Bai Xi's figure, elegant and swift, soon arrived within the imperial palace.
Upon witnessing the scene before him, Bei Cheng was finally convinced of Lu Fan's words. He had initially disbelieved them, but now he had no choice but to accept.
"I truly never expected you to appear here!"
Bai Xi offered a wry smile. "It seems you've told my second brother everything!"
"There's no other way. Things have reached this point, and I don't wish to continue concealing it!" Lu Fan shrugged. "Prince Bai Xi would be better off explaining himself."
After speaking, Lu Fan turned his gaze towards Bei Cheng. Bei Cheng, who had been skeptical moments ago, now had no room for doubt.
"What exactly is going on?" Bei Cheng looked at Bai Xi. "Why did you deceive everyone? Do you know we genuinely thought you were foolish and grieved for you all this time!"
"Second brother, there are things you should understand. This is the imperial city. To survive here, one must stay away from conflict. Feigning foolishness is the best method," Bai Xi said with a bitter smile. "I only wish to be a carefree and happy prince, not to be entangled in disputes!"
"I understand what you're saying, but do you have any connection with the Hell Dynasty? If so, come with me to see Father Emperor. He will surely forgive you!" Bei Cheng's expression was serious.
"It seems you still haven't seen through it. The one truly aiming to eradicate us is Eldest Brother, not me!" Bai Xi shook his head. "Here in the palace, I am fully aware of Eldest Brother's whereabouts and all his actions. He thinks I'm foolish, but unfortunately, he doesn't know I'm pretending!" Su Dan Novel Network
"So, you have indeed met Eldest Brother?"
Bei Cheng's expression changed. "But why would he do this? We are all his brothers, and moreover, he is destined to inherit the position of Heavenly Emperor!"
"Even though he is to inherit it, other princes could still take his place. How could he let such a threat exist!"
"Therefore, no matter what, he will spare no effort to eliminate us completely, only then can he be at ease!" Bai Xi stated frankly. "What I've said is absolutely true!"
"In that case, let's go confront Eldest Brother now!"
Bei Cheng's voice was heavy. With events having escalated to this point, he would no longer hold back.
"Are you insane?" Bai Xi frowned. "According to your logic, will Eldest Brother admit it? Moreover, we will be in danger then. Eldest Brother likely won't let us go!"
"How is that possible? He is our Eldest Brother; how could he harm us!" Bei Cheng shook his head, still finding it hard to believe, as in his eyes, the First Prince was his own brother.
Faced with these words, Bai Xi was instantly speechless, as if he didn't know how to respond, or perhaps he felt Bei Cheng was too naive, and some things were not as simple as they seemed.
Bei Cheng remained firm in his belief, as he felt they were all blood brothers and would never kill each other.
"Prince Bei Cheng, leave this matter to me!" Lu Fan interjected. "You don't need to get involved. I will provide an explanation."
Bei Cheng shook his head. "Don't worry, I won't implicate you. I will go to Eldest Brother alone and ask him why he did this!"
"Second brother, listen to my advice. This matter is not a game!" Bai Xi shook his head. "For the position of Heavenly Emperor, Eldest Brother will resort to any means. How could he possibly care about brotherhood? You will likely be in danger too!"
"Don't worry, I'll be fine. You should know, Eldest Brother and I are full brothers; he wouldn't lay a hand on me!" Bei Cheng smiled slightly. They shared the same mother, which made them closer.
This was also why Bei Cheng found it so difficult to accept.
Bai Xi felt helpless and couldn't say more. Since Bei Cheng had made up his mind, he could only go along with it. However, in Bai Xi's view, it wouldn't matter who it was; in the struggle for power, nothing could sway the outcome.
"Since it was the First Prince's doing, it seems I must report this matter to the Heavenly Emperor separately!"
Lu Fan narrowed his eyes, as if he had discovered a new world.
After Lu Fan left, Bai Xi immediately resumed his act of foolishness and returned to the imperial palace, as if nothing had happened. He buried this matter deep within his heart forever.
He only wished to be a carefree prince. As for the struggle for the throne, he wanted no part in it, as it was too bloody and not suited for him.
Late at night, Lu Fan arrived at the Heavenly Emperor's sleeping quarters and clasped his hands. "Your Majesty, the investigation is complete. All actions were orchestrated by the First Prince. Should we proceed with his apprehension?"
"First Prince Bei Xi?"
The Heavenly Emperor narrowed his eyes. "He is my eldest legitimate son; how could he do such a thing! The entire Heavenly Court will be his in the future!"
"If Your Majesty does not believe me, then test it!" Lu Fan smiled slightly. "If my guess is correct, there are still people from the Hell Dynasty hidden within the Eastern Palace!"
"There are people from the Hell Dynasty within the imperial palace?" The Heavenly Emperor's gaze turned sharp. This was absolutely unacceptable. If it were true, it would be a great disgrace to the entire Heavenly Court Dynasty.
"I request Your Majesty to proceed!"
Lu Fan clasped his hands, his expression solemn, as if he believed everything should proceed normally.
The Heavenly Emperor frowned but found it difficult to refuse. If it were indeed the First Prince Bei Xi, he would not be lenient. Colluding with people from the Hell Dynasty was a grave offense and would undoubtedly be a significant blow to the entire Heavenly Court Dynasty.
Meanwhile, within the Eastern Palace, Bei Cheng's figure slowly approached, appearing somewhat dejected. In truth, even now, he was unwilling to believe that this matter was real, finding it hard to accept.
"Second Prince, this is the Eastern Palace. Please stop here!" several guards stated, their voices firm and powerful.
"I wish to see my Eldest Brother!" Bei Cheng declared.
"The First Prince is in seclusion and is not seeing anyone!" the guards replied again, their words even more stern.
"I said, I wish to see my Eldest Brother!" Bei Cheng's voice rang out again, this time with a greater sense of authority.
Seeing this, the guards became somewhat embarrassed. They were well aware that if Prince Bei Cheng were to act, they would be no match for him.
"We implore Your Highness to understand. We are merely guards, following the First Prince's orders!" the guards stated frankly. "If you were to force your way in, we would likely lose our lives!"
"Ignorant fools, daring to use Eldest Brother to pressure me!" Prince Bei Cheng's aura flared. In an instant, he sent the guards flying, his expression turning cold and carrying a chilling killing intent.