Chapter 327: Ambition

When the Princess Imperial arrived at the Piandian, she saw the Regent Prince already there, clad in a python robe, his aura deep as an abyss, radiating a heavy solemnity that inspired awe and fear.

"Your humble servant greets Uncle the Regent."

The Princess Imperial smiled, stepping forward to bow.

The Regent Prince smiled and said, "Luan Yu, have you just finished purifying the Dark Caverns at the Academy? Was it smooth?"

The Princess Imperial nodded. "The Dark Caverns are unharmed—after all, Chancellor Pang is stationed there."

The Regent Prince sighed. "Chancellor Pang is truly the anchor of our Great Xia. With him guarding the Dark Caverns, our Great Xia remains at peace."

After exchanging a few more casual words, the Regent Prince finally asked, "How is the Emperor's health? Has Li Luo shown any effect?"

The Princess Imperial's smile did not fade; she was not surprised the Regent Prince knew of Li Luo. After all, his influence was immense, his spies even more numerous than hers. Though she had done her utmost to conceal Li Luo's role, the effort had clearly failed. From her two encounters with Li Luo alone, the Regent Prince could deduce something—after all, if Li Luo had no effect, she would never waste time on such a meaningless endeavor.

"Yes," the Princess Imperial replied without evasion, "earlier, in desperation, I had Li Luo try. It seemed to help a little, so I've decided to have him come regularly. There are no other options."

"How could a mere Xiangshi cultivator accomplish what even a Marquis-level healer could not?" The Regent Prince's face betrayed clear astonishment.

The Princess Imperial shook her head helplessly. "I truly don't know. Perhaps it's because he possesses Dual Phases?"

She herself could not understand it either.

"Dual Phases are rare among Xiangshi cultivators, but every Marquis-level cultivator possesses them." The Regent Prince said.

Yet he said no more, only smiling: "Still, the world holds many extraordinary individuals. Perhaps Li Luo has some unique ability. But his power remains far too low. When treating the Emperor, you must watch him closely—lest something go wrong. The Emperor's sacred body is of utmost importance."

"You are right, Uncle," the Princess Imperial nodded.

After speaking a while longer, the Regent Prince suddenly smiled faintly. "Luan Yu, you'll be leaving the Academy in half a year, won't you? At your age, it's time to consider marriage. Among the many noble families of Great Xia, is there one you favor? If so, say it—Uncle will handle it for you."

This sudden remark left the Princess Imperial momentarily stunned, but she quickly recovered, smiling shyly. "I've never given it thought. I've never met anyone I truly favor."

"You should pay more attention," the Regent Prince said. "I know you're proud and exceptionally talented, but your lifelong happiness cannot be ignored."

The Princess Imperial nodded with a warm smile, then whispered softly, "My lifelong matter isn't as important as you say. If I can see the young Emperor take the throne in peace, I'll be content."

"Speaking of which..."

She paused, smiling. "Uncle, in half a year, the young Emperor will truly ascend the throne. These years have been hard for you—but thankfully, your promise with Father has been fulfilled."

"So for the coronation ceremony in half a year, I hope you'll prepare thoroughly and preside over it with full strength."

The Regent Prince sighed. "Before I knew it, the young Emperor has reached this age."

He chuckled. "Rest assured, Luan Yu. I'll make the coronation ceremony grand and splendid—enough to satisfy you."

"Thank you, Uncle," the Princess Imperial bowed gratefully, delighted.

The Regent Prince waved his hand with a smile, spoke a few more words, then turned and left.

The Princess Imperial watched his retreating figure with a smile, until his form vanished completely—only then did her smile slowly fade.

"So eager for me to settle my marriage?"

She murmured softly, then sneered inwardly—for she knew the Wang family's rules: if the Princess Imperial formally betrothed herself, she could no longer remain in the Imperial Palace, but must depart for her fiefdom.

Yet the young Emperor is still too young. If I leave, the central power of Great Xia will fall entirely into the hands of this Uncle of mine. All the forces Father left behind will be dismantled or co-opted.

Once that happens, all authority will concentrate in the Regent Prince's hands—who, then, will truly be the King of Great Xia?

These years, the Regent Prince's power in Great Xia has grown ever stronger. Most provincial governors are appointed by him. If this continues, even if he himself has no ambition, his subordinates will push him onto the throne, robing him in yellow.

And does this Uncle truly have no ambition?

The Princess Imperial's gaze grew deep, then she sighed softly. These years, if not for her own fierce efforts, the situation would be far worse.

She had always admired Jiang Jiang Qinge, largely because their circumstances were so similar—thus, a quiet mutual understanding.

Now, she only hoped the coronation ceremony in half a year would proceed smoothly. If this Uncle is willing to relinquish power, all will be well.

If not, Great Xia will face a great upheaval.

Thinking of this, the Princess Imperial involuntarily clenched her fists, her eyes cold.

After leaving the palace, the Regent Prince boarded the luxurious carriage waiting outside, its surface bearing a majestic python emblem, symbolizing his status.

Inside the carriage, dim and shadowed, the Regent Prince sat down, his face calm as still water.

"Luan Yu is pressing me to relinquish power," he said after a long while, smiling faintly, as if speaking to himself.

Something seemed to stir in the carriage's darkness; a faint, indistinct voice emerged from the shadows: "Isn't that your agreement with the old Emperor?"

The Regent Prince said, "I fear the young Emperor is too young. If he takes power now, his authority will be weak—and that would harm the royal house."

His eyes darkened slightly. "Though Great Xia is ruled by my Gong family, in prestige, the Sacred Star Academy surpasses the royal house. It's fortunate that Chancellor Pang Pang Qianyuan has remained in the Dark Caverns all these years. Otherwise, who truly holds power in Great Xia? If any crisis arises, a single word from Pang Pang Qianyuan could overthrow our dynasty."

"Great Xia was founded by my ancestors—we are its unquestioned rulers. The Sacred Star Academy's presence here is an eyesore."

"Our ancestors should never have allowed the Sacred Star Academy to be founded here!"

The Regent Prince's eyes burned with dark fury and absolute lust for power.

"I once proposed to the Sacred Star Academy: if they would appoint me as Deputy Dean, it would benefit both sides. But the Academy was too arrogant—they refused me."

The anger in his eyes gradually faded, settling into stillness.

"People say Great Xia has two kings: one, the royal house; the other, the Sacred Star Academy."

"How absurd. How can a nation have two kings?"

The Regent Prince lowered his eyelids. "These years, I've strengthened the royal house's dignity. The young Emperor is still too young. If I relinquish power now, all my efforts will be wasted. I do this for their own good."

"Ah, what a 'sincere heart'—if I didn't know what you've done, I'd almost be moved."

"You may be Regent Prince of Great Xia, but the rightful heir is the young Emperor. Many still support him—and the old Emperor didn't leave behind no power at all..."

"Your ancestors spent decades crafting a divine national defense array, using all hundred commanderies as its foundation. Before his death, the old Emperor entrusted control of that array to the young Emperor. If you harbor treacherous intent, your strength alone cannot withstand the array's power." A low, rasping laugh echoed from the carriage's darkness.

"To oppose that divine array, only Royal-level power can suffice..."

"And you... still fall short."

"Perhaps you should consider my proposal."

The Regent Prince said nothing in reply, only a cold, indifferent flicker crossed his eyes, then he slowly closed them.

Inside the carriage, silence returned.