The imperial palace.
Heaven-Bearing Hall.
At that moment, the atmosphere inside Chenggan Palace was taut as a bowstring, with murderous intent ready to erupt at the slightest touch.
Shen Xiao's face was livid. He was about to speak when a flippant chuckle suddenly came from atop the palace wall.
"Wait."
Everyone looked toward the voice and saw the Northern Azure King's heir step forward, passing his father to look down at Ji Minghao on the steps.
His handsome face wore a cynical, teasing expression. His gaze circled between Ji Minghao and Shen Mengyun before finally settling on Ji Minghao's face.
"Your Highness, Eighth Prince," the heir said in a clear voice that nevertheless brooked no argument, "there is still room to turn things around."
Ji Minghao's brows knitted tightly. "What do you mean?"
The Northern Azure King's heir smiled faintly. His gaze swept over the dark mass of soldiers below before returning to Ji Minghao.
"It's simple. I told Your Highness before: promise the Seventeenth Princess to me, and I will help you. That offer still stands today. If Your Highness agrees to give me the Seventeenth Princess as a concubine, I can ask my father to stand on your side."
His words shocked everyone present.
Ji Mingyuan's expression changed sharply, fury flaring in his eyes, but he forcibly suppressed it, not daring to lose his temper there.
Though he now appeared to hold every advantage, the Northern Azure King's support was crucial. He absolutely could not fall out with the heir at this moment.
Against a grand general like Shen Xiao, the Divine Might King alone was not enough to keep him in check.
The struggle for the throne had now narrowed to him and Ji Minghao.
Having reached the final step, he could not afford a single mistake.