arrangement

"Welcome, Young Master!"

As soon as the airship descended, the Wu family members in the square knelt in unison.

At the same time, both Wu Lingtian and Wu Chengqian sighed in relief—fortunately, it wasn't Cao Ziyan who had come. In that case, everything could still be managed.

Though Cao Wenbin's status was terrifyingly high, and with his awakened constitution, he might even outrank his own father within the Cao family, his power was still relatively weak, and his lack of experience made him an easy opponent.

As expected, the supreme Young Master displayed a carefree, almost nonchalant attitude the moment he appeared.

"Everyone, rise. I'm not here to inspect your work. Just pretend I'm not even here," he said with a disarming smile, showing not the slightest trace of arrogance.

Yet, the Wu family dared not take him at his word.

"You jest, Young Master. There are clear distinctions between superiors and inferiors—such courtesies cannot be neglected!"

"Indeed, Young Master's rare visit to Tianwu City is an honor we cannot afford to slight!"

"Please, Young Master, you must stay a few more days in Tianwu City and allow us, the Wu family, to fulfill our duties as hosts!"

The air was thick with sycophantic flattery, though Cao Wenbin noted that few, if any, were genuine in their praise.

"It seems the Tianwu Dynasty is long overdue for a change of leadership. If not dealt with soon, this will surely become a serious problem," he mused, his heart already set on killing. Yet he kept his composure, knowing this matter involved a child of fate, marked by azure fortune—one who must be handled with care.

"Young Master, your quarters have been prepared. Shall we escort you?"

Indeed, this palace was not for the Wu family's exclusive use. The grandest, most opulent palace in the best location was reserved for the Cao family, and not even Wu Lingtian had the right to reside there.

Though no one from the Cao family had ever lived in that palace since its construction, no one dared to lay claim to it.

"The hour is still early. I'll take a stroll through Tianwu City first. As for the palace, I'll move in when I return tonight."

Wu Lingtian nodded immediately but then hesitated, asking, "Young Master, what about the banquet tonight?"

Waving a hand, Cao Wenbin replied, "Hold it as usual. I'll be back in time."

With that, he left the palace alone.

...

In the study:

Wu Lingtian and Wu Chengqian sat in silence until Wu Lingtian finally broke the oppressive atmosphere.

"Third son, have all the servants in that palace been arranged?"

"Yes," Wu Chengqian replied tersely, his face filled with anguish.

"Third son, to accomplish great things, one must overlook minor sacrifices. They're just women. If our Wu family can free itself from the Cao family, what kind of women won't we have?"

Indeed, the women assigned to the Cao family's palace were not ordinary maids but highly trained female special forces soldiers, handpicked and groomed by Wu Chengqian through modern methods.

Each of them was an orphan, with unparalleled beauty. One of them, in particular...

Originally, these women had been prepared for Wu Chengqian's personal use, but now, for the sake of the greater good, he had no choice but to part with them.

After all, only these professionally trained women could be trusted not to defect and could relay vital intelligence promptly and accurately.

"Don't worry, Father. I know what needs to be done. You can't catch wolves without sacrificing a lamb."

"Oh, and about Mother..." Wu Chengqian trailed off, but Wu Lingtian understood his meaning.

With that...

*Bang!*

Wu Lingtian slammed his palm down on the desk, shattering it into splinters. His fury was evident.

It was no surprise. Any man would lose his mind if he found out his wife had been unfaithful, let alone an emperor.

In truth, Wu Lingtian had noticed something amiss with his Empress, Pei Luoxue, the moment she stepped off the airship.

Outwardly, everything appeared normal, but after centuries of living together, such a clumsy disguise could never fool his keen senses.

At first glance, he had sensed that Pei Luoxue had grown more... wanton.

Couple that with Cao Wenbin's inexplicable favoritism toward Wu Chengfeng, and it was all too clear—Pei Luoxue had already been defiled by Cao Wenbin. And judging by the situation, they had likely indulged in all sorts of depravity.

The things Wu Lingtian had experienced firsthand had probably already been sampled by Cao Wenbin.

"You despicable pair! I'll have both your lives sooner or later!"

"As for Wu Chengfeng... to think he'd let his own mother sell herself just to secure the Crown Prince's position..."

"Hmph! I'd sooner give the throne to a dog than to you!"

While Wu Lingtian seethed inwardly, Wu Chengqian, who had successfully provoked his father, was secretly pleased.

That last remark had been said with the express purpose of enraging his old man.

Before crossing into this world, Wu Chengqian had seen such situations play out countless times, and he knew Wu Lingtian's mind all too well.

If he hadn't pointed it out, Wu Lingtian might have let the matter slide. After all, if no one knew, it wasn't really a betrayal.

But now that the truth was out...