The Ethereal Domains

Chapter 597: Extreme Joy Begets Sorrow

Extreme Joy Begets Sorrow . . .

While Crown Prince indulged in a lavish feast at his residence, the recent passing of the Second Prince still cast a shadow over the kingdom. Not only had his murderer eluded capture, but there were also no leads to uncover their identity. However, these concerns were of little consequence to the Crown Prince.

The demise of the Second Prince was paramount. His removal from the competition for the throne had left the Crown Prince without his most formidable rival. Furthermore, the notorious reputation of the Second Prince served to enhance the Crown Prince's own image, making him appear virtuous by comparison. All of these factors allowed the Crown Prince to relax, basking in his newfound sense of superiority.

As for the loss of his brother, he hardly mourned the Second Prince's passing. In his view, the Second Prince hardly qualified as a brother; his actions had brought disgrace upon the entire kingdom, causing him to be widely reviled.

Crown Prince firmly adhered to the notion that "a man in the royal clan has no kinsfolk," and he held fast to his disdain for the Second Prince. Consequently, he saw fit to hold a secret celebration in honor of his brother's demise. Nonetheless, he was careful not to draw attention to this unseemly festivity. While he reveled in his newfound advantage, he had to maintain an outward facade of mourning for his brother.

During the clandestine gathering, Crown Prince raised his cup and made a toast. "Elder Guan, I believe we need not resort to that final step now."

Guan Zhengwen smiled, fully aware of the implications. Now, with their most formidable adversary out of the way, they needed only to await the king's passing. Once Crown Prince ascended to the throne, he would secure the highest courtly position for Guan Zhengwen, given their long history of alliance and support.

The prospect of a bright future left Guan Zhengwen elated, and he reveled in the promise Crown Prince had made during the evening's festivities. "When I ascend the throne, I will remember each of you," Crown Prince had affirmed, officially concluding the celebratory banquet.

Guan Zhengwen meandered through the streets, feeling as though he were floating. The effects of alcohol had left him somewhat numb, but the exhilaration coursing through his mind was palpable. Crown Prince's promise echoed in his thoughts, heightening his sense of excitement.

"I am irreplaceable," he thought. "Crown Prince has recognized the extent of my contributions. When he assumes the throne, I will become an indispensable figure within the court."

The implications of these words filled Guan Zhengwen with elation. He knew that the court aligned with the reigning monarch, and each new ruler brought their own cadre of loyal courtiers. Now, with the Second Prince out of the picture and the Third Prince relatively powerless, there was no one left to challenge the Crown Prince's ascent to the throne.

This meant that Guan Zhengwen's bright future and the prosperity of his family were all but assured. The promises of the Crown Prince were not merely his own; they extended to his son and grandson, ensuring a legacy of prosperity and power.

"There's a saying," he reflected, "that when a man attains enlightenment, even his pets ascend to heaven. The same principle applies to the court."

As long as he and his descendants retained their positions within the court, his family would evolve into a renowned dynasty of officials. Their influence would become a cornerstone of the kingdom, and generations of their offspring would thrive upon their sterling reputation.

His bloodline would endure for countless centuries to come, etching his name into the annals of history, ensuring a dynasty that would persist through the ages.

Guan Zhengwen, with his cultivation capability, harbored a firm belief that he could remain within the court for at least another half-century. With his presence in the court, Guan's family was destined for an unprecedented ascent. This, he was absolutely certain of.

Whenever he pondered the future of his family, a wave of contentment washed over him. He even found the darkest of nights to be rather endearing.

On this particular evening, the moon cast an eerie light across the sky, obscuring the moon's innocent radiance with its ghostly glow. The fog hung thick in the air, creating an enigmatic atmosphere.

Guan Zhengwen's high spirits were undiminished, and he strolled casually down an alleyway. A simple turn would lead him to his cherished abode, the place he lovingly called home. A smile graced his lips as he contemplated sharing the good news with his family. Over the years, he had committed many unsavory deeds on behalf of the Crown Prince, but he knew it was all for the sake of his family. Although he occasionally felt a pang of guilt, he never regretted his actions because they were driven by his unwavering love for his family.

With purpose, he turned into the next alley, unaware of the shock that awaited him just around the corner.

As he rounded the bend, his body tensed at the sight that greeted him. His eyes widened in disbelief.

In the narrow alley, shrouded in the dense fog, a man stood before him, patiently waiting. The man's voice broke the silence, crisp and clear, resonating through the night.

Guan Zhengwen, now both frightened and shocked, realized that this man had been standing there all along, unnoticed until that moment. With a single glance, he could see that the man was dressed in pristine white garments, tall, and in proximity. Yet, something about him remained elusive, making it impossible for Guan Zhengwen to discern his true appearance.

"Who are you? Why are you waiting for me here?" Guan Zhengwen inquired, his spiritual power subtly at the ready. He sensed that this might be the most perilous encounter of his life. A small misstep could lead to his demise.

The man in white showed no signs of hostility, yet his presence alone conveyed much. Slowly, he turned, allowing the moonlight to illuminate half of his face.

Guan Zhengwen's fear surged. His eyes nearly popped out of their sockets as he exclaimed, "Cha Eun Xiao?"

The man, tall and handsome, exuding an air of sophistication, simply smiled softly. This was none other than the young lord from the General's House, Cha Eun Xiao—the man who had been falsely accused and framed by Guan Zhengwen.