The Lord God is kneeling on the washboard again

At this time, in the Third Prince's Mansion, the Third Prince asked solemnly, "How is the situation in the Eastern Palace recently?"

The counselor beside him bowed slightly and replied, "Your Highness, the Eastern Palace may appear peaceful these days, but in reality, there are undercurrents. The eldest prince is making frequent moves, seemingly trying to win over various factions and strengthen his influence."

The Third Prince frowned, tapping his fingers lightly on the table. "So, is our deployment going smoothly?"

The counselor nodded and said, "Your Highness, everything is proceeding as planned, but it will take some time to see results."

The Third Prince stood up and paced around the room: "We can't make the slightest mistake. The one in the East Palace is eyeing us covetously. We must speed up."

The counselor replied, "Don't worry, Your Highness. We will do our best."

The Third Prince stopped and looked out the window with a deep gaze: "It is still unknown who will win the battle for the throne."

The Third Prince smiled and said casually, "Left Prime Minister, I remember your son seems to be a disciple of the Qingmu Sect."

The Left Prime Minister was startled, not knowing what the Third Prince meant by suddenly bringing this up. He quickly replied respectfully, "Third Prince, my son is indeed a disciple of the Qingmu Sect."

The Third Prince's gaze lingered on the Left Prime Minister's face for a moment before he continued, "The Qingmu Sect is quite prestigious in the martial arts world. I'm sure your son has made a difference there."

The Left Prime Minister carefully gauged the Third Prince's thoughts and responded cautiously, "My son's talent is mediocre. It's an honor for him to join the Qingmu Sect. As for his achievements, he truly doesn't deserve them."

The Third Prince smiled slightly and said, "There's no need for the Left Prime Minister to be so nervous. If he can serve as an official in the court."

The Left Prime Minister raised his head slightly and looked at the Third Prince, his eyes still filled with doubt and caution. He asked, "I wonder what the Third Prince means by this?"

The Third Prince put his hands behind his back and walked forward. "This prince feels that with the Qingmu Sect's heritage, if your son can acquire some skills and enter the court as an official, he will surely be able to serve the court and become an aid to this prince."

The Left Prime Minister's heart tightened, and he hurriedly said, "The Third Prince is too kind. My son is young and energetic, and still needs to be tempered."

The Third Prince stopped and looked at the Left Prime Minister with a determined gaze. "You are too modest, Left Prime Minister. I believe your son has extraordinary qualities. As long as he is loyal, I will give him the opportunity to display his talents."

The Left Prime Minister quickly bowed and saluted. "I am deeply grateful for the Third Prince's kindness. If my son ever becomes an official at court, I will serve the Third Prince with all my heart."

The Third Prince nodded in satisfaction. "That's very good. Left Prime Minister, you must teach your son well and don't let me down."

He responded repeatedly, beads of sweat on his forehead gleaming in the candlelight.

The Third Prince raised his eyebrows slightly, looked at the Left Prime Minister, and said, "Left Prime Minister, shall we go back first?"

The Left Prime Minister was startled, trying to guess what the Third Prince was thinking. He responded cautiously, "It's entirely up to the Third Prince to decide."

The Third Prince sighed softly and said, "I still have some matters to consider. If the Left Prime Minister has anything else to do, please return first."

The Left Prime Minister hurriedly bowed and said, "Then I will take my leave and not disturb the Third Prince."

The third prince nodded and waved his hand to signal the left prime minister to leave.

The Left Prime Minister turned around and hurried out of the room, but in his heart he was thinking about the Third Prince's words and expression today, and speculating on how the situation would develop next.

The third prince, who stayed in the room, fell into deep thought as he looked at the left prime minister's departing back.

The counselor said solemnly, cupping his hands towards the Third Prince, "Your Highness, if we can win over the Prince Regent and Shadow Killer Chiling to your service, your bid for the throne will be a powerful addition."

The Third Prince narrowed his eyes slightly, lost in thought. After a moment, he said, "Regent Prince Nangong Han holds great power, and Shadow Killer Chiling is a feared master in the martial arts world. If I could gain their assistance, it would greatly increase my chances of succession. However, neither of them is easy to deal with, and winning them over will be more than easy."

The strategist twirled his beard and said, "Your Highness, although it's difficult, it's not impossible. The Regent has a close relationship with Xing Xuanli, and the Sun and Moon Palace where Xing Xuanli works is quite influential in the martial arts world. If we can start from this aspect, perhaps we can find a breakthrough. As for Yingsha Chiling, although he is cold and ruthless, Your Highness can promise him a large sum of money and a high position, which may impress him."

The Third Prince paced back and forth, his brow furrowed. "This matter requires careful consideration. We must not act hastily, lest we alert the other princes."

The counselor nodded and said, "Your Highness is absolutely right. We will then conduct a secret investigation to find the right time and method."

The Third Prince stopped and looked into the distance with a determined gaze. "Well, please proceed with caution. My great cause depends on whether I can successfully win over these two."

At this time, in the Regent's Mansion, Yun Mohan was listening to the report with a frown on his face.

