The turn of events had taken everyone by surprise.
Meanwhile, the news had reached the imperial palace of the Heaven Dou Empire: the Titled Douluo had been appeased.
The ministers all breathed a sigh of relief and congratulated one another on resolving the crisis.
Xue Ye, on the other hand, wore a deeply troubled expression. After all, it was his money they had spent—and the items were priceless. Any one of them would have made his heart ache, let alone the Ten Thousand Year Soul Bone.
Still, it was good that the matter had been settled. At least he wouldn't have to spend the days ahead walking on eggshells.
It wasn't until Xue Qinghe brought Li Pu and Guang Ling back to the palace that he learned the full story.
Fortunately, the ministers had already left. This concerned the dignity of the imperial family, so it was no small matter.
Xue Ye's expression turned solemn. "Crown Prince, you say this child is yours—my grandson? When did this happen?"
Xue Qinghe admitted his fault. "Father, back then, I occasionally left the palace and met a girl named Li Xue. She was a commoner, so I didn't dare bring her before the public, afraid it might harm the imperial family. After an accident, we were both frightened. I worked up the courage to bring her back to the palace no matter what, but she had already disappeared. I thought she had met with misfortune. I never expected that today I would meet the child we had together. Sadly, Xue'er is no longer with us."
Once again, he delivered a deeply moving speech, every gesture displaying the bearing of a consummate actor. Every word he spoke, every expression on his face, every movement he made was so affecting.
Xue Ye's anger flickered as