The other five nations were all gloating. If the Xian Yue and Dan Feng truly went to war, their five families would join forces to devour these two pieces of "fragrant steamed buns," dividing the spoils equally. They would truly be reaping the benefits of sitting on the sidelines.
Therefore, their five families had been closely watching Murong Liu Zun's movements, but they hadn't seen the Xian Emperor make a move. Had he really abandoned the Prince of Nan'an?
Compared to war between two countries, they had reason to believe that the Xian Emperor would choose to abandon the Prince of Nan'an. This way, although they might be disdained by all nations, it would be better than the smoke of war between two countries.
In the Tian Lu Hall of the side palace, a tall, imposing, heroic, and dashing man sat on a high seat. He was dressed in a white python robe with an embroidered five-clawed sea dragon. A silver coronet bound his hair, its radiance reflecting on his ink-black hair, which was as abundant as clouds. His sword-like eyebrows were arched, his eyes sharp, and the corners of his lips held a cold confidence.
"Yue Diao, has the Xian Emperor made any moves?"
"Reporting to Master, no. He has been staying in the Glass Palace," Yue Diao's chiseled features showed not even a hint of expression. His entire being was as cold as an ice carving, devoid of any emotion. As a subordinate, he did not need to have his own thoughts; he only needed to obey his master's commands.
"What about the Empress? Has she made any moves?"
"No, she hasn't either. It is said that on the day the Prince of Nan'an was imprisoned, the Empress went to the Ministry of Punishments' prison. Since then, there has been no further action."
Chang Sun Zhu's pupils flickered on the high seat, his eyebrows raised in disbelief. Where had something gone wrong? Why had the Xian Emperor not acted, and even Mu Qingyao that woman had remained still?
Originally, he had thought that if the Xian Emperor remained inactive, he would surely have Mu Qingyao investigate secretly. But now, even the Empress was not making a move. Could it be that, as the rumors said, the Xian Emperor had abandoned the Prince of Nan'an? This was absolutely impossible.
Chang Sun Zhu's eyes flickered uncertainly. And today, something was bound to happen today.
"Yue Diao, pay close attention to the movements of the Xian Emperor and the Empress today. Not the slightest mistake is allowed."
"Yes, Master."
Yue Diao accepted the order and left. At this moment, two subordinates walked in from outside the palace doors and respectfully reported, "Crown Prince, envoys from Wan He, Yun Cang, Huang Yuan, and Yue Rang nations request an audience."
Chang Sun Zhu pursed his lips into a smile, his eyes shining brightly. He waved his hand and calmly commanded, "Let them in."
"Yes, Crown Prince."
The subordinates withdrew, and soon the envoys from the four nations entered the great hall. Leading them was the Prime Minister of the Wan He nation. As soon as he entered the hall, he laughed heartily, "Greetings, Crown Prince Chang Sun."
"You are too kind. Please be seated," Chang Sun Zhu remained still, cupping his fists in greeting, but his eyes surged with hidden currents. It was evident what these old foxes were planning.
Before the battle had even begun, they were already discussing how to carve up the two nations. It was laughable. Did they think the Xian Emperor was a vegetarian? It was likely that a change would occur today.
"Attendants, serve tea," Chang Sun Zhu commanded loudly. Palace maids immediately entered, serving tea, and then slowly withdrew.
The sound of tea being drunk echoed through the hall. After the tea was finished, the Prime Minister of the Wan He nation did not stand on ceremony with Chang Sun Zhu. Before speaking, his face was filled with smiles, and he cupped his fists courteously.
"Crown Prince Chang Sun, our five families are now allies. The Prince of Nan'an of the Xian Yue nation has killed the Crown Princess of the Dan Feng nation. We must uphold justice and not allow the Xian Yue nation to bully the Dan Feng nation, otherwise, the Xian Emperor will think we are easily intimidated."
What a specious reason. Chang Sun Zhu calmly held his teacup and took a light sip, as if the matter they spoke of had nothing to do with him.