The subordinate who came to report carefully observed his expression, his voice becoming increasingly low: "Your Highness, the Third Prince has been making frequent moves recently, seemingly intent on winning over various factions."

Yun Mo snorted coldly: "He is quite ambitious."

The subordinate continued, "Moreover, from what I understand, the Third Prince seems to have set his sights on our palace."

Yun Mohan's eyes glared, and he said in a deep voice, "How dare he set his sights on this king."

The subordinate said respectfully, "Your Highness! It is said that they also want to win over Yingsha Chiling.

Upon hearing this news, Yun Mohan (Nangong Han) frowned even more tightly, thinking to himself, "This Shadow Killer Chiling has always been a loner, his whereabouts are secretive, and he has a bad temper. The Third Prince actually wants to win him over. What a fantasy."

He slowly turned around and said to his subordinates, "Keep a close eye on the movements of the Third Prince and Shadow Killer Chiling. Report any signs of trouble immediately."

The subordinate quickly responded, "Yes, Your Majesty."

Yun Mohan (Nangong Han) sat back in his chair, tapping his fingers lightly on the table as he continued to ponder, "This Third Prince is so eager to expand his power. He must be feeling the pressure from the other princes. However, I'm afraid he won't be able to win over Yingsha Chiling. But we have to be on guard. If he succeeds, the situation may become even more complicated."

Thinking of this, Yun Mohan (Nangong Han)'s eyes became more determined. He knew very well that in this treacherous court struggle, he must always remain vigilant in order to be invincible.

Yun Mohan (Nangong Han) walked out of the study and returned to his and Xing Xuanli's bedroom. Noticing the courtyard was unusually quiet, he called over the maid who was cleaning and asked, "Where's the princess?"

The maid saluted and said, "Your Highness, I have not seen the princess leave."

Yun Mohan (Nangong Han) frowned slightly, wondering, "Then where is she?"

The maid replied cautiously, "Your Majesty, perhaps the princess is resting in the house. How about I go and see her?"

Yun Mohan (Nangong Han) waved his hand: "No need, I will go by myself."

As he said this, he strode into the house, but there was no one inside.

Yun Mohan's expression grew increasingly gloomy. He turned and looked at the maid again: "Are you sure you didn't see the princess leave?"

The maid was so frightened that she knelt down quickly and said, "Please spare me, Your Majesty. I have been cleaning the courtyard and have not seen the princess go out."

Suddenly he smelled the fragrance coming from the alchemy room.

Yun Mohan's heart moved. Could it be that Li'er was in the alchemy room? Without thinking too much, he quickly walked towards the alchemy room.

Before he even got close, the rich aroma became clearer. Yun Mohan quickened his pace, arrived at the door of the alchemy room, and gently pushed it open.

I saw Xing Xuanli staring intently at the alchemy furnace, with fine beads of sweat on her forehead and a focused and serious expression.

Yun Mohan walked lightly to her side and said softly, "Li'er, so you are here."

Xing Xuanli was startled by the sudden voice. She turned around and saw that it was Yun Mohan. She scolded him, "Why didn't you make any noise when you came? You scared me."

Yun Mohan smiled dotingly, "I saw you were so focused that I couldn't bear to disturb you. What kind of elixir are you refining that makes you so absorbed?"

Xing Xuanli smiled mysteriously: "You will know in a moment."

At this moment, the subordinate came to report, "Prince, Princess! Prince Xiao requests an audience."

Xing Xuanli and Yun Mohan (Nangong Han) looked at each other.

Yun Mohan (Nangong Han) frowned slightly. Xuan Xiao chose to come and ask for a meeting at this time. It must not be that simple. He asked him to wait in the hall. He would be there soon.

The subordinate responded, "Yes, Your Highness," and then stepped back to make the arrangements.

Yun Mohan (Nangong Han) turned and walked into the inner room, saying to Xing Xuanli, "Li'er, Xuan Xiao's intentions are unclear. I'm going to meet him first. You don't need to come out from here."

Xing Xuanli nodded and said, "Be careful."

Yun Mohan (Nangong Han) straightened his clothes and walked towards the hall.

When I arrived at the hall, I saw Prince Xiao sitting on a chair with a slightly anxious look on his face.

Yun Mohan (Nangong Han) stepped forward and said, "Prince Xiao, I've been waiting for you."

Prince Xiao quickly stood up and said, "You are too polite, Prince Regent."

Yun Mohan (Nangong Han) sat down, looked directly into King Xiao's eyes, and said, "King Xiao, now you can tell me why you're here."

Prince Xiao took a deep breath and said, "Prince Regent, the situation in the court is complicated right now, and various forces are ready to make moves. This prince is truly worried."

Yun Mohan (Nangong Han) sneered, "Prince Xiao, are you trying to say that you came here to discuss important matters with me?"

Prince Xiao smiled awkwardly: "The Regent is wise, I do have this idea."

Yun Mohan (Nangong Han) looked at him coldly, waiting for him to continue.