The night was black as ink. Somewhere in an unnamed residence in the West District...
The Second Prince slumped in his wheelchair, his plain-colored robe making his gaunt frame seem even more skeletal.
He raised his head and looked at the figure wrapped in black robes in the courtyard. A faint yet eerie smile spread across his lips. "For Crown Prince Brother to worry so deeply over this foolish younger brother truly leaves me... deeply moved."
The Crown Prince studied the Second Prince in the wheelchair, his gaze sharp as a blade, as though it could pierce through that frail, sickly shell. "Hm... It seems Second Brother's stubborn illness has improved somewhat lately. Even your complexion has grown rosier. As your elder brother, I am most gratified... I wonder which divine physician worked such magic? This Crown Prince will surely reward them handsomely."
"Of course, it is thanks to the blessings bestowed by the Supreme Venerable of the Grand Moon Sect. Hehehe..." The Second Prince chuckled, directly tearing away his disguise, his tone brimming with provocation.
A vein bulged faintly at the Crown Prince's temple, and his voice suddenly turned cold. "Hmph. Buried Moon has already been destroyed. They are nothing but dogs without a home. This elder brother advises Second Brother to sever ties with them soon and not remain entangled with them... lest you set yourself on fire."
"Hehehe, Your Highness the Crown Prince, rest assured. This fire... will not burn you." The Second Prince laughed softly.
The Crown Prince paused slightly, then changed the subject. "Enough idle chatter. Tell me, why are you suddenly making such a grand affair of this family banquet? What exactly are you planning?"
At these words, the Second Prince first put on an exaggerated display of "innocent confusion," then turned it into