7: Chapter 7 Aftermath and Undercurrents

The tenth day since the fall of the Baili Clan.

The hustle and bustle of the capital gradually subsided.

On the day of the confiscation, the crowds that had gathered in front of the Baili mansion had long since dispersed. Sealing strips were pasted on the mansion gates, the stone lions in front were toppled, and the once bustling great aristocratic residence was now left in dead silence.

Baili Yuan, Baili Qingfeng, and other direct male descendants were imprisoned in the depths of the Celestial Prison, waiting only for execution after autumn. After news spread that the female relatives were to be sold as slaves, it was said that several concubines hanged themselves that very night. Collateral descendants were escorted away by government soldiers, weeping as they embarked on the road of exile.

As for Baili Qingyun — he was still locked in the Imperial Clan Court prison, awaiting trial for the case of assassinating the prince.

But no one cared anymore.

A person destined to die is not worth wasting energy on.

Yongan Ward, Seventh Princes Mansion.

The first underground level.

Xiao Xuan stood before the sand table, watching the mark of the Baili Clan being completely erased.

"Your Highness," Strategist Jia Xu said while twisting his beard, "The Baili Clan has fallen, and the Crown Prince has lost an arm. Next, the Crown Princes Mansion will likely not let this rest."

Xiao Xuan nodded: "What movements does the Crown Prince have?"

Zhao Gao stepped forward: "Reporting to Your Highness, the Crown Prince has remained behind closed doors for these ten days, declining all visitors. But my men discovered that his aide, Xie Duan, has secretly entered and exited the home of a guest of the Third Prince three times."

"Oh?" Strategist Jia Xu raised an eyebrow, "The Crown Prince's man, seeking out the Third Prince's man?"

"Yes." Zhao Gao said, "And every time it was in the dead of night, using the back door."

Xiao Xuan looked at Strategist Jia Xu: "What does the Strategist think?"

Strategist Jia Xu pondered: "There are two possibilities. One is that the Crown Prince wants to join forces with the Third Prince to deal with Your Highness. The second is that the Crown Prince wants to sow discord between the Third Prince and a certain faction, borrowing a knife to kill."

"Which possibility is greater?"

"Joining forces." Strategist Jia Xu said, "The Baili Clan has fallen, and the Crown Prince has suffered a major blow to his Origin Qi. The Third Prince has always wanted to replace him, and now is the best opportunity. If the Crown Prince does not show goodwill, the Third Prince will seize the chance to take his life while he is ill."

Xiao Xuan nodded and asked Zhao Gao again: "What reaction is there from the Third Prince's side?"

"The Third Prince did not see Xie Duan, but he did not refuse either." Zhao Gao said, "My men found out that the Third Prince has been frequently contacting the Lingxiao Sect recently. Zhou Tong and his son have visited the Third Princes Mansion three times in the last half month."

"Lingxiao Sect..." A sharp glint flashed in Xiao Xuan's eyes, "Zhou Tong was scared off by Master Jiang before, and now he dares to come out again?"

"It is not that he dares to come out, but that he has no choice." Strategist Jia Xu laughed, "The Third Prince is wooing him; if he refuses, he offends the future monarch. If he agrees, he must face Your Highness. Weighing the two evils, he would rather face Your Highness than offend the Third Prince."

Xiao Xuan smiled slightly.

"It seems Zhou Tong has not been scared enough yet."

He paused and looked at Zhao Gao: "Continue to keep an eye on the Crown Prince and the Third Prince. Report any movement to me immediately."

"Yes!"

Meanwhile, the Third Princes Mansion.

In the back garden, within the water pavilion.

Third Prince Xiao Yu sat in the main seat, with Zhou Tong and his son sitting on either side.

"Elder Zhou," Third Prince Xiao Yu picked up his teacup and took a light sip, "Have you considered it?"

Zhou Tong was silent for a moment, then slowly said: "Your Highness's kindness is deeply appreciated by this old man. It is just... the Lingxiao Sect has rules that inner Sect Elders must not participate in the struggle for the throne."

Third Prince Xiao Yu laughed.

"Elder Zhou, that excuse might fool outsiders, but it is meaningless to deceive this Prince." He put down the teacup and looked directly at Zhou Tong, "Your son, Zhou Xian, was very close to Baili Qingyun before. Baili Qingyun is the Crown Prince's brother-in-law. Since your son associated with him, does that not count as participating in the struggle for the throne?"

Zhou Xian's expression changed slightly, and just as he was about to speak, he was stopped by Zhou Tong's gaze.

