Chapter 197: You Should Understand My Meaning

Chapter 197: Chapter 197: You Should Understand My Meaning

"Imperial Father, you were looking for me?"

Ji Feng appeared outside the pavilion, a bit apprehensive. Ever since he had used the Royal Family’s hidden power to forcibly seize the Crown Prince title that should have belonged to his elder brother, he had not met with his father alone for a long time.

He even wondered if the man before him could still be considered his father. On his way here, he had seen his plainly dressed elder brother and sister-in-law leaving the Imperial Palace. Clearly, the Spirit Contract had been signed. They no longer belonged to the Great Xia Royal Family.

Although the plan to eradicate the threat completely was no longer necessary, it also thoroughly eliminated any chance for his elder brother to stage a comeback. If his brother were to forcibly overturn the Spirit Contract in the future, it would not only shake the very foundations of the Great Xia Royal Family but also tarnish Purple Cloud Valley’s reputation. That would be a dead end for him.

"Your elder brother’s family is no longer a threat to you. You should understand what I mean."

Ji Wentao turned his head to look at Ji Feng, who was kneeling before him, a complex look in his eyes. From the perspective of the Great Xia Royal Family, Ji Feng was undoubtedly a suitable successor. Only someone ruthless enough could ensure the Great Xia Royal Family’s continued existence, and in this, Ji Feng had done well.

"I understand. From now on, my elder brother’s family will have no connection to the Great Xia Royal Family. As long as he cultivates peacefully in the Purple Cloud Valley Marketplace, I am willing to provide three thousand Spirit Stones a month to support his cultivation."

Ji Feng nodded. This was not just because of his Imperial Father’s actions, but more importantly, because of the goodwill of that Second Grade Spirit Chef.

According to the information his subordinates had gathered, his elder brother and sister-in-law were going to become servants for the Second Grade Spirit Chef. Under these circumstances, if he still wanted to obtain Spiritual Cuisine, it was best not to take any further action against them.

"After the sacrificial ceremony ends, you will act as regent."

Ji Wentao’s voice was very calm. He planned to use Third Grade Spiritual Cuisine to break through in his cultivation. If all went smoothly, he wouldn’t encounter any major bottlenecks before Foundation Establishment. Under such circumstances, there was naturally no need to remain in this position.

However, before that, he had to ensure Ji Ming and his wife could successfully get away and return to Purple Cloud Valley. Furthermore, to formally pass the throne to this once-worthless son before him, he had to wait for him to advance to the Qi Refining Realm. Without a certain level of cultivation, Ji Feng wouldn’t be able to suppress the restless factions within the Great Xia Dynasty.

"Thank you, Imperial Father."

Ji Feng immediately knelt and kowtowed. Becoming the Crown Prince wasn’t the end, but the beginning. Being appointed regent meant he had his Imperial Father’s approval. As long as his cultivation reached the required standard, he would be the next Emperor of the Great Xia Royal Family.

"Your cultivation is too weak. You have twenty years at most."

Ji Wentao didn’t say much more, only offering a well-intentioned reminder. Although Ji Feng was not his most favored successor, he was now the only choice. The support from the powerful experts within the Royal Family did not come without a price. If Ji Feng didn’t become the true Emperor of the Great Xia Royal Family within twenty years, only death would await him.

"Ten years is enough."

Ji Feng nodded. Those people in the Royal Family wanted to obtain more resources, which was why they had chosen him, the more aggressive option. If he couldn’t satisfy their desires, they might very well repeat their previous actions.

In terms of seniority, those people were all his elders. It was these very people who had caused the current internal divisions within the Royal Family, but they were also the ones who had built the Great Xia Royal Family. They were the foundation of the Great Xia Royal Family’s power.

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"Senior Brother, these are the Spirit Contract Jade Tokens my parents have signed."

Before dinner on October 17th, Ji Suyao placed two Jade Tokens in front of Liu Chen. Liu Chen picked up the Jade Tokens, somewhat stunned. The Great Xia Royal Family moved so fast. He had only just agreed to the matter this morning, and by the afternoon, they had not only settled things with Purple Cloud Valley’s Hundred Affairs Hall, but had also completed the signing of the Spirit Contracts within the Royal Family.

