Among the three princes, everyone knew that the Third Prince held the lowest status and had the least chance of winning the throne. That was why everyone closed their doors when the Third Price visited them, refusing to meet him let alone lend their assistance to him.
Both the First Prince and Second Prince had a ninety-nine percent chance of achieving great things in the future. Compared to them, the likelihood of the Third Prince having such achievements was less than one percent.
However, now that the Third Prince managed to hire Senior Shu, did that mean he gained Senior Shu’s support?
That would be shocking news.
While Senior Shu may be a legendary existence in the academy, she had the power to influence nations once outside the academy’s grounds. Just her Rank 5 identity was enough to change the game.
Appraiser Yan and the others exchanged glances. It became obvious that Third Prince’s situation was turning around now.
Outside the banquet hall, the three princes stood to receive guests.
Their hired appraisers would arrive first before the princess and emissaries of Thousand Island Country showed up.
All three princes were standing at the side, waiting patiently.
The first prince, Feng Ziyong, and second prince Feng Zishan stood at the front, while Feng Ziqian positioned himself at the back
Although Feng Ziyong and Feng Zishan were rivals, one thing they shared in common was how they both looked down on Feng Ziqian.
To them, Feng Ziqian was the weakest competitor, so he should also be the first to be removed. With Feng Ziqian gone as a contender, both of them could fully focus on competing against each other.
That was the consensus both princes had reached.
The Second Prince, Feng Zishan seemed much more reliable. He had a more scholarly appearance when compared to the bulky and courageous First Prince, Feng Ziyong.
“I heard that Big Brother has hired Master State Preceptor. That’s quite heavy-handed,” Feng Zishan commented smilingly as he probed his elder brother.
Hearing this, a look of satisfaction surfaced on Feng Ziyong’s face.
To be able to invite their state preceptor over was something to be proud of.
Everyone knew of Master State Preceptor’s status. Even their father had to be extra respectful of him. Since Master State Preceptor was willing to come, that would mean he supported the first prince. With his influence, the first prince had a higher chance of succeeding the throne.
“I see my Second Brother is quite well-informed. That’s right. Master State Preceptor has taken time out of his busy schedule to attend this banquet on my invitation because he does approve of me. I hope that you’ll be able to support me as well and stop resisting,” Feng Ziyong took the opportunity to make his intentions clear. Ever so straightforward, just like his usual conduct.
Feng Zishan smiled in response. “Of course I support you, Big Brother. I always have.”
Compared to Feng Ziyong, Feng Zishan was more of a strategist. He only said ‘support’, but he failed to elaborate on which aspect he would provide his support. Feng Ziyong may be direct, but he was no fool.
“Second Brother, don’t make fun of me. You know what I mean. For generations, it’s always been the eldest who succeeds the throne, not the younger ones. Why do you insist on competing then? You’re only hurting our brotherly relationship in the process. Don’t worry. Once I ascend the throne, I won’t mistreat you. After all, you’re my brother by blood.” Feng Ziyong had made it quite clear.
Feng Zishan smiled again. “Big Brother, I’d just like to reiterate that you have my support. However, on the question of who succeeds the tone, none of us has any say in it. It’s up to Father to decide. At this point, I dare not speak too much, or make any speculations about Father’s intentions.”
Feng Ziyong’s expression fell.
He knew he was getting anxious.
According to Feng Zishan’s words, he was insinuating that Feng Ziyong was trying to guess their father’s intentions and even interfere in this selection.
Feng Ziyong’s heart thumped and he shot Feng Zishan a silent glare. Knowing his personality, he was aware that if he said anymore, he might attract trouble.
Master State Preceptor had mentioned this to him before.
That he wasn’t steadfast enough, but his second brother had a very strong mind.
“The Rank 4 appraisers are here,” someone whispered.
Immediately, Feng Ziyong straightened up. He knew his chances were best since Master State Preceptor had personally come to support him. He also had the highest chance of winning the princess’ heart.
When that time comes, he would have brought honor upon Heavenly Spiral Kingdom and even marry the princess of a foreign country, thereby increasing his sphere of influence. The throne would be his!
With this thought in mind, Feng Ziyong got excited.
Standing beside him, Feng Zishan remained passive on the surface but was panicking inside.
He had been working painfully hard over the years so he could overpower Feng Ziyong. He believed that their father favored him more, or he wouldn’t have hesitated in selecting a successor.
If the first prince had been excellent enough, that their father was please with and valued him, no matter how much Feng Zishan struggled, he wouldn’t stand a chance to win the throne.
Now that it became clear how reluctant their father was to pick a successor, it indicated that their father thought Feng Ziyong was too foolhardy, a trait that made him unify to rule the nation.
Thus, all three princes now had to contend for the crown.
As for Feng Ziqian, he was only allowed to participate for the fun of it. Feng Zishan never regarded his younger brother as a qualified opponent.
Their father must feel the same. He probably let Feng Ziqian participate only to appear fair and impartial to the public.
So Feng Zishan knew full well that his biggest rival was their eldest brother, Feng Ziyong.
Feng Zishan regularly visited their state preceptor because he understood the latter’s importance to the kingdom and their father. Being a Rank 5 beast appraiser made him the nation’s greatest reliance anyway.
Whoever could gain State Preceptor’s support had a greater chance.
Still, it’s a pity that State Preceptor didn’t seem to be fond of him and chose to support Feng Ziyong instead. No matter how much Feng Zishan plotted, this would prove to be his greatest weak point.
Fortunately, he managed to hire two Rank 4 beast appraisers so as to not fail too miserably.
As for Feng Ziqian, based on Feng Zishan’s understanding, he probably couldn’t hire a single Rank 4 appraiser.
When the time comes, he would be utterly humiliated.
Just then, the first appraiser appeared.
It was a godly-looking old man.
Feng Zishan was internally shocked at first glance.
This old man was no ordinary person.
The reason was simple too. Despite how slowly he was walking, no other appraiser dared to walk overtake him.
What did that mean?
It meant that the old man had a great influence over all the other appraisers.
Yet, this old man wasn’t State Preceptor Sima Qing. Feng Zishan didn’t recognize nor had ever met him before.
“This is impossible!” Feng Zishan found it incredulous, panicking slightly. He basically knew every Rank 4 beast appraiser in Heavenly Spiral Academy and met all of them. Even if he hadn’t, he at least had their details.
Yet, this old man’s existence was unknown to him.
If he was only an unknown appraiser, so be it. But the sight of other appraisers treading respectfully behind him proved he wasn’t an average appraiser.
“What’s going on?” Feng Zishan turned to look at one of his confidants. The latter didn’t know either and was at a loss of what to do.
Not only was Feng Zishan dumbstruck, but Feng Ziyong as well.
He assumed that Master State Preceptor would be the one walking in front, but upon closer observation, that wasn’t him.
He didn’t even notice Master State Preceptor’s shadow at all.
