The Star Luo Emperor understood what Dai Mobai meant, but as a ruler, he did not think much of Xue Beng's chances.
A prince who had been captured by an enemy state would carry that mark of shame forever, even after returning home.
Which of the veteran ministers at court would stake their future on a prince whose reputation lay in ruins?
"Father has a point. But what if the Heaven Dou Emperor supports Xue Beng?"
Dai Mobai crooked a finger.
The large water sphere representing the Heaven Dou Emperor trembled. A thin stream separated from it and flowed like a transparent thread into the sphere representing Xue Beng.
The smallest sphere swelled at once.
It grew rapidly as fresh water surged across its surface. Layer after transparent layer wrapped around it until it was faintly larger than the sphere representing Xue Qinghe.
The two spheres spun side by side above the stone table, one large and one small. Their positions had reversed.
"Set aside an outstanding crown prince like Xue Qinghe to support Xue Beng, who falls short of him in every way? Has Xue Ye lost his mind?"
The Star Luo Emperor could not understand it.
His brow furrowed deeper. He tapped the stone table, making the three water spheres wobble.
Throughout Star Luo Empire's history, only the strongest had ascended the throne.
Only the strongest of each generation could become its emperor.
Brothers fought, and the strongest won. That had been the iron rule of the Star Luo Imperial Family for a thousand years.
So he had never understood Heaven Dou's tangled struggles for power.
"Or perhaps the Heaven Dou Emperor discovered something."
Dai Mobai smiled faintly, but there was meaning behind it.
"What could he have discovered? That Xue Qinghe isn't his son?"
The Star Luo