The Prince Is Abolished

Chapter 22

Lu Xang was sitting with the monk while everyone around him was trying to figure out the plan.

Finally, Lu Ran spoke and said:

'Technically, what he wants is the succession seal right now. We can use it to lure him. What do you say, mother?'

'No, Lu Ran. The succession can be challenged but not necessarily rescinded after the emperor has been enthroned. Because who will decide on the emperor and how? Xi Mang would have his people in all important positions so it would be near impossible. We must, therefore, abandon this strategy. Plus, the emperor is alive, if he comes out and declares that Xi Mang will be the one to succeed him, then even the seal is of no use,' Lu Fan said.

'But will he say this? After all, this poisoning is Xi Mang and Empress' doing! But I think, mother has a point.'

'I think, what this ...Xi Mang wants most is Lu Ran. But I am afraid, that...'Kang Zhing said.

'Lu Ran will not be a chess piece in this battle. I am afraid, I cannot approve of it.' Xi Jiang binned the idea even before anyone else could think or react on it.

'Lu Ran and Kang Zhing, both will keep away from Xi Mang at all times,' the monk said firmly. 'Xi Mang is someone who can do anything. This is a man with most vicious nature and no woman should stay near him. So, it is Lu Xang, then?'

'Hmm. He would want sir Lu Xang but this can be deadly. He definitely will be seeing sir as the biggest challenger,' Kang Zhing said.

'Then Lu Xang, what do you say?' Monk asked.

'I think it is done. It makes sense also; he hates me and I can make him act out in haste also Lu Fan is needed to check the security details. Hence, my dear wife, you will be doing the heavy lifting outside, while I laze around, and try to fry whatever little brain he is left with!'

'You! How can you make jokes at this time? This is a life and death situation!' Lu Fan lost her temper at her husband and his smile vanished instantly.

'I am sorry, my dear. I...just didn't think it through.' Lu Fan's temper subdued all upcoming chuckles and jokes from Lu Xang in an instant. He never feared anyone, but his wife's angry rebukes made him sheepish every time.

But Lu Fan was still simmering and to calm herself, she went out, and Lu Xang followed her.

'I told Lu Xang when he was marrying that Fan will make him a dragon in the world, and a little chicken in front of her. He told me then, that this would never happen. Now Lu Ran, see this.'

'Mother is right. Why does he have to make jokes? But dear monk! You are so wise! You got this so early?'

'See. Even Lu Ran agrees that his daddy is chicken in front of his wife. I got it because Lu Fan married him, when your father had nothing. I respected her for her fortitude. I asked her that why are you, a successful merchantess, marrying so low? And she said, I am marrying the man of the highest-calibre and of the greatest virtue. I see him as the best man that I could ever get in this life. So monk, exactly how am I marrying low?'

'Mom never told me much. But I love how they interact; respectful, loving, and letting each other shine without jealousy or control.'

'Yes. I also see that Kang Zhing and you will have the same blessing soon as would Xi Jiang. You see, Lu Xang is the Sun; whosoever he touches, will become radiant and blessed!'

Lu Ran and Xi Jiang stole glances at each other and Kang Zhing saw it. She wanted to be  loved too. But was not sure what man would desire a woman so brutally bruised and as Song Wu said notorious as well? Lu Ran had beauty, madam Lu Fan was also great, while she had neither money, neither career or status. How could there ever be anyone for me?