"I didn't expect to encounter a new Favored Son of Heaven at this banquet," Xichen murmured under his breath as he averted his gaze from Jun Moxie. He had anticipated Yun Che making an appearance at the banquet in some way, yet Yun Che was nowhere to be found. Instead, there was a new Favored Son of Heaven, apparently hailing from the Sunflower Dew Nation.
That empire was the closest geographically to the Blue Wind Empire but was viewed with disdain by the major empires, just like the Blue Wind Empire itself. Although the relationship between the two empires was nothing more than a superficial friendship, the presence of this old general at the banquet was a sign of an attempt to open diplomatic channels.
It seemed Cang Wanhe had indirectly announced his attendance beforehand, prompting the Sunflower Dew Nation to send this high-level representative—a decision that had immediate results, as the Emperor did not hide his bright, happy face.
'But for now, the important thing is to expand my political connections...' Xichen thought, quietly taking a sip from his cup. He had no intention of remaining merely the "Talented Thirteenth Prince" as he was called. No, his aim was far greater—to seize power and control the Divine Phoenix Empire.
To achieve that, he needed to build a robust diplomatic network with the other empires. Even if each one was weaker than the Divine Phoenix Empire alone, their union could create a terrifying balance of power... and such a union needed to be forged by him—Xichen—and centered around him.
In case Emperor Hengkong insisted on handing the throne to Feng Ximing based on seniority, Xichen wasn't worried. On the contrary, he saw a fatal weakness in Feng Ximing—his morbid obsession with Xue'er.
'Obsession is a weakness... and weakness is a door... and the door to power opens with the weakness of one's opponent,' he mused to himself with a cold smile.
He knew exactly how to exploit that obsession, how to drain Feng Ximing until nothing remained but a shadow bearing the title of Crown Prince... then topple him effortlessly.
Therefore, he first intended to bring Cang Yue under his wing. Not only was she the sole heir to the throne of the Blue Wind Empire, but she was also the perfect key to building his image as a smart and tolerant political leader. He knew well that the world didn't respect the kind-hearted, but they adored the strong who showed mercy when it wasn't required.
With Cang Yue by his side, he would demonstrate to the other empires, especially the weaker ones, the benefits of allying with him. Cutting off the meeting between Yun Che and Cang Yue was the best decision he had made in this plan—no popular rival to stand in his way, no unexpected ally to pull the rug from under his feet. Every step was meticulously planned, leaving no room for randomness.
'Helping Cang Wanhe wasn't merely an attempt to undermine Yun Che...' he thought, casting a sideways glance at the Emperor, who was laughing happily and drinking with the envoy from the Sunflower Dew Nation.
'...it was a silent message to everyone: I am the man who helps those on their deathbeds and rebuilds crumbling kingdoms.'
But he wasn't naive. He knew that showing generosity wasn't enough.
A time would come when he would have to prove that he not only had the intention but also the capability to lead these various forces and compel their obedience without resistance.
However, that was in the near future. For now, he was too weak to control the Seven Empires, especially since the Four Great Sacred Grounds and the hidden powers of the continent wouldn't allow such a thing to happen while they stood by idly.
"Is Your Highness feeling bored?" Cang Yue beside him asked, staring at his handsome face and golden eyes with curiosity.
"Oh! Not at all, Princess," Xichen smiled wryly, gazing at the beauty beside him who was earnestly pouring him wine. "I was merely thinking that I did the right thing by saving His Majesty the Emperor's life."
"I truly thank you for saving my father's life, Your Highness Prince Xichen," Cang Yue said upon hearing his words, unable to do anything but smile happily and express her boundless gratitude. She had always been worried about her father's constantly deteriorating health, so she held immense respect and gratitude for Xichen, who had saved her father. "Therefore, if Your Highness ever requires it, I will not hesitate to walk through a sea of fire or climb mountains of ice to repay this debt."
"I hope it never comes to that, Princess," Xichen replied in a playful tone, though he didn't hide the sharp glint in his eyes as he calmly returned the wine glass to the table. "Just remember this promise when the time comes."
"Are you hinting at something, Your Highness?" she asked with a soft smile, but it was calculated. A cautious look crossed her eyes, as if trying to discern whether his words were a joke or an unspoken promise.
Cang Yue had been training in the Monarch Heart Secret Art for years—a rare technique passed down in the royal imperial bloodline that allowed the user to perceive the intentions, talents, and even... the fortune of others.
She had always used it quietly, without anyone knowing, to understand those around her, to measure loyalty and deceit, and to distinguish the sincere from the flatterer.
But with Xichen... the technique failed.
It wasn't because he was hiding his intentions—on the contrary, he seemed clear and direct to an almost unsettling degree—but because her heart couldn't comprehend the terrifying fluctuations she saw hints of within his depths.
He wasn't "stable" like ordinary humans. Instead, he seemed like a raging vortex of conflicting possibilities... each moment holding a different destiny.
In one moment, she saw in him the shadow of an emperor before whom everyone kneels.
In the next moment, she saw him as a lifeless corpse beneath the ruins of a destroyed world.
In a third moment, she felt nothing... as if he didn't exist at all—as if fate itself deliberately forgot him.
It was impossible.
"Can fate feel fear?" she wondered silently, watching him stand before the throne with a polite smile and a gaze as sharp as a dagger.
His very existence didn't just confuse the Monarch Heart Secret Art; it shook the hidden fabric of the world itself. It was as if his appearance was like a stone dropping into a still lake... and the resulting ripples clashed with the threads of fate themselves.
That's why, despite her deep gratitude toward him, she couldn't feel at ease around him.
Instead, she feared him.
A fear that didn't stem from brutality or greed, but from the unknown his being concealed behind his calm face and measured words.
"I heard the Princess enjoys traveling throughout the empire," Xichen said suddenly, taking a sip from his own wine glass. "And this prince is currently on a journey and hopes to hear the Princess's recommendations for places to visit."
Cang Yue was slightly surprised by the sudden change of topic, but she quickly responded. Casual conversation put her more at ease than those laced with hidden political intentions or unspoken ambitions.
"Yes, I love exploring my empire's lands," she answered with a calm smile, lightly raising her glass. "There are many places worth visiting... though most people see nothing beyond the capital."
"And does the Princess prefer mountains or plains?" Xichen asked, carefully observing the expressions on her face.
"The mountains..." she replied in a dreamy tone, then added, "...especially Mount Lingyun. The air there is so pure, it's as if you're breathing directly from the heavens."
"Mount Lingyun..." Xichen murmured, then nodded slowly. "Then I shall add it to my list."
The banquet continued as Xichen exchanged casual conversation with Cang Yue, Cang Wanhe, and other ministers and nobles.
And so, midnight arrived, and the attendees began to depart. The first to leave were the representatives of Frozen Cloud Asgard, who had remained silent the entire time.
Finally, the envoy from the Sunflower Dew Nation departed, extending an invitation to Xichen to attend the Golden Child Ceremony in the Sunflower Dew Nation, held every few years.
...
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