Chapter 1142: Abnormal Change
On their way back to King An’s Imperial Residence, the four internal guards of the Imperial House followed Xiao Tieying closely.
The Imperial House’s internal guards relaxed and stopped following Xiao Tieying closely only when they arrived at King An’s Imperial Residence.
In the evening, the backyard of King An’s Imperial Residence glowed due to the beautiful twilight.
Chu Li and Xiao Tieying conversed in a gazebo in the backyard.
“Chu Li, based on the things you said, do you have an opinion about the throne?”
Chu Li answered, “Big Brother, I shall not hide this from you, I’d like to let Xu An join the throne-claiming battle.”
If he intended to urge Xu An to take over the throne, he needed more help instead of relying on his own. While the Public Houses seemed lacking in power, they had solid foundations and were strong in presence everywhere. Besides, hidden forces could usually win by surprise, and could also determine victory or defeat.
Martial arts could not solve everything in the world. At times, those with profound martial arts were left powerless.
“Xu An?” Xiao Tieying frowned. “What a wild imagination! Xu An’s going to be the prince of the next generation and is also King An’s son. If it’s King Jing’s son instead, there might be a chance.”
“Xu An’s a disciple of Titanium Temple and a Buddhist.” Chu Li added, “He cultivates the Ten Lifetimes of Dharma, and is bound to achieve Buddhahood. If he inherits the throne, he’ll be supported by Titanium Temple, and the imperial family won’t be suppressed by Tempest Temple anymore.”
“Mm, that’s quite tempting!” Xiao Tieying nodded as he pondered.
Being the Young Duke of the High Duke’s Public House, he was aware of what really bothered the emperor.
Tempest Temple had become the emperor’s inner demon. Not only did he fail to be victorious over Tempest Temple’s Enlightened Master, but the imperial court could not repress Tempest Temple as well. Consequently, the emperor could not control Ji Dynasty as he wished with ease, which weakened the nation’s power.
Chu Li mentioned, “But that point itself won’t make it work. Big Brother, do you have any ideas?”
“Uh…” Xiao Tieying sighed, then smiled bitterly, “I really can’t think of Xu An’s other strengths. The fact that he’s inept in government affairs is most costly as King Jing is extremely adept at it. He knows the royal court like the back of his hand, so he’s not afraid of being fooled by the chancellors.”
Chu Li agreed.
Xiao Tieying continued, “Moreover, he’s too young. One has to be at least twenty years old to claim the throne, right?”
“Yes.” Chu Li nodded helplessly.
“He’s of an age where he’ll act impulsively.” Xiao Tieying shook his head. “Young people are unreliable, the courtiers won’t trust him easily.”
Chu Li furrowed his brows as he reflected on the matter. “He’ll have to contribute to many merits and achievements?”
“He’s too young, he can’t enter the royal court.” Xiao Tieying sighed heavily. “The people can’t experience his wisdom anyway.”
Chu Li smiled. “Xu An’s a disciple of Titanium Temple. He possesses divine powers, and his wisdom is unmatched by ordinary people. As long as one interacts with him, one can feel his excellence.”
“That’ll be great.” Xiao Tieying nodded. “People are always respectful and tolerant of extraordinaires.”
Chu Li then suggested, “It’s not tough to be proficient in government affairs. We can look for a master to tutor Xu An, I’m sure he’ll get a grasp of it in no time since his wisdom is unsurpassed by King Jing.”
“Then…” Xiao Tieying put on a smile. “He’ll be at a rather advantageous spot.”
Chu Li nodded. “Xu An’s wisdom is brilliant.”
Xu An was remarkably talented. In addition to his cultivation at Titanium Temple, he would be even more outstanding that he was way ahead of King Jing. This was his biggest advantage. Nonetheless, more effort needs to be made if Chu Li were to turn Xu An’s advantage into real power.
Xiao Tieying commented, “Looks like it’s not a wild imagination for Xu An to claim the throne!”
Chu Li stated, “I’m thinking of letting Xu An enter Fairy’s Capital during the final three years to influence the people, where I’ll cooperate by boosting support. As for King Jing…”
He let out a sigh. “I have no grudges against King Jing, it’s just a pity that…”
“Feelings can’t be considered in a throne-claiming battle,” Xiao Tieying said.
