The Plot Against Qian Renxue
At this moment, Yang Xiong looked at Xue Qinghe's serious expression and couldn't help but feel that the man's smile was extremely insincere. He resisted the urge to make a sarcastic remark.
"Brother Qinghe, didn't you just say there's no need to be so formal? I came to borrow from you precisely because I see you as one of my own. If I went to the Snow Night Emperor instead, it wouldn't be the same."
Xue Qinghe's expression shifted slightly. "Xiaoxiong, what do you mean by that?"
Yang Xiong smiled. "Since ancient times, being the crown prince has always been the hardest role. Especially for someone like you, Brother Qinghe,deeply loved by the people, holding immense power,some matters might not be so easy to handle, right?"
Xue Qinghe's face darkened. "I thought you weren't interested in such matters, that you only cared about cultivation. I didn't expect you to understand power and politics as well. That's quite impressive,you've grown a lot over these past years."
Hearing this, Yang Xiong was speechless. This guy clearly wanted to gain the upper hand in conversation, acting as if he were truly Yang Xiong's elder.
Finally, Yang Xiong said helplessly, "The politics within the Heaven Dou royal family are complicated. There were originally four princes. Although you became crown prince, the process wasn't without its twists and turns, and there are still plenty of rumors outside."
Xue Qinghe's face turned cold, his smile carrying a hidden edge. "Xiaoxiong, you didn't come here just to tell me this, did you? Speak plainly."
"Besides, Father had four sons, and it's normal for two of them to have died young. The world of soul masters is unpredictable."
Yang Xiong studied him for a moment. "Brother, you truly live up to being our sect master's personal disciple,your personality is just like his."
"But I've heard that the two princes who died had exceptional talent. According to some conspiracy theories, you, as the ultimate beneficiary, might naturally draw suspicion."
Xue Qinghe replied, "The innocent are self-clearing. Father grieved deeply for my two brothers and sent people to investigate for a long time, but no clues were ever found. Any rumors outside are likely just baseless speculation. Such things are very common in the empire."
"Xiaoxiong, you must have a deeper reason for bringing this up today."
Yang Xiong shook his head. "Of course. The position of Heaven Dou crown prince is of great importance. I have a small piece of information to share with you,something related to your position. Perhaps it's worth exchanging for the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud."
Xue Qinghe silently drank his tea, clearly thinking that the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud was far too important to risk over this.
Yang Xiong toyed with his teacup and muttered, "Before a storm comes, there's always calm. What seems certain may turn out to be nothing more than a fleeting dream."
Xue Qinghe's expression changed slightly. "Xiaoxiong, you really have matured these past years. Your mind seems more active now, even concerned about my crown prince position."
Yang Xiong grinned. "We're on the same side. You're our sect master's disciple,we've long been bound together. I don't want to see you fall."
Xue Qinghe said seriously, "If you have something to say, speak directly. No need to beat around the bush."
Yang Xiong smirked. "Brother Qinghe, I have some news,news that concerns your crown prince position. It might be worth trading for the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud."
Xue Qinghe shook his head. "One piece of news is not enough. No matter what, the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud is the Heaven Dou royal family's national treasure. Without absolute benefit, Father would never hand it over."
"Besides, Father personally keeps it. No one else can get it, not even me."
A playful glint flashed in Yang Xiong's eyes. Maybe he could swindle this fake little angel.
He took out a jade box from his soul tool. Inside was a white, crystal-clear flower that looked as pure as a white lotus.
"This is the Narcissus Jade Muscle Bone, a peerless immortal herb I found in the Star Dou Forest. It's said to nourish muscles and bones and open all the meridians."
"Brother Qinghe, you've been busy with political affairs for years, neglecting cultivation. If you take this herb, it could make up for some of that loss, even greatly improving your physique and soul power."
Yang Xiong had intentionally brought out the herb because it was the counterpart to the Strange Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum he had taken himself. Who knew if it might have some special effect on this little angel?
Xue Qinghe was momentarily stunned when he saw it, clearly sensing the herb's power,it could indeed make up for years of wasted time in the palace.
"This Narcissus Jade Muscle Bone… does it really have the effects you claim?"
Yang Xiong smiled. "It'll work even better than you think. If the Snow Night Emperor took it, he might even break through to Title Douluo."
"But I found it by chance in the Star Dou Forest,who takes it is up to you."
Xue Qinghe frowned. "If it's so good, why not give it directly to the Snow Night Emperor?"
