“Hahaha, I feel as if I’ve known you for a long time, sir. If you’re amenable, let’s consider each other friends.”

Prince Duan waved his hand with a hint of joy on his face.

“Your Highness is too kind, it’s my honor.”

With a slight smile, Wang Junze agreed without hesitation, yet still addressed him as “Your Highness,” which pleased Prince Duan even more.

“Junze, your visit to the Capital City this time, is there something on your mind? If there’s anything I can assist with, I certainly won’t refuse.”

Switching the topic, Prince Duan probed once more.

“Indeed there are some matters where I require Your Highness’s assistance.”

With a chuckle, Wang Junze smoothly replied, “Your Highness knows that I recently took charge of the Nether Sea and established some new rules to open it up rather than being insular, hoping to connect with more people. This visit to the Capital City aims to build relationships.”

Pausing for a moment, Wang Junze continued, “Pei Haoran, the young master of the Four Seas Commerce Association, has also arrived in the Capital City. If Your Highness has the time, you might meet with him and help navigate the connections here. Of course… the Four Seas Commerce Association won’t let Your Highness assist for nothing.”

Hearing this, Prince Duan’s eyes immediately lit up.

He naturally understood Wang Junze’s implication: the Four Seas Commerce Association has wealth and can provide him with a vast amount of money and Spirit Stone to support his claim to the throne.

However, all these matters serve his interests, and Wang Junze had yet to make his true request known.

“Junze, we are friends; there’s no need for vagueness. Whatever you require of me, speak plainly.”

With this introduction, Wang Junze realized it was time to approach the main topic.

With a light laugh, Wang Junze leisurely said, “Your Highness should know that I have some conflict with Prince Yu…”

“You want me to help resolve this misunderstanding?”

Prince Duan tested the waters.

“No, no, no! It’s not a misunderstanding!”

Shaking his head, Wang Junze earnestly answered, “There is no misunderstanding between Prince Yu and me, only a conflict… or rather, enmity!”

Prince Duan was slightly rattled by Wang Junze’s firm reply, vaguely guessing Wang Junze’s intention, yet it was still hard to believe—was Wang Junze planning to confront Prince Yu directly?!

But Prince Yu, even he had to show some deference, not daring to oppose him directly.

After all, behind Prince Yu stood the support of the Empress.

“In half a month, it’s the wedding of Prince Yu and Princess Changlin.” Wang Junze continued, “Forgive my bluntness, but given Prince Yu’s status, if he indeed marries Princess Changlin and gains the support of King of Changlin, Your Highness might find it difficult to compete.”

“You suggest that I should prevent this marriage?” Frowning slightly, Prince Duan shook his head and said, “It’s not that I don’t wish to, but I can’t; the imperial edict has been issued, and no one can stop it.”

“Indeed, no one dares to defy Your Majesty’s edict.”

With a faint smile, Wang Junze softly replied, “However, as long as the wedding hasn’t taken place, there’s always the chance for an accident… What if either Prince Yu or Princess Changlin couldn’t attend the wedding?”

“???”

Instantly, Prince Duan’s heart was stirred into turmoil, his face filled with incredulous shock.

He wasn’t a fool; with words spoken to this extent, how could he not understand Wang Junze’s intent?

Rumor had it that Wang Junze and Su Yuwei were incredibly close, so Wang Junze wouldn’t possibly target Princess Changlin for his sake. The only explanation left was Wang Junze intended to make a move against Prince Yu!

Is he mad?

Assassinate a prince in the Capital City?!

Prince Duan wanted to leverage Wang Junze’s influence to help him compete for the throne, yet he had never considered directly killing Prince Yu—it’s too insane. Let’s not discuss the feasibility; even if it’s possible, it would certainly incur the Emperor’s wrath, and all those involved would likely face death!

Almost immediately, Prince Duan felt a twinge of fear, awkwardly smiling as he instinctively refused, “What are you talking about, sir? I barely understand. I’m a bit tired; how about we continue another day?”

“Your Highness!”

With a bit more coldness in his demeanor, Wang Junze calmly stated, “I have been sincere, and I hope Your Highness won’t feign ignorance. Besides what has been said today, no one outside this door will admit to it, nor will anyone believe it.”

“But please think carefully; I can forgo this matter and return to the Nether Sea immediately. With Master Qu there, Prince Yu cannot touch me. However, once I leave… Your Highness will never have another chance to replace Prince Yu.”

After pausing slightly, Wang Junze continued, “Oh, I also plan to visit Eldest Princess Ningyu later. I’ve heard that Her Highness the Princess seemingly has good relations with the princes; perhaps she can introduce me to other princes.”

“Please, Your Highness, consider carefully. If you genuinely don’t understand… I shall take my leave.”

As he spoke, Wang Junze rose to his feet, seemingly ready to walk out at any moment.

This instantly increased the pressure on Prince Duan!

The promises Wang Junze previously made were tempting, making the current threat all the more nerve-wracking.

He couldn’t even imagine what he would miss if he rejected Wang Junze.

The ultimate outcome might be that he’d spend his life as a leisure prince.

But… how could he resign himself to that?!

As Wang Junze said, this might be his last chance to vie for that position, a missed opportunity that would haunt him for life.

Still… it was incredibly dangerous!

Seeing Prince Duan still indecisive, Wang Junze immediately turned and walked out.

However, after just a few steps, he heard Prince Duan’s hoarse voice.

“What… do you need me to do?”

With a subtle smile forming at his lips, Wang Junze turned back and softly said, “In Your Highness’s name, implicitly express dissatisfaction with this marriage to the court officials and reveal your stance on competing with Prince Yu for the throne!”

“I will try to gather evidence of Prince Yu’s crimes. At that time, I also need Your Highness to find a way to present it before His Majesty… to impeach Prince Yu!”

Pausing briefly, Wang Junze continued, “If successful, I will also need Your Highness to speak in my defense!”

“Of course, if it fails… I assure you this matter bears no relation to Your Highness!”

The success hinges on whether Wang Junze can eliminate Prince Yu!

This statement also conveyed to Prince Duan that he need not involve himself with the assassination, thus resolving his greatest worry.

Certainly, if he personally attacked Prince Yu, it would be fratricide and incite the Emperor’s anger, a wrath he couldn’t bear.

At least outwardly, he had to remain uninvolved and leave no evidence.

But if Prince Yu were indeed killed, it would be much easier for him to then step forward and shield Wang Junze.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep