But the casualty rate was so high, it was truly beyond expectation.
We really can’t beat them?
"Those pirate ships attacked like madmen, using suicide tactics..."
"The ship captain of Fire God, Zhong Changming, also submitted his battle log on the way back... Those pirate ships, though dilapidated in appearance, possessed formidable firepower and impressive nautical skills..."
"They aren’t ordinary pirate ships... They must have received a technological upgrade from some force..."
Zhong Daolong sneered incessantly and said, "They finally couldn’t resist making their move."
Chen Fenglei remained silent.
He didn’t know who Zhong Daolong meant by ’they,’ nor did he want to know, and he dared not ask.
He knew that if Zhong Daolong wanted to say more, he would naturally tell him what to do.
Zhong Daolong lay back down, closed his eyes as if nothing had happened, "I’ll rest for a while. When Zhong Tianque returns, have him come to see me."
"Yes, Your Majesty." Chen Fenglei carefully tore off another eye mask and gently placed it over Zhong Daolong’s closed eyes.
Not having to look into the eyes of the ruler anymore, Chen Fenglei finally felt a bit relieved.
Then he quietly tiptoed out of the room, closing the door behind him.
Tonight was destined to be a sleepless night.
The news of Zhong Tianque’s attack and the Royal Fleet’s grievous losses to the pirate ship spread swiftly, reaching every corner of New Star in no time.
Such a major event was impossible to conceal.
Moreover, the Royal Family had not taken any measures to suppress the news, allowing rumors and conspiracies to spread everywhere.
"Have you heard? The Prince was attacked on his way back to the country... It must be those bastards from the Aus Empire, if they’ve killed the Eldest Prince, our side will turn to chaos..."
"What do you know? This wasn’t done by the Aus Empire at all, it was our own people..."
"Our own people? Who would dare do such a thing? Don’t they value their lives?"
"You know nothing... The Eldest Prince is the Crown Prince, the future King. The Second Prince is not happy about it... If this time the Eldest Prince was killed, whose hands would the power fall into?"
"Are you saying... a fratricidal conflict? It has escalated to this extent?"
"Hush, lower your voice... I’ve only told you, you can’t let this slip out..."
Imperial Maritime Hospital.
While eating freshly cut fruit, Tang Fei browsed the news online.
"Who do you think did it?" Sheng Xinhua looked at Tang Fei and asked.
Phoenix was called back by her father, Zhong Daolong, and forbidden to leave Phoenix Pavilion, effectively putting her under ’house arrest’.
Thus, the responsibility of caring for Tang Fei fell on Sheng Xinhua.
Firstly, because she and Phoenix were close friends, Phoenix could constantly get updates on Tang Fei’s recovery from her.
Moreover, they shared a relationship as ’cohabiting partners.’ Ever since discovering Tang Fei was ill, Mei Yuyin often visited, not just by herself but also helping to pack and bring Sheng Xinhua’s change of clothes.
Her demeanor screamed ’keep an eye on him for me,’ clearly, she was determined to have Tang Fei as her son-in-law.
Thus, Mr. Sheng was stuck here, unable to even return to his teaching.
Mei Yuyin had already asked for leave on his behalf, and the Finance Minister’s Wife had considerable influence.
"How would I know?" Tang Fei rolled his eyes and replied unhappily, "I’m lying here, unable to even leave the sickroom... Do you think I’m Zhuge Liang? Can lying in a hospital bed let me know everything in the world?"
Sheng Xinhua eyed Tang Fei playfully and said, "Why do you look so guilty? Don’t tell me it really was you?"
Tang Fei’s heart sank, and he quickly said, "Don’t talk nonsense. This is no small matter... I’m lying right under your watch, needing help even to pee... How could I possibly do such a thing?"
Sheng Xinhua glanced at Tang Fei’s upper thigh area and said, "I didn’t help you there, you did it yourself."
"...I meant helping me. Helping me."
"Oh. I thought you were talking about helping with that thing..." Sheng Xinhua swept another glance at Tang Fei and half-jokingly, half-seriously said, "You should have clarified your words. If someone overheard, they might think we have an improper relationship."
"You think everyone is like you... thinking of those things?"
"Kid, you don’t realize how sinister human nature can be," Sheng Xinhua cautioned earnestly.
Tang Fei was silent for a moment, then asked, "What exactly do you research all day as a university professor?"
"Classical Chinese literature."
"Is your classical Chinese literature... legitimate?"
Sheng Xinhua glared at Tang Fei and said, "Alright, stop changing the subject. I want your analysis... Who do you think did this? Could it really be, as rumored, Tian Yi’s doing?"
Tang Fei shook his head and said, "Tian Yi isn’t stupid... Knowing that such an event would lead everyone to suspect him, why would he take such a risk?"
"Have you considered? If this event succeeded... If Zhong Tianque doesn’t return... whether it’s Tian Yi’s doing or not, how does it matter?" Sheng Xinhua’s expression grew grave, turning the question back.
Tang Fei was momentarily stunned, then looked at Sheng Xinhua and asked, "What you’re saying is, if Zhong Tianque dies... regardless of whether it was Tian Yi’s doing, he would have a chance to take control of the throne?"
"How so? Isn’t Tian Yi also his son?" Sheng Xinhua was quite satisfied with Tang Fei’s reaction.