Chapter69: Xue Qinghe's Request, Tang Shan's Plan
"That's right, just a nobody."
Xue Qinghe's face showed no specific emotion, but Tang Shan didn't need to guess to know that she must be harboring a great deal of anger in her heart right now.
Only then did Su Yuntao react, frowning with a look of surprise: "Where did he get the nerve to provoke the Empire's Eldest Prince?"
"It might not be his own courage; someone might be backing him." Tang Shan replied to Su Yuntao, then turned to look at Xue Qinghe and couldn't help but ask, "Your Highness, what exactly is going on?"
Xue Qinghe's cold, hard features gradually softened, returning to her previous gentle smile: "Let's eat first. We can talk while we eat."
With that, she was the first to pick up her chopsticks. Seeing this, the others no longer hesitated and began to feast on the gourmet meal before them.
"Father had us visit various key towns in the Empire to observe the people's conditions. I am responsible for this Iron Wall City. After arriving, I found that the soldiers here didn't seem very welcoming. Later, I had two Seniors investigate secretly and learned that this army seems to favor the Second Prince more."
As the nutrient-rich vegetable leaves entered her mouth, they released a cool current of air that instantly cleared Xue Qinghe's mind, suppressing the surging anger in her heart. She slowly recounted what she had seen and heard since arriving at Iron Wall City to Tang Shan.
The Second Prince? Tang Shan's thoughts were racing. According to the original story, this Second Prince was poisoned to death by Xue Qinghe within two years. Could this be the reason she acted?
"I wonder why the army of Iron Wall City supports the Second Prince so much?" Tang Shan asked, unable to hide his curiosity.
"What else could it be? His temperament and style suited the army's taste. A few years ago, my 'dear brother' happened to come to Iron Wall City and put on a show of eating, living, and training alongside them, naturally winning over most of their hearts. But in reality, an eight or nine-year-old child, even with the boost of Spirit and spirit power, couldn't possibly keep up with the training intensity of a real army. As for how much calculation was hidden within, I can only say it's unknown."
The tender Spirit Beast meat emitted waves of spirit power that surged through the body. If consumed over a long period, the cumulative effect would provide significant benefits to one's physique and Cultivate.
While chewing the Spirit Beast meat, Tang Shan analyzed Xue Qinghe's current position and situation. He couldn't help but marvel at how precocious the children of the Douluo Continent were; at only eight or nine years old, they already knew how to win people's hearts and compete for the position of Crown Prince. He could only say that these spirit rings were truly powerful, not only promoting physical development but also accelerating mental maturity—it was truly ridiculous.
Putting aside all the random thoughts in his head, Tang Shan's expression became more serious as he looked at Xue Qinghe: "Then, I wonder if His Majesty has taken a stand or made a preferential choice?"
"Not yet."
Xue Qinghe still wore a gentle smile, but there was no warmth in her words: "Although His Majesty hasn't made a choice on the surface, in my view, he already has a preference. After all, I don't believe he's unaware of my second brother's prestige in Iron Wall City. Now, he's dispatched him to Bafang City, the economic and transportation hub of our Heaven Dou Empire. It feels like he's just one step away from placing the title of 'Crown Prince' directly on my 'dear brother'."
Xue Qinghe deliberately emphasized the words "dear brother" at the end. The icy chill within them was something even an ordinary person could clearly perceive.
The situation was indeed not very good. Listening to Xue Qinghe's analysis, Tang Shan finally understood why she would poison the Second Prince in the future. If she didn't take the initiative to overturn this chessboard, she might not even be able to keep the position of Crown Prince, let alone the throne.
"His Majesty knows full well that I excel at social interaction, yet he insisted on sending me to this Iron Wall City. His intention is all too obvious.
Furthermore, regarding the army here—we are Spirit Masters, after all. It's normal to damage the grounds during a duel, yet they demanded compensation from me, the Eldest Prince. Compensation is one thing, but do they think I can't hear the disrespect between the lines? And to send only a small squad leader... they simply don't take me seriously."
No wonder her expression was so dark just now, Tang Shan thought. If he were a prince of a country at its peak and was troubled by a low-ranking officer upon arriving at a key town, he would have blown his top long ago. The fact that Xue Qinghe could remain so calm now only showed that her self-control was truly remarkable.
"Then, when Your Highness said you wanted our help earlier, did you mean regarding this matter?" Recalling Xue Qinghe's previous words, Tang Shan asked curiously.
"I want you to challenge the Spirit Masters in the army." Xue Qinghe's eyes gleamed with a cold light as she revealed her plan. "Everyone thinks I am humble, polite, and easy to talk to, but I want them to know that I also have an iron fist."
She looked at Tang Shan and Su Yuntao, her tone sincere: "I want you to challenge all the Spirit Masters and Spirit Grandmasters. If conditions permit, you can even team up to challenge a Spirit Elder. Most of these people are low-ranking officers or squad leaders in the army. Challenging and defeating them one by one will serve as a deterrent. As for high-level Spirit Masters, you don't need to worry; the two Seniors will provide secret deterrence to ensure they don't bully the small with the big."
