Subei overturned his wine glass with a faint laugh and took a sip. The wines of the Douluo world never matched the taste of his own Jiang Xiaobai. Unfortunately, when he left the Star Dou Great Forest, all his wine was given to the Titan Great Ape—a fierce beast that, after drinking, became invincible in the jungle, punching trees and defeating thousand-year-old soul beasts, even daring to challenge Ditian himself.
"Nonsense." Liu Erlong flicked Northern Jiangsu's forehead. "Xue Qinghe, as a royal prince, has studied state affairs from childhood and deeply understands the tension between the two countries. How can you casually discuss these matters here?"
Subei rolled his eyes. "Godmother, you underestimate me. I know astronomy, geography, and plenty of common sense. I want to use your deceased father's pen as a cover, though I won't believe you're a strange spirit."
"But it's true," Subei continued seriously. "You may doubt my beauty, but you can't deny my great and talented father knows everything. Otherwise, Godmother, you'd be paying for ignorance."
Liu Erlong sneered, "You bet your looks, and I'll believe it. What is your father's name, then, so I can admire him?"
"You may not have heard it before—Su Xiaosheng, known as Douluo Bai Xiaosheng."
Northern Jiangsu made the name up on the spot, his mysterious life experience an unsolved riddle. While this tale sounded like bluffing, Liu Erlong had never heard of it but found it credible enough. Still, it was likely a ghost story.
At the profound ceremony, a herald read the imperial edict aloud with solemnity:
"Since ancient times, the emperor has ruled the skies and defended the Fuyuhuan district. Now, the crown prince and the Maolong country, along with the Mianzong society, shall be boundlessly blessed.
"I, Hongxu, tremble before our ancestor Mo Lie and place utmost importance on this decree.
"My son, Xue Qinghe, a hero of righteousness, talent pure and noble, stands as the sacred mandate bearer.
"In the first year of Tiandou, Yinfeng, the crown prince shall be granted authority and power, established as the rightful prince of the East Palace, ruling over ten provinces and four armies.
"From this day forth, the eldest prince Xue Qinghe is prince of the Heaven Dou Empire's East Palace!"
The herald bowed deeply after proclaiming the decree.
Only major sect leaders nodded respectfully—there was no need for elaborate bows.
Then, Xue Qinghe entered with grace, his noble features soft yet commanding. Crown Prince's golden crown sat atop his head.
But as he received the Prince's seal, several hundred officials rose and stood imposingly.
"Wait!" one shouted abruptly—
A smile appeared at the corner of Xue Qinghe's mouth.
The scheming ministers' fox tails came out swiftly.
The real political drama was only just beginning.
On the far left stood the Minister of Military Aircraft—commander of Tiandou's heavy forces and Emperor Xueye's closest confidant, keeper of the empire's strongest secret card.
In the center sat the Prime Minister of Tiandou, youth teacher to Emperor Xueye and a veteran of two dynasties with immense respect.
On the far right, the minister controlling the empire's treasury and economic lifeline—also the chief culprit behind Tiandou Empire's financial collapse.
Below them sat powers from the ten major provinces and royal family political figures.
Representatives from Tiansanzong and Wuhun Hall observed keenly from VIP seats.
Xue Qinghe understood his prince's role—Emperor Xueye was reluctant but compelled to establish him as crown prince due to recent royal losses.
Though holding the title of prince, power was not yet delegated.
The seal symbolized his rising status and right to influence court affairs. Winning over ministers and cultivating princely power was crucial for Tiandou Royal's future.
This was what Emperor Xueye wished to avoid openly.
Thus, opposition against the prince's rise was certain.
This person was none other than the steady Emperor Xueye himself.
The Minister of Military Affairs reported, "Chen, there is news."
Emperor Xueye lifted his serene gaze, "Speak."
"The East Palace ceremony began as a national celebration, but a minister recently gathered court officials to discuss the prince. Concerned about royal reputation, the minister courageously told His Majesty that rumors of dissent are true."
Emperor Xueye scowled, "The prince is upright, acting safely and loyally for years. Those 'loyal and good' admonitions should be exposed and punished severely!"
The weight of the emperor's words on 'loyalty' was profound.
All could see his heart was with Xue Qinghe.
When Emperor Xueye stood and stared at the officials, the power dynamics of the court shifted dramatically.
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