Ever since he took a trip to the gates of hell and back, the Sun Moon Emperor's mindset underwent a significant shift.
Initially, because he had seized the throne through rebellion, he shouldered all matters, big and small, to prove he was worthy of being Emperor.
Under his leadership, the Sun Moon Empire indeed grew more powerful, and annexing the former Douluo Three Kingdoms was merely a matter of time.
But now, after experiencing a brush with death, he wasn't as eager to conquer the Douluo Three Kingdoms. Instead, he decided to arrange for the next generation of Emperors, to prevent a repeat of the past.
When he was on his deathbed, the princes had thrown Mingdu into chaos in their scramble for the throne. Having experienced a coup, he certainly didn't want the same situation to befall his sons.
Among the princes, none could compare to Xu Tianran in terms of ability or ambition.
Too bad the Crown Prince was paralyzed from the waist down, and may have even lost his ability to have children.
If it were before, even if the Sun Moon Emperor was pleased with Xu Tianran, he would only have used him as a stepping stone to hone the other princes. He would never have allowed him to inherit the throne.
But now was different.
Even the incurable disease that had left his entire empire helpless could be cured. The Crown Prince's paralysis from the waist down might also be healed.
The hope for a cure was obviously on Huo Yuhao, the little fellow burdened with Great Fortune!
The Sun Moon Emperor had asked Xu Tianzhen how she obtained the item that cured his incurable disease. Xu Tianzhen had been evasive and hadn't given an answer. Later, he learned through other channels that Huo Yuhao possessed Great Fortune. After spending time with him, even the little girl from the Hongchen Family had seen her martial soul upgraded to the Extreme Ice level.
Based on his guess, Xu Tianzhen's ability to obtain the Gold of Life was likely also because of Huo Yuhao!
If Xu Tianzhen continued to interact with Huo Yuhao, even if she only absorbed a little of his fortune, it was possible that she could obtain an item that would restore Xu Tianran's paralyzed legs, just like the Gold of Life she had obtained before!
In that case, the Sun Moon Emperor would, of course, no longer treat Xu Tianran with the previous attitude. In his eyes, Xu Tianran, the Crown Prince, was the best choice for his next emperor!
Thinking of this, after the banquet ended, the Sun Moon Emperor didn't keep Huo Yuhao and Xiao Hongchen around. Instead, he had Xu Tianran, the Crown Prince, personally see them out.
Even Xu Tianran hadn't expected his father to do this. After exchanging a glance with his father and seeing the encouraging look in his eyes, Xu Tianran was slightly stunned and immediately realized his father's thoughts.
Xu Tianran readily agreed. He didn't let the guards push his wheelchair; instead, he wanted to propel himself, though it seemed slightly uncomfortable. His movements were slow, and controlling the direction was a bit difficult.
"Sorry, Yuhao, Xiao. I was supposed to see you off, but now I'm making you wait."
Xiao Hongchen quickly waved a hand, indicating they didn't mind. Huo Yuhao, however, couldn't help but think, These royals are truly born actors, especially Xu Tianran, a true master.
But, how could Xu Tianzhen, his own sister, be so clueless?
Huo Yuhao couldn't figure it out, but he didn't mind playing along with Xu Tianran's performance in front of the Emperor. He immediately walked behind Xu Tianran and began to push the wheelchair out.
Watching this, the Sun Moon Emperor's lips curled into a smile, and he happily raised his wine cup, drinking deeply.
The other princes present couldn't hide their envy, jealousy, and resentment towards Xu Tianran. They knew very well that, barring any unforeseen circumstances, Huo Yuhao would likely become the Grand Offering of the Sun Moon Empire, just like Kong Deming. Building a good relationship with him was something all the princes desired!
After leaving the grand hall, Xu Tianran said with a smile, "Yuhao, I heard your name a long time ago. I've always wanted to meet you, this peerless genius, but unfortunately, I only have this chance now."
Huo Yuhao wasn't surprised that Xu Tianran would say such things. He was well aware of how his actions had garnered the attention of many.
It wasn't an exaggeration to say that if his teacher wasn't Kong Deming, the strongest person in the Sun Moon Empire, those ambitious princes would have already tried to recruit Huo Yuhao!
"Your Highness flatters me. I'm just an ordinary person."
Xu Tianran:
Xiao Hongchen:
Good heavens, both Xu Tianran and Xiao Hongchen couldn't help but exclaim in their hearts!
If Huo Yuhao was just an ordinary person, then what were they? Utterly useless trash?
Xu Tianran didn't dwell on this topic, but after a slight cough, he said, "You don't need to call me 'Your Highness.' I'm a few years older than you. You can call me Brother Tianran. I've heard Tianzhen praise you many times, saying you're not only talented but also very kind and have always taken care of her. As Tianzhen's older brother, I've been looking for an opportunity to thank you."
Although Huo Yuhao didn't know what kind of care Xu Tianran was referring to, since he wanted to get closer, Huo Yuhao naturally had no reason to refuse.
After all, the Sun Moon Emperor's meaning was already very clear, and it was almost certain that Xu Tianran would be the next emperor.
If Huo Yuhao wanted to complete his plans in the future, Xu Tianran could also provide him with considerable assistance.
However, watching Huo Yuhao and Xu Tianran chatting and laughing, Xiao Hongchen didn't think much of it at first, and even joined in their conversation.
But when he heard Xu Tianran frequently mention his sister, Xu Tianzhen, Xiao Hongchen immediately became alert.
'Alright! I knew why the Crown Prince was so enthusiastic with Yuhao. It's the same as me, wanting Yuhao to be his brother-in-law? What a joke! I can't just stand by and watch Yuhao get snatched away by someone else!'
'No, I need to remind Meng properly when I get back, and tell her to step up her efforts. This can't happen!'
With the three of them having different thoughts, Huo Yuhao and Xiao Hongchen didn't let Xu Tianran send them off too far. After agreeing to keep in touch, the three of them parted ways.
Watching Huo Yuhao and Xiao Hongchen's figures gradually disappear in the distance, the smile on Xu Tianran's face slowly faded. He spoke in a low voice, as if talking to himself.
"Stop the operation to contact the Holy Spirit Cult. I don't need their help anymore."
"Yes! Your Highness the Crown Prince!"
A ghostly figure appeared behind Xu Tianran, responding with a voice.
Having the position of Crown Prince, and with the approval of the Emperor, Xu Tianran no longer needed to rely on the power of the Holy Spirit Cult to become the next Emperor smoothly.
However, before that, there was one necessary condition. Xu Tianran looked down at his legs, which were devoid of feeling, and began to ponder in his mind.
'If Father's incurable disease can be cured, then there's no problem with my legs either. The key lies with Huo Yuhao, the one with Great Fortune.'
'With Tianzhen's personality, it would be like climbing to the heavens trying to develop a deeper relationship with Huo Yuhao, not to mention the fact that there are so many talented and beautiful girls around him. Relying solely on her, my chances of recovery are still very slim.'
'In fact, even Juzi's relationship with Huo Yuhao is better than Tianzhen's with him. Coupled with the fact that they share the same enemy, and Juzi's personality and appearance are also impeccable, then, what to do is also obvious.'
Xu Tianran said without turning his head.
"Tell Juzi that she is free."
"From now on, all I have over her is that life-saving grace. She only needs to give me whatever can cure my body if she is lucky enough to obtain it in the future, to repay me."
The Title Douluo behind Xu Tianran agreed without hesitation, pushing him back towards the palace.
Xu Tianran suddenly felt, perhaps it was just his imagination, but after making that decision, the road back to the palace seemed wider than before.
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