36: The invitation arrives, the prince invites

Zhang Long shook his head and said, "The Great Commander wants First Hall and Second Hall to compete for this task themselves, but Commander Yin of First Hall seems very interested in it."

Lin Qinghuang pondered for a second and said, "Then let her have it! Second Hall will not participate in this task."

She had received some news that the Winter Hunt affairs were originally the responsibility of the Third Prince, but after the Zilan Teahouse golden tea incident was exposed, the matter fell to the First Prince.

Now that the First Prince is in charge of the Winter Hunt Assembly, it is expected that certain individuals will cause trouble and not allow him to hold the Winter Hunt Assembly smoothly.

At such a time, it is the best choice for Second Hall not to participate, otherwise, if a major problem arises, Second Hall will be in trouble.

Since First Hall wants this task, then give it to First Hall!

During her years in the Tianquan Division, she had learned many things, and how to do things smartly was extremely important.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Long immediately said, "Understood, I'll go to First Hall right away."

"Mm!"

Lin Qinghuang waved her hand lightly.

"Winter Hunt Assembly..."

Xie Weilou had a thoughtful expression.

The Winter Hunt Assembly, held once every three years, requires many noble youths from Tianqi City to participate. If one can emerge victorious, it can naturally amaze everyone and even earn an audience with the Emperor, gaining special attention.

Because of this, many noble youths would fully display their abilities during the Winter Hunt Assembly.

Spring Search, Summer Scrutiny, Autumn Hunt, Winter Hunt—the first three only involved hunting ordinary beasts.

But the triennial Winter Hunt Assembly was different; this assembly involved hunting fierce beasts tainted with demonic energy, naturally making it more dangerous.

Lin Qinghuang glanced at Xie Weilou and reminded him, "As the Heir of Marquis Zhenxi Manor, you will certainly have to participate in this Winter Hunt Assembly. Snow Wolf Valley is extremely dangerous, so be careful."

Xie Weilou smiled faintly and said, "Compared to fierce beasts, the most dangerous thing should be people."

"It's good that you know."

Lin Qinghuang said indifferently.

Xie Weilou's return to the Zhenxi Marquis Manor was not something certain people wanted to see.

Just like his second uncle, who now held that position, he naturally wouldn't willingly step down easily.

If Xie Weilou could be eliminated, he would then be able to secure that position, and Xie Weilou's position as the Heir would fall to others.

"......"

Xie Weilou smiled, picked up the teapot, poured a cup of fragrant tea, and savored it alone.

Lin Qinghuang looked at the deed on the table and pondered, "I'll go resolve this matter first."

After speaking, she took the deed and left.

Not long after Lin Qinghuang left, a burly middle-aged man in a black robe walked in.

Xie Weilou looked at this middle-aged man; he was not weak, Tuojiang Realm Late Stage.

The middle-aged man pondered, "I am the Great Commander of the Tianquan Division, Great Commander Shen Zhan."

Xie Weilou stood up, cupped his fists, and said, "So it's Commander Shen, a pleasure to meet you."

Great Commander Shen Zhan handed an invitation to Xie Weilou: "The First Prince wishes to invite the Heir for a drink. I wonder if the Heir has time?"

The Tianquan Division's internal structure was not monolithic; the person he supported was precisely the First Prince.

This was no secret; many people knew, as his ability to become the Great Commander was largely due to the First Prince, so he had no need to hide it.

Xie Weilou took the invitation, smiled, and said, "Time is naturally made. Besides, how dare I not accept an invitation personally delivered by Commander Shen?"

Seeing Xie Weilou accept the invitation, Great Commander Shen Zhan's expression softened considerably. He softly said, "The Tianquan Division's interior appears calm, but in reality, undercurrents surge, harboring terrifying murderous intent. If the Heir encounters any trouble, you can always find me."

Of course, he actually understood that Xie Weilou would not encounter any trouble in this Tianquan Division.

Because Xie Weilou was protected by Lin Qinghuang, and he was also someone sent in by the Pacification Envoy. The Pacification Envoy was the second-in-command of the Tianquan Division. With such a backer, who would dare to harm him in the slightest?

"That's natural. When does the First Prince want me to go?"

Xie Weilou smiled lightly.

Social etiquette, of course, must be observed. As for how things will ultimately proceed, that's a question for Qingfeng.

Great Commander Shen Zhan glanced out the window: "If the Heir has time, you can go now. The First Prince is at his Residence."

"Alright! Then I'll go for a drink, but I've delayed my duties today. If I'm fined, the Great Commander will have to cover it for me."

Xie Weilou placed the invitation in his sleeve and stood up with a smile.

"Good."

Great Commander Shen Zhan nodded lightly.

Xie Weilou said nothing more, walking out of the main hall with his hands behind his back.

------

First Princes Residence.

Located east of the imperial palace, it was not far from the Tianquan Division. Unfortunately, the position of Crown Prince had not yet been established, otherwise, he would be living in the Eastern Palace.

Not long after.

Xie Weilou arrived outside the First Princes Residence.

The Residence was grand, with the snow outside the gate swept clean. The main gate was open, and two guards stood proudly at the entrance.

"......"

Xie Weilou stepped forward and took out the invitation.

"Greetings, Heir."

The two guards did not look at the invitation but immediately bowed, clearly, the First Prince had given instructions beforehand.

Xie Weilou smiled indifferently and walked into the Residence.

"Oh! Brother Xie, I've been waiting for you for a long time."

Just as he stepped into the Residence, a surprised voice rang out.

A handsome man in a black robe quickly walked over; it was Yan Junlin.

Xie Weilou smiled and cupped his fists, saying, "Greetings, First Prince."

Yan Junlin quickly said, "Brother Xie, there are no outsiders here. We are brothers, there's no need to be so polite. Come, come, I've already prepared fine wine, come drink with me."

Xie Weilou glanced around and said in surprise, "Did the First Prince only invite me?"

Yan Junlin said with a serious expression, "Only Brother Xie can make me treat him with such seriousness."

"The First Prince truly flatters me."

Xie Weilou said, feigning shock.

The other party's show of courtesy was good; at least this posture wouldn't make people feel uncomfortable.

Yan Junlin's artillery room exploded last night, yet today he showed no unusual expression. He naturally possessed the necessary composure.

"Let's not talk about other things, let's go have a couple of drinks first."

Yan Junlin said with a serious expression.

"Alright! Then let's go have a couple of drinks."

Xie Weilou smiled indifferently.

In the eyes of outsiders, Yan Junlin was an ambitious and ostentatious person. It was rumored that he was ambitious but lacked talent, and not as wise as the other princes, which was why he invited Yan Ruyu to be his strategist.

Some even said that the position of Crown Prince had not been established precisely because Yan Junlin had greatly displeased the Emperor.

Otherwise, with his status as the First Prince, he would have long been the master of the Eastern Palace.

Xie Weilou, however, understood that no one in the royal family was simple. One must never be deceived by their appearance and rumors.

With just one glance, Xie Weilou knew Yan Junlin was not simple. The other party only displayed a Shackle Realm (Peak) cultivation, but Xie Weilou sensed a hint of an unusual aura.

The other party's true cultivation should be Tuojiang Realm, but it was hidden by some kind of treasure.

"Please!"

Yan Junlin extended his hand, motioning for Xie Weilou to go first.

Xie Weilou, however, did not walk ahead but smiled and extended his hand, and the two walked forward side by side.