Zhou Tong said in a deep voice: "Your Highness, my son's association with Baili Qingyun was merely a private friendship, unrelated to court politics."

"Private friendship?" Third Prince Xiao Yu sneered, "A private friendship that went as far as testing the Seventh Prince for him? A private friendship that went as far as sending a ninth-rank Grandmaster to their death?"

Zhou Tong's pupils constricted.

Third Prince Xiao Yu continued: "Elder Zhou, this Prince is not a fool. I know exactly what your son has done. I also know that you went to Yongan Ward and fled back in a sorry state."

Zhou Tong's expression finally changed.

"Your Highness... you sent people to track this old man?"

"Tracking?" Third Prince Xiao Yu laughed, "Elder Zhou, you are at the Early Stage of the True God realm; how would my people dare to track you? It was just a coincidence that my secret agents were near Yongan Ward that night and saw your sorry state."

Zhou Tong was silent.

Third Prince Xiao Yu stood up and walked to the edge of the water pavilion, turning his back to them.

"Elder Zhou, this Prince knows what you are afraid of. That Seventh Prince has an expert behind him, and you cannot afford to provoke him. But what this Prince wants to tell you is — no matter how high that expert is, he is just one person. Behind this Prince is the entire Third Princes Mansion, and the clans and Sects that support me."

He turned around, his gaze deep.

"If you pledge allegiance to this Prince, I will ensure the safety of your Zhou family. If you do not... on the day I ascend the throne, do you think that expert will protect you?"

Zhou Tong was silent for a long time, then finally slowly stood up and bowed.

"This old man... is willing to serve Your Highness."

Third Prince Xiao Yu laughed heartily.

"Good! Elder Zhou, please rise!"

Zhou Xian stood up with his father, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes.

He looked towards the direction of Yongan Ward and said secretly in his heart:

Seventh Prince... just how many secrets are you hiding?

Yongan Ward, Seventh Princes Mansion.

The first underground level.

Zhao Gao hurried in.

"Your Highness, latest news — Zhou Tong has pledged allegiance to the Third Prince."

Xiao Xuan raised an eyebrow slightly.

"Are you sure?"

"Confirmed." Zhao Gao said, "My men were watching outside the Third Princes Mansion and saw Zhou Tong and his son leave from the back door with their own eyes. When the two left, Zhou Xian's expression was not good."

Strategist Jia Xu twisted his beard and said: "Zhou Tong pledging allegiance to the Third Prince means the Lingxiao Sect has been dragged into the water. The Third Prince already had great influence, and now with an Early Stage True God inner Sect Elder, the Crown Prince's side will likely not be able to sit still."

Xiao Xuan nodded and looked at the sand table.

On the sand table, next to the Third Prince's mark, there was an additional mark for the Lingxiao Sect.

"What is the reaction from the Crown Prince's side?"

"None for the moment." Zhao Gao said, "But Xie Duan went to the home of the Third Prince's guest again. This time, he stayed for a full hour."

Xiao Xuan's eyes narrowed slightly.

"Xie Duan... what is he discussing?"

"I do not know." Zhao Gao said, "My men could not get in. But according to the servants at the guest's house, the two argued very fiercely, and Xie Duan's face was livid when he left."

Strategist Jia Xu laughed.

"It seems the Crown Prince and the Third Prince have had a falling out."

Xiao Xuan nodded: "As expected. The Crown Prince wants to join forces, and the Third Prince wants to rob him while he is down. It is normal for them not to agree."

"Then what does Your Highness plan to do?"

Xiao Xuan was silent for a moment, then slowly said: "Do nothing."

"Do nothing?" Strategist Jia Xu was stunned.

"Yes." Xiao Xuan smiled slightly, "Let them fight. The harder they fight, the more beneficial it is for us."

He walked to the window and looked towards the direction of the imperial palace.

"The Crown Prince and the Third Prince have fought for so many years without a clear winner. Now that the Baili Clan has fallen, the Crown Prince has suffered a major blow to his Origin Qi, and the Third Prince thinks his opportunity has come. But the more this is the case, the more one must be careful."

He turned around and looked at Strategist Jia Xu.

"Strategist, you say, if the Crown Prince and the Third Prince start fighting, who will win?"

Strategist Jia Xu pondered: "The Third Prince has great influence, but the Crown Prince holds the position of the legitimate eldest son. If they clash head-on, the Third Prince may not necessarily win. If they use conspiracies, the Crown Prince is no pushover either."

Xiao Xuan nodded.

"Therefore, we do nothing. Let them fight. When they both suffer heavy losses..."

He paused, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes.

"We will make our move."

That night. South of the city, Taoist temple.

