Jing Hongchen looked at Xiao Hongchen and Huo Yuhao with a complicated expression, then sighed. "You must never tell anyone the truth about what happened today. Understood?"
"There was never any such member of the Royal Family, nor any unidentified Titled Douluo."
Huo Yuhao and Xiao Hongchen both nodded in agreement.
Jing Hongchen nodded slightly and waved Huo Yuhao away. "It's getting late. Go back for now. Once you've decided what you want, just tell me. A Level 9 Soul Tool may be valuable, but this Hall Master can still afford one."
"Thank you, Hall Master."
After thanking him, Huo Yuhao headed toward the dormitory area.
Jing Hongchen asked, "Xiao, tell your grandfather everything about your dealings with the Royal Family Disciplinary Team."
Xiao Hongchen then recounted everything in detail, starting with his clash with Wang Shaojie.
By the time Jing Hongchen finished listening, his expression had darkened.
"I'll expel that Wang Shaojie outright. I'll also submit a confidential memorial to His Majesty, asking him to put the Royal Family Disciplinary Team in order."
"After that, I won't pursue the matter. We'll act as though nothing happened."
Xiao Hongchen protested, "Grandfather, the Third Prince is behind the Royal Family Disciplinary Team. Why not go straight to him and demand an explanation?"
"Let it end here." Jing Hongchen sighed. "If today's incident was merely Wang Shaojie acting on his own, we should truly count ourselves fortunate."
Xiao Hongchen was puzzled. "Why, Grandfather?"
Jing Hongchen said, "You foolish child. What happened today frightened me."
"I'm afraid this was one prince borrowing another's blade to kill, or perhaps a warning aimed at our Hongchen Family."
"The princes are forcing our Hongchen Family to choose a side."
A trace of dejection appeared on Jing Hongchen's plump face. "But we can't afford the price of