The Fourth Prince suddenly ca to understand—his imperial father had already learned about his extensive recruitnt of Itinerant World people. Uneasy and fearful, he hurriedly explained, "Imperial father, please let explain. I have my reasons for doing this."
The Emperor looked at him with an expression of disbelief. "What reasons? Let’s hear them."
The Fourth Prince’s mind raced quickly, and he soon found himself a justification. "Imperial father, think about it—right now in Moli Country, the War Prince holds command over military power, and his authority is almost surpassing yours. I’ve always been concerned about the fate of Moli Country, worried that one day the country might change its surna to ’Long.’ Therefore, I spared no effort in recruiting talented individuals and extraordinary people to serve our Royal Family. What I’ve been doing is entirely for the sake of the Royal Family."
Upon hearing these words, the Emperor’s expression drastically changed. This was his greatest taboo, but the Fourth Prince had laid it bare before him.
Seeing the Emperor’s reaction, the Fourth Prince quickly added, "Imperial father, we cannot let the War Prince lead us by the nose. We must establish our independence and strength."
The Emperor sneered, "Just a few Itinerant World people, and you dare speak of independence and strength? How laughable."
"Imperial father, do not underestimate these Itinerant World people. They are masters of the martial world—take Zhao Yin for example. For years, he was a silent and unknown figure, yet it turned out he had such remarkable abilities that earned your special favor."
This Zhao Yin had now beco the Emperor’s favored retainer, a fact known throughout the entire Imperial court. Following the Heavenly Master, he was now another trusted confidant by the Emperor’s side.
Hearing this, the Emperor’s face softened. Indeed, Zhao Yin was extraordinary.
Ever since Zhao Yin perford rituals last ti, the War Prince had been confined to his sickbed for a full half month before recovering. It seed the Gu within him truly had taken effect.
The Emperor vividly rembered the War Prince’s appearance at court half a month later—frail, gaunt, and utterly exhausted. His legs wobbled as he walked, devoid of the forr grandeur of a War God.
The Emperor was delighted for three whole days because of this. Imdiately, he rewarded Zhao Yin with countless gold and silver treasures and held a grand banquet in the Imperial Palace, celebrating endlessly with song and dance for three days and nights.
"Fine, I won’t pursue this matter further. But from now on, no matter the situation, all matters must be reported truthfully."
"Your son obeys the decree," the Fourth Prince replied.
The Fourth Prince inwardly breathed a sigh of relief. Fortunately, his imperial father’s wariness of the War Prince allowed him to seize this opportunity.
"You may go now. I still have many morials to handle."
"Your son takes his leave."
"Hmm!"
The Emperor picked up the morial on his desk and began reading it again.
The Fourth Prince tiptoed out of the Imperial Study Room, where he encountered Eunuch Li at the door. The eunuch was holding a small tray, likely carrying food freshly brought from the Imperial Kitchen.
"What’s the matter? Have you and your imperial father made peace now?" Eunuch Li smiled narrowly as he saw the Fourth Prince exiting, then spoke softly.
"Thank you, Eunuch Li, for your help."
"A small effort—hardly worth ntioning."
"Hmm!"
With asured strides, the Fourth Prince walked forward, intending to go to Fengyang Palace to dine with his Empress Mother before leaving the palace.
The Fourth Prince recounted everything that had transpired in the Imperial Study Room to the Empress.
The Empress broke out in cold sweat. "Xuanxuan, it’s fortunate you listened to your mother and went to pay homage to the Emperor, or who knows how long this estrangent would have lasted. The Crown Prince position would surely have slipped out of our grasp—it was truly perilous! That’s why I tell you, whenever you’re free, you must enter the palace to strengthen your relations with the Emperor. It’s absolutely necessary to resolve misunderstandings promptly."
"Yes, Mother, I understand."
The Fourth Prince hadn’t anticipated that due to a matter involving a dwarf, the Emperor had already unearthed his hidden dealings. Luckily, this ti, he followed his Empress Mother’s advice to pay homage and uncover the truth; otherwise, if he had acted unknowingly in the future, the Emperor’s impression of him would have only worsened.
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