Chapter 14 — I Didn't Choose the Crown Prince, The One I Chose Made Everyone Stunned

I asked, my voice hoarse.

“Why did he have to do that?”

Trieu Hanh's eyes were terrifyingly quiet.

“Because he needs a ‘trophy’.”

“A gift is enough to prove a stance.”

“A business card to present to the Crown Prince.”

"That year I was at my peak, both in literature and martial arts were vaguely superior to the Crown Prince."

Trieu Hanh's voice was calm as if he was telling someone else's story.

"In the Crown Prince's eyes, I am a thorn in the eye, a splinter in the flesh."

He curled his lips slightly.

“Third brother abandoned me, then gave me to the Crown Prince.”

“While eliminating a competitor, you also gain credibility.”

“Isn't that a perfect plan to kill two birds with one stone?”

I heard it and my whole body felt cold. This is truly bloodless murder. Compared to Trieu Khai, Trieu Dich's tricks are truly child's play.

“So why does he come to me now?”

I can't help but be confused. Trieu Hanh laughed faintly.

“Because he realized that the Crown Prince is a wolf that can never be tamed.”

"He helped the Crown Prince get rid of me, but the Crown Prince never really trusted him."

"All these years, I've always oppressed him, treating him like a useless nerd."

“His ambition has been suppressed for too long.”

He looked straight at me.

“Now she appears.”

“She pushed the Crown Prince and Queen into the middle of the storm.”

“He saw a new opportunity.”

"He wants to borrow her hand, our hand, to deal with the Crown Prince."

“And then… sit and watch the fisherman profit.”

I finally understand. This is a person more terrifying than the Crown Prince and Queen. He hides in the darkness, like a poisonous snake curled up under a layer of dry leaves, waiting for the right moment to deliver the fatal blow.

“So what should we do?”

I look at Trieu Hanh.

“Reject him?”

He shook his head, his eyes calm but sharp.

“Why should you refuse?”

“If you want to join in, just let him in.”

“The chess game in this capital, adding a new player is even more interesting.”

A light of excitement flashed in his eyes - the kind of excitement that only appears when a strong man meets a worthy opponent. I still cannot rest assured.

“But he is too dangerous.”

"If you are scheming with a tiger, just one careless step will result in a backlash."

Trieu Hanh looked at me, the corners of his lips curved up into a confident smile.

“A predator will never fear another hungry wolf.”

“He wants to take advantage of us.”

"Can't we take advantage of him?"

“Doesn't he want to be a fisherman?”

“Then first, let's pull that fish into the water.”

“Let him and the Crown Prince bite each other.”

“And we… are the ultimate victors.”

His words made the insecurity in my heart gradually subside. Instead there was an unprecedented feeling of exuberance. What are you afraid of? I'm not afraid of death, so why should I be afraid of another Trieu Khai?

“I understand.”

I nodded slightly.

“So how should we respond to him?”

“There's no need to do anything.”

Trieu Hanh spoke very calmly.

“He will proactively find her.”

Sure enough, his guess was not wrong. The next afternoon, the Third Prince's residence sent someone to bring concubines to him. Meet me tomorrow, Than time, at the tea house "Thin Vu Hien" in the south of the city, let's talk together. On the card there is also a neat sentence: "Friends from far away, never lost" - meaning, isn't it a joy to have friends come from far away? I looked at that card, my heart was as cold as water. Million Khai. Between you and me, we are not friends. At this Hong Mon party, I must see what kind of medicine is hidden in your gourd. Thinh Vu Hien is the most famous tea house in the capital. Famous not for luxury, but for elegance and purity. The people who come here are mostly writers and guests, people who like elegant taste. When we arrived, Trieu Khai was already there. He sat in an elegant room on the second floor, next to the window. Outside is the river, blue water waves rippling under the sun. He wore a blue shirt and a jade crown on his head. He had a handsome appearance and a gentle temperament. In his hand was a book, reading it into a trance. Hearing footsteps, he raised his head. His eyes met mine, he smiled. Trieu Khai's smile is as warm as a spring breeze, making people unconsciously feel sympathy.

“Little sister is here.”

He stood up, poured me a cup of tea himself, his tone was gentle: "Knowing that you like quiet, I deliberately chose this place, hoping not to make you feel uncomfortable." Every gesture is polite and thoughtful, not even a single flaw can be found. If it weren't for Trieu Hanh's clarification of the truth, I'm afraid I would have truly believed him to be just a gentle and harmless gentleman.

“Your Third Highness is too polite.”