Even if His Majesty spared no one, could the Minister of Military Aircraft escape?
Boldly, the minister broke the silence: "Your Majesty, the ministers serve Tiandou Empire devotedly, never shirking duty. We act for you, for the prince, for the realm. I dread seeing power struggles among this court."
"Can Your Majesty understand the burdens your ministers bear?"
Golden-armored knights strode in, forcibly escorting dissenters from the hall.
Desperately pleading, one official cried, "Your Majesty, hear my loyal heart! I serve you faithfully—please listen!"
The Household Minister, somber, replied, "Your words confuse and mislead. I must silence you before chaos spreads."
He revealed staggering evidence of embezzlement—over 58 million gold soul coins stolen across two years.
The officials gasped at the incriminating details—a sharp display of the Household Ministry's ruthlessness.
Meanwhile, puppets controlled by Subei disrupted Emperor Xueye's calculations, forcing him to suppress doubts about Xue Qinghe.
The prince not only stood firm but exploited the court's turmoil to his advantage.
Though backed by Spirit Hall and his own North Korean forces, Xue Qinghe struggled to infiltrate key institutions.
Emperor Xueye, a cunning veteran, was no easy mark. Step by step, Xue Qinghe must consolidate power.
Outside the palace, officials whispered:
"What nerve the Household Minister shows today! Does he not know what to say?"
"We all fish in muddy waters. Though today the minister was cut down, tomorrow's favors remain uncertain."
"Subtle moves will continue—but no one dares openly defy the emperor."
An official sighed, lamenting the palace's endless twists.
Liu Erlong, indifferent to royal politics, mused:
"Xiaobei, the nobility is filled with pretense and hypocrisy—not a place for a child like you. If Xue Qinghe wishes friendship, he's welcome at Lanba Academy. But if he recruits you as an official—my mother will oppose absolutely. I disdain those corrupt officials."
"I'm no fan of bureaucracy either. His Royal Highness is rare; I seek only genuine friendship."
"How genuine?"
"My mother hopes we, Xiaobei, and Xiao Wu can live peacefully in the fairy tale house, free from storms and scheming."
Liu Erlong looked at Subei, who shook his head.
"That's impossible. First comes the nation, then the family."
"The Wuhun Palace's rising power will oppose the Tiandou throne. Soon, the three heavenly sects will clash with the four earthly sects, shaking the entire empire."
"Whether peace or war, strength lays the foundation. Without it, all collapses."
Liu Erlong sighed, realizing his insight paled beside a seven-year-old's wisdom.
Though revered as a Soul Sage and Lord of Nine Heavens by the commonfolk, he was but a humble step to Wuhun Palace.
A voice behind called: "Imperial brother, you're quite the scholar prodigy. I'm humbled by your insight."
Xue Qinghe appeared, and Subei turned, smiling softly. "Brother Prince."
Liu Erlong bowed respectfully.
Xue Qinghe grasped Subei's hand, sighing: "This mask hides Yudi's supreme allure—people can't see my elegance."
"If you wish, prince brother, stay a few days at Lanba Academy."
"I mean it."
Rubbing Subei's hand twice, Xue Qinghe added, "But as prince, time is scarce. When life calms, I'll sit and talk with Yudi Bingzhu."
"That's a deal."
Yu Yuanzhen, trailing behind, raised an eyebrow: "Erlong, Xiaobei truly has a deep bond with His Royal Highness!"
Liu Erlong could only shrug.
The affection between Xue Qinghe and Subei stunned him. While Xiao Wu and Subei were ordinarily close, the warmth here was different.
In Liu Erlong's eyes, Xue Qinghe was a man—and the two boys holding hands shocked him.
On the carriage, unable to contain himself, Liu Erlong hesitated before saying to Subei, "Xiaobei, life's roads branch many ways—careers, ideals, love…"
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