Two days later.
With the deliberate promotion of Emperor Tai An.
The news of the tenth prince of Bei Li, Xiao Cheng Xuan, being crowned "Duke Wu" spread like wildfire throughout the entire Tianqi City.
And the news also spread rapidly throughout Bei Li.
In the deep depths of the Imperial Palace, within the Second Prince's residence.
A shadowy figure sat alone on a carved sandalwood chair, his face as dark as ink.
The light from outside struggled to penetrate the heavy curtains, casting mottled shadows across his face.
It was Qing Wang, Xiao Xie, who was furious upon hearing that his tenth brother, Xiao Cheng Xuan, had been granted the title of Duke.
The fire in Xiao Xie's eyes seemed about to burst forth, incinerating everything around him.
He grabbed the wine on the table, gulped it down, the liquor spilling down his chin, soaking his luxurious robe.
“Bang!” Qing Wang slammed the cup onto the ground in a fit of rage.
The delicate cup shattered into fragments, scattering everywhere.
Xiao Xie gritted his teeth, the veins on his forehead bulging, he growled in a hoarse voice:
“That damned tenth brother, he actually got to be a Duke!”
“Father, you have granted the title of Duke to four princes in three years. Now, you actually let the tenth brother join in. Do you really want us to turn against each other?”
“Then don't blame me for being ruthless!”
Xiao Xie's voice echoed through the empty hall, a roar from hell, chilling the very marrow.
........
The Third Prince, Jing Yu's residence:
Inside the palace with its carved beams and painted pillars, the air was filled with the aroma of books, a tranquil serenity.
Two princes sat facing each other, sipping tea and playing Go!
The prince clad in a purple-black robe had a stern face, his deep eyes radiating a calm prudence.
He slightly pursed his lips, exuding an aura of authority, like a star in the darkness, brilliant and elusive.
This was the Third Prince, Jing Yu Wang, Xiao Ruo Jin!
The prince in the bright yellow robe was equally dashing and handsome.
A confident smile played on his lips, his eyes bright and fiery, like a rising sun, full of vitality and vigor.
This was the Seventh Prince, Langya Wang, Xiao Ruo Feng!
On the Go board, black and white pieces intertwined, the situation changing in an instant.
The prince in the purple-black robe gently manipulated the pieces, each move carefully considered, as if he were planning a grand strategy.
The prince in the bright yellow robe remained calm and collected, his moves decisive, demonstrating his composure.
“The teachings of the academy are truly profound, this game, I have lost!”
Finally, Xiao Ruo Jin conceded defeat!
“Brother is joking, Master possesses the wisdom to govern the world, Ruo Feng's learning is merely a glimpse of the Saint's teachings.”
Langya, with a smile, replied modestly.
“Oh, I heard that the tenth brother was granted the title of Duke by Father, this is a joyous occasion. I'm going to have someone prepare a gift and personally go to congratulate him. Would Ruo Feng like to come along?”
Xiao Ruo Jin changed the subject abruptly, turning the conversation to the recently buzzing news of the Duke's appointment.
“Brother, the tenth brother has already become a force to be reckoned with. It is said that Father highly favors him, even Master Li from the academy instructed us not to offend him.”
“Furthermore, you may be disappointed to hear this, Father has already sent the tenth brother to the Southwest Region! To congratulate him, we have to wait until he returns victorious.”
Xiao Ruo Feng's words.
Made a look of worry and apprehension flash in Xiao Ruo Jin's eyes.
Born into royalty, the struggle for the throne was inevitable.
The current Bei Li court was divided into three major factions: the eldest prince's faction, Qing Wang's faction, and Ruo Jin and Ruo Feng's faction.
However, the eldest prince was incompetent and lacked the emperor's favor.
This so-called three-way standoff, in reality, only involved the rivalry between Qing Wang and himself and the seventh brother.
But the seventh brother was his own sibling, their bond deep. Moreover, the seventh brother preferred to live a carefree life and had no interest in that position.
Therefore, strictly speaking, Qing Wang was his biggest threat.
But now, there was suddenly the addition of the tenth brother, Duke Wu!
Father, Master Li, the Southwest Region...
Xiao Ruo Jin's worries were evident.
“Brother, the winds are still unstable, don't let your heart wander. Actually, I'm quite happy to see the tenth brother rise, at least that way, brother, you won't have to walk the path of a double-edged sword anymore!”
Langya Wang, Xiao Ruo Feng, stood up and said casually to his elder brother.
Then, he left with his usual swagger.
Looking at his brother's back, Xiao Ruo Jin's expression was complex.
He wished he could be as carefree as the seventh brother.
But some paths, once embarked upon.
It is difficult to turn back!
........
At the same time, in a mountainous area.
Xiao Cheng Xuan and Ye Yu had been traveling for two days, they were now very close to the Southwest Region, so they stopped here to rest.
In the open space.
“General Ye, use your strongest sword intent attack on me!”
Xiao Cheng Xuan stood proudly in the open space, his whole body like a celestial being, he said to the blood shadow, Ye Yu.
In Xiao Cheng Xuan's hand, an ordinary war saber flashed with "zila" electric arcs.
These past two days, Xiao Cheng Xuan had been practicing the "Ninefold Primordial" induction technique and the first level of Ninefold Thunder Saber under the simulation of his intelligent light brain.
Now.
He had easily mastered the complex 18 moves of the first level!
His hands itched to test it in actual combat.
“Your Highness, this.......”
Ye Yu hesitated, he was, after all, in the Great Unbound Realm.
Outside, he was considered a "Sword Immortal."
Full strength sword intent!
What if he accidentally killed the prince?
………
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