"Even if I die today, I will never surrender!" the Seventh Prince declared. "However, I implore you to take care of my child. He is innocent, and if he is sent back to the imperial city, he will surely meet a tragic end!"
"This is not something I can decide!" the Ninth Prince shook his head, his eyes filled with helplessness. He wished he could help the Seventh Prince, but all he could do was protect himself, for only then could he avoid being implicated.
As members of the royal family, they naturally understood these matters clearly, which was why they were so concerned.
"Are you truly so heartless!"
The Seventh Prince was filled with despair and unwillingness, yet he was powerless.
Seeing that the Seventh Prince had already died, the Princess Consort was overcome with grief. She immediately picked up the long sword beside her and ended her own life without the slightest hesitation.
Witnessing this scene, the people of the Seventh Prince's manor exchanged glances, their hearts filled with indignation, but they were utterly helpless. The situation had reached a point beyond their control.
Looking at the child lying in a pool of blood, the Princess of the Northern Territory felt a pang of compassion and wanted to keep him. The Ninth Prince, however, shook his head and said, "This child cannot be kept. Otherwise, endless regrets will follow. If the Heavenly Emperor learns of this, he will surely punish me!"
"The child is innocent, why must he be implicated!"
The Princess of the Northern Territory shook her head, unable to accept it. The Ninth Prince's words had deeply affected her.
"I am well aware of what you say, but do you know the consequences of offending the Heavenly Emperor!"
The Ninth Prince's voice resounded again, this time with a serious tone. After all, the Heavenly Emperor's might was not something ordinary people could contend with.
The Princess of the Northern Territory was filled with helplessness. With the situation having reached this point, she could not say anything more. Although she felt great reluctance, the only thing she could do now was to bury them.
"Ninth Prince, while that may be so, is it not too cruel to treat a child this way?"
Lu Fan said with a smile, slowly stepping forward, his gaze solemn.
In response to these words, the Ninth Prince shook his head. "I understand what you are saying, but you should also know that the Heavenly Court's decrees cannot be violated. If the Heavenly Court finds out that I kept this person, the Heavenly Emperor will surely trouble me in the future!"
"It seems the Ninth Prince is indeed iron-willed, with no regard for kinship at all. Otherwise, you wouldn't be so candid!"
Lu Fan said with a wry smile. "Even if your own brother lies before you, you remain so indifferent!"
"This..."
The Ninth Prince stood there stunned, his expression shifting slightly. Faced with Lu Fan's words, he felt a mix of emotions, and the situation left him somewhat bewildered.
Although he feared the Heavenly Court's authority, he also possessed humanity. Even he did not wish to harm a child, but this was not something he could decide. Moreover, as a member of the royal family, if he harbored any remnants of rebellion, and it became known, the entire Ninth Prince's manor could face annihilation.
"Why don't I adopt him? That way, the Ninth Prince need not be apprehensive," Lu Fan said with a slight smile. "As for what happened today, the Ninth Prince can pretend not to know. I will raise this child from now on!"
"The King of the Northwest, who is not of the royal bloodline, possesses such kindness. It truly earns my admiration!"
The Ninth Prince clasped his fists. "If I still refuse, would that not be too cruel!"
"So, the Ninth Prince agrees!"
Lu Fan smiled, appearing quite pleased. This would indeed be for the best.
Regardless of anything, this was a living life. If he could save him, it would be considered accumulating merit, something Lu Fan cared about greatly.
"From now on, his name will be Lu Tian!"
Lu Fan smiled. "This way, no one will suspect his identity!"
"That name is indeed good. I like it too," the Princess of the Northern Territory nodded, her face showing joy. This was truly for the best.
Lu Fan picked up Lu Tian, shielding him in his palm, his gaze gentle. This was merely a child, and he should not suffer undeserved disaster. Even Lu Fan could not bear it, which was why he had spoken up.
After taking control of the entire rebellious city of the Seventh Prince's manor, the Ninth Prince and Lu Fan prepared to return to the imperial capital to report their success, not daring to delay even for a moment, as this matter was of great importance to them.
Meanwhile, in the Heavenly Court's court, everyone looked at the Ninth Prince and Lu Fan with smiles on their faces. They had already learned that the Seventh Prince had been beheaded, which was undoubtedly great news for the entire Heavenly Dynasty.
During this period, the Heavenly Dynasty had experienced a period of unrest, causing considerable commotion and worry about its safety. Subsequently, the rebellion of the Seventh Prince had caused widespread anxiety.
However, with everything now suppressed, stability had returned, which was a great boon to them.
"The Seventh Prince rebelled. Your efforts in suppressing him are of great merit!" Su Dan Novel Network
The Heavenly Emperor's voice rang out, his gaze falling upon Lu Fan and the Ninth Prince, his eyes filled with relief.
"It is my honor to serve the Heavenly Court. Your subject dares not claim credit!" the Ninth Prince said with a slight apology, appearing to tread on thin ice. Although he was of royal blood, it was precisely this sensitive identity that made him dare not overstep.
After all, such matters were not to be trifled with. A single misstep that displeased the Heavenly Emperor could lead to endless disaster.
The Ninth Prince understood this deeply, which was why he dared not be negligent.
"Ninth Brother, there is no need for such formality. We are all brothers, why be so cautious!" the Heavenly Emperor waved his hand. "If my Seventh Brother had not been so arrogant and harbored rebellious intentions, I would not have sent people to intercept him. This is his own doing."
"While that may be so, the superior is the superior, and there is no distinction of brotherhood!" the Ninth Prince clasped his fists, his expression serious. He was quite deferential to the emperor before him.
The Heavenly Emperor was quite pleased with these words. At least, in his opinion, the Ninth Prince's words made him feel delighted. This was the feeling he desired.
"Your Majesty, if my guess is correct, the Underworld Dynasty will likely advance on the Heavenly Court not long from now. You must be prepared!" Lu Fan said, cupping his fists. "Otherwise, losing the initiative will have a significant impact on the Heavenly Dynasty!"
"King of the Northwest, where did you obtain this information?" the Grand Tutor said with displeasure, his gaze fixed on Lu Fan. "Do you truly believe that having accomplished one deed allows you to speak recklessly? This is the Heavenly Court!"