“Elder Leopard, what kind of talk is this!” Qing Yuan’s expression darkened as he looked at Elder Leopard with righteous indignation, frowning in displeasure. “As the saying goes, even the wise are not always free from error! No matter how resourceful our Lord is, there will inevitably be moments when his considerations fall short.
As his subjects, it is our duty to wholeheartedly assist him!”
Elder Leopard smiled faintly. Hearing such righteous words from the mouth of a cunning old fox added an extra layer of absurdity.
“Wholeheartedly assist our Lord”—how could Qing Yuan say such words without batting an eye? Did he really think everyone present was brainless? Did he believe they had become elders of their clans solely through brute strength and luck?
Elder Leopard Shouyang wouldn’t dare claim that the beast elders gathered here were virtuous. After all, they had followed Cang Yan in killing the White Tiger King to seize power—none of them were saints. But when it came to selfishness and slyness, none could compare to this fox elder before them!
“Elder Fox speaks wisely,” Elder Leopard Shouyang nodded, appearing to agree with Qing Yuan’s righteous speech.
Qing Yuan slightly raised his head, as if to better display his loyalty and patriotic fervor.
“However…” Elder Leopard suddenly shifted his tone. “Rumors should never be taken at face value. We cannot rashly conclude why our Lord clashed with the Dragon King of the Water Tribe based on mere hearsay!
But since Elder Fox is so concerned about this matter, how about this—tomorrow morning, I will personally enter the palace to seek clarification from our Lord. What does Elder Fox think of that?”
“Elder Leopard, having held a high position in our Beast Tribe for years, surely you know how swiftly political tides can turn! If our Lord and the Dragon King truly fought over a woman, by the time you enter the palace tomorrow, our Beast Tribe and the Water Tribe may already be at odds because of her!” Elder Fox frowned deeply, his face full of worry.
“So what if we’re at odds? Our mighty Beast Tribe is full of talent. Are we to fear the Water Tribe? Besides, the Flower Queen was our Lord’s choice first. Now that he has set a wedding date with her, if the Dragon King truly fought our Lord over her, then our Lord would be justified in killing him! Should we tolerate others coveting what is ours?” The Lion Elder, who had remained silent until now, spoke gruffly.
Qing Yuan seethed inwardly, realizing his miscalculation.
His original plan had been to use the clash between Cang Yan and Jin Lin to stir up resentment among the beast elders toward the Flower Queen. But clearly, they already harbored deep distrust toward him and were no longer listening to his words.
“Ah, I am merely concerned! Since ancient times, beauty has been the downfall of many. Countless heroes have had their legacies ruined by such enchanting women! The Flower Queen is peerlessly beautiful—I fear our Lord will inevitably become infatuated, leading to neglect of state affairs. That would be our failure as his advisors!” Qing Yuan pondered, trying once more to sow discord against Yun Qingxue.
“What, then, does Elder Fox suggest?” Elder Leopard Shouyang raised an eyebrow.
“Well…” Elder Fox hesitated, as if struggling to speak.
“Out with it! Quit stammering like a coward!” the Lion Elder roared. Though a blunt man, ever since being manipulated by Elder Fox last time, he viewed the fox elder with deep suspicion. Every move of Elder Fox now seemed like a scheme to him.
Thus, when Elder Fox hesitated, the Lion Elder had only one thought: *That damned fox Qing Yuan is definitely plotting something again!*
“Ah!” Elder Fox sighed heavily, ignoring the Lion Elder’s rudeness, and spoke as if baring his soul. “I know that ever since my last audience with our Lord, you all have held grudges against me! But some words are too painful to keep inside, so even at the risk of further misunderstanding, I must speak my mind!
Regardless of whether my daughter had any past conflicts with the Flower Queen, I firmly believe she should not remain by our Lord’s side! With her looks, she will inevitably bring ruin to our great Beast Tribe!
Thus, I propose our Lord may marry the Flower Queen—but he must never *dote* on her!”
“What nonsense! After the wedding, the Flower Queen will rightfully be our Beast Tribe’s queen. In the honeymoon phase, should our Lord *not* dote on her? Or should he cast her into the cold palace instead?”
The Bear Elder, sitting nearby, spoke with a mocking smile.
Elder Fox, however, remained solemn. “Precisely! We should advise our Lord to send her to the cold palace immediately after the wedding! His original purpose in marrying her was merely to legitimize the annexation of the Flower-Wood Tribe. Now that the goal is achieved, a woman with the power to bewitch our Lord should be discarded as soon as possible!”
“Ah~”
Elder Leopard suddenly stretched, yawning with visible fatigue.
Elder Fox frowned in displeasure—Elder Leopard’s attitude from start to finish made it clear he held no respect for him.
Elder Leopard stood, smiling at the gathered elders. “All we’ve said here is mere speculation. Our Lord’s thoughts are inscrutable. Rather than idly guessing, I reiterate—tomorrow morning, we should enter the palace and seek answers directly from him!”
“Elder Leopard speaks wisely!” The Lion Elder was the first to agree. Compared to Qing Yuan, he found Shouyang far more agreeable. Though just as shrewd—if not more so—Shouyang had never schemed against anyone.
“Indeed, rather than baseless conjecture, we should seek our Lord’s clarification tomorrow,” the Bear Elder added.
Shouyang smiled at the visibly displeased Elder Fox. “Thank you, Brother Qing, for your hospitality and fine tea. The night grows late—I shall take my leave now. I’ll surely return the favor and invite you to my estate for tea another time. Farewell!”
“The hour is late—I too shall depart!” The Lion Elder followed Elder Leopard in bidding farewell.
“Elder Fox, rest assured we will seek answers from our Lord tomorrow. Farewell!” The Bear Elder also clasped his hands in parting.
Suppressing his fury, Qing Yuan escorted the group out of his estate. Once the gates of the Qing Manor shut, his face twisted in rage as he flicked his sleeve and gnashed his teeth. “*Damn that old bastard Shouyang!*”
“Father.” A sweet yet clear voice called out.
Qing Yuan looked up to see his eldest daughter, dressed in an emerald-green water-patterned gown, gracefully stepping out from the inner courtyard.
“Wu’er.” At the sight of his most sensible daughter, Qing Yuan’s anger softened considerably.
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