Qian Renxue Offers a Strategy

"Guards! Drag that scoundrel Xue Beng and Xue Xing to the imperial prison! If they can't get the other party's forgiveness, send them straight over!" Xue Ye waved his hand without hesitation, decisively issuing the order.

The civil officials below wanted to intercede, pointing out that this action was against the rules. After all, even if royal relatives committed a crime, they shouldn't normally be thrown in jail. But at this critical juncture, who dared to speak out in opposition?

Xue Beng's face was ashen, devoid of any color. His heart was filled with despair and fear, for he knew all too well that he had truly fallen into an abyss from which there was no return.

He used to quite enjoy the pretense of being a prodigal son, finding such a life both easy and amusing. However, he never could have imagined that this joke would escalate to such a degree, completely entangling him and leaving him unable to escape.

Especially when he saw his imperial uncle lying on the ground like a pile of mud, his despair deepened. He knew that the only reason the other party hadn't killed him before was due to his status. But now, if his father truly handed over the two, stripped of their titles, the consequences awaiting him were unimaginable.

"There's no kinship in royalty," this saying wasn't just for show.

"Now, all of you, think of a solution!" Xue Ye's voice finally echoed in Xue Beng's ears as he was dragged away, tinged with a cold ruthlessness. "Especially you, Count Iskart!"

Hearing Xue Ye's words, Iskart's body trembled violently, as if struck by an invisible force. His face instantly turned deathly pale, and a fine layer of sweat broke out on his forehead.

"I... I recall your title is hereditary, isn't it?" A cold sneer crept onto Xue Ye's lips. "Now, I officially decree the revocation of your hereditary title! If you cannot obtain the other party's forgiveness, hmph!"

Before Xue Ye could finish speaking, Iskart's legs seemed to lose all support, and he weakly knelt down. His body trembled uncontrollably, as if he had completely lost control.

He wasn't a high-level Soul Master; his Soul Power cultivation was merely passable. The safety of his home was handled by hired guards. Now that his title was revoked and the annual stipend from the royal family was gone, how could he possibly maintain his comfortable lifestyle?

As for his family's businesses... don't be ridiculous. Without his title, those businesses wouldn't be protected at all. A noble title was not merely a symbol of honor and status for a family; it was also a guarantee of power and wealth. Losing one's title meant losing political support and protection, and the businesses that had depended on the family would crumble. Without the protection of the noble title, other forces would mercilessly seize these businesses, causing the family's wealth and status to plummet.

As for the other ministers, they weren't faring any better. They all began silently calculating the proximity of their familial ties to Iskart. Intermarriage was common among nobles, and this intricate web of relationships made their connections unusually tight. However, in the face of such a dire situation, these familial ties became a thorn in their hearts. They didn't want to be implicated, or even beheaded, because of their relationship with Iskart.

"Punishment of nine generations of relatives" wasn't a joke; it was the real deal! Once deemed related to Iskart, the entire family would face utter destruction. The great hall fell into dead silence, despair spreading like wildfire in everyone's hearts. They hadn't considered overwhelming the other party with sheer numbers, as there were historical examples of Titled Douluo being overwhelmed by commoners. However, that was merely a rumor, its veracity completely unverified.

Soul Masters were, after all, a tiny minority on the Douluo Continent, with most people unable to even cross the threshold of level ten. To ordinary people, the power of Soul Masters was unattainable, just as they couldn't comprehend the immense power possessed by high-level Soul Masters. In the face of such a vast disparity in strength, the advantage of numbers became insignificant.

And a Peerless Douluo... Xue Ye dared not imagine if his entire empire would be enough for one such individual to destroy.

Just then, Qian Renxue, who had been disguised as Xue Qinghe and remained silent, suddenly stepped forward, her voice clear and firm, "Father, your son has a plan."

Hearing this, a spark of hope flickered in Xue Ye's previously dim eyes. He gazed at Qian Renxue, as if seeing a glimmer of hope for solving the problem in his son. After all, he knew his eldest son well. Although the latter could be ruthless at times and showed no mercy to his younger brothers, he was indeed a person of true talent. And as the Crown Prince of the Heaven Dou Empire and the future emperor, Xue Ye believed he wouldn't speak nonsense at such a crucial moment.

"Oh? What brilliant plan does Qinghe have? Speak quickly!" Xue Ye pressed eagerly, like a drowning man grasping at the last straw.

Seeing this, Qian Renxue's lips curved slightly, revealing a subtle cold smile, but his face quickly returned to its respectful demeanor. He spoke unhurriedly, "Reporting to Father, when Xue Beng and my younger brother Lang Lei clashed, I happened to be present. Not only that, but I also took the opportunity to befriend young Lang Lei. His admission to Heaven Dou Academy was also arranged by me."

Xue Ye's heart jolted, and his body involuntarily leaned forward, eagerly pursuing, "Is this true?" His voice revealed unconcealed excitement.

"I would not dare deceive Father; every word I speak is the truth."

"Haha, good! Continue!"

"Very well, I believe that with someone like the other party, we absolutely cannot afford to offend them. They are also well-traveled and experienced; ordinary apologies would likely not be taken seriously, so..." Qian Renxue's words trailed off, but Xue Ye largely understood the implication.

Leveraging their previous acquaintance, "Xue Qinghe" could somewhat speak to the other party. Through this connection, a valuable apology gift could be offered to quell their anger.

Just then, Qian Renxue spoke again.

"Of course, the Emperor, the Imperial Uncle, and Iskart must also be sent to apologize. Forgive my presumption, but in a sense, they are the main culprits."

Xue Ye looked at Qian Renxue with deep meaning, naturally understanding that his son was using the other party's hand to eliminate his political rivals.

But Xue Ye didn't mind. After all, Xue Qinghe was indeed his chosen successor, his own son. As for balance...

As long as he wished, he could foster another "faction" at any time.

"Very well, we shall proceed according to Qinghe's wishes. As for what apology gift to send, Qinghe, come with me in a moment."

"Yes!"