Xue Ye, Part Two

Xue Ye showed no reaction to Qian Renxue's display of filial devotion. He himself had only claimed this throne through every kind of scheme and intrigue; no one understood the darkness of the imperial family better than he did. It would be strange if he could not see through Qian Renxue's hypocrisy.

"Withdraw. I am tired," Xue Ye said flatly.

Qian Renxue also knew there was no point in keeping up the act. She bowed respectfully once more and left the hall.

Xue Ye's gaze darkened as he watched Qian Renxue's departing figure.

"What a perfect heir. Both her character and abilities are so pleasing. But why do I always feel that something is off?"

The imperial family had no true kinship. Xue Ye had never truly cared about the deaths of the two exceptionally gifted princes. After all, if he wished, he could make any number of outstanding women bear his children.

In fact, he admired Xue Qinghe's decisive and ruthless nature even more.

Yet the original Xue Qinghe had no faction behind him, merely an ordinary prince. The two princes who had died before him had both possessed deep foundations, but Xue Qinghe, the one with no backing, had survived in the end.

That meant there had always been a hidden mastermind supporting Xue Qinghe from behind the scenes, one Xue Ye could not see. That was what worried Xue Ye most.

A man who was not ruthless could not stand firm. Xue Ye did not reject Xue Qinghe's cruelty.

But if the heir to his throne had divided loyalties, enough even to affect the succession of the entire Heaven Dou Empire, then Xue Ye could not help but worry, even with one foot already in the grave.

Xue Ye believed he still had seven or eight years