’It seems some people within the Royal Family want to use Junior Sister Suyao’s parents to obtain Second Grade Spiritual Cuisine. The people who were originally supposed to be eliminated have now become a bargaining chip to get on good terms with a Second Grade Spirit Chef. For the Great Xia Royal Family, this is an absolute windfall.’

’The only shame is that I have no intention of staying in Purple Cloud Valley for long. As for Junior Sister Suyao’s parents, Purple Cloud Valley will naturally look after them. That flying ship from Purple Cloud Valley’s last trial, so clearly out of place with anything the Great Xia Royal Family possesses, is enough to suggest that Purple Cloud Valley most likely has ties to the Mo Family.’

’Otherwise, anything Purple Cloud Valley can get its hands on, Thunder Mountain and Qingxu Hall should also be able to obtain. In that case, taking good care of my junior sister’s parents becomes, to some extent, a stepping stone for one’s own advancement.’

’And all I’m doing is helping them shed their Great Xia Royal Family status. After that, Purple Cloud Valley will have a legitimate reason to step in and help.’

Under Ji Suyao’s expectant gaze, Liu Chen directly used his Essence Blood to sign the Spirit Contract. The Spirit Contract Jade Token quickly turned purple, and the symbol of Purple Cloud Valley appeared on it.

"Senior Brother, I am endlessly grateful for your immense kindness."

Ji Suyao spoke quickly. The ordinary-looking Jade Token would be her parents’ life-saving talisman from now on. Whether it was safely leaving the Great Xia Royal Family or establishing a foothold in Purple Cloud Valley, both were very difficult. Yet, her senior brother had accomplished this so simply, without even asking for any reward.

"Don’t worry, just take it."

Liu Chen didn’t say much more. He couldn’t quite grasp what Ji Suyao was feeling at that moment. To Liu Chen, it was just a simple request, one that didn’t even require him to do anything himself.

"Okay."

Ji Suyao put the Jade Token away. After she left, she would give it to her parents, and then they could return to Purple Cloud Valley with her.

Ye Linglong watched this scene quietly from the side. ’I originally had some ideas for those two spots myself. My parents want to leave the Ye Family, at which point Senior Brother’s status as the Ye Family’s Honored Guest Elder will become meaningless. If they could become his servants, it would be a much better safeguard.’

’But Ji Suyao’s troubles are much greater, so I felt too embarrassed to ask. Both openly and behind the scenes, her parents have helped us a lot. Otherwise, with the pressure from the Nangong Family and being pushed out by my own Ye Family, it’s uncertain if we could even still be living in the Imperial City.’

’Even a Prince of the Great Xia Royal Family who has failed in the struggle for the throne is, in the eyes of the Ye Family, a powerful figure we can’t afford to offend.’

"What’s for dinner?"

After this trivial matter was dealt with, Liu Chen looked at Junior Sister Linglong and asked this question. Before, he had felt that the daily Spiritual Cuisine was just for filling his stomach, but after tasting that familiar flavor, Liu Chen began to feel a bit of anticipation for each day’s Spiritual Cuisine.

"How about braised fish?"

Ye Linglong couldn’t help but look over at him. Based on her observations during this period, she had discovered that her senior brother seemed to have a particular fondness for the braised flavor. Since she herself wasn’t too particular about flavors, she was naturally happy to tailor the menu to her senior brother’s tastes.

"Braised fish it is, then."

Liu Chen’s eyes lit up, and he began to prepare the Spiritual Cuisine. It was a good thing this residence had a pond; there were still a few Spirit Fish left from the ones he had bought before.

"Is no one going to ask my opinion?"

Ji Suyao, who had just put away the Jade Token, couldn’t help but look over. It wasn’t that she felt ignored, but rather that she sensed a strange rapport developing between her Senior Brother and Linglong. ’This isn’t good.’

"Then what do you want to eat?"