C8 Seeking Business Opportunities

The monthly ceremony of paying respects was a tradition established by King Qin after his ascension to the throne, purportedly to foster brotherly bonds among the princes.

All princes residing in the palace were required to attend. Those with their own estates outside could choose a different time if the journey was too long.

Qin Xuan detested such empty formalities, yet his objections carried no weight.

The mood in the Golden Hall was tense.

A message was relayed by the chief eunuch: King Qin had stayed up late reviewing documents the previous night and felt slightly unwell, so he had dismissed the assembly.

A sneer was directed at Qin Xuan.

"Our father has always been robust. How could he be bedridden just from reading late? It seems someone has vexed him to the point of avoiding an appearance!"

Qin Xuan arched an eyebrow and turned to Qin Jue with feigned ignorance. "You look rather pale. What cultivation method have you been practicing? Surely you haven't overexerted yourself?"

Qin Jue's frail constitution and sallow complexion were only accentuated by his light gray brocade robe, which made him appear even more listless, as though he might collapse at any moment.

Qin Lang snickered and covertly winked at Qin Xuan.

With a cold huff, Qin Jue retorted, "You should be more concerned about yourself! That Grayhands Sect disciple is at the fifth level of the Innate Realm. To him, killing you would be no harder than squashing an ant!"

"So you're convinced I'll lose? What if a miracle occurs?"

"A miracle? Ha... For someone with no martial arts foundation to face a master of the Innate Realm's fifth level, it's delusional to even think of survival, let alone a miracle. Unless a deity intervenes, maybe you'll scrape by with your life!"

"That's a bit harsh. Aren't we brothers? Can't you wish me well?"

"Enough!" Qin Tan slammed his teacup down, glaring contemptuously at Qin Xuan. "Your usual frivolity is one thing, but this recklessness is too much. Are you intent on making us all a laughingstock? If you embarrass yourself at the Rite of Induction, people will think our royal family lacks capable members! You're risking the honor and reputation of our entire dynasty!"

"Aren't those words a bit too harsh?"

Qin Xuan scratched his head, perplexed. At the time, his only intention was to stand up for Squirt; how could he have foreseen the consequences?

"Everyone in Atrela knows I'm the only prince who lacks martial arts prowess. Even if I were to lose, it shouldn't affect my royal brothers, should it?"

"Hmph, the power of gossip is fearsome! Regardless of the outcome, this situation will only harm our dynasty."

Qin Jue, who had initially broached the subject, now spoke with a heavy heart, "Prince Qin Tan is only looking out for you. If you don't want to upset Father again, you'd be better off not attending. Concerning the Grayhands Sect, if you're worried about gossip, why not offer a private apology? I recall that your betrothed has a good rapport with Yu Qing from the Grayhands Sect. Perhaps she could intercede on your behalf? This issue might just be resolved..."

"Qin Jue!" Qin Xuan shot up, his voice tinged with accusation, "You seclude yourself for cultivation, ignoring state affairs, yet you're so intrigued by my fiancée's personal life? To the uninformed, it would seem you've committed a major faux pas, harboring a secret affection for your brother's wife!"

"Ridiculous! What nonsense are you spouting?" Qin Tan retorted with a fierce glare, putting his foot down, "You're right, Seventh Brother. The Rite of Induction is no place for a scholar with no martial prowess like yourself! This subject is closed; we shall not discuss it further!"

With that, he shot Qin Xuan a warning glance and swept out of the room.

Qin Jue's face was a picture of malicious glee as he said, "You'd best look after yourself."

Dragging his ailing body, he followed after Qin Tan...

Qin Xuan sighed in resignation. With Prince Qin Tan forbidding him from attending the Rite of Induction, registering was now out of the question—a tricky predicament indeed.

Previously concerned solely with improving his martial arts skills, he now had to worry about how to sign up for the Rite of Induction.

"Those at the top have their strategies, but those at the bottom have their tactics. Surely you won't give up that easily, will you?"

Qin Lang's nonchalant demeanor left Qin Xuan torn between laughter and tears.

"You've been watching the show for so long, you ought to show some support!"

He reached around Qin Xuan's waist and found something useful—a jade pendant carved with the character "Xuan," signifying the status of Qin Xuan as the fourteenth prince.

Qin Xuan felt a surge of emotion. Was Qin Lang offering to help him sign up?

"Brother..."

"Save it! No need for thanks. Aren't we two peas in a pod?"

Qin Lang teased him with a wink, then turned serious. "So, what are your odds of winning this time?"

"…"

Qin Xuan was at a loss for words.

Others scoffed and criticized when they heard he'd be joining the Rite of Induction. Why did this guy believe in his victory?

"Alright, I'll give it to you straight."

Qin Lang led him aside and murmured in hushed tones until Qin Xuan got the picture.

Traditionally, on the eve of the Rite of Induction, the Golden Feast would become the stage for wagers on the outcomes, with odds reflecting the contestants' popularity to lure more bets.

This year, aside from the disciples of the Grayhands and Venomlaws, Qin Xuan had unexpectedly become a hot topic.

His soaring popularity meant his odds were the highest, even reaching ten to two against Yu Lin.

Meaning, if Yu Lin won, bettors would double their stake, but if Qin Xuan triumphed, they'd rake in tenfold!

Despite the tempting odds, common sense dictated that Qin Xuan stood no chance, so most regarded the betting as mere entertainment, with no one foolish enough to stake their earnings on him.

But Qin Lang was anything but conventional; he spotted a "business opportunity" in the making.

"I do have quite a bit of confidence in myself, but..."

"That's the spirit—as long as you believe!"

Qin Lang arched an eyebrow and whispered, "Relax, I'll take care of that Grayhands Sect disciple. Just make sure you're there on the day of the Rite of Induction."

"..."

Qin Xuan stared at him incredulously. "What are you planning? If Father finds out, he won't let you off lightly."

"Father's far too busy to bother with such minor issues. The real challenge might come from Qin Mo and Qin Tan, though..."

It was well-known that those two had eyes and ears everywhere outside the palace, making them nearly impossible to evade.

Seeing the earnest look on Qin Lang's face, Qin Xuan felt a plan forming in his mind.

"Let me handle this," he offered.

Qin Lang looked up sharply.

"But I have one condition: you need to find a way to significantly increase the betting odds."

"Have you lost your mind?"

Qin Lang's eyes were round with shock. He was just hoping to make a quick buck, not expecting Qin Xuan's appetite for risk to be so large!

"Well, if we're going to take a risk, we might as well go all out!"