Above the Galaxy
Chapter 378 - 243: Win Applause and Flowers, Lose and Get Deep-Fried in Oil!_3

Chapter 378: Chapter 243: Win Applause and Flowers, Lose and Get Deep-Fried in Oil!_3

"I’m telling you this because I want to discuss solutions with you," Phoenix bit her teeth, her tone firm, "No matter what, I will protect you all."

------

Zhong Daolong held a large cigar in his mouth, his entire face obscured by the thick smoke, making it impossible to discern his emotions at the moment.

"Publicly tearing each other apart? Everyone’s growing bold wings? Do they think I’m dead?"

Chen Fenglei hunched over, offering a smile, "Maybe it’s just a little temper tantrum among the young people, it’ll pass after a while."

"Just a little temper tantrum? Do you think it’s Zhong Tianque or Zhong Tianyi who’s throwing a temper tantrum? Are they the kind to do that?"

"..."

Silence.

He dared not answer that question.

No matter whose ears it reached, it wouldn’t bode well for him.

Servants remain servants, where do they dare to meddle in their master’s family affairs?

Zhong Daolong took another drag on his cigar, his voice raspy, "The best way to handle this is to pretend as if nothing happened. The less I intervene, the more they’ll feel unsure."

"Let them fight it out openly, the winner takes my seat, the loser at the mercy of the victor. It’s better than hiding hatred and desires, don’t you think?"

"The King acts with absolute authority; I trust they will also understand the King’s deep intentions."

"They won’t understand. How could they, when we don’t even understand?" Zhong Daolong chuckled, "As they wish to act, let this old father join them on stage."

After a slight pause, he spoke, "First, have someone call over the second son; I want to hear his explanation."

"Yes, King." Chen Fenglei obediently responded, turning to leave and make arrangements.

Before long, Zhong Tianyi was summoned.

Zhong Daolong gestured towards the opposite couch, "Take a seat, let’s have a father-son chat."

Zhong Tianyi dared not sit, his head hung low, his face filled with guilt, "I know I’ve hurt Father, I realize my mistake."

"You realize your mistake?" Zhong Daolong lifted his head to look at Zhong Tianyi, asking with a chuckle.

"I do."

"Will you make the same mistake again?"

"Absolutely not."

Zhong Daolong sighed, "If you can say these things, it proves you’re still not willing to tell me the truth."

"Father...."

Zhong Daolong pointed to the opposite seat, "Sit down."

"Yes, Father."

Zhong Daolong, looking at Zhong Tianyi sitting across from him, said, "Tell me, what really happened?"

"Actually, it’s just a minor matter, originally just a little friction between Yu Huoshui and Tang Fei..."

"Tang Fei?" Zhong Daolong’s eyes slightly hardened, "There’s also Tang Fei’s matter?"

"It all started because of him. During Bai Lu’s recruitment, didn’t he use some tricks to eliminate Yu Huoshui? Later, taking advantage of this, he joined Bai Lu and became a disciple under the Great Grandmaster..."

"From then on, he grew even more arrogant and bullying, always provoking Yu Huoshui. Today, when my elder brother invited him to the gathering, he went straight over to sit beside Yu Huoshui, mocking him coldly and hotly..."

"The two began to argue, and sitting beside Yu Huoshui, I could not stand his arrogant manner, so I spoke a word in Yu Huoshui’s favor..."

"Then what caused you and your elder brother to have a dispute?"

"There was no dispute with my elder brother, he just felt I had spoken out of turn and scolded me... With so many people watching, I felt ashamed and couldn’t face it, so I left the gathering early."

"That simple?"

"It’s that simple." Zhong Tianyi pointed towards Chen Fenglei, "If Father doesn’t believe me, he can have Chen Fenglei investigate."

Zhong Daolong lifted his head, studying Zhong Tianyi’s expression thoughtfully, "Have you had no other thoughts?"

"Other thoughts?" Zhong Tianyi laughed, "We’re all family, what thoughts could I have? Any squabbling, it’s quickly forgotten. Who would really harbor grudges?"

"How come there are rumors outside, saying you’re interested in your brother’s position as Crown Prince and wish to replace him?" Zhong Daolong asked with a faint smile at the corner of his mouth.

Thump!

Zhong Tianyi knelt down, his expression frightened, nervously saying, "Father, I definitely don’t have such thoughts. My elder brother and I are blood siblings, despite occasional friction, we are... we are harmonious in brotherhood."

"It’s only right and proper for my elder brother to sit in that position. I know how much he’s sacrificed for it over these years..."

"Whereas I am unworthy, given to drink and merriment, without any real talent. I don’t have the capability, nor the qualifications, to compete with my elder brother for that position..."

"If I had even the slightest thought like that... let me be struck by heavenly lightning, at Father’s disposal..."

"Alright, alright," Zhong Daolong waved his hand, "We’re just having a casual chat, why are you so tense? If you truly wish to, you can tell me directly, I can give you a chance..."

"To gain experience in the cabinet departments, to see if you have the ability... My supervision of you has been slack over the years, leaving you to your own devices, and I honestly don’t know if you have the mettle..."

Zhong Tianyi’s heart pounded fiercely, but he knew, at this moment, he absolutely could not admit to any desire for the position.

He had to deny any such thoughts even under pain of death.

"Father, I truly do not have those thoughts, and indeed, I am not the right material. To place me in those important departments would only delay the important affairs of the nation, something I truly cannot bear."

Zhong Daolong gazed at the top of Zhong Tianyi’s head, silent for a long time.

Zhong Tianyi lay prostrate on the ground, not daring to breathe too loudly.

Who knows how long it was before Zhong Daolong finally let out a sigh, "If you’re unwilling, I won’t force you... That position is indeed no easy seat."

"If you wish to remain an idle Prince, wealth and comfort will naturally be yours... But if you have other ambitions, you must leave it to fate. Victory brings applause and flowers, defeat lands you in the frying pan."

"..."