You Don't Want Second Brother to Be Crown Prince Either, Do You?

That afternoon, Wang Chen walked home in an extremely cheerful mood. He had not expected such a huge gain from this trip to the Hundred Treasures Pavilion—he had actually obtained news about the Gold of Life.

However, Wang Chen believed he deserved it. As the saying went, opportunities were reserved for those who were prepared.

Whenever he came to the Hundred Treasures Pavilion, he would use his VIP privileges to check the latest news from the Sun and Moon Empire. Even if he had not come today, he would have come in a few days or next week. He would have learned this news sooner or later. This was Heaven's reward for those who paid attention.

In a happy mood, Wang Chen soon returned to the Wang Family. The first thing he did after returning was go see Clan Leader Wang Yan.

For no other reason than to report on the task he had carried out. Although Wang Chen believed that Wang Yan did not particularly care about the task he had assigned him.

Still, as the one carrying out the task, Wang Chen had to make it seem as though he had taken it very seriously and put forth his utmost effort.

It did not matter how perfunctory Wang Chen had actually been. His report had to sound good. Wang Yan lay in his executive chair all day anyway—could he really go ask Jing Hongchen to verify the details?

Clan Leader's Hall.

Wang Chen clasped his hands and bowed. "Wang Chen greets Ancestor. This grandson failed to complete the task you assigned me. Please punish me, Ancestor."

Wang Yan lay in his recliner, his fingers tapping the armrest. He asked indifferently, "Speak. What happened?"

Seeing that Wang Yan was neither anxious nor angry, Wang Chen became even more certain of his guess. Wang Yan definitely did not consider this task important.

Once he had confirmed that, Wang Chen began performing without any reservations.

Wang Chen wore an aggrieved expression. "In reply to Ancestor, this grandson had originally planned to visit Meng Hongchen today and strengthen our relationship. But before I could even enter the Hongchen Family's territory, their guards stopped me.

"They simply refused to let this grandson enter the Hongchen Family and meet Meng Hongchen... This grandson racked his brains and went to great lengths, but it was all in vain."

After hearing Wang Chen's words, Wang Yan revealed an expression that said, Just as expected. He seemed to have anticipated this situation long ago.

In truth, that was indeed the case. Jing Hongchen had long been on guard against such matters, preventing anyone with ulterior motives from meeting his granddaughter.

In Wang Yan's eyes, how could such a crude little trick possibly work on an old fox like Jing Hongchen? If Jing Hongchen were that foolish, how could he have climbed to his current position? How could he possess such cultivation?

If not for fear of spoiling the Second Prince's interest, he could not have been bothered to order Wang Chen to visit the Hongchen Family and seek out Meng Hongchen. Such a petty trick was too stupid. Using it would only invite ridicule from those old foxes.

Wang Yan said, "Enough. Since the Hongchen Family is refusing visitors, you need not go there again. Go back and cultivate properly."

"Yes, this grandson takes his leave." Wang Chen clasped his hands and bowed, then slowly withdrew from the Clan Leader's Hall and headed home.

Meanwhile, in a luxurious estate outside Mingdu.

The estate covered hundreds of acres. From the outside, it appeared grand and imposing, yet beneath that grandeur and extravagance lay winding streams, small bridges, pavilions, and ancient-style buildings.

Exotic flowers and rare herbs filled the grounds. Under the sunlight, mist swirled and rose, creating an indescribably hazy and mysterious beauty, like an immortal realm.

Inside a pavilion at the center of the estate, two young men sat facing each other.

One appeared to be twenty years old, while the other looked eighteen.

The slightly older man wore a crimson brocade robe embroidered with eight lifelike purple flood dragons. He was not particularly handsome, but his eyes gleamed with spirit, and he possessed the authority of someone in a high position.

The slightly younger man resembled the older one. He wore the same style of robe, the only difference being its color. His was blue, with silver flood dragons embroidered upon it, and he exuded an aura of nobility.

These two were none other than the First Prince, Xu Tianran, and the Third Prince, Xu Tianshi. Behind each of them stood a powerful expert with an unfathomable aura, making the atmosphere extremely tense.

Amid that tense atmosphere, Xu Tianran remained composed. Looking entirely calm, he picked up the teacup on the table and took a sip, moistening his throat.

Then he smiled at Xu Tianshi. "Third Brother, ever since Father became Emperor, us brothers have never again properly sat down together for tea. This scene truly makes me nostalgic."

Xu Tianshi watched Xu Tianran warily, then snorted. "Say what you have to say. Did you secretly ask me here just to drink tea? If so, I will not keep you company."

Xu Tianshi knew very well that the princes had fought each other openly and in secret countless times over the Crown Prince Position. No matter which of them ascended the throne in the future, the others certainly would not have an easy time.

Moreover, how could he, as Xu Tianran's younger brother, not know his personality? Though he appeared open and upright, his mind was actually dark and calculating, and he was cunning and vicious. Xu Tianshi had to remain vigilant at all times, or he might fall into Xu Tianran's trap without even realizing it.

Seeing his brother being so straightforward, Xu Tianran stopped beating around the bush. He said directly, "Third Brother, I invited you here this time because I want to cooperate with you."

Xu Tianshi could not help but reveal a doubtful expression. "Cooperate?"

Xu Tianran said, "That's right, cooperate. We will join forces to deal with Second Brother."

Xu Tianran's expression shifted from calm to solemn. "Second Brother recently gained the support of the Yinghou Wang Family. The forces behind him now surpass ours by a great margin.

"If this continues, more people will likely pledge themselves to him. When that happens, the Crown Prince Position will be his. Third Brother, surely you do not want Second Brother to become Crown Prince either, do you?"

Upon hearing this, Xu Tianshi's expression turned dark and uncertain.

Seeing Xu Tianshi deep in thought, Xu Tianran did not interrupt him. He simply waited quietly for his answer.

He knew Third Brother would agree, because Third Brother's relationship with Second Brother was extremely poor. If Third Brother had to choose between him and Second Brother for Crown Prince, then without question, he would choose Xu Tianran!

As Xu Tianran waited quietly.

Xu Tianshi was caught in a storm of thoughts.

Xu Tianshi thought to himself, If that bastard Second Brother becomes Crown Prince and ascends the throne, he definitely will not spare me in the future.

He will surely humiliate me in every possible way. I may even find death impossible. Second Brother is powerful now, so I must join forces with Xu Tianran. Once we defeat Second Brother, I will contend with Xu Tianran for the Crown Prince Position.

The second update will come later.