Ji Yuanfang glanced at Eunuch Hai and said blandly, "Second Prince, since we''re speaking as members of the Imperial Family, let''s have the others step out first."

    Ji Xuanjing looked at Eunuch Hai and showed a hint of hesitation.

    He was well aware of the grudges between his father and this Imperial Uncle, and felt uneasy talking to him alone.

    Ji Yuanfang saw Ji Xuanjing''s timid expression and felt a trace of disdain in his heart.

    None of Ji Taichang''s sons were capable, and this second one was even less so than the first.

    Ji Xuanjing, though outwardly bold and magnanimous, courteous to wise men, was in fact narrow-minded and short-sighted, not of the caliber of a ruler.

    "Second Prince, you are a prince and a junior to me, addressing me as Imperial Uncle, do you really think I would harm you?"

    Eunuch Hai whispered to Ji Xuanjing, "Your Highness, Prince Liang''s strength is unfathomable, having reached the Yang God Realm decades ago.

    Even if he hasn''t stepped into the Dharma Manifestation Realm, I, an old servant, am no match for him.

    Simply put, if Prince Liang truly wanted to make a move against you, even if I wanted to stop him, I wouldn''t be able to."

    Ji Xuanjing nodded slightly and said to Eunuch Hai, "You may leave for now, I shall speak alone with Uncle Grandfather."

    If Ji Yuanfang''s strength was truly that formidable, then having Eunuch Hai stay would be of no use.

    After Eunuch Hai stepped out, Ji Yuanfang blandly said, "I''ve heard about the matter concerning you, Second Prince; you''re upset because Sheng Tian''an, the Tower Master of Black Feather Building, was killed by Han Zheng?"

    "Your intelligence is indeed sharp, Uncle Grandfather."

    Ji Xuanjing was slightly surprised.

    It had been less than two hours since the incident, yet Uncle Grandfather already knew about it. He must have many ears within the Capital City.

    "It''s not about sharp intelligence; rather, I knew about this matter from the very beginning."

    Ji Yuanfang said blandly, "Do you know who Sheng Tian''an intended to give the Xuanpin Pearl he took from Han Zheng to? It was meant for me!"

    Ji Xuanjing was suddenly shocked, but upon careful thought, it was understandable.

    Although Sheng Tian''an had considerable connections in the Court, none were greater than those of Prince Liang, Ji Yuanfang.

    So it was reasonable for Sheng Tian''an to seek to align with Ji Yuanfang.

    "Since you knew Sheng Tian''an intended to gift you the Xuanpin Pearl, why didn''t you help him, Uncle Grandfather?"

    Ji Yuanfang responded blandly, "Quite simply, I chose not to help him.

    Your father never favored me and would occasionally reprimand me; if he knew I had ties with the Black Feather Building, who knows how much more he would chastise me.

    Moreover, Sheng Tian''an was arrogant and brazen early on, and though he has steadied somewhat now, it''s still not enough.

    So from the start, I had no intention of accepting the Xuanpin Pearl.

    But since I had a bit of a friendship with his father, Duke An, I was planning to give him some advice while declining the gift—who knew it would come to this.

    Furthermore, Second Prince, if you''re thinking of leveraging Black Feather Building to gain an edge in the struggle for the throne, you''re gravely mistaken.

    The Black Feather Building is an underworld force that cannot see the light of day, while you are destined to assume the position of the Emperor.

    As someone who will ascend to Emperor, your subordinates can be involved with such underworld forces, but you mustn''t get involved in the slightest, or these could become points of attack for your future rivals.

    The struggle for the throne is no child''s play; it''s like walking on thin ice, requiring utmost caution.

    I have experienced two such struggles for succession, and am clearer than anyone about the fate of those who failed.

    Back then, none of my brothers are around now.

    Among your father''s brothers, aside from those few who were thrown into the ravines, how many do you know of?"

    Ji Xuanjing broke out in a cold sweat upon hearing this. Only now did he realize how flawed his plan to make Sheng Tian''an owe him a favor by using Black Feather Building had been.

    "Moreover, if you''re trying to vie for the throne, Second Prince, I don''t see much opportunity."

    "Why is that?"

    Ji Xuanjing asked, frowning.

