Nine Star Hegemon Body Art

Ch66 treacherous intent

The fourth prince poured a cup of tea for Long Chen. He smiled lightly. “Brother Long truly is a dragon amongst men. No matter what, such boldness truly is worth admiring.”

“Fourth prince flatters me. But this little brother still doesn’t know just how you recognized me,” replied Long Chen.

He really did want to know just what he had forgotten about. He was confident that his appearance changing technique did not have the slightest flaw.

“Even a wise man who thinks it over a thousand times will forget at least one thing. To be honest, I didn’t actually recognize you at first, and it was only when I saw that ring on your hand that I managed to figure out something was strange. Then, adding on your gaze, I realized it was you.” The fourth prince pointed to Long Chen’s hand.

Only then did Long Chen suddenly realize that he was wearing his spatial ring on his finger. That ring had a design that was specific to the alchemist guild. He had actually forgotten such a large detail.

“The fourth prince truly is someone observant to the smallest detail. It really is worthy of admiration. But what I really want to know is, why did you help me?” asked Long Chen.

“Haha, you might not believe me even if I tell you. The truth is, I dislike Xia Changfeng intensely. No matter what, Chu Yao is still my sister. Although familial affection is a luxury that can’t be afforded in the imperial palace, I still have some in my heart.

“I do not have the heart to force Chu Yao to marry someone she doesn’t like. But you also know that the imperial palace is simply like that. All that matters is if it will benefit the empire; no one cares about your emotions. That is simply the helpless truth of living in the imperial palace.

“I’ve tried to persuade the Empress Dowager many times in hopes of changing her mind, but none of it has had any effect. In the end, I actually ended up infuriating her and being kicked out of her Empress Dowager Hall.

“From the fact that brother Long came to visit Chu Yao today, I can tell that you truly have sincere feelings for Chu Yao. But my ability is limited, and I can only help you this much,” sighed the fourth prince.

“Fourth prince is too polite. Long Chen will remember this matter.” It seemed he would have to owe a favor to the fourth prince for today.

“As for the matter of your Long family losing its stipend, I once tried investigating. But I was shut down before I could get to the bottom of it. So, I’m also powerless when it comes to your Long family.” 

Long Chen frowned and asked, “Can fourth prince tell me what he discovered?”

“Ah well, it was something that happened in the imperial palace, so it’s extremely muddied. My brothers and I also fight and scheme against each other. I really am powerless when it comes to it.” The fourth prince shook his head.

Long Chen’s eyes brightened ever so slightly. Although the fourth prince didn’t give him a direct response, the fact that he had purposely mentioned his brothers was definitely somewhat interesting.

There were a total of seven princes. Other than the fourth prince, there were six left. Of those remaining six, the seventh prince could also be excluded.

Then, that left the crown, second, third, fifth, and sixth princes. Long Chen had observed each of them carefully at the Phoenix Cry Lantern Festival. Other than the crown prince, none of the others seemed to be shrewd enough.