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Zhu Zhuqing's question, though seemingly ordinary, carried a deeper meaning.
It directly pointed to the cruelest core rule of the Star Luo imperial family—the life-and-death competition among princes for the position of Emperor.
Zhu Zhuqing was testing Dai Chengfeng—testing his attitude toward this rule…
Was it fear? Ambition? Or… as the rumors suggested, had he fled the Star Luo Empire out of cowardice?
This directly related to Zhu Zhuqing's judgment of Dai Chengfeng's strength and character.
Dai Chengfeng, upon hearing her question, met Zhu Zhuqing's gaze. His heterochromatic eyes appeared especially profound under the soft indoor light. The warm smile on his face didn't fade, but a flicker of understanding passed through the depths of his eyes.
He picked up the cup of tea from the table, his fingers lightly rubbing the warm surface of the cup. His tone was calm, as if discussing something unrelated to himself:
"The iron law is the iron law; its existence has its reasons."
"Star Luo was founded on martial strength. Without such brutal selection, how can we ensure that the successor possesses the power to rule the empire and intimidate all directions?"
He paused, his gaze calmly returning to Zhu Zhuqing. "This is both fate and responsibility."
"As a member of the royal family, one must follow it."
Dai Chengfeng's response acknowledged the reasonableness of the rule, neither expressing resentment nor declaring ambitious intentions, yet also showing no trace of cowardice or retreat. Instead, there was a detached calmness.
After all…
The position of Emperor of Star Luo had never been Dai Chengfeng's primary goal.
In his heart, Dai Weisi had never truly been his rival.
Zhu Zhuqing's heart stirred slightly.
Dai Chengfeng's answer… completely exceeded her expectations.
It wasn't the kind of deep insight a dissolute good-for-nothing would possess, nor was it the passionate declaration of an ambitious schemer.
This calmness made him even more enigmatic.
"So…"
Zhu Zhuqing's long, delicate eyelashes fluttered slightly, and she continued, "Then, Your Highness, what do you believe will be the key to victory in future competition?"
"Is it pure martial strength, or… something else?"
Dai Chengfeng took another gentle sip of tea. Amidst the fragrant steam, his voice carried a faint, ethereal quality: "Strength is the foundation—it is indispensable."
As he spoke, Dai Chengfeng set down the teacup. His gaze seemed to pierce through the walls, looking toward the distance.
That direction… was toward the Star Luo Empire.
Zhu Zhuqing gazed at Dai Chengfeng, whose eyes were now deep and contemplative.
"It seems this Fourth Prince isn't ignorant of worldly affairs but instead has a clear understanding of the cruelty and complexity of imperial struggles."
For a moment, her belief in the rumors that Dai Chengfeng was merely "handsome without substance" began to waver for the first time.
She fell silent, her cold eyes now scrutinizing the mysterious Fourth Prince before her with even greater focus.
Beneath her initial coldness and scrutiny, a subtle sense of curiosity—and perhaps even interest—began to take root.
She was curious about what this Fourth Prince was truly thinking.
How could he remain so calm when discussing the throne that everyone in the Star Luo Empire coveted?
Meanwhile, Zhu Hongxiu sat nearby, observing the seemingly mundane yet deeply meaningful exchange between the two. Her brows remained slightly furrowed.
But deep within her eyes, a faint glimmer of satisfaction quietly emerged.
At least, her precious son Dai Chengfeng hadn't acted rudely, and Zhu Zhuqing… seemed not entirely indifferent to her fiancé.
This first step had finally been taken.
With these thoughts, Zhu Hongxiu looked at the two young people sitting across from each other, their atmosphere still carrying a hint of distance. A gentle smile lingered in her eyes as she spoke again.
She gently patted the empty spot beside her and said softly to Zhu Zhuqing, "Zhuqing, don't sit so far away. We're family—why be so distant?"
Then, turning to Dai Chengfeng, she added, "Chengfeng, come closer and sit next to your future wife."
Faced with his mother's request, Dai Chengfeng didn't refuse. He calmly responded, "Yes, Mother," and rose to move to the spot Zhu Hongxiu had indicated…
Right next to the armrest of Zhu Zhuqing's sofa.
Without hesitation, Dai Chengfeng sat down, his movements smooth and natural, as if he were simply adjusting to a more comfortable position.
The previously spacious distance between them vanished instantly, their arms almost touching.
Compared to Dai Chengfeng's calm demeanor, Zhu Zhuqing could clearly feel the warmth emanating from the person beside her.
This caused Zhu Zhuqing's body to stiffen instinctively, and a flicker of unease passed through her cold eyes.
Someone as aloof as her, accustomed to keeping her distance from others, had never sat so close to a strange man before.
Even if this man was her nominal fiancé.
Especially when paired with Zhu Hongxiu's words—"future wife"—her fingertips curled slightly, almost imperceptibly.
But, she ultimately didn't voice any objection.
With the elders present, she couldn't afford to be impolite. She lowered her eyelids slightly, her already straight back becoming even more rigid as she tried to maintain her icy exterior.
Dai Chengfeng, watching Zhu Zhuqing's stiff posture, shook his head and smiled contentedly, his expression remaining relaxed…
As if the tension emanating from the person beside him had nothing to do with him.
He even naturally picked up the teacup again and took another sip.
Meow!
At this moment, a streak of golden light suddenly leapt over from the nearby sofa.
Accompanied by a hum of affectionate nasal sound, a fluffy, round golden creature landed directly in Dai Chengfeng's lap.
"Mmm—"
The Three-Eyed Golden Lion Qiu'er unceremoniously claimed Dai Chengfeng's thigh, even wriggling further in to find the most comfortable position. She settled down, her golden eyes half-closed, her small head nuzzling affectionately against Dai Chengfeng's chest while her fluffy tail wagged proudly.
Then, she glanced smugly at Zhu Zhuqing nearby.
It was as if she were saying: I'm the one closest to Dai Chengfeng!
Dai Chengfeng looked at the sudden appearance of Qiu'er and her possessive actions and expressions.
"Is Qiu'er jealous?"
Dai Chengfeng chuckled inwardly, then set down the teacup. His fingers instinctively stroked Qiu'er's luxuriously soft, cloud-like golden fur, and his lips softened unconsciously.
Meanwhile…
Facing Qiu'er's "challenge", Zhu Zhuqing's cold, beautiful eyes showed no hostility. On the contrary, they immediately brightened!
Her usual aloofness was replaced by an uncontrollable, pure adoration.
"So… so cute!"
Her eyes widened involuntarily. Even someone as cold as her couldn't resist the instinct ingrained in every girl—to be utterly powerless against such a beautiful, fluffy little creature.
She even forgot her own nervousness, completely captivated by Qiu'er's adorable little movements as she smacked her lips contentedly.
Qiu'er seemed to sense the "intense" gaze directed at her. Lazily raising her head from Dai Chengfeng's lap, she glanced at the pretty human sitting nearby. Her golden eyes blinked curiously, tinged with a hint of pride.
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