    "Because your father never considered you in his eyes."

    Ji Yuanfang''s lips curled into a strange smile, as if both in disdain and cold amusement.

    "I am the one who supported your father to the throne, so I understand better than anyone what kind of person he is.

    Others thought he was mediocre and inept, but those who underestimated him during the struggle then, there isn''t even a bone fragment left of them now.

    Though he has accomplished few big things over the years, have you ever seen him do anything foolish?

    Your father''s imperial tactics are extremely high; he won''t allow anyone to challenge his authority.

    Your elder brother Ji Longyun was deprived of his Crown Prince position for merely complaining, which shows his cold-bloodedness. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.nёt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    As for you, Second Prince, you have been disqualified from competing for the Crown Prince position from birth.

    The problem of the nobility of Great Zhou dates back to Grand Ancestor''s time.

    Grand Ancestor generously ennobled his older brothers who helped him establish the country as Dukes, to be inherited perpetually, to enjoy eternal glory.

    However, generations down the line, these nobles of Great Zhou have become inextricable, with many having turned into parasites of the empire.

    Therefore, for centuries, every Emperor has been weakening the power of these nobles, the Empress has always been of minor official or commoner origin, never a noblewoman, yet your mother is the legitimate daughter of Duke Jing, Li Changming.

    To prevent powerful maternal uncles, how could your father consider making you Crown Prince?

    Moreover, haven''t you realized over these years?

    Your public perception is quite strong, and the nobles in the Court all say you have the bearing of a wise ruler, yet your father has never once hinted at making you Crown Prince.

    That''s because your maternal grandfather is Li Changming, and you naturally gain the support of the nobility.

    But the more so, the less chance you have of becoming Crown Prince!"

    Ji Xuanjing was left sweating profusely, having never considered these things before.

    He never realized that what he thought of as his greatest strength was also his greatest weakness!

    No wonder, despite his excellent performance, his father remained dissatisfied.

    His father wasn''t unsatisfied with his capabilities but rather with his lineage!

    Taking a deep breath, Ji Xuanjing calmed himself and looked at Ji Yuanfang.

    "Uncle Grandfather, surely you have more than just idle words for me? Are you willing to help me in the succession struggle?"

    Ji Yuanfang said blandly, "The Crown Prince has been deposed, the position of heir apparent now vacant, allowing everyone in the Court to pick sides—why can''t I pick a side?

    Both times I picked sides before, I chose correctly. I''m confident I won''t choose the wrong person this time either."

    "Then why me?"

    Ji Yuanfang smiled and said, "Because you have the least advantage.

    Ji Longyun was the Crown Prince; even though that position is now stripped away, he was the Crown Prince for so many years, his advantages are evident.

    The fifth prince, Ji Hongyuan, is your father''s favorite. If I went to him saying I wanted to help him gain the heir apparent position, he would likely immediately sell me out.

    Only you, Second Prince, appear to have the greatest advantage on the surface but the least in reality, hence most in need of my assistance.

    Assisting you would reward me the most in the future."

    Ji Xuanjing was no fool; rather than being overjoyed, he felt a tinge of wariness.

    There''s no such thing as a free lunch, as his father had warned him to be cautious of Ji Yuanfang.

    He was aware of how unfairly his father had acted.

    After Ji Yuanfang helped secure his throne, he secretly demoted him, stripping away his power.

    With such a lesson before him, Ji Yuanfang still chose to assist him in gaining power, which seemed off to Ji Xuanjing.

    Could it be that his Uncle Grandfather had learned nothing from past experiences?

    "So what is it that you want, Uncle Grandfather?"

    Ji Yuanfang replied blandly, "No need to be so tense; what are you worried about? I''m of your grandfather''s generation; do you think I could usurp power?

    Should I sit on the Dragon Chair, the Dragon Vein Power would crush me instantly.

    My chance to become Emperor passed this lifetime ago; all I seek is justice!

    Your father once promised me the position of Grand Commander of the Dragon Martial Bureau, yet he went back on his word.

    Though it''s not a position I must hold, given my reputation and status in the Great Zhou, even without being the Grand Commander, I have all that I need.

    But something that rightfully belongs to me, I must retrieve it!"