Upon hearing Prince Xue Xing's words, everyone was stunned, wondering what Qi Ling's true identity was, that she was so noble! But those with quick minds had already guessed Qi Ling's identity.
Because he rarely appeared in public before, and because he hadn't shown up for several years, many people had forgotten that there was such a Prince Protector of the Nation in the Heaven Dou Empire, who was also the Imperial Tutor of Empress Xue Ke.
So when Prince Xue Xing revealed Qi Ling's identity, Kai Erqi was immediately speechless with shock. He even looked at the hand he was holding Qi Ling with trepidation, as if he had grabbed a branding iron and hurriedly let go.
Although none of them had ever met Qi Ling, they had all heard of Qi Ling legend. And if it was him, it was no wonder that he was so close to Xue Ke.
With this, Prince Xue Xing's goal was completely achieved. Just as he expected, Qi Ling's appearance alone was enough to terrify a large number of people! Moreover, now that Xue Ke had made such a public statement, no one would dare to fawn over her anymore.
But that's not all. After learning Qi Ling's identity, the people present had other ideas! Since the Empress was untouchable, wasn't this Prince Protector of the Nation a hot commodity? They should quickly introduce their daughters to him!
So, those who wanted to get to know Qi Ling surrounded her again, almost completely blocking her way. Seeing this, Xue Ke wondered how she could be alone with Qi Ling like this. So she quickly had someone stop them and took Qi Ling to a secluded spot.
Watching Qi Ling and Xue Ke walk out together, Kai Erqi was filled with resentment, but there was nothing he could do. What chance did he have against Qi Ling?
Just as Kai Erqi was feeling dejected, the man who had just reprimanded Qi Ling suddenly rushed up to Kai Erqi in a panic, saying, " Kai Erqi, what do we do? We've actually offended the Prince Protector! Now we really have nowhere to hide!"
"Calm down, Wang Wu! We haven't lost yet!" Kai Erqi said calmly. "Since I can't beat them openly, then don't blame me for playing dirty!"
Seeing Kai Erqi's gaze turn cold, Wang Wu exclaimed in surprise, "What? Kai Erqi, what other ideas do you have? Don't do anything rash, I don't want to die!"
"Hmph, do you think living a life worse than death will make you feel any better? Don't dream about it, Wang Wu! Your only option is to come with me on a big heist!" Kai Erqi said Lingling, "Are you even prepared to risk your life?"
After much hesitation, Wang Wu finally gritted his teeth and said, "I'll risk it! Tell me, Kai Erqi, what's your plan?"
"That's more like it! Come on, let me tell you, this is my plan..." Kai Erqi quietly told Wang Wu his plan.
After listening, Wang Wu asked doubtfully, "This... is this reliable? How can you do all this?"
"Don't worry, I already bribed the Empress's maids before, in order to win her over! Although their purpose is different now, they'll come in handy!" Kai Erqi laughed. "Let's see who has the last laugh."
After Xue Ke led Qi Ling to a secluded spot, she naturally had a lot to say to Qi Ling. Xue Ke wanted to share everything that had happened in the past few years with Qi Ling. The usually dignified and noble empress was now like a child.
However, as Empress, Xue Ke couldn't continue to be so willful. Soon, Xue Ke's maid came over and said, "Your Highness Xue Ke, you should prepare your next outfit to address the guests."
Changing into formal attire is a royal tradition, so Xue Ke could only reluctantly say to Qi Ling, "Teacher, I'll be right back, please wait for me!"
"Don't worry, go ahead, I'm not leaving," Qi Ling said with a smile. "I'd also like to see what your next outfit will look like, Xue Ke."
After Xue Ke left with the maid, Qi Ling stayed outside the venue alone. He really didn't want to go in alone; the way those people had looked at him earlier, as if they wanted to devour him alive, was terrifying.
Fortunately, Prince Xue Xing found Qi Ling and started chatting with him. During their conversation, Prince Xue Xing Qi Ling learned about some recent news from the empire, and overall, everything was moving in a positive direction.
In general, the biggest threat now is naturally the Divine Court. Since the Divine Court declared war on the two great empires, many battles have taken place, with each side experiencing victories and defeats.
However, Xue Qinghe and Qian Xunji obviously had other things to do, and their attack was not very aggressive. This gave the two great empires many opportunities. At least on the surface, the arrogance of the Divine Court had been suppressed.
But everyone knows that what truly determines the outcome of the battlefield is not the army, but the clash of top-tier combat forces! If Qi Ling loses to Qian Xunji, then their current defeat can be wiped out in an instant.
"Therefore, Qi Ling, you are the hope for all of us!" Prince Xue Xing couldn't help but say.
Qi Ling nodded, but then a sense of unease crept into Qi Ling heart. He frowned and immediately said, "It's been so long, hasn't Xue Ke finished changing yet? Are royal formal attire really that complicated?"
Prince Xue Xing also said in surprise, "That shouldn't be the case. Changing into formal attire shouldn't take this long! If it takes this long, the banquet will almost be over!"
Hearing Prince Xue Xing say this, Qi Ling's unease intensified. Just as he was about to go find Xue Ke himself, someone suddenly appeared in front of him.
Qi Ling recognized the man in front of her as Wang Wu, the man who had just humiliated her. She frowned and said, "What do you want? If not, get out of my way."
"Hehehe, Your Highness, Protector of the Nation, Qi Ling, I've come to see you, of course I have something to discuss!" Wang Wu chuckled Lingling. "Are you wondering why Princess Xue Ke hasn't returned yet, and you're getting anxious?"
Qi Ling's pupils contracted, and she asked sharply, "What have you done? Where is Xue Ke?"
"Don't worry, Qi Ling, how could we dare to do such a thing? We just want you to come with me to a place!" Wang Wu laughed. "Just come with me, and when we get there, you'll naturally know how Xue Ke is doing."
After saying this, Wang Wu was about to leave first, taking Qi Ling to the planned place, when suddenly a large hand grabbed his crown, rendering him unable to move.
"Are you stupid? You've already delivered yourself to my doorstep, do you think I'd let you go back?" Qi Ling said rather cruelly. "If I want to know something, I'll just look it up in your head, so don't hold back!"