Cheng Yunzheng was certainly a clever man, and a clever man brimming with ambition, bent on seizing the throne.
He would never take such a risky step merely for the sake of reputation. There had to be another reason.
Sun Qiying pondered.
Chu Zhiyuan said, "Mr. Sun knows something about it, I presume?"
"...It may be related to a spiritual treasure." Sun Qiying said slowly, "Your Highness, I did not witness this personally. It is merely a deduction."
Chu Zhiyuan said, "By doing this, he resonated with a spiritual treasure and thus obtained it?"
"That is very likely." Sun Qiying said, "Fifth Prince is an exceptionally clever man."
Chu Zhiyuan nodded slowly.
That explained it. He had gained enough fame and prestige, laying the cornerstone for seizing the throne, while also obtaining a spiritual treasure.
The wondrous uses of the spiritual treasure were simply beyond Cheng Yunzheng's aptitude to comprehend.
A spiritual treasure could ward off enemies and protect its owner externally; internally, it could deepen one's insights, raise one's realm, and aid one's cultivation.
Sun Qiying could not help shaking his head with a sigh. "Fifth Prince actually arranged Purple Heaven Jade Pavilion as his escape route. I truly never expected it, never expected it."
He had fancied himself infallible in his calculations, yet he had failed to foresee this path. It weighed heavily on his mind.
He sighed inwardly. Fifth Prince had clearly been guarding against him, and against everyone else as well.
A man like Fifth Prince trusted no one and suspected everyone.
Chu Zhiyuan said, "I intend to cripple the double here and ease their vigilance over there."
Sun Qiying frowned. "Your Highness, this matter should not be rushed."
Chu Zhiyuan smiled. "Why not?"
"This is precisely the critical juncture of the Thirteenth Princess and Third