The imperial palace.
Chenggan Hall.
At that moment, the atmosphere inside Chenggan Palace was stretched taut as a bowstring, killing intent ready to erupt at the slightest touch.
Shen Xiao's face was ashen, and he was just about to speak when a frivolous sneer suddenly came from atop the palace wall.
"Wait."
Everyone looked toward the voice and saw the North Cang King's Heir slowly step forward, passing by his father's side as he looked down from above at Ji Minghao on the steps.
His features were handsome, yet at this moment they carried a somewhat cynical mockery. His gaze circled over Ji Minghao and Shen Mengyun, then finally fixed on Ji Minghao's face.
"Your Highness the Eighth Prince," the heir said in a clear voice, yet with an unquestionable note, "in truth, this matter is not necessarily without room to turn around."
Ji Minghao's brows were tightly furrowed as he said in a deep voice, "What do you mean, Heir?"
The North Cang King's Heir smiled faintly. His gaze swept over the black mass of soldiers below before finally falling back on Ji Minghao.
"Very simple. I told Your Highness before: betroth the Seventeenth Princess to me, and I will help Your Highness. Even now, those words still stand. If Your Highness agrees to marry the Seventeenth Princess to me as a concubine, I can request that my father stand on Your Highness's side."
As soon as these words came out, the entire place was shocked.
Ji Mingyuan's expression changed abruptly, anger surging in his eyes, yet he forcefully suppressed it and did not dare flare up on the spot.
Although he now seemed to have taken every advantage, the North Cang King's support was of vital importance. At this moment, he absolutely could not fall out with the