Chu Li reminded, “King Jing has Lu Yurong to help him with plots and schemes, it won’t be easy to go against them.”
Xiao Tieying chuckled upon hearing that.
He was most familiar with Lu Yurong’s intelligence. Back then when they were terribly suppressed by Ren Public House, Xiao Tieying and the others hated and feared Lu Yurong very much. If it was not for Chu Li who appeared, Yi Public House could still be overpowered by Ren Public House.
Chu Li looked at him.
Xiao Tieying grinned. “I heard from Younger Sister that Lu Yurong has a favorable impression of you. I’m also aware that she has always been so arrogant that she disregards all men in the world.”
Chu Li could not help but laugh. “She’s imagining things.”
“Women are meant to get married. I have an idea, it’ll kill two birds with one stone.” Xiao Tieying giggled.
Chu Li smiled. “Forget it.”
Xiao Tieying laughed. “Did you guess it? If you marry Lu Yurong, not only will you weaken King Jing, but you’ll also toughen. It’ll serve two ends, why not?”
Chu Li was cracked up. “Big Brother, if Xiao Qi hears this, she’ll yell at you.”
“It can’t be helped, it’s for the better of everyone else.” Xiao Tieying put on a broad smile. “But I can tell that you’re not like me, you’re not fickle like me.”
If Ren Public House and Yi Public House could join hands instead of being enemies, it would be a good thing.
At the moment, Xiao Tieying was still rather fearful of Ren Public House. If Chu Li were to get involved in the throne-claiming battle in Fairy’s Capital, Lu Yurong would not remain idle for sure. Undoubtedly, she would use Chu Li’s weakness to crush Yi Public House.
Instead of being hostile toward each other, it was better to turn their enemy into a friend. Besides, it was possible that Chu Li and Lu Yurong with compatible wisdom could assist Xu An in claiming the throne.
Otherwise, with King Jing’s huge advantage and Lu Yurong’s schemes, Xu An would be nowhere near the throne.
Chu Li shook his head. “Big Brother, don’t worry, that’s impossible.”
“I’m not testing you!” Xiao Tieying expressed.
Chu Li smiled, then looked behind Xiao Tieying.
Xiao Qi appeared all of a sudden and glared at Xiao Tieying coldly.
At once, Xiao Tieying turned around, then scratched his head as he was embarrassed. He laughed to save himself from an awkward situation. “Younger Sister, when did you come?”
‘Xiao Qi’s martial art has surpassed mine, I didn’t even notice that she approached us. I’m afraid that she has been here for some time and heard what we said. That’ll be embarrassing.’
Xiao Qi uttered, “You’re such a nice big brother!”
As soon as Xiao Tieying sensed the unfavorable situation, he quickly explained, “Younger Sister, I was just testing Chu Li. Looks like he behaves well!”
Xiao Qi rolled her eyes at him. “Big Brother, what other ideas do you have?”
“This, uhh…” Xiao Tieying quickly responded, “I can’t be openly involved, I can only help behind closed doors.”
“That’ll be great.” Xiao Qi noted, “It’s not easy to be the crown prince, King Jing will surely make mistakes. Big Brother, you just have to keep an eye on him.”
Xiao Tieying assured, “No problem!”
Feeling embarrassed about what happened, he wanted to leave. “I shall not disturb the two of you anymore, I’ll go take a rest. Send me home tomorrow.”
Chu Li nodded.
Xiao Qi watched Xiao Tieying disappear from the corner of a secluded path before she turned to glare at Chu Li.
Chu Li smiled with squinted eyes. “It’ll be much easier with Big Brother’s help.”
“You’re not moved by Big Brother’s suggestion?” Xiao Qi was curious.
Chu Li giggled. “You’re doing it again!”
Xiao Qi replied, “I’m being serious, I’m not testing you.”
She was conscious of how she had changed. Ever since their marriage, her Regal Sword Scripture advanced so much, but along with that advancement, her feelings became fainter. It was as if she lost the feeling of excitement toward everything.
Back then when Xiao Qi laid in Chu Li’s arms, she was so aroused that her body tended to tremble, and her mind went blank. Now, she only felt warm, relaxed and was no longer stirred.
1Xiao Qi knew that if this were to go on, she would soon feel nothing, and might even despise Chu Li.
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