Xue Qinghe's Joke

Looking at Xue Ye above him, a faint trace of contemplation flashed through Xue Qinghe's eyes, but it quickly returned to calm.

"Father, I will do my best to give this a try."

As Xue Qinghe spoke, he bowed to Xue Ye.

"Mhm, there's no harm in trying."

"If there's nothing else, go back and find Ye Xi."

"Whether it's the location needed to establish the faction or the resources required, our imperial family can provide them."

A smile appeared on Xue Ye's face, his gaze toward Xue Qinghe filled with satisfaction.

Xue Ye believed that as long as Xue Qinghe gave it a try, the chances of success would be very high.

As the Crown Prince of the Heaven Dou Imperial Family, Xue Qinghe had looks, status, and excellent talent. With those qualifications, trying to win over a nine-year-old girl like Ye Xi had a high chance of success no matter how one looked at it.

After all, no matter how clever or gifted Ye Xi might be, she was still only a child.

And even if it ultimately failed, the Heaven Dou Imperial Family would not lose out at all. It was merely a matter of how much they gained.

"Father, then I'll take my leave first."

Xue Qinghe revealed a gentle smile. After bowing to Xue Ye, he headed out of the hall.

Watching Xue Qinghe leave, Xue Ye said nothing more and lowered his head to deal with the Government Affairs before him.

After leaving the great hall, Xue Qinghe's footsteps paused slightly. His gaze subtly swept over the palace behind him, and a smile appeared on his refined face.

Xue Ye, that really is quite a good idea.

But unfortunately, the one guaranteed to profit is not you.

Xue Qinghe silently mused, yet his footsteps continued toward his own palace.

Upon returning to the Crown Prince Palace, Xue Qinghe went straight to sit before Ye Xi, who was eating Pastries.

"So, what did Xue Ye say?"

Ye Xi picked up the Teapot and poured Xue Qinghe a cup of Clear Tea.

"Everything went smoothly. The Heaven Dou Imperial Family can provide both the place to establish the faction and the resources we need."

Xue Qinghe picked up the Clear Tea and took a sip before continuing, "However, Xue Ye has quite a few ideas of his own."

As Xue Qinghe spoke, he could not help but chuckle.

"Quite a few ideas?"

"What other ideas does Xue Ye have?"

Ye Xi blinked her Sapphire Blue eyes and looked at Xue Qinghe in confusion.

"Xue Ye wants you to become the Crown Princess."

Xue Qinghe clasped his hands together and looked at Ye Xi with an ambiguous smile.

Hearing Xue Qinghe's words, Ye Xi froze slightly.

Ye Xi had expected Xue Ye to take the opportunity to raise some conditions, but she truly had not expected him to set his sights on her.

She was only nine years old. She was still just a child.

Seeing Ye Xi's expression, Xue Qinghe suddenly wanted to tease her.

"Well? Want to consider it?"

"If you become the Crown Princess, I can offer the entire Heaven Dou Empire as your betrothal gift."

Xue Qinghe reached out and lifted Ye Xi's chin, looking at her with an ambiguous smile.

Feeling Xue Qinghe's gesture, Ye Xi was briefly stunned before her cheeks gradually reddened. Though she knew that the Xue Qinghe before her was actually her sister, Qian Renxue, seeing Xue Qinghe's refined face still made her cheeks feel a little hot.

At some point, She Long had appeared at the entrance of the palace. He held a piece of Intelligence in his hand and stood silently where he was.

She Long had only just arrived, but he had heard everything Xue Qinghe said earlier.

Thus, he did not know whether he should speak up now.

Ling Yuan, standing behind Ye Xi, silently raised her head to look at the palace ceiling, acting as if she had heard and seen nothing.

"You're a good person, but I really won't consider it."

Ye Xi rolled her eyes at Xue Qinghe and spoke in a joking tone.

"That truly is a pity."

Xue Qinghe withdrew his hand, picked up a piece of Pastry, and replied in the same joking tone.

"Young Master, Second Young Lady, I received a piece of Intelligence. Would you like to take a look?"

Holding the Intelligence, She Long walked toward Xue Qinghe.

"Intelligence?"

Xue Qinghe reached out to take the Intelligence from She Long and examined it carefully.

"Xiao Xi, have you had any dealings with members of the Nine Heart Begonia Family?"

"Why is the Nine Heart Begonia Family asking around about you?"

Xue Qinghe handed the intelligence report in his hand to Ye Xi, his brows knitting slightly.

"The Nine Heart Begonia Family?"

"Since arriving in Heaven Dou City, I haven't even met anyone from the Nine Heart Begonia Family. How could I have had dealings with them?"

Ye Xi picked up the intelligence report and silently read through it.

"That is strange."

"Why would the Nine Heart Begonia Family inquire about you for no reason?"

Xue Qinghe clasped his hands together, a trace of confusion appearing in his eyes.

"Let's wait and see for now."

"Let's see what the Nine Heart Begonia Family is really planning."

After thinking for a moment, Ye Xi spoke softly.

"Mm, then we'll do that for now."

Xue Qinghe nodded in agreement.

"Sister, do you have time now?"

"If you do, let's go take a look at that place. If it's suitable, we'll establish our faction there."

"As for the Nine Heart Begonia Family, I can handle that myself."

Ye Xi rose from her seat, stretched her waist, and turned her gaze toward Xue Qinghe.

"I have nothing to do right now. I can take you there to have a look."

Xue Qinghe stood up and glanced at She Long. "She Long, stay in the palace. Ling Yuan accompanying us will be enough."

With that, Xue Qinghe led Ye Xi and Ling Yuan out of the hall.

She Long remained behind, watching their retreating figures.

As they walked through the imperial palace, Ye Xi and Xue Qinghe appeared to be chatting merrily the entire way.

Before long, the group left the palace and headed toward the southern part of Heaven Dou City.

After roughly half an hour, they stopped before a vast empty plot of land.

"This is the place I told you about."

"The surroundings are nice, and there are no other factions nearby. What do you think?"

Xue Qinghe pointed at the open land before them and asked for Ye Xi's opinion.

"It'll do."

"This place is large enough. It's more than sufficient for establishing a faction."

Ye Xi surveyed the surrounding environment and nodded in satisfaction.

"Then this is the place."

"Do you need me to find construction craftsmen for you?"

Xue Qinghe placed a hand on Ye Xi's shoulder and asked softly.

"There's no need for construction craftsmen."

"I already have someone in mind for that."

Ye Xi smiled, her voice brimming with confidence.