Who Let Him Cultivate?! (WX)-Chapter 846: The Fourth Imperial Prince’s Scheme

The Fourth Imperial Prince had planted an informant among the Second Imperial Prince’s retainers. He knew every detail of what transpired on the day the Second Imperial Prince hosted Lu Yang.

“Lu Yang managed to turn the tables, changing his identity from guest to host in an extremely short time. Such scheming is truly admirable. Even my Second Elder Brother, who’s always known for his meticulous scheming, fell for it.”

Aware that Lu Yang was not easy to deal with, the Fourth Imperial Prince had spent consecutive days sending gifts to the Meng Estate to demonstrate his goodwill. 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝘦𝓌𝑒𝑏𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝘭.𝒸𝘰𝑚

Now, he felt that the goodwill had been sufficiently demonstrated and that he could proceed to the next phase of his plan.

~~~

“Brother Lu Yang! Your reputation precedes you. Meeting you today, your bearing is truly extraordinary!” Like the Second Imperial Prince, the Fourth Imperial Prince stood at the entrance to welcome Lu Yang. He even followed the jianghu etiquette, making him seem less like a noble prince and more like a chivalrous hero from the greenwood.

The world spread tales of his forthrightness and his willingness to befriend anyone regardless of status. In reality, every person he befriended was useful to him. To conceal his true intentions, he had even sworn brotherhood with many ordinary, unremarkable cultivators.

Meng Jingzhou had temporarily entered seclusion, so the Everlasting Immortal Fairy didn’t bring him along. Moreover, the Everlasting Immortal Fairy felt that Meng Jingzhou’s presence made little difference.

I have the Second-in-Command in the mental space to strategize for me.

Even if the Second-in-Command’s wisdom is inferior to my own, he can still provide some ideas for reference.

The Fourth Imperial Prince secretly observed “Lu Yang”’s attitude. Noticing “he” was unmoved by the praise, the Fourth Imperial Prince couldn’t help but find it a bit strange.

The Everlasting Immortal Fairy also found the Fourth Imperial Prince strange. Why are you telling me all these obvious truths? Isn’t this common knowledge? Why are you being long-winded?

The Fourth Imperial Prince felt that “Lu Yang” was indeed inscrutable and had no choice but to continue speaking. “Brother Lu, please, come inside quickly.”

The Fourth Imperial Prince’s official residence featured winding streams and picturesque gardens, with musicians playing melodies that complemented the environment, creating quite an ambiance.

Many cultivators had gathered at the Fourth Imperial Prince’s official residence. Scions from ancestral clans constituted a small portion; the majority comprised brothel proprietors, teahouse owners, painters, physicians, and even matchmakers.

These friends had gone through life and death with the Fourth Imperial Prince and were absolutely trustworthy.

In contrast to the atmosphere from the music, the Everlasting Immortal Fairy could sense that upon her arrival, everyone was looking at her with very tense expressions.

The Fourth Imperial Prince invited Lu Yang to the secondary seat, while he took the main seat.

Once the Fourth Prince was seated, the atmosphere relaxed considerably. Fine wine and delicacies were served as if they were complimentary, even more sumptuous than the feast at the Old Dragon Emperor’s birthday banquet at the East Sea.

Of course, this was partly because the Fourth Imperial Prince had far fewer guests than at the Old Dragon Emperor’s birthday banquet.

Although the Everlasting Immortal Fairy was quite disdainful of these spirit dishes, which she found average, considering that eating them could help Lu Yang’s cultivation, she had no choice but to consume them.

Cups clinked, and from time to time, performers used spells and magical abilities to liven the atmosphere. For a while, laughter and cheerful chatter filled the air.

Suddenly, the Fourth Imperial Prince was moved by the scene and set down his bronze wine cup, letting out a long sigh.

“What a pity. I fear we may find it difficult to have such gatherings in the future.”

These words immediately cast a heavy pall over the venue. The guests also set down their chopsticks, their gazes turning to the Fourth Imperial Prince. Before coming, they had roughly guessed the reason the Fourth Imperial Prince had gathered them here—to conspire for a great undertaking.

“Your Highness, why do you say that?” someone asked loudly.

