"Even if I die today, I will never surrender!" the Seventh Prince declared. "However, I implore you to care for my child. He is innocent, and if he is sent back to the Imperial City, he will surely meet a tragic end!"
"This matter is not for me to decide!" the Ninth Prince shook his head, a look of helplessness in his eyes. He wished he could help the Seventh Prince, but all he could do was protect himself, as only then could he avoid being implicated.
As members of the royal family, they understood these matters clearly, which was why they were so concerned.
"Are you truly so heartless!"
The Seventh Prince was filled with despair and unwillingness, yet he was powerless.
Seeing the Seventh Prince's demise, his consort was overwhelmed with grief. She immediately picked up a nearby long sword and ended her own life without the slightest hesitation.
Witnessing this scene, everyone in the Seventh Prince's manor exchanged glances, their hearts filled with resentment, but they were utterly helpless. The situation had reached this point, beyond their control.
Gazing at the child lying in a pool of blood, the Northern Beauty County Princess felt a pang of pity and wished to keep him. The Ninth Prince, however, shook his head, saying, "This child cannot be kept. Otherwise, there will be endless regrets. If the Heavenly Emperor finds out, he will punish me!"
"The child is innocent, why must he be implicated!"
The Northern Beauty County Princess shook her head, unable to accept this. The Ninth Prince's words had deeply affected her.
"Father, I understand what you are saying, but do you know the consequences of offending the Heavenly Emperor!"
The Ninth Prince's voice rang out again, this time with a grave tone. After all, the Heavenly Emperor's might was not something ordinary people could defy.
The Northern Beauty County Princess was filled with helplessness. With the situation as it was, she couldn't say much more. Although she was filled with regret, all she could do now was bury them.
"Ninth Prince, while that may be true, is it not too cruel to treat a child in this manner?"
Lu Fan said with a smile, slowly stepping forward, his gaze serious.
In response to these words, the Ninth Prince shook his head. "I understand what you are saying, but you should also know that the Heavenly Court's decrees cannot be violated. If the Heavenly Court finds out that I kept this person, the Heavenly Emperor will surely trouble me in the future!"
"It seems the Ninth Prince is indeed ruthless, with no regard for familial affection, otherwise you would not be so forthright!"
Lu Fan said with a wry smile. "Even your own brother lying before you, you are so indifferent!"
"This..."
The Ninth Prince froze, his expression shifting slightly. Facing Lu Fan's words, he felt a mix of emotions, and at this point, he was also at a loss.
Although he feared the Heavenly Court's authority, he also possessed humanity. Even he did not wish to harm a child, but this was not something he could decide. Moreover, as a member of the royal family, if he kept any remnants, and it was discovered that he harbored rebellious intentions, the entire Ninth Prince's manor would likely face annihilation.
"Why don't you let me adopt him? This way, the Ninth Prince need not worry." Lu Fan smiled slightly. "As for what happened today, the Ninth Prince can pretend not to know. This child will be raised by me from now on!"
"The Prince of the Northwest is not of royal blood, yet possesses such kindness. I truly admire you!"
The Ninth Prince cupped his fists. "If I still refuse, would that not be too cruel!"
"So, you agree, Ninth Prince!"
Lu Fan smiled, looking even happier. This would be for the best.
No matter what, this was a living life. If he could save him, it would be considered accumulating merit, and Lu Fan cared about this greatly.
"From now on, his name will be Lu Tian!"
Lu Fan smiled. "This way, no one will suspect his identity!"
"This name is good, I like it too!" The Northern Beauty County Princess nodded, her face showing joy. This was truly for the best.
Lu Fan picked up Lu Tian, protecting him in his palm, his gaze softened. This was merely a child, why should he suffer undeserved disaster. Even Lu Fan could not stand it, otherwise he would not have spoken.
After taking control of the entire rebellious territory of the Seventh Prince's manor, the Ninth Prince and Lu Fan prepared to return to the capital to report their success, not daring to delay even a moment, as this matter was of great importance to them.
Meanwhile, in the Heavenly Court's court, all eyes were on the Ninth Prince and Lu Fan, their faces beaming with smiles. They already knew that the Seventh Prince had lost his head, which was great news for the entire Heavenly Court Dynasty.
The Heavenly Court Dynasty had been in turmoil for some time, causing considerable unrest and concern for its safety. Later, the rebellion of the Seventh Prince further agitated the populace.
However, with all of it suppressed, a sense of calm had been restored, which was a great relief to them.
"The Seventh Prince's rebellion, your actions in suppressing it were highly meritorious!" Su Dan Novel Network
The Heavenly Emperor's voice echoed, his gaze falling upon Lu Fan and the Ninth Prince, his eyes filled with relief.
"It is my honor to serve the Heavenly Court. Your subordinate dares not claim credit!" The Ninth Prince bowed slightly, appearing to tread on thin ice. Although he was of royal blood, it was precisely this sensitive identity that made him dare not overstep.
After all, such matters were not to be taken lightly. If the Heavenly Emperor was displeased by the slightest misstep, it would lead to endless disaster.
The Ninth Prince understood this deeply, which was why he did not dare to be negligent.
"Ninth Brother, there is no need for such formality. We are all brothers, why be so cautious!" The Heavenly Emperor waved his hand. "If my seventh brother had not been so tyrannical and harbored rebellious intentions, I would not have sent people to intercept him. This was his own doing."
"While that may be true, the one above is the one above. Where is the distinction of brothers!" The Ninth Prince cupped his fists, his expression serious, showing great deference to the emperor before him.
The Heavenly Emperor was quite pleased with these words. At least in his eyes, the Ninth Prince's speech made him feel fulfilled. This was the feeling he desired.
"Your Majesty, if my guess is correct, not long from now, the Underworld Dynasty will likely advance into the Heavenly Court. You must be prepared!" Lu Fan said, cupping his fists. "Otherwise, losing the initiative will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the Heavenly Court Dynasty!"
"Prince of the Northwest, where did you obtain this information?" The Grand Tutor said with displeasure, his gaze falling upon Lu Fan. "Do you truly believe that because you have achieved one merit, you can speak recklessly? This is the Heavenly Court!"