Just as Lu Fan was conversing with the Heavenly Emperor, the Grand Tutor suddenly arrived at the palace, his face beaming with pride, as if he had something special to report.
"Grand Tutor Wen, why do you come to the palace so late at night? Is there an urgent matter?"
The Heavenly Emperor frowned. He was in the middle of a discussion with Lu Fan, trying to uncover the mastermind behind the scenes. Wen Taishi's appearance at this moment seemed rather coincidental.
"So the King of the Northwest is also here!"
Wen Taishi glanced over, a cold smile appearing on his lips, filled with a chilling hostility.
"Grand Tutor Wen seems to imply something. I'm not sure I understand what you mean!"
Lu Fan smiled slightly, "Could it be that Grand Tutor Wen's visit is directed at me!"
"I never expected the King of the Northwest to possess such keen insight. It is truly admirable!"
Wen Taishi gave a cold laugh. "However, to speak frankly, at this point, there's no need for you to pretend any longer!"
"Pretend?"
Lu Fan narrowed his eyes, a frosty glint appearing. "I don't know what Grand Tutor Wen is talking about, or if you have any grievances with me!"
"I have already inquired. You did not use your full strength when dealing with the Seventh Prince's manor!" Wen Taishi said with a cold smile.
"The Seventh Prince's manor has been destroyed, and this matter is concluded. Why dwell on it?" The Heavenly Emperor waved his hand. "Grand Tutor Wen, I think you have too much free time!"
"Your Majesty, the Heavenly Emperor, you may not be aware, but someone within the Seventh Prince's manor was not killed. This poses a great crisis for the entire royal family!" Wen Taishi stated, cupping his fists.
Lu Fan's brow furrowed slightly. He hadn't expected Wen Taishi to know this, and it certainly wasn't good for him.
"Speak clearly if you have something to say!"
The Heavenly Emperor frowned, "What exactly is going on?"
"His Majesty the Heavenly Emperor may not know that the Seventh Princess gave birth to a child before her death. This child was not killed but was instead kept alive and nurtured!" Wen Taishi said directly, his gaze fixed on Lu Fan. "And that person is him!"
The Heavenly Emperor's heart jolted. He abruptly looked at Lu Fan, a fierce glint in his eyes. "King of the Northwest, is what the Grand Tutor says true?"
"Your Majesty the Heavenly Emperor, the hostage is innocent. Furthermore, I have already taken him as my adopted son and named him Lu Tian. In the future, he will not know that he is of royal blood!"
Lu Fan cupped his fists and said, "No matter what, he is still your nephew. Do you truly intend to hunt him down to the very last one?"
"King of the Northwest, you rely on your great achievements and do not show respect to His Majesty the Heavenly Emperor. Have you considered the consequences!" Wen Taishi's words were sharp.
"Grand Tutor Wen, you are truly scheming. To bring such a complaint against me so late at night, all to bring me down!" Lu Fan chuckled bitterly. "Though I may have erred, the actions I took were undoubtedly the most appropriate!"
The Heavenly Emperor stood still, lost in thought. He knew very well what this matter entailed. If it were not handled properly, it could easily lead to public speculation.
With this in mind, the Heavenly Emperor's expression grew grave. He dared not delay. In the blink of an eye, his gaze fell upon Lu Fan. "King of the Northwest, I know you are kind-hearted, but this matter concerns the royal family. It cannot be allowed to remain, lest it become a great threat to our royal lineage!"
Lu Fan stood rooted to the spot, a slight twitch at the corner of his mouth. He never expected this matter to be exposed. As for the Heavenly Emperor's reaction, he could understand it.
"If the Seventh Prince's only bloodline were to perish, it might not be a great loss for the royal family!"
Lu Fan chuckled bitterly. "Since His Majesty the Heavenly Emperor insists on his execution, I will personally resolve him in Your Majesty's presence!"
"You think this will allow you to evade punishment?" Wen Taishi sneered. "You have deceived heaven and earth; your crime is unforgivable and deserves beheading."
"It seems Grand Tutor Wen's visit today is not for the sake of the royal family, but to put me to death!" Lu Fan narrowed his eyes. "Perhaps when I visited Grand Tutor's manor last time, I offended you, and that's why you hold a grudge and say such things!"
"Hmph!"
Wen Taishi snorted coldly, a surge of imposing aura emanating from him. "Since matters have come to this, there is nothing more to say. Everything is up to the Heavenly Emperor's decision!"
Facing these words, Lu Fan remained silent, his gaze fixed on the Heavenly Emperor, his expression indifferent.
"You are all pillars of the Heavenly Dynasty. Why must you be so confrontational!" The Heavenly Emperor waved his hand, then looked at Lu Fan. "Since things have come to this, King of the Northwest, you need not take it to heart. As for that royal nephew, you shall foster him!"
"This..."
Wen Taishi was greatly shocked. "Your Majesty the Heavenly Emperor, this absolutely cannot be! If he is truly allowed to remain, it will not be good for the entire royal family!"
"He is just a child who has not yet lost his baby teeth. Even if he grows up and learns the truth, what of it?"
The Heavenly Emperor revealed a detached smile. "Could he possibly rebel!"
Wen Taishi offered an awkward smile. "Of course not. Even if he were to gain immense courage, he would not dare to do so, nor would he have the capability. However, if the roots are not removed, the grass will grow back with the spring breeze!"
"Enough, you need not say more!"
The Heavenly Emperor waved his hand, seemingly having made his decision on the matter.
Wen Taishi nodded slightly, not daring to say more. The turn of events had truly caught him by surprise, as this was no trifling matter.
After leaving the palace, Lu Fan returned to his Northwest King's manor. Inside the manor, Bei Cheng had been waiting for a long time.
"Why are you here?" Lu Fan glanced at him.
"It's not often I return to the capital. If this old friend doesn't come to see you, wouldn't that be too ungrateful!" Bei Cheng smiled. "I heard that your return to the capital this time involves a secret mission!"
"That's right. The First Prince last time was merely a scapegoat. The true mastermind has yet to appear!" Lu Fan shrugged.
"Really?" Bei Cheng looked astonished. "Could it be that among the many princes, there is someone manipulating everything from behind the scenes?"
"Naturally, there is!"
Lu Fan nodded, his eyes serious. "You may not know this, but this person has been playing us like puppets. Yet, you are still..."
"Then who is it!"
Bei Cheng was somewhat surprised. "Among the many princes, there don't seem to be many who possess such capabilities!"
"This person is both near and far!" Lu Fan revealed a smile, the corners of his mouth curling upwards.
At these words, Bei Cheng's expression stiffened slightly. He then smiled and said, "You scoundrel, why do I feel like you're implying something about me?"
"What are you talking about? How could I imply anything about you!" Lu Fan smiled. "I'm speaking plainly, not implying anything. The Young Master of the Hell Dynasty!"
"I think you're deliberately picking a fight, boy. How could I possibly be the Young Master of the Hell Dynasty!" Bei Cheng chuckled awkwardly.