I Can Strengthen Everything

Chapter 249: Chapter 129: Ninth Prince and Southern Border Turmoil

"The Ninth Prince!"

’He’s fast. I’ve only been back a few hours and he’s already here.’

Fang Xing thought as he watched Steward Wang’s departing figure.

A moment later, Steward Wang returned. Someone else appeared beside him at the entrance to the main hall.

He was a young man in brocade clothing, a jade belt cinched at his waist. With sword-like brows and star-bright eyes, he cut a heroic figure, exuding the faint air of a king.

The Ninth Prince, Zhao Taiji!

The thought flashed through Fang Xing’s mind as he looked at the young man in brocade clothing.

Hong Miaojin’s brow furrowed. With a sullen expression, she shot him a single glance before turning her head away.

From the host’s seat, Hong Xuanji rose.

Fang Xing stood up as well.

Hong Miaojin, however, remained seated, one hand holding her teacup. She sipped her tea quietly, ignoring him completely.

"Lord Hong, please forgive my sudden visit." Zhao Taiji stepped forward, revealing a warm smile.

Hong Xuanji replied with a smile, "Your Highness, we are honored by your presence. Please, take a seat of honor."

Zhao Taiji nodded lightly, then walked to Hong Xuanji’s side and sat down. His gaze fell upon the sullen-faced Hong Miaojin, and he spoke with an affectionate look, "Miaojin, it has been too long. You’ve gotten thinner."

"I’m perfectly fine. You need not concern yourself, Your Highness," Hong Miaojin said, her face cold.

Zhao Taiji seemed accustomed to Hong Miaojin’s attitude. He maintained his smile and turned his gaze to Fang Xing.

"Oh? And who is this friend?"

"A colleague of Jin’er’s, Fang Xing."

"Fang Xing, this is the ninth son of the current Holy Emperor, His Highness the Ninth Prince."

Hong Xuanji made the introductions.

"This humble subordinate, Fang Xing, greets the Ninth Prince," Fang Xing said, clasping his hands in a salute.

Zhao Taiji nodded slightly, his eyes flashing. "Fang Xing... I feel like I’ve heard that name somewhere. Are you the one on the Hidden Dragon List?"

Fang Xing’s expression was calm, neither humble nor arrogant. "Replying to Your Highness, if there isn’t another with the same name, then it should be this humble subordinate."

Hearing this, Zhao Taiji smiled. "A young hero indeed. With heroes like you, the Great Jing is sure to have a pillar of support for the future."

"Your Highness flatters me. In the Great Jing, people like this humble subordinate are a dime a dozen," Fang Xing replied with a smile.

Zhao Taiji nodded lightly. "Young, yet neither arrogant nor rash. You are a man of great potential."

"Don’t just stand there. Sit."

"Thank you, Your Highness." Fang Xing saluted again before sitting down.

Zhao Taiji looked at him with a kind smile. "Since you are Miaojin’s friend, then from now on, you are a friend of this Prince as well."

"This subordinate wouldn’t dare presume such an honor," Fang Xing said, clasping his hands.

"Not at all. A friend of Miaojin’s is a friend of mine," Zhao Taiji said, beaming at him.

Hong Miaojin’s face was grim, but she said nothing, merely sipping her tea in silence.

"Your Highness, was there another reason for your visit?" At the side, Hong Xuanji looked at Zhao Taiji and spoke up.

Zhao Taiji shook his head. "Nothing important. I just hadn’t seen Miaojin in many days and missed her."

"This girl does rarely come back. But the situation in Cang Province is quite troublesome, and she has a lot on her plate."

Hong Xuanji chuckled.

Zhao Taiji looked at Hong Xuanji. "Then why not transfer Miaojin back, my lord?"

"There’s no need. I’m quite comfortable in Cang Province," Hong Miaojin cut in.

Hong Xuanji glanced at her, then turned back to Zhao Taiji. "My apologies. This girl truly has a wild streak. She enjoys handling these matters, so I let her be."

At these words, Zhao Taiji smiled faintly, but the corner of his eye twitched.

Then, Zhao Taiji’s gaze shifted to Fang Xing. "How long have you been with Miaojin?"

"Replying to Your Highness, this humble subordinate has been with Lord Hong for several months now," Fang Xing replied.

"Only a few months?" Zhao Taiji looked at him in surprise.

Fang Xing nodded. "Before this, this humble subordinate was with the Jiang Province Observatory. It was Lord Hong who transferred me to Cang Province."

"I see..."

Zhao Taiji nodded slowly, looking at Fang Xing. "To be able to get on the Hidden Dragon List... talent like yours, Lord Fang, is rare. Have you any interest in working in Jade Capital?"

"Ninth Prince, what do you think you’re doing? Poaching my people right in front of me?" Before Fang Xing could speak, Hong Miaojin interjected, her face as dark as water.

Zhao Taiji smiled. "Miaojin, don’t misunderstand. This Prince simply cherishes talent. Jade Capital is a fine place, with much better prospects for the future."

Hong Miaojin stared at him, her gaze icy. "Don’t forget, Your Highness, the Holy Emperor has decreed that outsiders are not to interfere in the affairs of the Observatory—especially His Majesty’s own children. Does Your Highness intend to defy His Majesty’s command?"

Hearing this, the smile on Zhao Taiji’s face froze, but he quickly recovered and turned to Hong Xuanji. "Lord Hong, I had no such intention. I simply cherish talent. Miaojin must have misunderstood."

Hong Xuanji smiled faintly. "Your Highness has a point. However, when it comes to this girl’s matters, it’s best to let her make her own choices."

At this, the corner of Zhao Taiji’s eye twitched again, but he nodded with a smile.

"But of course."

"But what if Lord Fang is willing to come to Jade Capital? Wouldn’t keeping him here be a disservice to his future?"

Saying this, Zhao Taiji turned to Fang Xing.

Hong Miaojin’s gaze also fell upon him.

"..."

Fang Xing looked at Zhao Taiji. "I appreciate Your Highness’s concern. But this subordinate was born in the Celestial South, and with Demons and Monsters currently running rampant there, this subject only wishes to slay them and maintain stability in the region."

’Come to Jade Capital City? What a joke.’

’Going to Jade Capital would be a complete waste.’

’The prosperity of Jade Capital was certainly tempting, but in his eyes, Demons and Ghosts were far more alluring.’

’Nothing was more satisfying than improving his strength.’

’With enough strength, he wouldn’t have to curry favor with anyone—not the Ninth Prince, not even Emperor Longjing himself.’

Hearing Fang Xing’s answer, Hong Miaojin smiled in satisfaction.

Seeing the smile on Hong Miaojin’s face, Zhao Taiji’s own expression remained warm and gentle.

"Lord Fang’s devotion to the country and its people truly makes him a pillar of the nation. This is a blessing for our Great Jing."

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