Tang Shan understood now. Xue Qinghe wanted to strike at the Second Prince's prestige in the army by showcasing the Eldest Prince's strength through the defeat of low-ranking officers. However, wasn't this method a bit petty?
Tang Shan thought for a moment and came up with a somewhat unrefined idea, deciding to tell Xue Qinghe. Her plan was still too simple and crude. After all, striking at low-ranking squad leaders was just a simple defeat; even if it showed her methods, it wouldn't win over people's hearts. A more careful plan was needed.
Furthermore, Emperor Xue Ye might not truly be taking the Second Prince's side.
Tang Shan asked about the Second Prince's personality and daily behavior, and also inquired about Emperor Xue Ye's specific wording when he arranged for them to observe the people's conditions. He now had a general idea of the situation.
Tang Shan looked at Xue Qinghe and said seriously, "Your Highness, I have a plan, but it might require some time to prepare. I wonder if Your Highness could wait a bit before challenging those Spirit Masters in the army?"
Xue Qinghe was somewhat curious, wondering what special ideas Tang Shan had: "About how long will it take?"
Tang Shan briefly considered his scheme and quickly gave an answer: "The plan should be ready by this afternoon, but executing it might require a lot of manpower."
Hearing this, Xue Qinghe nodded and said, "No problem. I'll give you the time. However, I must review the plan before deciding whether to implement it."
"Then please look forward to it, Your Highness."
Afterward, Xue Qinghe had someone arrange accommodations for Tang Shan and Su Yuntao, and the two did not refuse.
Back in the room, Su Yuntao pushed open the door and entered, looking at Tang Shan with some concern: "Shan Zi, what are your plans? Wouldn't it be better to just challenge them directly as Your Highness said?"
Tang Shan's expression was calm, showing no panic over having changed Xue Qinghe's plan on his own: "They have already shown their sincerity, so we naturally cannot let them down; we must produce some decent results. Even if our main contribution in the future will be through combat power, using our heads a bit more might gain us greater support. Why not do it?"
In the spacious hall, only Xue Qinghe and the two Titled Douluo remained.
Porcupinefish Douluo hesitated for a moment before he couldn't help but speak: "Young Lord, did we reveal too much information to those two during the meal just now?"
Xue Qinghe blew away the misty steam from her teacup, took a light sip, then set it on the table and shook her head: "In fact, I didn't say much. I only told them that old man Xue Ye seemingly favors the Second Prince more, that I don't have a good impression of the Second Prince, and that I was just provoked by a squad leader of the Iron Wall City army. These things may seem like a lot, but anyone who stays by my side for a long time will find out sooner or later. There's no harm in letting them know a bit earlier. It also serves as a simple test to see if they are willing to serve me. As for so-called loyalty, I don't expect it for now, especially since they have the Grandmaster backing them."
In her youthful appearance, her eyes flickered with the light of calculation. Sitting in her chair, she possessed a natural air of confidence: "By winning them over now, even though there is a distinction between superior and subordinate for the time being, the day will come when they stand on equal footing with me. When that time comes, this bit of friendship will serve its purpose."
Xue Qinghe rose from her seat and walked toward the door: "What truly exceeded my expectations was Tang Shan. Not only is his talent for Cultivate extraordinary and his mastery of the Grandmaster's theories profound, but he also possesses remarkable insight on a political level. Keep in mind, he is only seven years old right now. I'm truly curious to see just how brilliant and stunning his future will be."
Pushing open the door, the scorching sun hung high in the sky, enveloping Xue Qinghe in its brilliant light. For a fleeting moment, a pair of radiant wings seemed to slowly unfurl behind her.
She spread her arms as if embracing the sky, or perhaps trying to pull the blazing sun into her bosom.
This World, will eventually be entirely shrouded in the radiance of the Angel God. Meeting him is my luck; otherwise, this path to godhood would be far too lonely and dull. To be able to take such a peerless Prodigy under my command and witness his growth step by step—this sense of achievement is irreplaceable;
Meeting me is also his Opportunity. He can witness firsthand the return of the Angel God to the continent and the majesty of a True God reigning over all living beings. By following me, his talent can be fully displayed, and the road ahead will be much smoother than if he were searching on his own. This meeting is a win-win for both him and me.
Tang Shan naturally didn't know that a certain Miss Angel was secretly reflecting on her "power fantasy life." At this moment, he was focused on thinking about how to break this deadlock in Iron Wall City.
Although he was just an ordinary citizen in his previous life, and even if placed in ancient times, he wouldn't compare to those political creatures well-versed in power struggles, in the Douluo Continent, the five thousand years of historical wisdom from China was enough to crush the methods here.
It couldn't be helped; after all, there was extraordinary power here, with Titled Douluo-level experts capable of taking on an entire nation. Many things that could be achieved through sheer force didn't require racking one's brains over power plays.
In fact, if Tang Shan possessed the power in Qian Renxue's hands, let alone waiting until he was twenty-nine, he felt he could definitely ascend the throne after reaching adulthood without causing a single ripple within the Empire.
Xue Qinghe's outward persona is gentle and humble. My plan should ideally amplify this trait of hers rather than creating a new persona for her.
The persona cannot change, yet the goal must be achieved. Perhaps I could—
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