If people mistook him for supporting the Second Prince, then even with his lofty position as a Rank Nine Soul Engineer, Head of Mingde Hall, and Dean of the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineer Academy, Jing Hongchen would still face endless headaches.
In his view, the so-called "merit of supporting the dragon" only mattered to Soul Engineers below the Title Douluo level.
For someone of his rank, it was of little use.
After all, he had already touched the ceiling of what a minister could achieve. Any higher, and he would encroach upon the Emperor's authority—a taboo.
Even if a prince promised him lavish rewards before ascending, once enthroned, he would inevitably renege.
What, was he supposed to overthrow the Xu royal line and seize power himself?
Not only did Jing Hongchen lack such ambition, but he also lacked the strength.
That was why he absolutely hated the idea of getting involved in the imperial succession. And he wasn't alone—other Rank Nine Soul Engineers felt the same.
Getting involved brought little benefit if you won, and endless disaster if you lost.
And if he did place a bet, it would only be after the outcome was certain—when it was clear which prince would take the throne.
The returns might be smaller than, but the safety was guaranteed. No chance of offending the new Emperor.
Nearly every Rank Nine Soul Engineer thought this way. Not seeking merit—only avoiding blame.
Thus, until the princes' struggle produced a victor, Meng'er and Wang Chen absolutely could not be allowed to meet. Otherwise, they risked being dragged into the succession war.
Jing Hongchen sighed inwardly.
Meng'er, your grandfather is only thinking of your good. If you must blame someone, blame that old fox Wang Yan. When you grow older, you'll understand the pain behind my decisions.
Just as his thoughts swirled, the voice of his steward interrupted him.
"Master, an important letter from Mingde Hall."
The steward handed him the sealed letter.
Jing Hongchen took it quickly and read.
[Experiment Subject No. 1—Plan Six has failed… the core formation still cannot operate…]
His expression darkened instantly.
Experiment Subject No. 1 was Mingde Hall's most critical project. Even the Emperor himself inquired about its progress—it could not be allowed to fail.
Without hesitation, Jing Hongchen gave the steward a few curt orders: "No entry for Wang Chen or dogs. Reject all approaches from princes, no matter the form."
Then, activating his flying soul tool, he soared toward Mingde Hall.
The Residence of Meng Hongchen
As the granddaughter of Jing Hongchen, her residence was palatial, more like a miniature palace than a mere house.
It sprawled across thousands of square meters.
She had an entire room just for clothes, a vast cultivation chamber, a storage hall packed with rare metals, and even her own soul tool laboratory.
Beside the palace stood kitchens staffed by chefs and separate quarters for servants.
The value of the metals alone could not be bought even if you sold Wang Chen a hundred times over.
In short, a little rich princess.
Once Meng Hongchen returned to her room, the tears dried instantly.
She flopped onto her bed in a huff and pummeled a pillow with her tiny fists.
After venting, she rested her chin in her hands, and her mind drifted once again to Wang Chen's handsome face.
She had known him for a long time. Their first meeting was when she was only six years old.
That day, both she and her cousin Xiao Hongchen awakened their martial souls, both with innate full soul power.
Jing Hongchen had been overjoyed. He threw a banquet with a hundred tables, inviting countless guests to celebrate his grandchildren's astonishing talent.
And it was at that banquet that Meng Hongchen first laid eyes on Wang Chen, who had come along with his elders to broaden his horizons.
At once, the beauty-loving little girl was smitten with the boy's adorable, handsome face.
From then on, despite her heavy cultivation schedule, Meng Hongchen would often find excuses to seek him out—and occasionally gift him little presents.
After all, she thought, such a good-looking little brother shouldn't be dressed so shabbily. It doesn't suit him at all.
In truth, the two were childhood companions—childhood sweethearts, really.
Meng Hongchen pressed her small hands against her flushed cheeks, sighing.
What do I do? Grandpa forbids me from seeing Brother Wang Chen, but I really want to. With guards tailing me every time I leave, there's no way to sneak off.
Should I ask my brother for help? No… that won't work. My brother is hopeless—he listens to Grandpa more than anyone. He'd tattle for sure.
(Xiao Hongchen: Yaaawn!)
After thinking and thinking, Meng Hongchen buried her head beneath the blanket, groaning.
No good. I can't think of any way to meet Brother Wang Chen. Everyone in the family only listens to Grandpa.
But then—an idea lit up her mind.
She leapt off the bed, eyes sparkling. If I can't meet him in person, then I'll just contact him another way!
(Hehe, I really am a clever little fox.)
Meanwhile, while ripples stirred within the Hongchen family because of him, Wang Chen was happily reuniting with his parents.
His guard, Shen Kang, had, of course, gone to report to the clan elders—after all, he was the family's guard, not Wang Chen's personal retainer. Unless Wang Chen one day became clan head, the guard's true loyalty would remain with the clan.
Compared to Meng Hongchen's lavish palace, Wang Chen's home was modest—a simple two-story house, plain and without extravagance.
The Wang clan's population was large. Though their total assets were considerable, when divided among so many members, the average share was limited.
Certainly far better than commoners without a background, but nowhere near the level of a little rich princess like Meng Hongchen.
"Dad, Mom, I'm back!" Wang Chen entered with a bright smile.
"Son! Let Dad see if you've grown taller during this month away."
A handsome middle-aged man, bearing a clear resemblance to Wang Chen, beamed and spread his arms wide, leaping toward his son.
But before he could scoop him up, a gentle middle-aged woman swept Wang Chen into her embrace first.
"Son, you didn't encounter any danger on the road, did you? You're not hurt, are you…?"
After a month apart, both father and mother had missed him dearly, fussing over him for quite a while before finally letting go.
That night, they prepared a feast of all his favorite dishes.
But as they ate, Wang Chen learned news from his parents' mouths that cast a shadow over his heart.
Even with the table piled high with delicacies, the food suddenly tasted like ash.