[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-heir-to-the-kingdom-of-1-4-billion-citizens":3,"chapter-heir-to-the-kingdom-of-1-4-billion-citizens-heir-to-the-kingdom-of-1-4-billion-citizens-chapter-168":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Heir to the Kingdom of 1.4 Billion Citizens",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2271043,4434,"Chapter 168: Xia Mingyu Heads to the Circus, Accompanied by Three New Moon Knights","heir-to-the-kingdom-of-1-4-billion-citizens-chapter-168",168,"\u003Cp>In the deep night, inside a small house built of straw and logs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A boy, about eight or nine years old, thrashed on his bed like a stranded fish, the blanket long twisted into a tangled mess, yet he felt no sleepiness, only glancing occasionally out the window.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His name was Tang Mu, the son of a carpenter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the peaceful city of Langbao, children like him, though never worried about food or shelter, had no thought of entertainment—no more than chasing and roughhousing with peers down alleyways.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But among children of the Southern Region, there lived a tale as deeply rooted as a hero slaying a dragon to save a princess.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Legend spoke of a circus where “monsters” lived—frightening in appearance but kind at heart, performing free, delightful shows for every child in the world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether poor or rich, humble or noble, beautiful or ugly, every child was equally and randomly chosen by the circus.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The chosen child would receive an invitation at midnight, delivered by a white mouse to their home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This fairy-tale entrance held a magic no child could resist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As time passed, Tang Mu gradually felt drowsy, his eyelids growing heavier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tap-tap-tap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, a faint tapping came from the window.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next instant, the boy’s tightly shut eyes flew wide open; he leapt from bed like a spring-loaded toy and flung open the window.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A tiny white mouse, wearing a miniature top hat, stood outside the window, its incisors gripping a white invitation, staring silently at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Mu reached out joyfully to take the invitation, but after several tries, he couldn’t pry it loose—the white mouse clung tightly, as if playing a game of stubbornness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a moment of stunned pause, the boy snapped back to himself and swiftly handed the mouse the black bread already prepared beside his bed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mouse curled its long tail around the bread crumbs, then released the invitation with satisfaction, leaping away in a few bounds until it vanished into the dark street.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Mu carefully picked up the invitation, as if it were a fragile gem that might shatter with the slightest pressure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He gently unfolded it, and saw a line of blood-red script:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You are formally invited to the Monster Carnival under the Moonlight—a secret performance made solely for children.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The monsters are coming to steal your fear!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment he finished reading, the boy bounced wildly on his bed, only calming down after waking his parents next door and receiving a beating with a broom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He closed his eyes and sank deeply into sleep, already eager in his dreams to boast to his friends.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Morning Wind Street, No. 13 Alchemy Shop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A bronze crucible bubbled steadily, pale blue vapor rising through the condenser, cooling into thick, deep-blue liquid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yude sealed the last vial of magical potion, glanced at the bright full moon outside, and sighed with satisfaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was wonderful—he could finally contribute something to the Sage he truly revered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just thinking of it made the monkey-faced alchemist feel weightless, as joyful as if he’d drunk twilight tea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was addicted to helping the Sage—and willingly so.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oh, right—the Sage had told him not to stay up late, saying it would let him serve longer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I must obey the Sage’s command and sleep immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking this, Yude swiftly packed away his potions and materials, climbed into bed, and pulled the covers over himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Overcome by exhaustion, he felt a wave of drowsiness the moment he lay down, and soon fell into deep sleep.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tap-tap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two faint knocks sounded outside the window, as if someone had tapped lightly with two fingers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yude, sound asleep, ignored it—but the knocking grew louder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His brow furrowed; he could no longer endure the noise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swish!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who is it? Can’t you let a man sleep at this hour?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yude flung off his blanket and leapt from bed, shouting angrily as he threw open the window.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To his surprise, standing outside was not a mischievous child, but two white mice, each holding a white envelope in their teeth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, Yude’s anger turned to confusion and curiosity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mice delivering letters?