Jiang Ziya sat cross-legged on a meditation cushion and suddenly opened his eyes.

He smiled slightly.

"Zhou Tong pledging allegiance to the Third Prince... Xie Duan meeting secretly with a guest... interesting."

He raised his hand, and his thin, withered fingers gently flicked through the void.

An invisible ripple spread out, instantly enveloping the entire capital.

A moment later, he withdrew his hand and nodded.

"The Third Prince is mobilizing troops... the Crown Prince is fortifying defenses... tensions are high."

He muttered to himself, looking towards the direction of Yongan Ward.

"Your Highness wants to let them fight... then let them fight."

He smiled and closed his eyes again.

The fishing rod with the straight, baitless hook still lay across his knees.

But the brilliance on the fishing rod was a few shades brighter than yesterday.

Three days later. Late night. Crown Princes Mansion, secret room.

Crown Prince Xiao Jing sat in the main seat, with three people standing in front of him.

The first was Xie Duan, the chief aide of the Crown Princes Mansion.

The second was a middle-aged man, wearing armor, with a powerful aura, Middle Stage Void Realm — Vice Minister of War Chen Shouxin of the Capital Garrison.

The third was an old man, in gray robes with white hair, with a sinister face and an unfathomable aura — Guest Elder of the Crown Princes Mansion, Early Stage True God, surnamed Qin, named Guang.

"Your Highness," Xie Duan said in a deep voice, "The Third Prince has mobilized three hundred personal guards into the city. Nominally it is to protect his mansion, but everyone knows what he is actually planning."

Xiao Jing nodded and looked at Vice Minister of War Chen Shouxin.

Vice Minister of War Chen Shouxin said: "Your Highness, regarding the Capital Garrison, this subordinate can mobilize five thousand men. But if we directly clash with the Third Prince, we need an imperial decree from Your Majesty. Otherwise..."

"Otherwise it is treason." Xiao Jing said indifferently, "This Palace knows."

He stood up and walked to the window, looking at the night scene outside.

"The Third Prince thinks that because this Palace has lost the Baili Clan, I have become a soft persimmon. He wants to rob me while I am down, so I will show him who the real soft persimmon is."

He turned around and looked at Qin Guang.

"Elder Qin, if the True God on the Third Prince's side makes a move, can you block him?"

Qin Guang smiled slightly: "Your Highness, rest assured. Zhou Tong is only at the Early Stage of the True God realm, and this old man is also at the Early Stage of the True God realm. If it is only to block him, there is no problem."

Xiao Jing nodded.

"Good."

He looked at Xie Duan.

"Mr. Xie, pass a message to the Third Prince for this Palace — tell him this Palace wants to meet with him."

Xie Duan was stunned: "Your Highness wants to see him?"

"Yes." Xiao Jing sneered, "If he wants to fight, this Palace will give him the opportunity to fight. But how to fight, where to fight, and when to fight — that must be decided by this Palace."

The next day. East of the city, an inconspicuous teahouse. Second-floor private room.

Crown Prince Xiao Jing and Third Prince Xiao Yu sat opposite each other.

Behind each of them stood one person.

Behind the Crown Prince was Qin Guang.

Behind the Third Prince was Zhou Tong.

Four eyes met, and the atmosphere was frozen like ice.

"Third Brother," Xiao Jing picked up his teacup and took a light sip, "Do you want to rob me while I am down?"

Third Prince Xiao Yu sneered: "Big Brother, I do not understand what you are saying."

"Do not understand?" Xiao Jing put down the teacup, "You mobilized three hundred personal guards into the city, do you think this Palace is blind?"

Third Prince Xiao Yu's expression did not change: "My mansion has not been peaceful recently, is it not allowed to mobilize some guards for self-protection?"

"Self-protection?" Xiao Jing laughed, "Third Brother, neither of us is a three-year-old child. There are no outsiders here, let's speak plainly — you know what you want to do, and I know what you want to do. Why pretend to be confused?"

Third Prince Xiao Yu was silent for a moment, then suddenly laughed.

"Good, since Big Brother is so straightforward, I will not hide anything either."

He looked directly at Xiao Jing, his gaze burning.

"Big Brother has lost the Baili Clan and suffered a major blow to his Origin Qi. I believe it is time for this position of Crown Prince to change hands."

Xiao Jing's expression did not change.

"Change hands? Who will replace me? You?"

"Exactly."

Xiao Jing laughed.

"Third Brother, what do you have to rely on?"

Third Prince Xiao Yu said coldly: "I rely on the support of the Lingxiao Sect. I rely on the five clans backing me. I rely on the fact that my influence has already surpassed yours."

