city emerged in the distance. Xu Sanyan breathed a long sigh of relief; after days of travel, he had finally arrived.

Above the city hung a huge stone plaque inscribed with the characters “Xiang City.”

“We’re here. Let’s go pay our respects to His Highness first,” General Bai Wuxia also let out a breath. Although they hadn’t encountered any dangers along the way, he still felt a bit tired.

“Mm.”

Xu Sanyan led his horse behind General Bai Wuxia. As they walked through the bustling main street, their keen senses detected that more than one person was trailing them from behind, though they didn't know which faction they belonged to.

General Bai Wuxia led him to the outside of a grand palace. A squad of soldiers guarded the palace gates, so he took out a token from his Pregnant: “General Bai Wuxia of Taian City, Lizhou, Class B Night Scout, accompanying Xu Sanyan, requests an audience with His Highness.”

A general stepped out from among the soldiers, came forward, and took the token, “Please wait, Senior Bai.”

In a short while, the general returned, “His Highness invites you in.”

The two were searched, and their long blades confiscated, before they were allowed inside.

Following the general to the outside of a grand hall, Xu Sanyan’s eyes subtly moved, sensing more than ten people hidden in the shadows, likely the Prince’s hidden guards.

“Please enter, gentlemen.” The general stopped outside the main hall.

Xu Sanyan stepped over the high threshold and gazed into the depths of the hall. At the very end, on a high platform, stood a desk. Behind the desk was a pure gold Dragon Chair, and seated upon it was a refined middle-aged man.

In the spacious hall, there were only Prince Rui and a few attendants.

General Bai Wuxia quickly walked a few steps, then knelt down with a thud, “Your subordinate General Bai Wuxia pays his respects to Your Highness.”

Xu Sanyan unhurriedly stepped forward and cupped his hands, “This commoner Xu Sanyan pays his respects to Your Highness.”

Prince Rui stroked his beard and smiled, his demeanor very peaceful, “Rise, and be seated.”

An attendant brought chairs, and the two sat on one side. Prince Rui exchanged a few pleasantries, then got to the point,

“General Bai Wuxia, heed the decree.”

General Bai Wuxia knelt again.

“General Bai Wuxia, Class B Night Scout, having penetrated deep behind enemy lines and provided warhorses and military equipment for the great army, has rendered meritorious service. You are hereby promoted to General Breaker of Barbarians, bestowed the title of Marquis of Anping, granted ten thousand gold, one mansion, and ten maidservants.”

Prince Rui thought for a moment, then spoke again, “Granted three Ascension Spirit Pills.”

General Bai Wuxia’s face lit up with joy, and he loudly expressed his gratitude.

The other items were not important; the Ascension Spirit Pills were key. With these three Medicinal Pills, he would be able to take a solid step towards the Heavenly Human Realm mid-stage.

Prince Rui was very satisfied with General Bai Wuxia’s attitude, then turned his gaze to Xu Sanyan.

Xu Sanyan still bowed, but did not kneel.

Prince Rui’s face still wore that amiable smile, “I have long heard of Xu Sanyan’s exceptional talent and honest character. With such great talent serving me, how can my grand endeavor fail?”

“Thank you for Your Highness’s praise. This commoner is unworthy.”

Xu Sanyan couldn't tell for a moment if he was praising or scolding him. Was “honest character” really referring to him?

Prince Rui said with a faint smile, “I have a daughter, kind by nature and beautiful in appearance. I intend to betroth her to you. What do you think?”

Xu Sanyan was stunned, was Prince Rui crazy?

Forcibly giving himself to the Yang Qizhu faction?

Beside him, General Bai Wuxia’s eyes showed envy. A Heavenly Human Realm expert at twenty years old was indeed worth Prince Rui’s investment.

Xu Sanyan hesitated, “Is Your Highness referring to Yang Qizhu?”

Prince Rui smiled and shook his head, “I am referring to my youngest daughter, Yang Qiyuan.”

Xu Sanyan suddenly understood; this made sense. This way, he would be completely isolated.

Prince Rui quietly watched him, awaiting Xu Sanyan’s reply.

This was a marriage bestowed by him personally. While it seemed to ask for Xu Sanyan’s opinion, there was no room for refusal.

Xu Sanyan naturally understood this principle, so after a slight hesitation, he cupped his hands and said, “Thank you, Your Highness.”

It was just marrying a wife, there was no need to refuse. Moreover, marrying Prince Rui’s daughter would make it easier for him to collect rare Medicinal Pills, allow him better access to the cultivators behind Prince Rui, and also provide a woman delivered to his doorstep for his amusement.

It could be called killing three birds with one stone!

A smile appeared on Prince Rui’s lips. He believed he had also achieved his goal.

As for his daughter’s opinion, it wasn’t important. He didn’t care, and Xu Sanyan didn’t care either.

Without strength, one should be manipulated by the strong; this was an eternal truth.

Prince Rui threw his head back and laughed, “Hahahahaha, good, to gain such a son-in-law, my life is truly fulfilled.”

General Bai Wuxia, being perceptive, congratulated him, “Congratulations, Your Highness.”

He considered his relationship with Xu Sanyan to be decent. If Xu Sanyan gained power, he might also benefit.

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