Honestly, Emperor Sun Longji was baffled by how Bai Zihan could shamelessly proclaim that a Bai Clan servant was equal to one of his sons.
He realized that either Bai Zihan really looked down on their Falling Star Empire or was looking for a justification to deceive them.
A clear voice echoed from the entrance.
"What's all this commotion?"
The Second Prince stepped in, flanked by several noble youths and armored guards.
"Oh, Father Emperor is also here?"
He exclaimed as he respectfully bowed followed by his followers.
"Has something happened?"
He asked, feigning surprise as his gaze swept across the battered hall... and landed on the Fifth Prince, bruised beyond recognition.
"Younger Brother, what have you gotten yourself into this time? Who dares do this to you?"
Second Prince asked furiously.
The Fifth Prince's face fell with humiliation and anger as his greatest rival for the throne appeared and saw his pitiful state.
The followers of the Second Prince didn't even bother to hide their smirks as they looked down on him.
Even the neutral nobles in the hall seemed to have silently decided which side to support after seeing his condition.
On the other hand, the Second Prince acted angry, glaring at everyone in the room except the Emperor.
He looked as if he wanted to storm forward and avenge his brother.
But before he could take another step-
The Bai Clan members moved to block him and his entourage.
"Who are you? How dare you stop me, the Second Prince!"
The Second Prince roared angrily.
The guards followed Bai Zihan's earlier order and looked toward Bai Zihan to ask what they should do. Bai Zihan gave a calm nod, granting permission for them to enter.
The group snorted as they brushed past the Bai Clan members, some throwing hostile glances.
Bai Zihan's gaze locked onto the Second Prince.
"What's this pressure?"
He felt like whatever he had prepared was seen through by Bai Zihan's gaze. As if Bai Zihan was waiting all along.
But he forced himself to remain calm, keeping his composure as he turned to face Bai Zihan.
Just as he was going to ask what was going on here and who made Fifth Prince -
"Second Prince," Bai Zihan said slowly, his tone calm but dripping with menace. "You came rather quickly."
The Second Prince maintained his act, pretending not to notice the hidden accusation.
"What does Young Master Bai mean? I came because some of my friends was disturbed by the noise and wanted me find out the cause."
The Second Prince replied.
Then he turned to the commander, who briefly explained what had happened.
The Second Prince's expression darkened as the story went on. He angrily turned towards Bai Zihan.
"Young Master Bai, we treated you as a precious guest, and this is how you repay us?"
The Second Prince said.
"Second Prince, there's no use talking to such a barbarian. We must teach him a lesson!"
"Even if the Bai Clan is powerful, that doesn't mean they can disrespect the Falling Star Empire and its Imperial Family!"
"Even the Desolate Heaven Empire would agree that Bai Zihan is the one at fault here!"
The Second Prince's followers spoke one after another about punishing Bai Zihan.
They weren't mere nobles, but heirs or important members of powerful clans within the Falling Star Empire.
Bai Zihan couldn't help but laugh as the Second Prince said that.
"One fool after another. Sigh! I'd love to play along with your farce, but I am not in a very good mood."
His eyes glinted with bloodlust.
With all the actors now gathered, Bai Zihan saw no reason to keep the drama going.
He knew exactly how this would go-the Second Prince had appeared, now he would accuse him, and try to punish him.
And from his actions, it was obvious the Second Prince targets were both him and the Fifth Prince.
The reason for targeting the Fifth Prince was clear-he was a major rival for the throne.
As for targeting him, Bai Zihan had no personal grudge with the Second Prince, so the only conclusion was that Elder Shuhai was behind it.
Since even Xie Wanshou of the Black Lantern Society had seen his wanted poster, it was certain that Elder Shuhai-who frequently dealt with that organization-knew about him as well.
"Second Prince, if you value your life, you'd better tell me where Elder Shuhai is!"
Bai Zihan threatened.
With the Second Prince appearance, it was also certain that the maid who lured Luo Qing is also him.
So, he was really very angry to the point that the only reason why the Second Prince was standing there was because he still holds some value.
The Second Prince's eyes widened in shock. Clearly, he hadn't expected Bai
Zihan to know about his hidden backer.
But he quickly composed himself.
"Young Master Bai, I don't underst-"
Bai Zihan didn't wait for an answer that he didn't want.
He moved like lightning, grabbing the Second Prince by the throat and slamming him against the wall, his hand still clutching his neck.
The Emperor finally lost his composure. His sons were being beaten like dogs, and Bai Zihan acted as though the Emperor himself didn't exist.
But Bai Zihan didn't care. His focus was entirely on his prey.
The Second Prince was utterly bewildered by Bai Zihan's sudden assault.
(He's even more of a madman than I've heard...)
Everyone had heard tales of Bai Zihan-his infamous arrogance, his disregard for rules, his tendency to do whatever he pleased.
They said he had changed. But clearly, he hadn't.
The Second Prince gritted his teeth and forced out a sentence.
"Young Master Bai, you will regr—"
Bai Zihan wasn't interested in hearing another word. He slammed him harder into the wall.
"Just answer what I asked!"
Bai Zihan ordered coldly.
"STOP! Please, Young Master Bai!"
This time, it was Princess Sun Yaoqing who cried out. But unlike others, it seem more like a plea.
After all, she knew that if Bai Zihan and Bai Clan wanted to, the Imperial Family or even if it was the whole Falling Star Empire, they couldn't retaliate against them. "I understand your anger toward my Fifth Brother, but what did my Second Brother even do? He's only here because of the commotion that you caused!" Princess Sun Yaoqing had no idea that the Second Prince was the very person Bai Zihan was after since the destruction of the branch of that organization. And from how she defended the Second Prince but not the Fifth Prince, it was clear that she was far closer to him.
But to Bai Zihan- it didn't matter.
The Second Prince had the audacity to use him-and even dared to involve Luo Qing. Thɪs chapter is updated by novel_fіre.net
His punishment would, of course, be far worse than that of the Fifth Prince.