The Fourth Imperial Prince looked at everyone with a complicated expression, then glanced at “Lu Yang,” who had been eating with “his” head down the whole time. He grabbed his wine cup and drained it in one gulp. Perhaps the words to come were too treasonous, and he required alcohol to pluck up his courage.

“Emperor Father’s lifespan is nearing its end. I am his son, yet I can’t offer any help. Watching Emperor Father age day by day, I can hardly eat or sleep.

“In my sleep, I often dream that Emperor Father has passed away. Big Brother, Second Elder Brother, and Third Elder Brother fight for the throne, plunging the people into abject misery. I wake up in the middle of the night, covered in cold sweat.

“I often think about how Emperor Father loves the people like his own children and would absolutely not wish to see such a scene. I want to change all this. Unfortunately, my power is weak and limited. How could I possibly interfere in the struggle for the throne?

“By then, Great Xia would be in turmoil. We are all people who care for the world in our hearts. How could we drink and make merry here?”

Everyone envisioned the scene the Fourth Imperial Prince described and lowered their heads one after another. Some even shed tears of sorrow, their emotions genuine.

The Everlasting Immortal Fairy looked up, not understanding why they had suddenly started acting. Forget it, it’s got nothing to do with me. She continued lowering her head to eat for Lu Yang.

The Fourth Imperial Prince naturally had no idea of what was going through “Lu Yang”’s mind. Noticing “Lu Yang” look up, he believed “Lu Yang” was beginning to take an interest in them.

Below, a middle-aged scholarly man spoke up. “Actually, there is a method. But this method is treasonous and cannot be implemented.”

The Fourth Imperial Prince said urgently, “Teacher Lu, please say it.”

“It cannot be said.” Teacher Lu continued shaking his head.

“No matter how treasonous it is, how can it compare to the peace and well-being of the people in the world?” Under the Fourth Imperial Prince’s persistent questioning, Teacher Lu finally revealed the plan.

“If we desire peace under heaven, we need an undisputed ruler of the world to inherit the throne. Rightfully, that should be the First Imperial Prince. However, the Second Imperial Prince and Third Imperial Prince would not stand idly by. This is what gave rise to the struggle for the throne.

“As long as the three imperial princes lose the qualification to contend for the throne, the throne will naturally be yours.”

The Fourth Imperial Prince wanted to speak up to stop him, but Teacher Lu seemed to already know what the Fourth Imperial Prince wanted to say and didn’t give him a chance to speak. “Your Highness, I know you have no intention of contending for the throne. But for the sake of the world’s populace, there is no other way.”

The Fourth Imperial Prince opened his mouth, wanting to say something in rebuttal, but the words seemed so feeble on his lips. In addition, his sworn friends were gazing at him with earnest eyes. How could he utter words of refusal?

“Never mind, never mind.” The Fourth Imperial Prince lowered his head, as if he was resigned to fate. He then asked, “But how are we supposed to make my three elder brothers give up on the throne?”

Everyone fell silent. This was the most difficult part.

The Fourth Imperial Prince turned his head to consult “Lu Yang.” “Brother Lu Yang, do you have any idea?”

Hearing the question directed at her, the Everlasting Immortal Fairy slurped a mouthful of noodles and looked up at the Fourth Imperial Prince. “Simple. Can’t you just rebel?”

Lu Yang had expected the Fourth Imperial Prince to show a shocked expression. To his surprise, the Fourth Imperial Prince seemed to have anticipated the Everlasting Immortal Fairy’s question and continued asking.

“Then, would you be willing to help me?”

The Fourth Imperial Prince had been waiting precisely for this answer from Lu Yang. Based on the intelligence gathered from the Second Imperial Prince’s side, Lu Yang often used rebellion and establishing new dynasties as a topic for idle boasting, cleverly sidestepping the issue of contending for the throne, which made the Second Imperial Prince afraid to engage in deep conversation with him.

But the thing is, I indeed have thoughts of rebellion!

If I don’t rebel, I have no chance of inheriting the throne.

If Lu Yang answers that he’s unwilling, it’ll mean that he’s admitting to idle boasting, and I will have other methods to force him to choose a side.

If Lu Yang insists on saving face and says he’s willing, that will be even better. I can directly drag Lu Yang down into the water and make him stand on my side.

“Sure,” the Everlasting Immortal Fairy agreed readily. This suits me perfectly.