The implication was that if they truly cooperated with He Kayian, assisting him in seizing the position of Hidden Master, he would likely eliminate them afterward.
"You are the Crown Prince of Country C. Negotiate with He Kayian using this as a condition. I believe you will both gain more unexpected rewards."
Antina made her point subtly.
Her words were like a splash of cold water on a dreamer.
Anthony suddenly seemed to understand something. His pupils gleamed with a faint light, and he smiled knowingly, "Antina, you are still the smartest."
He was very satisfied with Antina's reminder today.
After speaking, he glared at the servant beside him, "What are you standing there for? Don't you know to serve tea to our guest!"
That night.
Anthony secretly met with He Kayian. They had a private conversation in the room for over two hours before parting ways.
This night was destined to be one where many could not find sleep.
With the succession ceremony drawing nearer, both the He Kai clan and the He Xiao clan were covertly mobilizing troops and planning their strategies.
During Meng Jingwei and Shi Ran's hospitalization, Old Chen Tou had repeatedly said he wanted to visit, but Qing Muyue had refused every time.
Now that he knew they had been discharged, he came directly to Yipinjue to find them.
As Old Chen Tou entered, Du Lin went upstairs and knocked on Meng Jingwei's door, saying, "Miss Meng, Old Mr. Chen is here."
Meng Jingwei was resting on a lounger on the balcony. Upon hearing Du Lin's words, a cold frost suddenly settled upon her clear and elegant face.
She stood up, walked to the door, opened it, and said to Du Lin, "Let him come up."
"Alright."
Du Lin nodded.
Just as he turned to leave, he was called back by Meng Jingwei, "Wait."
"Does Miss Meng have any other instructions?"
"Don't let Tang Si and Shi Ran know that Old Mr. Chen is here yet," she instructed, her brow furrowed with concern.
"Yes."
Du Lin took his leave and went downstairs.
A few minutes later, Old Chen Tou appeared outside the living room.
He was wearing a black cross-collared short-sleeved shirt, black and gray loose pants, and a black and gray checkered headscarf, clearly dressed in the style of the hidden clan.
Old Chen Tou stood at the door. The man who was usually spirited and energetic now wore a dejected expression, exuding an air of decadence.
Meng Jingwei didn't even glance at him, sitting quietly on the sofa and preparing tea with a Zisha teapot.
Every movement was exceptionally slow, as if she were savoring a leisurely life, or perhaps waiting for something.
"You're alone?"
Old Chen Tou walked into the living room and, seeing only Meng Jingwei, casually asked.
"You should be thankful he's not here. Otherwise, I fear your old bones wouldn't withstand his fists."
Meng Jingwei, holding the Zisha teapot, poured a cup of tea and placed it on the table opposite her, then poured another cup for herself.
Her fair, jade-like fingers lifted the teacup, blowing on the wisps of steam and inhaling the rich aroma of the tea. "This is calming tea specially brewed for you, Master, in case you have a guilty conscience and can't rest easy."
She spoke with implied meaning.
How could Old Chen Tou not understand the implication in Meng Jingwei's words?
He walked to the sofa and sat down opposite Meng Jingwei, "I came today to talk to you about that girl, Shi Ran."
Meng Jingwei lowered her head and quietly sipped her tea, remaining silent.
Old Chen Tou continued, "There's a hidden weapon on my ring."
As he spoke, Old Chen Tou raised his hand and, in front of Meng Jingwei, pressed an inconspicuous button mechanism. The dragon's head on the ring then protruded a sharp blade tip.
"That day, I used the knife on my ring to cut the ropes and try to escape. That girl, Shi Ran, saw it and held my arm tightly. I was in a hurry to leave, so I swung my hand. The force was too great, and who knew it would slash across her face."
Having explained the events of that day in a few words, he fell silent, calmly looking at Meng Jingwei. His aged face held an indefinable mixture of melancholy and sadness.
"Are you finished?"