The side hall was not far from the Crystal Palace to begin with. Both men were swift on their feet, and in their urgency, they came and went like the wind, returning through the side hall doors in no time.
Both wore expressions of disbelief and alarm. As soon as they entered, they said, "Only three princes' life tablets are indeed still lit. His Highness Ao Ming's tablet also shows an anomaly, indicating that he has likely been captured and held hostage."
Hearing this, Ao Dongping let out a long breath. He had previously begged Cui Jiuyang to preserve Ao Han's life no matter what. Now, since Ao Ming had been captured, it meant Jiuyang had succeeded.
A great weight finally lifted from his heart.
Then everyone turned their eyes to Ao Dongping.
Since His Highness Ao Ming had been captured, rescuing him would be impossible for the time being.
That meant the Dragon King could only be chosen between Ao Tai and Ao Han.
Now their gazes upon Ao Dongping were full of questions.
Everyone in the East Sea knew that Ao Dongping had served as Ao Han's strategist-and had done so for thousands of years.
On the surface, they were lord and subject; in reality, they were master and disciple. Moreover, this relationship had been established by the late king himself.
It could be said that if Ao Dongping decided to enthrone Ao Han as Dragon King now, it would not be long before he became the next chancellor.
Ao Dongping came from a family of chancellors. However, since their ancestor had retired from the position, none of his descendants over several generations had risen to that office again.
Although proposing Ao Tai as Dragon King would also earn him credit for helping a sovereign ascend the throne,