Upon hearing Zhu Zhuqing's words, the expressions on everyone's faces involuntarily turned serious.
Although everyone had anticipated the passing of Xue Ye, it was still somewhat unexpected when it actually happened.
A smooth transfer of power is not an easy thing.
With the old emperor gone and the new emperor ascending the throne, a bloody storm is sure to rage in the court once again.
Dugu Bo remained silent for a moment, then waved his hand, indicating that Zhu Zhuqing could leave.
Zhu Zhuqing bowed respectfully, then turned and quickly retreated from the backyard.
The pavilion fell silent again.
"What an eventful time this is."
Dugu Bo sighed deeply, his voice tinged with obvious weariness.
Dugu Yan, standing to the side, curled her lip indifferently, "What does the change of the imperial throne have to do with us?"
Her tone was completely indifferent.
Upon hearing this, Lin Mo gently shook his head.
He looked at Dugu Bo and slowly said, " Sister Yanyan, what Grandpa is worried about is not the change of emperor within the empire."
Dugu Yan blinked, looking at Lin Mo with a puzzled expression.
"What Grandpa is worried about is certain people, isn't it?"
Hearing this, Dugu Bo looked at Lin Mo with surprise and nodded, "Just as Xiao Mo said."
"What I'm worried about is not the potential bloodshed that might result from the change of the throne."
Dugu Bo paused, his voice growing even deeper, "From beginning to end, the only person I couldn't let go of was that old bastard Prince Xue Xing."
"No matter what, he saved my life once, and I will remember that kindness."
"I cannot ignore his predicament, but given the current situation, there is very little I can do."
"All I can do now is to make my stance clear during the upcoming turmoil and do my best to save Prince Xue Xing and the life of Xue Beng, whom he values highly."
At this point, Dugu Bo's tone became particularly emotional.
They simply wanted to leverage the influence of him, a Titled Douluo, and Ye Linyuan, Titled Douluo with the Nine Heart Begonia healing ability, to try and help the Fourth Prince Xue Beng gain an advantage in the uncontested struggle for the throne, or even seize the throne.
However, Dugu Bo had no intention of interfering.
The waters within the Heaven Dou Empire run deep, and given the relationship between Prince Xue Xing and him, there is far from any need to go that far.
What's more, in Dugu Bo's view, in the position of emperor, the dandy prince Xue Beng was far less suitable than the conscientious prince Xue Qinghe.
Xue Qinghe's own power in the court was far beyond that of Xue Beng, a dandy prince. Even if Dugu Bo chose to support Xue Beng, he had no hope of winning.
It would have been better not to get involved in this mess in the first place.
He also has people he cares about in his life.
Thinking of this, Dugu Bo looked at Lin Mo, then at his granddaughter and Ye Lingling beside him, his gaze softening slightly.
"Forget it, there's no point in thinking about these things."
He waved his hand. "Let's just wait and see. As long as we don't actively get involved, this storm won't affect us."
Lin Mo nodded in agreement.
As Dugu Bo had predicted, things unfolded exactly as he had.
After the news of Xue Ye's death spread, there was indeed some commotion in the entire Heaven Dou City for the first two days.
However, this chaos did not last long.
Crown Prince Xue Qinghe, or rather, Qian Renxue disguised as Xue Qinghe, swiftly suppressed all dissenting voices with extremely forceful methods.
The rebels were purged, the onlookers were won over, and the supporters were given important positions.
Faced with overwhelming force and well-preparedness, all resistance appears utterly futile.
Within just a few days, Heaven Dou City had returned to a state of apparent calm.
Xue Qinghe also completed his coronation ceremony amidst great fanfare, becoming the new emperor of the Heaven Dou Empire.
It was the seventh day after the death of the Xue Ye.
An uninvited guest arrived at the Dugu Manor in Heaven Dou City today.
In the reception room, Dugu Bo sat in the main seat, while Lin Mo, Dugu Yan, Ye Lingling sat to the left.
Ye Linyuan did not appear because he was studying the piece of Gold of Life.
Prince Xue Xing sat in the guest seat, dressed in plain clothes, his expression calm, but his eyes revealed an unconcealable weariness.
In just a few days, this once spirited prince seemed to have aged ten years.
Dugu Bo looked at the uninvited Prince Xue Xing and asked bluntly, "Your Highness, what brings you here today?"
Prince Xue Xing didn't beat around the bush and stated the purpose of his visit directly. "Mr. Dugu, I have come on behalf of His Majesty the Emperor."
Upon hearing this, Dugu Bo raised an eyebrow slightly.
"Your Majesty?" Dugu Bo's eyes flickered slightly.
"Yes." Prince Xue Xing nodded, his tone complex. "His Majesty has ordered me to come and invite you, sir, and your young friend Lin Mo to the palace for a discussion."
"His Majesty says there are some things he wishes to discuss with you all in person."
Dugu Bo did not answer directly. After a moment of silence, he suddenly asked, "How has Your Highness been lately?"
Upon hearing this, Prince Xue Xing gave a wry smile.
He shook his head and said frankly, "It's neither good nor bad. Being able to save my life and preserve the foundation of the Prince's Mansion is already a stroke of luck amidst misfortune."
His tone carried a clear sense of resignation.
Now that things have come to this, even if he wanted to resist, he had no room to struggle.
With the new emperor's ascension to the throne, the situation was already set; all he could do was submit.
The only thing that brought him comfort was that Poison Douluo Dugu Bo, a Titled Douluo, had clearly stated his position at the very beginning of the turmoil:
He would not participate in the struggle for the throne, but he asked the new emperor to spare the lives of Prince Xue Xing and the fourth prince Xue Beng, out of consideration for their past relationship.
This statement, coupled with Prince Xue Xing's timely relinquishment of some of his power and influence, ultimately allowed him to survive the great purge of the court.
Even Xue Qinghe, who has already ascended the throne, would not be able to target them without cause in the future.
After all, Xue Qinghe had to give face to a Titled Douluo no matter what.
This is already the best possible outcome.
Dugu Bo: "Why has His Majesty invited us?"
Prince Xue Xing shook his head. "I have no right to inquire into His Majesty's intentions. I am merely relaying a message."
"His Majesty said that if it is convenient for you all, you may enter the palace this afternoon. If not, another day is fine."
That's too polite of you.
Dugu Bo looked at Lin Mo, his eyes questioning.
Lin Mo: "Your Highness, I have a question, but I'm not sure if I should ask it."
"Please speak freely, young friend," said Prince Xue Xing.
Lin Mo looked directly into Prince Xue Xing's eyes and asked, "Is His Majesty primarily inviting my grandfather, or me, this junior?"
Prince Xue Xing was taken aback. "His Majesty means to invite everyone to go together."
But... His Majesty specifically mentioned that he was looking forward to meeting young friend Lin Mo.