Upon hearing what the Lama of Perfect Wisdom said, Prince Yu’s narrow eyes suddenly flashed with a complicated and indistinguishable expression, like a meteor streaking through the night sky, fleeting yet deeply meaningful.
He slowly raised his hand, gently stroking his chin, and fell into a brief contemplation.
In this moment of silence, time seemed to stand still for his reflection, and the air in the room seemed to have solidified. After a long while, he finally spoke slowly, his voice deep and contemplative: "The methods of the Palace Master at Changbai Mountain’s Demon Palace are well-known to me. If we could truly use him to eliminate Xu Qing, it wouldn’t be a bad thing. It’s just that... Father’s trust in Xu Qing might not be so easily shaken."
As he spoke, he furrowed his brows slightly, revealing a hint of concern.
The Lama of Perfect Wisdom slightly raised the corners of his mouth, showing a meaningful smile: "Your Highness need not worry. The Palace Master’s methods are beyond what ordinary people can imagine. Once the Innate Divine Fire Spell takes effect, even if Xu Qing is fortunate enough to survive, he will definitely suffer severe damage to his Essence Qi and will no longer be a threat to Your Highness’s position. As for the Emperor, Your Highness only needs to stand by and wait for the right moment."
With that, he gently turned the Buddha Beads in his hand, each turn seemingly aligning with the roulette of fate.
Prince Yu nodded, but still felt a vague sense of unease in his heart. He turned to look at Teacher Dai, his gaze seemingly seeking the final answer, and asked, "Teacher Dai, what do you think of this?"
Teacher Dai gently stroked his beard, pondered for a moment, and slowly said: "Your Highness, although the methods of the Palace Master are formidable, Xu Qing is unfathomable and may not easily fall into the trap.
Moreover, His Majesty’s trust in Xu Qing might not just be superficial, there could be deeper reasons behind it. If we act rashly, it might backfire."
Teacher Dai’s voice was steady and firm, each word seemingly well-considered, like an ancient, mighty bell, forceful and powerful.
Prince Yu furrowed his brows tightly, evidently dissatisfied with Teacher Dai’s words. He said in a deep voice, "Then in your opinion, how should I respond?"
Teacher Dai slightly bowed, his tone calm and composed: "Your Highness, the most critical issue at the moment is to stabilize the situation in the North. Although the Border Town generals act arrogantly, their interests actually align with those of Your Highness. As long as Your Highness can stabilize them, the northern situation will remain under control. As for the South, Your Highness might as well hold back temporarily, and wait for the situation to change. Although Xu Qing is currently in the spotlight, he has many enemies and may not be able to maintain this momentum for long."
As Teacher Dai spoke, he slightly raised his head, looking steadily at Prince Yu, trying to make him understand the stakes involved.
After listening, Prince Yu’s eyes showed a thoughtful expression. He slowly nodded and said, "Teacher Dai is absolutely right. I shouldn’t act rashly."
Seeing this, the Lama of Perfect Wisdom had a flash of displeasure in his eyes. But he did not say more, only saying blandly: "Since Your Highness has made a decision, this poor monk will not say more. However, Your Highness must not forget what was promised to this poor monk before. The Living Buddha will enter the capital after spring, and I hope Your Highness will honor the promise and prepare the appropriate welcoming ceremony."
Having said that, he slightly bowed, still wearing that ambiguous smile.
Prince Yu nodded and said, "Even Xu Gongming knows the importance of trust across the world; how could I break my word?"
The Lama of Perfect Wisdom slightly nodded in acknowledgment, then took his leave.
After he left, Prince Yu looked at Teacher Dai and asked in a low voice, "Teacher Dai, what do you think of the Lama of Perfect Wisdom..."
Teacher Dai pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "This person harbors unfathomable schemes, with surely bigger plots hidden behind. Your Highness must be very cautious in collaborating with him."
Teacher Dai’s voice was very low, as if afraid that the walls had ears, and every word was filled with caution. The source of thɪs content is novel⸺fire.net
Prince Yu nodded, a hint of coldness flashing in his eyes: "I understand. However, at this moment, we indeed need to borrow his strength. As for the future, let’s plan later."
With that, he slightly narrowed his eyes, revealing a hint of ruthlessness. Ever since he realized his father’s intentions to abandon him, Prince Yu’s heart had completely died.
In the royal family, there is neither father nor son, let alone kinship!
Teacher Dai slightly nodded, saying no more.
In the northern Nine Border Towns, the cold wind howled past the city walls, making a piercing sound, as if telling of the impending storm.
Several Family Heads of the aristocratic family were gathered around a massive sandalwood table, while the candlelight on the table flickered with the cold wind, illuminating their serious and anxious faces.
"Currently, the Court seems focused on the South, but becomes increasingly stingy towards us at the Nine Borders. If this continues, how can our interests be guaranteed?" A bearded general slammed the table angrily and said, his voice echoing in the room, filled with endless dissatisfaction.
"Indeed, although Prince Yu is the Regent, he is also helpless with the matters in the South. We cannot just sit back and wait to be slaughtered; we must think of a solution." Another Family Head agreed, his eyes revealing a hint of urgency and helplessness.
While the crowd was discussing intensely, an envoy sent by Prince Yu quietly arrived at the gathering place.
The envoy, a member of the Blood Drops, was dressed in a vigorous outfit, walked with steady steps, and held a letter personally written by Prince Yu.
The crowd took the letter, carefully read it, and their expressions varied. Some showed hesitation, as if weighing the pros and cons, while others revealed greedy looks, as if they saw endless benefits.