Yang Xiong rolled his eyes. "I'm not close to him. Besides, we have a good relationship,you're the future of the Heaven Dou royal family. If I'm going to gamble, I'll gamble on the future."
Xue Qinghe was silent for a long time. "I can't confirm the herb's value, nor can I explain it to the Snow Night Emperor."
Yang Xiong said, "That's simple,find an expert to examine it. Someone in the world must know what the Narcissus Jade Muscle Bone is. I found the information in some fragments from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's archives. Its effect is definitely better than I've said."
"Of course, if you still have doubts, I can first tell you the secret,whether your crown prince position is stable."
After another long pause, Xue Qinghe finally said, "If your news is useful, I can help you get the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud."
Yang Xiong smiled slyly. "Of course it's worth it. I've heard that Fourth Prince Xue Beng is a notorious playboy, gathering a group of spoiled nobles at the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy to cause trouble, tarnishing the royal family's image."
Xue Qinghe sighed. "You've seen it yourself,Xue Beng has always been like that. If he's offended you, I apologize on his behalf."
Yang Xiong shook his head. "Not at all. I think Prince Xue Beng is quite capable,perhaps you've underestimated him."
"His circle of playboys all come from powerful families, and many are strong themselves. They could destabilize your crown prince position."
"Not to mention, his troublemaking has driven away many talented people from the royal family. Back when we from Shrek Academy considered joining the Imperial Academy, we were almost driven away by him,if not for Rongrong's special status, who knows how that would have ended."
"And more importantly, Prince Xue Beng has the support of Prince Xue Xing, who in turn is backed by Dugu Bo. You should know well how influential Dugu Bo is in the Heaven Dou Empire."
Xue Qinghe's eyes widened, his expression shifting unpredictably. It was clear Yang Xiong's words had shaken him.
If what Yang Xiong said was true, then Xue Beng's power was formidable,perhaps even secretly supported by the Snow Night Emperor.
A ruthless glint and a hint of killing intent flashed in Xue Qinghe's eyes. His situation was far worse than it appeared.
After some time, Xue Qinghe calmed himself. "Thank you for telling me, Xiaoxiong. Give me a few days,if I get the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud, I'll contact you to make the trade."
Yang Xiong nodded. "Brother Qinghe, this matter is just between us. I hope the Snow Night Emperor never learns of my involvement,it could harm relations between our two sides."
Xue Qinghe forced a smile. "Of course. This is our secret. I believe Father and our teacher will understand."
Yang Xiong didn't say more. He took back the Narcissus Jade Muscle Bone and left the crown prince's residence.
When he returned to his hotel, his previously calm face turned a bit grim.
He had revealed too much to Xue Qinghe today, possibly arousing suspicion or wariness.
But for the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud, it was worth it. It was one of the rarest artifacts in the Douluo Continent,easily in the top five in value.
As for telling Xue Qinghe about Xue Beng, that was purely part of a larger plan.
In the original story, after Xue Qinghe's failed coup, Xue Beng inherited the crown prince title.
But clearly, Xue Beng valued Tang San's group highly, while neglecting Ning Fengzhi and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect,going so far as to make Yu Xiaogang the Heaven Dou Empire's national teacher.
From strength, soul power, and influence alone, Ning Fengzhi should have rightfully held that position. After all, he had two Title Douluo behind him and the remaining power of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect,far beyond what Yu Xiaogang could match.
This showed that Xue Beng was deeply wary of Ning Fengzhi,especially since Ning had once been Xue Qinghe's teacher. If he ever turned against him, Xue Beng's throne would be in jeopardy.
Moreover, Xue Beng started out as a true playboy, causing trouble for many, but later became the biggest opportunist in the Douluo Continent through one kneel.
Neither the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect nor the Clear Sky School needed someone who could betray them at any moment. They needed a puppet, not a hidden wolf.
Xue Beng, with his patience and willingness to endure humiliation to apprentice under Tang San, would be difficult to control.
Telling Xue Qinghe this now served two purposes.
First, to have Xue Qinghe remove Xue Beng early, eliminating a hidden threat.
Second, if Xue Qinghe did kill Xue Beng, it might provoke the Snow Night Emperor's suspicion,helping prepare for the future coup in the Heaven Dou Palace.
If Xue Qinghe were exposed, his and the Emperor's forces would fight each other, allowing the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect to profit and the Clear Sky School to rise.
And most importantly, the Narcissus Jade Muscle Bone and Strange Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum might really be destined to influence Qian Renxue,perhaps giving Yang Xiong a way to control her.
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