A Pillar of the State

The next day, at the Prince's Manor.

Xue Xing sat in the reception hall with a dark expression, waiting. Beside him sat a richly dressed middle-aged man.

The middle-aged man was named Fang Yao. He was a duke of the Heaven Dou Empire. Though his rank was not particularly high, he oversaw many of the nation's partnerships, finances, and provisions. Xue Xing controlled a tenth of the empire's power through him under a borrowed name, making his position extremely important.

And Xue Xing's abuse of power had played no small part in Fang Yao reaching his current position.

Fang Yao asked, "My lord, I heard His Highness the Crown Prince is coming today?"

Xue Xing nodded slightly. "Yes. I have no idea what medicine he's selling, but remember this: without my orders, do not act rashly."

"Yes, I understand." Fang Yao's gaze was sharp, clearly marking him as no simple-minded fool.

"Your Highness, His Highness the Crown Prince has arrived."

A servant hurried into the reception hall to report.

"Understood." Xue Xing rose to his feet and smiled at Fang Yao. "Come, let us meet my nephew together."

"As you command."

At the manor gates.

Xue Qinghe stood at the front, while Dongfang Yu followed behind with the others, making himself seem almost invisible.

Before long, the uncle and nephew met.

Xue Xing and the others respectfully bowed. "Your Highness the Crown Prince."

Xue Qinghe hurriedly helped Xue Xing up. "Imperial Uncle, there is no need for such formality."

"Oh... Lord Fang is here as well."

Hearing Xue Qinghe's words, Dongfang Yu looked at the richly dressed middle-aged man beside Xue Xing.

Fang Yao forced a smile. "It is an honor that Your Highness still remembers this humble one."

"Lord Fang is hardly some humble nobody," Xue Qinghe remarked casually.