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However, when it came to the Vast Empire, it was something that Guan Tian had promised Miss Xiangwei long ago. Now that he was taking action quickly, since he had matters to discuss with Miss Xiangwei, it would be fine to go over and help her a bit. He could also casually check on how Sister He Bi was doing in the Vast Empire.
If anyone bullied her, Guan Yue would be the first to object!
Thus, Guan Tian immediately replied, "I will arrive at the capital of the Vast Empire in three days."
Upon receiving Guan Yue's reply, Wuma Xiangwei proudly reported to her father, the Emperor of the Myriad Realms. When the Emperor saw Guan Yue's response, he couldn't help but look at Wuma Xiangwei a few more times, leaving her a bit confused. One of the ministers praised, "The princess is truly beautiful; Guan Yue has an eye for talent."
Another minister also complimented, "This is all thanks to the Emperor's great fortune. With such an outstanding princess, it's only natural that heroes from all over the world would bow down."
Wuma Xiangwei then realized that they thought she had that kind of relationship with Guan Yue. However, after reflecting seriously, she concluded that their relationship was merely that of friends. Although Wuma Xiangwei had a good impression of Guan Yue, one hand cannot clap alone.
The Vast Empire decided to hold a grand welcome for Guan Yue's arrival.
At this time, Wuma Xiangzuo also returned to the capital with He Bi.
Upon hearing that Guan Yue was coming to the Vast Empire, they were very excited. Especially He Bi, who now truly regarded Guan Yue as a younger brother. Since both were only children without siblings and they got along well, it made sense. Moreover, He Bi's beauty and cultivation were both enhanced by Guan Yue, so she genuinely cared for him!
It was a deep affection without any romantic feelings involved.
Jiang Ming returned to the Southern Source Empire to report to the Emperor that he had successfully persuaded the Vast Empire's five million troops to retreat. This pleased Wuma Xiangzuo greatly.
When Emperor Jiang Bilong inquired further, he learned that Miss He Bi had already followed Wuma Xiangzuo back to the Vast Empire. Jiang Bilong could only sigh and say, "In that case, let her go. Sacrificing one woman to avoid a war is quite good."
However, Crown Prince Jiang Gong became furious upon hearing that He Bi had gone to the Vast Empire. He had never lost his temper in front of the Emperor before, which surprised everyone present.
Jiang Gong said to Jiang Ming, "Brother Jiang Ming, since you saw Miss He Bi go to the Vast Empire's military camp, why didn't you persuade her to come back? You should know that she is already my designated Consort X." Jiang Gong's tone was both mocking and accusatory.
Jiang Ming smiled calmly and replied, "Your Highness, I have heard that the Crown Prince once discussed marriage with Miss He Bi, but later Father Emperor agreed to the proposal from the Vast Empire. Naturally, I must follow Father's wishes. Did you inform me that my engagement with He Bi is still valid?"
"Moreover, you once instructed me that whatever demands the Vast Empire made could be accepted as long as they withdrew their troops. So I strictly followed your instructions; now is it my fault?" Jiang Ming understood that handling this matter was crucial for the Southern Source Empire, and any misstep could lead to serious consequences. Father's intention was to maintain peace, and he was indeed acting according to Father's wishes. At this moment, showing appropriate firmness would surely earn him Father's favor.
Thus, he argued logically and was not afraid.
Jiang Bilong looked into Jiang Ming's eyes with increasing depth.
Jiang Gong, however, trembled with anger. How dare the young Jiang Ming challenge him in front of everyone in the hall? Did he think he could turn things around?
He shouted again, "Jiang Ming, you need to understand that you are a prince of the Southern Source Empire, not a prince of the Vast Empire. Your actions cause pain to your kin and joy to your enemies. This is truly a grave offense. Do you not realize your mistake?"
Upon hearing Jiang Gong's words, the previously smiling Jiang Ming's expression grew serious.
He shouted back, "Heaven above and spirits beside me! I, Jiang Ming, act solely for the sake of the Southern Source Empire and not for personal gain. My actions are upright and just. I can look up to heaven without shame and stand on earth without guilt. I have harmed not a bit of the Southern Source Empire's interests. Where is this pain to kin and joy to enemies? How am I guilty of such a grave offense?"
Jiang Gong angrily retorted, "You use Consort X as a bargaining chip; how does that not harm the interests of the Southern Source Empire? You let He Bi run off to the Vast Empire, allowing Wuma Xiangzuo's schemes to flourish; how does that not bring joy to our enemies? Such behavior is indeed a grave offense!"
Seeing Jiang Gong making such a scene in the hall, Jiang Ming immediately calmed himself down, forming a stark contrast with him. He restrained his anger and said instead in a composed manner, "Do you really think that He Bi still belongs to you? You are mistaken. Father has already agreed to the proposal from the Vast Empire; she no longer belongs to you. A woman—even if she were a fairy—how could she be more important than our Southern Source Empire? For the sake of our Southern Source Empire, can we not sacrifice one woman? Moreover, that woman herself likes Wuma Xiangzuo; she went to meet him of her own accord; I did not drag her there. Besides, I merely saw Miss He Bi among millions of troops in the Vast Empire; do you think I could possibly bring her back?"
