Dragon scales beneath his ribs

This world truly possessed supernatural arts. Witchcraft and Nightmare Suppression brought far-reaching calamities and had been viewed with suspicion by successive imperial courts, while the Demon Race posed an even greater problem. Imperial princes were Dragon Seeds, and when there was no crown prince, vying for the succession, though forbidden, was in truth only human nature.

Thus, even when they privately recruited allies or secretly maintained a few private soldiers, the emperor had not been too harsh.

But recruiting sorcerers or colluding with the Demon Race—these two things alone were absolutely intolerable to him.

Yet because he had not obtained evidence, and still needed Prince Qi to counterbalance his two other sons, Prince Shu and Prince Lu, the emperor did not rebuke him immediately.

The emperor swallowed and gave Prince Qi a hard look, having already made up his mind. He had originally intended to discuss the matter of the Dragon Maiden further, but now there was no need to delay.

If Prince Qi became further embroiled in this, how would he bring it to an end? Would he have to kill another son?

At this thought, the emperor spoke coldly, his face expressionless. "Your intentions are good, but you know nothing of flood control or its aftermath. The intention is enough; there is no need for you to insist on leaving the capital."

"Luo Pei rendered meritorious service in controlling the floods, and he is also versed in managing their aftermath. Since the matter of the locust plague has been raised, we might as well appoint him again rather than choose someone else."

Then he called, "Luo Pei!"

"Your subject is here!" Luo Pei hurried out of the ranks and kowtowed.

"I appoint you imperial commissioner once more. Go and inspect the three provinces mentioned. Furthermore, the Dragon Maiden