Elder Fox had always known that his eldest and second daughters were fond of the Beast King, Cang Yan. In the past, no matter whom Meier targeted in the palace, Cang Yan would pretend not to notice and never punished her. This made Elder Fox believe that the Beast King also favored his daughters.
Naturally, he was delighted by such a prospect. If either of his two daughters married the Beast King, the Fox Clan would undoubtedly gain immense prestige and glory!
He was also aware that the Beast King had brought the Flower King back to the Ten Thousand Beasts Palace. Initially, he thought the Beast King merely intended to use the Flower King as a pawn to control the Flower and Wood Clan—a worthless piece in their scheme to annex the clan.
But when Qing Meier was severely punished by Cang Yan himself and sent back to the Qing family, Elder Fox began to reconsider. Especially when Qing Meier, consumed by jealousy, told him how stunningly beautiful the Flower King was, Elder Fox grew restless.
He feared the Beast King had developed genuine feelings for the Flower King. Otherwise, why would a mere pawn in his hands be worth punishing his beloved daughter so harshly, even executing the two maids who had accompanied Meier into the palace?
The more Elder Fox thought about it, the more uneasy he became. If the Beast King truly fell for the Flower King, what chance would his two daughters have? The future glory and prestige of the Fox Clan would vanish like smoke if his daughters failed to marry Cang Yan!
Reading the letter delivered by the Water Clan envoy, Elder Fox slowly formulated a plan. He had to act before the Beast King grew too attached to the Flower King—forcing Cang Yan to send the Flower King back to the Flower and Wood Clan.
This way, he would remove the obstacle preventing his daughters from marrying the Beast King while also using the useless Flower King to extract benefits from Tong Yun of the Flower and Wood Clan. Once the Flower King was returned to Tong Yun, she would surely meet her end. His beloved daughter’s humiliation at the hands of the Beast King would also be avenged. A perfect threefold victory!
Elder Fox’s plan was flawless—or so he thought, right up until the moment the other elders he had summoned arrived to meet the Beast King.
But now… the man seated high on the throne had effortlessly dismantled his entire scheme. Not only did he keep the Flower King, but he also successfully sowed discord between Elder Fox and the other elders present.
Kneeling there, Elder Fox suddenly felt a looming sense of doom.
Cang Yan silently observed everyone’s reactions, satisfied with the effect he had created. If some in the Beast Clan fancied themselves clever and dared to scheme against him, he had no qualms about making an example of them.
“Elder Fox,” Cang Yan said calmly, “an ancient saying goes: ‘To govern the state, one must first regulate the family.’ Though a great man should not be bogged down by trivialities, one must not forget another proverb: ‘A thousand-mile dike can collapse due to an ant’s nest.’ If one focuses solely on grand ambitions while neglecting minor details, chaos will erupt in one’s own backyard. How, then, can one achieve great things?”
“Your Majesty’s wisdom is profound. This old servant shall remember it well,” Elder Fox replied, his voice trembling slightly.
Cang Yan continued, “I see that Elder Fox has been overexerting himself for the sake of the Beast Clan, neglecting his own family. This troubles me deeply. Perhaps Elder Fox should return home for a period of rest and spend time reconnecting with his children.”
“Your Majesty! This old servant is willing to devote himself entirely to the Beast Clan!” Elder Fox panicked—Cang Yan was stripping him of his authority!
Cang Yan smiled faintly. “Your dedication is noted, Elder Fox. But the realm is at peace now. To demand your sole sacrifice would be unreasonable. During your recuperation, the duties you once handled shall be temporarily assigned to Elder Lion, Elder Bear, and Elder Leopard.”
“As Your Majesty commands!” the three elders responded in unison.
With his replacements already decided, Elder Fox’s “recuperation” was set in stone. Knowing further protest was futile, he bowed his head in defeat. “This old servant thanks Your Majesty for your mercy.”
Cang Yan waved dismissively, clearly in good spirits. “No need for formalities, Elder Fox. Does anyone else have matters to report?”
“Nothing to report, Your Majesty,” the elders chorused.
Moonlight spilled like water into the now-quiet hall, which had been bustling with elders moments before.
Cang Yan reclined lazily on his throne, one hand propping up his head. His dark robes exuded restrained majesty.
“Your Majesty.” A gray-clad figure streaked into the hall like a meteor, kneeling respectfully before Cang Yan.
“Rise. There’s no one else here—no need for such formality.” Cang Yan straightened, his piercing gaze fixed on the gray-robed man. “Report.”
The man stood and said, “After leaving the palace, the elders returned to their respective residences. However, they seemed to deliberately distance themselves from Elder Fox. Elder Fox went straight to his study and has not emerged since.”
“And the Phoenix King?” Cang Yan asked.
“After his duel with Your Majesty today, the Phoenix King returned to his quarters and has not left. However, his subordinate, the lark demon, has come and gone several times.”
Cang Yan’s eyes darkened. “Where did that lark go?”
The gray-robed man paled and dropped to his knees. “This subordinate deserves death for his negligence! We focused only on the Phoenix King and failed to track the lark’s movements this afternoon. Please punish me, Your Majesty!”
“Enough.” Cang Yan waved a hand. “If that lark leaves alone again, ensure you follow it closely. Also, immediately assign more hidden guards to protect the Flower King’s residence.”
“Yes!” The man hesitated before asking, “Your Majesty, this subordinate cannot fathom why the Phoenix King and the Dragon King have suddenly visited our clan.”
Cang Yan’s expression was inscrutable. “Whatever their purpose, we will meet force with force and water with earth.”
“But, Your Majesty, if they truly came for the Flower King, who leaked the news of her presence here? Only a few elders and this subordinate knew you brought her back!”
“Qing Yan, are you suggesting there’s a traitor in the Beast Clan?” Cang Yan’s tone was unreadable.
Qing Yan bowed his head. “Without evidence, this subordinate dares not jump to conclusions. But the suspicion lingers.”
“Caution is never misplaced. If those two are indeed here for the Flower King, we must investigate how the information was leaked.” Cang Yan’s gaze grew even darker.
—
**Purple Flame Palace**
The residence prepared for the Phoenix King within the Beast Clan’s territory.
Incense curled lazily from the censer in the lavishly decorated chamber. Outside, towering phoenix trees stood in the courtyard.
Feng Zihuang, clad in fiery red robes, lounged against the headboard, his glossy black hair cascading loosely over his shoulders. Deep into the night, he idly flipped through a book, his posture exuding effortless charm and nobility.
A lark flew in through the open window, landing gracefully before transforming into a delicate young maiden.
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