Chapter 495: Chapter 36 Misfortune and Fortune Come Without a Door
“Li Fei, walk with me.”
In front of the Zhenglan Hall, the Crown Prince said to Li Fei.
After that, Ming Qi bid farewell to the two of them, and Li Fei accompanied the Crown Prince to the side.
The Crown Prince raised his hand, and the eunuchs and maids waiting not far away tactfully fell back, giving space to the two of them.
“Li Fei, do you know why I personally went to Daluo Sect this time, and in the presence of Qingxu True Monarch, elevated the status of the Buddhist faction?”
the Crown Prince began.
Li Fei replied, “Shouldn’t this also be His Majesty’s and the Chief Minister’s intent?”
Previously, the Taoist faction had not been involved in the factional struggles, so the Crown Prince actually had no need to specifically offend the Taoist faction in order to win over the Buddhist faction.
After all, the Taoist faction was still the dominant force; even if the Crown Prince won over the Upper Pure Sect, offending the Daluo Sect in the process would be a case of the loss outweighing the gain.
Thus, there was only one explanation: It was the Emperor’s and the Chief Minister’s intent, and the Crown Prince was merely following orders.
“Indeed, this chess game is played by the Emperor and the Chief Minister; even I am merely acting as a blade paving the way.”
The Crown Prince said with self-mockery.
Li Fei understood the underlying meaning of his words.
The other party, as the Crown Prince, was qualified to act as a blade in this chess game; what was he considered, then?
Did he have royal blood, or a Great Grandmaster as a guard?
The Crown Prince suddenly turned, gripped Li Fei’s hand tightly, “You must heed my words, this time during the investigation, do not think about uncovering any truth. You go to Daluo Sect to go through the motions, then come back and report, saying that the case remains unsolved, no one will blame you.”
Seeing Li Fei silent, the Crown Prince lowered his voice and said solemnly:
“Li Fei, I promise you that once I ascend to the throne, I will surely reopen the case involving your master and your senior female disciple! Why be in such a rush?”
Li Fei was startled; no wonder the other party had sent away his attendants first.
These words indeed could not be overheard by others.
He bowed again to the Crown Prince: “Thank you, Your Highness, for your great kindness!”
A flicker of disappointment passed through the Crown Prince’s eyes, but he quickly composed himself.
He lifted Li Fei up, looked earnestly into his eyes: “Think it over carefully, don’t act impulsively.”
After that, Li Fei took his leave from the Crown Prince and went to retrieve his Ghost Slash Blade, with the eunuch who had accompanied him earlier leading him out of the palace.
After leading him some distance, a young eunuch came walking towards them.
The two eunuchs exchanged a glance and nodded at each other.
The older eunuch turned to Li Fei and said, “Sir, this old servant will lead you up to this point; he will take you out of the palace from here.”
Now that Li Fei was an imperial envoy, the older eunuch’s address to Li Fei had changed from ‘young master’ to ‘sir.’
“Thank you for your trouble.”
Li Fei did not regard the man with contempt because he was a eunuch and was still very polite.
The older eunuch’s expression softened with a smile, then he turned and left.
The young eunuch was very respectful, slightly bowing with short, quick steps leading the way.
After walking for a while, Li Fei noted that the route taken was different from when he came, and it grew quieter, to the point where not even a single eunuch or maid could be seen.
He glanced at the young eunuch leading the way and was not concerned.
Who would dare to lay a hand on him in the Imperial Palace?
Moreover, having just been appointed by the Emperor as an imperial envoy, attacking him at this time would be equivalent to slapping the Emperor’s face directly.
After walking for a short while longer, there was a black sedan parked beside a palace, with an average-looking maid standing beside it.
Li Fei narrowed his eyes.
He could not sense any Qi from the maid, but his “Danger Perception” vaguely made him feel the presence of danger.
“The Third Prince has requested your presence.”
The young eunuch turned around and bowed to Li Fei.
Li Fei recalled the note he had received the previous night.
It seemed his guess was correct; that note was delivered by the Third Prince.
He walked forward calmly towards the black sedan.
The maid opened the rear door of the vehicle, gesturing for Li Fei to get in.
Li Fei turned his head to look inside, only to see a man wearing a Python Robe sitting there, smiling and gesturing towards him.
The Crown Prince, the Eldest Prince, and the Third Prince, the three of them had a certain resemblance in appearance, yet their temperaments were each distinct.
The Crown Prince had an obvious air of nobility but always managed to be approachable, making one feel an involuntary favor towards him.
The Eldest Prince had an unmistakable martial artist’s aura, exuding a heroic spirit.
As for the Third Prince before him, there was an added touch of femininity to his demeanor, resembling a carefree and indulgent noble son.
Li Fei didn’t hesitate, entering the sedan and sitting next to the Third Prince.
The maid outside gently closed the door.
“Nice to meet you, I am Qin Ziyuan.”
The Third Prince said to Li Fei with a smile, quite informally.
“Greetings, Third Prince.”
Li Fei bowed in greeting.
“That note from last night was sent by my order.”
The Third Prince got straight to the point.
Li Fei nodded: “I guessed as much. Why does Your Highness wish to warn me?”
“You are an extraordinary talent, unprecedented in history; of course, I would like to do you a favor.”
The Third Prince stated matter-of-factly.
Li Fei laughed at himself: “Unfortunately, Your Highness doesn’t think so.”
The Third Prince turned his head to look at him: “The eldest brother has a dominant temperament, and he is also a martial arts prodigy, but he can’t compare to you. Seeing such a talent being used by the Crown Prince, it’s natural to feel somewhat displeased.”
Li Fei was taken aback: “Your Highness means that the Eldest Prince is actually jealous of me?”
The Third Prince laughed heartily, then said with a meaningful tone:
“Princes are also human.”
“In fact, the eldest’s public suppression of you in front of the court today was certainly to the Crown Prince’s liking.”