Crown Prince Jiang Gong saw Jiang Ming calm and composed as if lecturing him, which only fueled his rage further. He swung his hand at Jiang Ming; although Jiang Ming could have dodged it, he did not and directly took Jiang Gong's slap. The slap was loud but diminished the Crown Prince's image significantly in Jiang Bilong's eyes.
Jiang Ming continued speaking: "You can hit me because you are the Crown Prince. I have no complaints; for our Southern Source Empire, I would die if necessary—what are a few slaps compared to that? But I say this: for our Southern Source Empire, should such a situation arise again in the future, I will still act this way. Offending one Crown Prince is merely receiving a slap; however, if I do not give my all, it is thousands upon thousands of citizens of Southern Source who will suffer. I believe it is worth it."
Jiang Ming deliberately made this statement at this moment to infuriate Jiang Gong even more, as he usually bluffs everyone with his grandiose words. However, today Jiang Ming actually used this tactic to fool the Crown Prince, which was truly foolish and reckless.
He immediately felt a surge of anger and raised his arm for another slap. Jiang Ming still did not dodge, allowing Jiang Gong's hand to strike his own face directly.
Blood began to flow from the corner of Jiang Ming's mouth, but he did not wipe it away; instead, he let it run down his face. He continued to feign composure and said, "Crown Prince Brother, if you are angry, just hit me. I will not dodge. If taking your hits can ensure that the Southern Source Empire remains peaceful every day, I am willing to be beaten every day."
Jiang Ming's words made the old ministers feel as if they were seeing him for the first time. A mere Thirteenth Prince, a lowly military Right Sima, not only managed to save the Southern Source Empire from a crisis but also bore humiliation without complaint, willing to endure punishment for the greater good. This young man has great potential.
The Crown Prince did not wish for him to display such maturity!
These old foxes recognized Jiang Ming's extraordinary character.
Jiang Bilong looked at Jiang Ming with renewed warmth in his eyes and silently praised him. This young man was not only reasonable and unafraid of grievances but also capable of enduring hardship while leveraging the public's desire for peace and avoidance of military conflict with the Vast Empire to win their favor. He even dared to challenge the Crown Prince, pushing him into a role contrary to everyone's interests.
"Jiang Ming, my son, it seems I did not misjudge you; you are truly a formidable figure."
Thus, the court session ended with Emperor Jiang Bilong reprimanding Crown Prince Jiang Gong.
Three days later, Crown Prince Jiang Gong finally calmed down from the pain of losing the ethereal He Bi. He had no choice but to accept this harsh reality.
At this moment, a minister who had a good relationship with him pointed out that what the Crown Prince had done in the hall three days ago was somewhat out of line.
Only then did Jiang Gong realize that he had fallen into Jiang Ming's trap! If it weren't for Jiang Ming deliberately provoking him, he would never have openly slapped Jiang Ming in front of everyone.
This was akin to slapping his father's face.
No, I must regain my standing and eliminate my father's negative perception of me.
When Jiang Ming recounted the events to Carefree Traveler, Carefree Traveler couldn't help but praise him, saying, "Thirteenth Prince, you have truly matured. After this encounter, your status in the Emperor's heart will naturally rise. You only need to accomplish two outstanding deeds to completely replace the Crown Prince in the Emperor's eyes."
"What can I do now?" Jiang Ming asked eagerly.
Carefree Traveler replied, "There is a significant event happening soon. Guan Tian will be visiting the Vast Empire shortly. If you, Prince, can accompany him, you will receive a grand and warm welcome, restoring face for the Southern Source Empire, and perhaps gain other benefits. This could deepen your relationship with Guan Tian. What do you think?"
"When will it happen?" Jiang Ming asked with great interest. He needed achievements now, and traveling with Guan Tian to achieve success would be a piece of cake!
"We depart tomorrow," Carefree Traveler said.
"Great! I will go find Guan Tian right away and ask him to take me along," Jiang Ming said without any hesitation.
Guan Yue and Lan Xuelei began flying over the vast ocean. At this moment, they had fully recovered to their peak state and remained highly vigilant over this unfamiliar sea. Attacks by marine creatures on humans were common occurrences, and even the Little Ancestor Saints dared not act recklessly on the ocean.
The two flew towards the Southern Source Empire.
To maintain their combat power in case of unexpected incidents, they could only fly at maximum speed with minimal output. At this time, Guan Yue truly felt the immense difference between the Eternal Realm and the Minor Saint Realm.
A Little Ancestor Saint could traverse such a sea with just a few teleports, while those in the Eternal Realm could only fly. Of course, once reaching the Minor Saint Realm, one couldn't unleash full power either; it was a form of balance. Otherwise, Little Ancestor Saints would wreak havoc at will.
Although flying was monotonous, being able to fly alongside Lan Xuelei brought him joy. They exchanged words from time to time, and Guan Yue would tease Lan Xuelei occasionally. Seeing her shy and charming demeanor filled his heart with affection.
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