Updated: December 20, 2012
"The reason is simple. Mushnikov also cultivates Lightning-Element Dou Qi. He and Lampard are from the same school, and their power attributes and techniques are almost identical. It's extremely easy for enemies to discover the connection between the two and make connections. Furthermore, wouldn't it be suspicious if a Half Moon Class Great Perfection expert suddenly appeared in a small sixth-tier vassal state?"
Indeed, those enemies back then were incredibly cunning and cruel. Even if they discovered the slightest flaw, they would relentlessly pursue it to the end. Once they took action, they would quickly uncover the truth. Even if they couldn't prove it, in order to completely eliminate any doubts, the enemy might have completely destroyed Chambord City, preferring to kill ten thousand innocent people rather than let one guilty person go free.
For the sake of the Third Prince's safety, the Mushnikov brothers dared not take any risks, so he had to do this without revealing the slightest flaw.
He would never have thought of such a comprehensive approach if it were him.
"What's even more remarkable is that junior brother Lampard. He truly embodies the spirit of a man who keeps his word. He could have easily distanced himself from the matter, but for Mushnikov's request, he resolutely abandoned his cultivation and stayed in a remote place like Chambord City for twenty years. Both of them are truly extraordinary men of our time," Emperor Yassin sighed. "I rarely admire anyone in my life, but these two are people I will never forget."
"So that's how it is," the Grand Knight Commander was shocked, realizing he was far inferior to his elder brother who had died many years ago, both in strength and strategy. Even his junior brother, Lampard, was beyond his reach. He sighed, "So there was such a complicated story behind it all. Fortunately, the Third Prince survived, and now the Golden Lion has finally reaped the rewards. He has rebuilt his Lightning-Element Dou Qi, and with the Third Prince's support, he has leaped to become Quasi-Extreme Dao expert. Every step he took was preordained. Without the accumulation and tempering of the past twenty years, I'm afraid he would not have been able to reach his current level."
"After Lampard's power dissipated, he suffered severe injuries and switched to Water-Element Dou Qi cultivation. It took him several years to suppress his injuries and slowly cultivate to the Three-Star Class level. However, he was unaware that I had discovered the whereabouts of the Third Prince. Still remembering his senior brother's instructions, he came to the capital many times, trying to find an opportunity to explain everything to me. Unfortunately, the palace was heavily guarded, and he was unable to see me several times. Later, seeing that the Third Prince was growing up and showing signs of dementia, he worried that I would disown this son like a foolish emperor, so he gave up his efforts. However, he stayed in Chambord City and took care of the Third Prince. Later, by chance, he became the sworn brother of the old King of Chambord. He remained in Chambord City until the old King of Chambord City passed away. In truth, he was definitely a great benefactor to my father and me."
Emperor Yassin recounted his story in a gentle, repentant tone.
"No wonder Your Majesty has always shown favor to Chambord City, whether openly or covertly. Three years ago, given Chambord City's national strength, it should have long ago revoked its status as a vassal state, been reduced to a manor, and stripped of its title. Moreover, when Alexander was crowned King, Your Majesty even sent Princess Qin Ming to Chambord City to bestow the title. Later, during the Imperial Martial Combat Competition, the King of Chambord made several controversial and outrageous moves, and many nobles impeached him, but Your Majesty suppressed the public opinion and never reprimanded or punished him. Now it seems that Your Majesty has indeed been very thoughtful."
Some things that Akinfeev couldn't understand before, he can now finally understand.
"Yes, the original intention was to make amends to the third brother, so we arranged for Natasha, the older sister, to meet her brother. Who knew..." Emperor Yassin said with a hint of regret, "Who knew that those two rascals, Dominguez and Arshavin, would go so far as to fight each other during the investiture ceremony? I actually secretly went to the scene, but fortunately, the third brother gave me a big surprise later, resolving the problem all by himself, so I didn't have to intervene personally."
"The Third Prince has regained his unparalleled genius, so those trivial matters are naturally no challenge for him. However, the First Prince and the Second Prince, although they have been fiercely competing and have used various means against each other, and there have been suspicions of them forming cliques in recent years, have always been extremely respectful and filial to Your Majesty, and have never overstepped their bounds. Such things are unavoidable in the imperial family, so please do not take them too seriously, Your Majesty."
Akinfeev watched several princes and princesses grow up. In front of other nobles, he was an iron-fisted and ruthless man, but he always took great care of Emperor Yassin's children, treating them as his own nephews and nieces, treating them equally and lovingly. When he heard Emperor Yassin talking about the infighting between the two princes, he was worried that he would be angry and reprimand the two princes, so he couldn't help but speak up to comfort and defuse the situation.
Emperor Yassin smiled slightly, looking at his former youngest and most impetuous companion. Perhaps it was because he had finally revealed his true feelings that he was in such a good mood, and he unusually teased, "What's this? The once reckless and desperate Sanlang can actually comfort people now?"
Akinfeev chuckled softly and remained silent.
Emperor Yassin nodded. "You're right. They are indeed respectful and filial to their father, and they cooperate well in times of national crisis. They are very clear about right and wrong, which makes me very satisfied. Actually, twenty years ago, my child with Julie went missing, which deeply affected me. I was filled with self-blame. Later, when the child was found, it touched me even more. I have five sons and six daughters in my life. In the past, if they had fought each other like this, I would have punished them severely. Since that incident, I have become more open-minded. The bond between father and son has become much more important to me, which is why I can turn a blind eye. I am the emperor and also a father. I hope they can understand my good intentions."
"I see. So that's why His Majesty suddenly agreed to the Fourth Prince's request to take over the defense of the West Gate today." Akinfeev could understand a father's good intentions.
"Indeed, the fourth prince is useless and ambitious beyond his station. How could I not know that he has made repeated mistakes? I am also very disappointed in him. However, he is still my son. No matter how disappointed I am, I cannot deny him a chance. I hope he can seize this opportunity and contribute to the empire. In the future, when the third prince inherits the throne, he will also be able to tolerate him," Emperor Yassin sighed.
Akinfetefu nodded, about to say something, but suddenly understood the unspoken meaning of Emperor Yassin's words, and said in great surprise, "Your Majesty means... that the Third Prince should inherit the throne?"
"Indeed, in terms of prestige, strength, character, magnanimity, and ability, the third son is the best choice. Of my five sons, the eldest Arshavin, is a genius commander, but his mind is limited; the second son, Dominguez, is born out of wedlock and is too indifferent to command respect; the fourth son, Christo, is ambitious but unlikely to achieve great things; and the fifth son, Tolbinsky, is unruly and unfit for great responsibility. Only this third son, Alexander, is most like me and is naturally capable of inheriting my position and legacy."
Emperor Yassin spoke with great self-satisfaction.
Second update
( novel)