Unstoppable Martial Arts: Starting with brother's wife and young sister Chapter 1054 - 527: Blood Race Unrest (Happy New Year to Book Friends!) (2)

Accompanied by a pang of guilt.

Her maternal clan lacked significant influence, offering him minimal support amongst the many princes; his current ascent was almost entirely self-achieved.

However, a stroke of good fortune arrived with Ying'Er's ancestral bloodline's resurgence.

While in the harem, a mother's standing often elevates due to her son's position, for her, Qin Ying's inherited bloodline brought an equivalent rise in her own palace status.

Yet, her most profound wish was for Qin Ying to lend his future support to his elder brother, Qin Hong.

As for Chen Xuan, her role this evening was purely that of a mother figure.

Her inquiries revolved around familial ties.

“Where do you hail from?”

“What is the size of your family?”

“What are your aspirations for the future?”

Chen Xuan responded with all the details he was willing to share; aspects he chose not to disclose were unknown to Qin Ying and even less likely to be revealed by him.

After a little over an hour, Lin Fei indicated her departure, needing to return to the Imperial Palace.

Standing at the entrance of the Fourth Prince’s Mansion.

“Very well, there’s no need for you to see me off!”

Lin Fei glanced at the two individuals, taking Qin Hong’s hand. “The times are currently turbulent; you must proceed with caution. Ponder matters deeply and, in the future, do not hesitate to consult with Ying’Er.”

Though unspoken explicitly, Qin Ying's current standing far surpassed that of the princes.

“Understood, Mother Consort!”

Qin Hong gave a slight nod.

He was unfailingly devoted and always heeded Lin Fei’s counsel, never once offering a contrary opinion.

“And you!”

Lin Fei turned her gaze towards Chen Xuan.

“As you wish.”

Chen Xuan replied promptly.

“I am aware you are no ordinary individual, both in terms of strength and influence. I hold no objections to your relationship with Ying’Er, and I shall also speak on your behalf to His Majesty.”

“Thank you, Lin Fei!”

“For Ying’Er’s sake, should anything befall Hong’Er, I implore you to lend him your assistance.”

Addressing Chen Xuan, who was her junior, she even employed the word ‘implore.’

This demonstrated the significant influence Chen Xuan currently commanded.

She had thoroughly investigated his background prior but chose to withhold this information during the banquet, electing instead to bring it up upon her departure.

Her intention was to prevent Chen Xuan from harboring unnecessary worries.

“Very well!”

Chen Xuan agreed with a smile.

No terms were laid out, only a request for assistance, making it impossible for him to decline Lin Fei’s plea.

He was also moved, sensing a rare, genuine familial warmth emanating from her, a matriarch from a prominent family.

“That is good then.”

Lin Fei let out a sigh of relief, having successfully achieved her two primary objectives for the evening.

Subsequently, with the assistance of her attendant, she boarded the waiting carriage.

“Whew—”

Observing Lin Fei’s carriage recede into the night, Qin Hong exhaled a lengthy sigh.

“Mother Consort has always been this way.”

“She neither engages in conflict nor contention!”

“Even when subjected to mistreatment within the palace, she would merely offer a smile.”

“However, she is remarkably frugal, dedicating all her saved wealth to me.”

He articulated each sentence deliberately.

It was as if he were conversing with himself, or perhaps, intending for Chen Xuan to overhear his words.

“This situation only began to change once the Imperial Sister’s ancestral bloodline was rediscovered.”

“The Emperor bestowed generous rewards.”

“Not merely material wealth, but her status saw a significant elevation, ensuring that no one within the harem dared to mistreat Mother Consort any longer.”

“This is the true nature of power!”

After speaking, his gaze locked onto Chen Xuan.

“Compared to Qin Tiandao, I lack his formidable background, yet in terms of dedication and innate talent, I am by no means inferior to him. Therefore, I must strive for that power, for Mother Consort’s sake!”

“Is that position truly so alluring?”

Chen Xuan posed the question, a hint of rhetoric in his tone.

Confronted with this query, Qin Hong’s expression turned grave as he slowly responded, “To utter a treasonous thought, Father seized that position with his hands stained by the blood of his own siblings.”

“I have no desire to become the unfortunate blood spilled by another!”

“And so…”

Qin Hong paused, his demeanor growing impassioned. “I wish to be the one whose hands are stained with their blood!”

“The Imperial Family is the epitome of ruthlessness!”

Chen Xuan mused inwardly.

“The same holds true everywhere.”

“So, what then…?”

Chen Xuan inquired.

“The Imperial Sister will undoubtedly stand by my side.”

“But that is insufficient!”

“I hope you will aid me. With you and the Imperial Sister beside me, I am certain to attain that position!”

With these words, Qin Hong’s voice dropped in volume.

His eyes openly betrayed his ambition to Chen Xuan.

“Once victorious, any condition you name, I shall agree to without exception!”

He fixed his gaze intently on Chen Xuan.

Eagerly anticipating the affirmative response he desired.

But…

Chen Xuan’s expression remained impassive; conversely, he let out a cold, internal laugh.

He has yet to secure the very position he speaks of, and already he is making extravagant, empty promises!

Indeed, through the annals of history, the Imperial Family’s nature remains a constant!

"Firstly, I am my own person, Qin Ying is Qin Ying. She might stand by your side, but that's all there is to it!"

"Secondly, the final decision for that position rests with His Majesty! Unless your fist is stronger than his."

"Thirdly, I gave Lin Fei my word, so I will keep it."

After stating his piece, he turned to leave but paused after a few steps. Facing the other man, he declared, "Perhaps you find my words arrogant, but I can assure you of one thing: even if you fail, I will ensure your life remains safe, and Lin Fei will not be affected in the slightest!"

Chen Xuan departed.

Qin Hong remained, rooted to the spot, stunned.

Beneath the moon's glow!

His countenance was starkly pale, yet his eyes bore an intense darkness that sent a shiver down the spine.

"Your Highness!"

After an indeterminate moment, Wu Ma approached him. "Your Highness should return."

But Qin Hong was lost in thought, asking coldly instead, "He claims he can guarantee my survival! What is your assessment?"

"Arrogant!"

Wu Ma's brows knitted together abruptly. Even Liu Sheng would not dare utter such words.

He was not yet the Chief Eunuch of the Ritual Department; to speak with such conceit as a mere Prince Xuan was audacious.

"Hmph!"

Qin Hong let out a cold snort. "Never mind him; I refuse to believe that without his intervention, I cannot seize that position!"