Seeing that Chang Sun Zhu had not expressed his stance or stopped them, the Prime Minister continued, "If their two nations go to war, there will inevitably be conflict. At that time, why don't our five families..."
He made a gesture of slicing with his hand, his eyes fierce and savage. The other three nations immediately nodded in agreement and then looked at Chang Sun Zhu, who was seated high above. They did not believe that the Qing Luo nation would not want to bite into this piece of fat meat.
"Are you sure the two nations will go to war? You must know that the Xian Emperor is not known for nothing. He would rather abandon the Prince of Nan'an than offend Dan Feng."
The corners of Chang Sun Zhu's lips curved into a playful smile, his voice clear and filled with disdain, showing his contempt for the individuals before him.
Since the world knew that the Xian Emperor was a strategist, how could he not take any action? Even if he abandoned the Prince of Nan'an in the end, he would never become enemies with Dan Feng.
As soon as Chang Sun Zhu finished speaking, those below were unconcerned.
The Prime Minister of the Wan He nation immediately stood up and said with a face full of delight:
"Crown Prince Chang Sun, you do not know this. Although the Prince of Nan'an and the Xian Emperor were not born of the same mother, they are like brothers. The Xian Emperor has always been arrogant. He will probably not easily hand over the Prince of Nan'an. However, to instigate war between their two nations, it seems our five nations must make some effort."
Upon hearing the Prime Minister of the Wan He nation's words, Chang Sun Zhu's interest was piqued. He put down his teacup and slowly said,
"What plan does the Prime Minister have to make these two nations take up arms against each other?"
"I have thought of a plan overnight. Our five nations will act separately, explaining the righteousness to both nations. For example, we can tell the Xian Emperor that we stand on their side, and then go to the Dan Feng nation and say that we support them. Both nations will receive our support. This way, perhaps war will break out."
Chang Sun Zhu's dark pupils dimmed. This old fox was truly cunning. Although he didn't know if this method would be effective, they had nothing else to do here anyway. It might as well be to act separately. It would also be a good opportunity to probe the Xian Emperor's intentions. It would be killing two birds with one stone, so why not?
"Good, then let us act separately."
Chang Sun Zhu made the final decision. The five nations split into two groups, separately going to persuade the Xian Emperor and Prince Ji...
On one side of the Liu Li Palace, Murong Liu Zun was handling state affairs. Ah Jiu attended by his side. The Emperor seemed somewhat absent-minded, his gaze not focused on the memorials, but drifting somewhere else.
As the Emperor's personal eunuch, how could Ah Jiu not know the Emperor's thoughts? The Emperor was worried about the Prince of Nan'an in prison. The dignified Prince had been in the imperial prison for two nights. When had he ever endured such hardship? It was no wonder the Emperor was distracted.
Earlier, he had heard that the Empress had a way to exonerate the Prince, and the Emperor's mood had improved considerably. However, two days had passed, and the Empress had not taken any action. The Emperor's aura seemed to have become more intense.
"Your Majesty?"
Murong Liu Zun stopped his actions and glanced at Ah Jiu, who was calling him from the side. He slightly raised an eyebrow and said, "Ah Jiu, what time is it now?"
"Reporting to Your Majesty, it is Chen Shi," Ah Jiu glanced at the sky outside and reported calmly.
Murong Liu Zun's expression was dark and hard to fathom, his black pupils flickering with two small sparks. Women truly held grudges. Yao'er was so hesitant to act, likely in revenge for his royal brother having laid hands on her before. However, she would definitely act tonight. If?
A eunuch walked in from outside the hall and reported, "Your Majesty, Crown Prince Chang Sun of the Qing Luo nation requests an audience."
"What does he want?" Murong Liu Zun withdrew his thoughts, a chill coloring his eyebrows. He cast a slanted glance at Ah Jiu, and the corners of his lips suddenly curved with a murderous intent. He suspected that Chang Sun Zhu had ill intentions. If he had any intentions, would he not know? With a sinister smile, he said, "Announce his arrival."