Pan Lei had not expected his son to see things differently from him. Taken aback, he asked, "A-Long, what makes you think that?"
He sounded displeased. "Di Luonan's only chance of becoming Crown Prince is if Di Hedong dies now. If Di Luonan were in good health and struck without warning, he might actually succeed. But his injuries won't heal, and his martial arts have suffered badly. He's already lost his chance to take such a risk... How can he still fight for it?"
Pan Long smiled. "He can't do it himself anymore, that's true. But he doesn't necessarily have to be the one who acts."
Pan Shou and Pan Lei started in shock and stared at him wide-eyed.
"You're going to assassinate him for Di Luonan?!" Pan Shou cried. "Have you gone mad?"
"Grandpa, where did you get that idea? Why would I assassinate anyone for him?" Pan Long shook his head with a smile. "I mean, since he still has a year or two, he could use that time to intensify the conflict between the Military and the Imperial Court, then persuade the Military to stage a coup."
Pan Shou finally breathed a sigh of relief, but Pan Lei kept his eyes fixed on his son without blinking.
Uncomfortable under his father's stare, Pan Long said earnestly, "Don't worry, Dad. Even if I get involved, I'll never put myself at the front. Di Luonan is no kin of mine. I support the Reform, but even if it fails, that wouldn't be a bad thing for me."
Only then did Pan Lei's tightly furrowed brow relax.
"Good, as long as you understand!" he said sternly. "If Di Luonan and Di Hedong come to blows and you happen to be there, you should help Di Luonan. Otherwise, you might give