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The alchemist recalled a story from childhood that once filled him with longing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Coupling this with the excited chatter he’d heard from passersby upon returning from Chihu Fortress about a famous circus arriving, Yude immediately took the envelope from the mice’s mouths and read it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You are formally invited to the Monster Carnival under the Moonlight—a secret performance made solely for children.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment he saw the blood-red script, Yude’s lips curled into a faint smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He confirmed it—this was the very thing he had dreamed of as a child: the Monster Circus invitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had even once imagined joining the circus himself, for he, too, was seen by the world as a “monster.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But could this invitation have been sent to the wrong person?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was already eighteen years old!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m an adult, not a child—did you deliver this to the wrong person?” Yude asked the two mice on the windowsill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both white mice shook their heads in unison; the one still holding the invitation stepped forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly, they had come to deliver the invitation to Yude—and two of them, at once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yude fell silent for a moment, then tucked both invitations away; even as an adult, he still very much wanted to see the “monsters” perform.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And perhaps the extra invitation could be given to the Sage as a gift.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before parting, Yude took some nuts from his cabinet and offered them to the two messenger mice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mice eagerly curled their tails around the nuts, then performed a lively tap dance for Yude, making the usually quiet alchemist burst into laughter before vanishing into the night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chihu Fortress, morning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dining hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The first rays of dawn pierced the stained-glass windows, casting dappled color onto the long oak table, where silver utensils gleamed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sage, this is a gift for you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xia Mingyu set down his knife and fork, took the white envelope from Yude with both hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He opened it, frowned at the blood-red script on the paper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What is this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Highness, this is an invitation to the Monster Circus.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Xia Mingyu could ask, Anliya behind him explained for Yude.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then the golden-haired girl told Xia Mingyu the origins, legends, and deeds of the Monster Circus.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A circus of deformed performers who perform free shows for children only.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xia Mingyu rested his chin on his hand, his handsome face filled with curiosity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Anliya, have you ever been to this circus?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing her recite the details so fondly, and seeing the faint smile on her face, Xia Mingyu realized she might once have been a guest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“When I was a child, the Monster Circus performed in Minestone Town. After I received the invitation from the mouse, my adoptive father took me on a long journey to bring me to the circus gates.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if recalling those beautiful memories, Anliya’s smile grew sweeter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“After entering the circus—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several years ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A young golden-haired Anliya stepped into the circus, cheering wildly at the performers’ dazzling acts, yet trembling in fear at their monstrous appearances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In her stumbling excitement, she accidentally bumped into a female member.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The woman had long, deep-blue hair like a starry sky, gentle eyes, and an elegant aura—despite having six slender arms, she remained as beautiful as a figure from a painting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So beautiful!” little Anliya blurted out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, the woman smiled gently and spoke in a voice as soft as water:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re beautiful too—the cutest little girl I’ve ever seen.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then the blue-haired woman took little Anliya’s hand and showed her every entertaining spot and performance inside the circus.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how fearsome the circus member, upon seeing this blue-haired woman, would bow respectfully and call her “Big Sister,” and dare not scare Anliya, whom she held by the hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the final act, the blue-haired woman took the stage, twirling six arms entwined with ribbons in a breathtaking dance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Little Anliya below was utterly awestruck; she clapped until her palms turned red and still didn’t stop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At parting, the blue-haired woman gave her a gift—a star ornament from her own hair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This one.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the dining hall, Anliya rolled up her sleeve to reveal a beautiful bracelet, one of its charms a tiny star.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I treat it as a lucky charm and carry it with me always.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The golden-haired girl flicked her slender wrist, the ornaments chiming merrily as she smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It does sound like a wonderful circus.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After listening intently to Anliya’s tale, Xia Mingyu said eagerly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Indeed, I’d love to meet those circus members!” Yude added, his eyes alight with longing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Highness, if you wish to go, then go. You’ve stayed inside the fortress far too long.