Xiao Jing nodded.

"I know all of this. But do you know what I have in my hands?"

Third Prince Xiao Yu raised an eyebrow: "What?"

Xiao Jing stood up and walked to the window, turning his back to Third Prince Xiao Yu.

"In my hands, I have the title of the legitimate eldest son. I have the support of more than half of the clean officials in the court. I have Father Emperor's —"

He paused, turned his head, his gaze deep.

"I have Father Emperor's tacit approval."

Third Prince Xiao Yu's pupils constricted.

Xiao Jing continued: "Third Brother, do you think Father Emperor does not know you mobilized troops into the city? Do you think Father Emperor does not know we are meeting here? Do you think Father Emperor is blind?"

He walked back to his seat and sat down again.

"Father Emperor knows everything. But he has said nothing. Do you know why?"

Third Prince Xiao Yu was silent.

Xiao Jing said: "Because Father Emperor is waiting. Waiting for us to fight. Waiting for us to decide the winner. Waiting for one of us to become the true —"

He paused and said word by word:

"Crown Prince."

Third Prince Xiao Yu's face was livid.

Xiao Jing picked up his teacup and took a light sip.

"Third Brother, I will give you two paths. One is to go back, withdraw your three hundred personal guards, and we will continue to fight until Father Emperor truly makes a move. The second is to start now, let us decide the winner, and the winner will go to Father Emperor to accept punishment."

He put down the teacup and looked directly at Third Prince Xiao Yu.

"Which one do you choose?"

Third Prince Xiao Yu was silent for a long time.

Finally, he stood up and said coldly:

"Big Brother, let's wait and see."

He turned and left.

Zhou Tong followed closely behind.

In the teahouse, only Xiao Jing and Qin Guang remained.

"Your Highness," Qin Guang said in a low voice, "Will the Third Prince withdraw his troops?"

Xiao Jing shook his head.

"No."

"Then..."

"He will change his method." Xiao Jing stood up, walked to the window, and watched the back of Third Prince Xiao Yu as he left, "Third Brother is not a reckless man. He knows that a head-on conflict will not yield any advantages, so he will find another way."

He paused, a cold light flashing in his eyes.

"He will go to trouble that person."

Qin Guang was stunned: "That person? Who?"

Xiao Jing smiled slightly.

"Seventh Brother."

Yongan Ward, Seventh Princes Mansion.

The first underground level.

Zhao Gao walked in quickly.

"Your Highness, latest news — the Crown Prince and the Third Prince had a secret meeting at the teahouse, and it fell apart. When the Third Prince left, his expression was very ugly."

Xiao Xuan nodded and looked at Strategist Jia Xu.

Strategist Jia Xu twisted his beard and said: "It fell apart, so the next step is to make a move. Does Your Highness think the Third Prince will make a move against whom first?"

Xiao Xuan smiled slightly.

"Me."

Strategist Jia Xu was stunned: "Why does Your Highness think so?"

Xiao Xuan said: "The Crown Prince and the Third Prince have fought for so many years, and neither could do anything to the other. Now the Crown Prince has suffered a major blow to his Origin Qi, and the Third Prince wants to seize the opportunity to rise, but he does not dare to directly clash with the Crown Prince head-on — the Crown Prince's title of the legitimate eldest son was given by Father Emperor, and it cannot be touched."

He paused and continued: "Therefore, he will find a soft persimmon to squeeze. If he squeezes it soft, he can establish his prestige. If he cannot squeeze it soft, he can also test the depth. And I —"

He smiled.

"I am that soft persimmon."

Strategist Jia Xu pondered: "Your Highness's words are reasonable. Then what shall we do?"

Xiao Xuan walked to the sand table, his gaze falling on the Third Prince's mark.

"Let him come."

Strategist Jia Xu was stunned.

Xiao Xuan said: "The Third Prince wants to squeeze me, this soft persimmon, so I will let him squeeze. But whether he can squeeze it, and whether it will prick his hands after squeezing —"

He smiled slightly.

"That is not for him to decide."

He turned around and looked towards the direction of the south of the city.

"Master Jiang, what do you think?"

South of the city, Taoist temple.

Jiang Ziya sat cross-legged on a meditation cushion and opened his eyes slightly.

He looked towards the direction of Yongan Ward, a smile appearing on his lips.

"The Third Prince wants to squeeze a soft persimmon..."

He muttered to himself and shook his head.

"This child, does he not know that a soft persimmon is sometimes harder to squeeze than a hard stone?"

He smiled and closed his eyes again.