Dazhou, Imperial City.
Third Prince Mansion.
A man dressed in a brocade robe stood at the window of the study, looking at the courtyard outside, saying to the person behind him: "It seems Prince Zhen Nan wonât last, but itâs a pity for Bai Qingqing."
Bai Qingqing reached mid-stage Human Realm before twenty, her talent almost catching up with Ji Yunmeng. If not for Zhen Nan Prince Manor having fewer cultivation resources compared to the Royal Family, and Bai Qingqing starting her cultivation late, she would probably have reached the Spirit Realm by now.
The Third Prince Ji Yan fell for Bai Qingqing the first time he saw her, but he also knew Prince Zhen Nan cultivated Bai Qingqing for a specific purpose, and Zhen Nan would never possibly marry Bai Qingqing out.
The Zhen Nan Prince Manor is now in decline. If thereâs no one capable of holding it up, with only Lu Chen, that useless heir, it might not take a century for it to completely disappear.
Of course, this isnât to say Zhen Nan Prince Manor lacks strong individuals. Bai Qingqing is just a mid-stage Human Realm cultivator, not a true powerhouse; what Zhen Nan truly needs is someone to manage the household.
Lu Chen is merely an ordinary person; even with life extension drugs, his lifespan wouldnât exceed a hundred and fifty years. Once Lu Chen dies, someone must be able to uphold Zhen Nan Prince Manor, and by then, Bai Qingqing is likely to have grown.
Upon hearing Ji Yanâs words, the man in the blue long robe behind him said: "Lu Chen is indeed lucky, being thrown from the sky by supernatural forces without dying, only losing his memory."
Ji Yan scoffed coldly, "If it werenât for Ji Yunmeng, that meddlesome woman, even if Lu Chen survived the supernatural forces, he wouldâve become food for the bizarre spirits in the wilderness."
The night is filled with bizarre spirits, and Lu Chen, a living being in the wild, would likely be eaten by passing spirits; however, Ji Yunmeng brought him back.
At this time, the man behind Ji Yan said: "Your Highness, should I personally take action?"
Though Zhen Nan Prince Manor still has some foundation, if truly determined to eliminate Lu Chen, the useless heir, itâs not entirely impossible.
Considering Fang Xinâs words, Ji Yan hesitated, then said: "Itâs not advisable to act now."
Itâs a crucial time in the power struggle, with forces watching the princesâ every move. If something gets exposed, he would lose eligibility for the throne entirely.
Prince Zhen Nan is still Dazhouâs only Alien King, and half of Dazhouâs territory was conquered by the first generation Prince Zhen Nan. Although the manorâs now declined, there are still people who might avenge under the Zhen Nan banner.
To eliminate Lu Chen, they can borrow othersâ hands, but must never act personally.
Upon hearing Ji Yanâs words, Fang Xin said: "But if Bai Qingqing really marries Lu Chen, wouldnât they..."
Fang Xin hesitated, but as a man, itâs obvious what he meant; if Bai Qingqing marries Lu Chen, they would surely consummate, and Bai Qingqing might even bear Lu Chenâs child.
Ji Yan had long been interested in Bai Qingqing; if Lu Chen marries her, even if Ji Yan obtains Bai Qingqing later, heâd feel uneasy.
Listening to Fang Xin, Ji Yan laughed lightly: "What are women? If I seize that position, there wonât be any woman I canât have."
"This time, the advantage falls to that useless heir."
Fang Xin suddenly thought of something, then smiled and said: "Your Highness, itâs true we canât assassinate Lu Chen, but we can ensure he never touches Bai Qingqing."
"When the Zhen Nan Prince Manor falls, Bai Qingqing will still be a virgin."
Upon hearing Fang Xinâs words, Ji Yan immediately understood Fang Xinâs plan.
Ji Yan did not respond immediately, but after pondering, said: "Try to have others handle it; clean everything up as well."
For Ji Yan to fully give up Bai Qingqing is indeed difficult; as a prince, he certainly doesnât want a woman shared with others.
Should Lu Chen be unable to perform, even if Bai Qingqing marries him, itâll only be a formal union.
Given the current state of Zhen Nan Prince Manor, it might not last long, and many have already cast their sights there. Soon, Bai Qingqing might become his.
...
The next day.
Early in the morning, dignitaries in the Capital city sent various gifts to Zhen Nan Prince Manor.
Though in decline, Zhen Nan Prince Manor is Dazhouâs only Alien King. Not only officials of the Imperial Court sent gifts, but the princes also did the same.
Lu Chen, dressed in groom attire, stood in the manorâs plaza, watching the crowd, listening to the Announcement Officer.
His system still retained the ability to recognize people, allowing him to immediately identify everyoneâs affiliations, though itâs still somewhat limited, only providing names, loyalty, realm, and identity.
In the midst of Lu Chenâs distraction, a servantâs voice suddenly came from the gate, "Prince Lu Yi arrives!!!"
Upon hearing this, Lu Chen hurried to the gate to receive him.
Soon, a man dressed in brocade with a golden belt entered the manorâs plaza.
Lu Chen quickly used the system for identification.
[Name: Ji Lingxiao]
[Identity: Dazhou Prince Lu Yi]
[Realm: Mid Spirit Realm]
[Age: 30]
[Favorability: 0]
Lu Chen merely glanced at the information, then greeted Ji Lingxiao, saying: "Greetings, Your Highness!"
Ji Lingxiaoâs face showed a warm smile, "No need for formalities. Congratulations on your marriage, Master Lu!"
Lu Chen responded: "Thank you for your congratulations, Your Highness. Please, come inside."
Saying this, Lu Chen stepped aside, gesturing for Ji Lingxiao to proceed; among all todayâs attendees, Ji Lingxiaoâs status was the highest, deserving of a place of honor.
At this moment, another servantâs voice came from outside, "Prince Wu Ming arrives!"
As the servant finished, a tall man with dark skin swiftly entered the manor.
Lu Chen used the system for detection again.
[Name: Ji Guyan]
[Identity: Dazhou Prince Wu Ming]
[Realm: Mid Spirit Realm]
[Age: 28]
[Favorability: 0]
Seeing Ji Guyanâs system information, Lu Chen frowned slightly, wow, none of these royals felt even a bit favorable towards him?
Some basic favor should exist.
Aside from these princes, Lu Chen used the system to recognize many attendees; most of the nobility showed some favor, but these princes felt none.
Nevertheless, Lu Chen proceeded to greet Ji Guyan immediately.
Just as he finished greeting Ji Guyan, the servantâs voice echoed again, "Third Prince arrives!"