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing their eager expressions, Anliya smiled gently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Xia Mingyu realized that since the Twilight Tea incident, he had remained cooped up inside Chihu Fortress, never stepping outside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had been Lady Luo Sha’s advice: hidden assassins might still lurk, so the safest place for the prince was within the fortress.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, Luo Yi, Luo Lan, and Ka Lun—the three New Moon Knights—now had their rooms arranged beside or one floor near his own.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Should they sense even the slightest disturbance, they would rush instantly into his room to protect him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although staying inside the castle was indeed safe, after so long cooped up, he decided he must go out for a change of pace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Anelia, is there anything you’d like me to tell that blue-haired woman?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Highness, please tell her that she gave a child the fulfillment of every childhood fantasy that day.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The girl smiled sweetly as she slipped off her wrist bracelet and gently fastened it onto Xia Mingyu’s wrist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At dusk, the full moon hung high, its silver glow cascading down like a thin veil draped over the city’s buildings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tap tap tap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A luxurious carriage rolled along the road, its wheels crushing stone slabs with a dull, rhythmic rumble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the carriage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m just going to see a circus—do we really need all of you here?” Xia Mingyu said helplessly from the sofa, with Youde sitting stiffly beside him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Opposite him on the sofa, Luo Yi, Luo Lan, and Karun were crammed together so tightly that the once-spacious seat now felt cramped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My Lord, Karun and the others mean well—please accept their protection. Your safety is of utmost importance.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the front compartment of the carriage, Boge’s respectful voice came through the curtain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, the hunter boy was focused intently on driving for his Lord, striving to achieve the same smoothness as Karun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My Lord, as Boge said, your safety concerns the fate of the Southern Region and indeed all of Sosia. Considering the recent Dusk Tea incident and the madness of the Named Beast, I believe no amount of caution is excessive.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Karun spoke in a low, firm tone, his sharply defined face set with resolve—he had already decided to follow and protect the Prince no matter how he refused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yi glanced at Karun with envy; the man actually called the Prince “My Lord”—how envious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Luo Yi joined in the plea:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, Your Highness, this isn’t just my personal wish—if my father were still alive, he’d demand I stand by you without ever leaving your side.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Please grant your permission, Your Highness.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing both had finished speaking, Luo Lan knelt cleanly on one knee.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Please grant your permission, Your Highness!” x2\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xia Mingyu: “...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at the three Crescent Knights kneeling before him, he increasingly realized that when you become a leader of sufficient magnitude, you can no longer enjoy the freedom you once had as a lone individual.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For every action you take may affect countless lives—perhaps you truly must deliberate with the utmost care.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I accept.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>City Square.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The square, which should have been pitch-black at this hour, was now brightly lit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On one hand, the circus tent—occupying a full tenth of the square’s area—blazed with light, radiating brilliance outward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the other, it came from parents carrying oil lamps, escorting their children to the circus.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some wore coarse hemp robes, clearly commoners; others were dressed in silk and brocade, arriving in lavish carriages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet without exception, every child brought here—rich or poor—wore a radiant smile on their face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In addition, several fire pits had been set up around the square to provide illumination, and nearly a hundred soldiers, led by transcendent knights, patrolled diligently to safeguard the children.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the circus entrance, children cheered and waved their invitation tickets, forming a long line awaiting inspection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the tall figure of Xia Mingyu appeared in the line, he immediately drew the attention of every citizen in the square.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is that... a child of eight or nine?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A grown man sneaking in to see the circus? He has no shame at all.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Parents escorting their children murmured among themselves; one burly middle-aged man even stormed forward, determined to drag away this brazen intruder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Until, beneath the lamplight, he saw the man’s face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah! You’re the Sage!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2188,"2026-06-19T22:18:43.340Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","cf48dfb91ea5ab402aa8bf21250be1053e6591f6cf3f609132c6d85e5c561b2c","heir-to-the-kingdom-of-1-4-billion-citizens-chapter-169","heir-to-the-kingdom-of-1-4-billion-citizens-chapter-167",186,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fheir-to-the-kingdom-of-1-4-billion-citizens-cover.jpg"]