Chapter 15. Rising to fight back.
The three friends, who had survived such a terrible ordeal, finally reunited. They looked at each other, smiles breaking across their faces, before hugging tightly. Their bond had grown stronger than any ordinary friendship. Surviving this disaster left them deeply emotional.
Cang Ling Ye shared that he survived because he met Wu’er in the Dark Moon Forest, but he didn’t elaborate further. Mo Fan and Nangong Yu were grateful to Wu’er, but given their precarious situation, they knew they couldn’t offer much help. They had to let it go for now.
“So, what do you plan to do now? We’re being watched. Since they failed to get rid of you this time, they’ll definitely try again,” Mo Fan said, his earlier relief turning into worry.
They were being watched, and if those people found out Cang Ling Ye was safe, they wouldn’t stop until they succeeded.
“I’ve been thinking. We’ve been lying low for so many years, thinking if we stayed quiet, they wouldn’t target us. But the more I gave in, the more they pressed on. They tried to kill me again and again. I won’t tolerate it anymore. I’m going to fight back!”
Cang Ling Ye’s eyes shone with determination. He had made this decision after much contemplation in the Dark Moon Forest. It was time to take action against those who had framed him and wanted him dead.
“But are we really in a position to fight them? We might not have the strength right now. Shouldn’t we reconsider?” Mo Fan asked, clearly worried. He knew that Cang Ling Ye had been neglected by the Emperor for years and treated coldly by everyone in the palace. It might be too soon to make a move.
“You’re right. I’ve always been the unfavored prince. Competing with them won’t be easy. But we can’t just sit here and wait to be killed. We have to start planning for something bigger!”
Cang Ling Ye’s eyes were filled with ambition and resolve. He knew what he wanted. Even though it was still early, he had to start planning.
“Alright, since you’ve already decided, I will support you without hesitation. You know how capable our Nangong family is. A few days ago, Cang Xuan Jin approached my father. It seems he wants to rope in our family, but my father has never been interested in such things and rejected him. Don’t worry, I’ll definitely support you!”
When Nangong Yu heard Cang Ling Ye’s words, he was the first to stand up and express his support. He knew that Cang Ling Ye’s heart was set on peace and prosperity, which was why he supported him without hesitation.
Cang Xuan Jin was the Second Prince of the Cang Qian Empire. His mother, Imperial Consort Shu, had always been favored by the Emperor. Because of her influence, Cang Xuan Jin had always been doted on by the Emperor. Moreover, Imperial Consort Shu supported Cang Xuan Jin’s bid for the throne.
Cang Xuan Jin also had a younger brother, Cang Xuan Jing, who was born around the same time as Cang Ling Ye. However, Cang Xuan Jing wasn’t as capable as Cang Xuan Jin. Doted on by Imperial Consort Shu, he had always been a willful playboy. Imperial Consort Shu had no high hopes for him, only wishing for his safety and happiness under her and Cang Xuan Jin’s care.
Cang Xuan Jing was content with this arrangement, enjoying a carefree life. He knew his limitations and had no ambition or motivation to fight for the throne, preferring a playful existence.
“But now, we can’t be too loud about this matter. It’s better to do it quietly. Right now, we don’t have much support, so we can’t be too rash. We need to act discreetly,” Cang Ling Ye said seriously after a moment of thought.
This decision was made after careful consideration. He understood the principle of not drawing too much attention. They needed more support than just the Nangong family. They also needed backing from important court ministers.
There were many factors to consider. The best course of action was to hide their strength, bide their time, and seek external support to strengthen their position.
“Right now, the only one who can compete with us is the Second Prince, Cang Xuan Jin. The other princes are still young, but Cang Xuan Jin’s strength is formidable. His mother, Imperial Consort Shu, and his favor with the Emperor make him well-regarded by the court ministers. Compared to him, we don’t have much of an advantage,” Mo Fan analyzed thoughtfully.
No matter which way they compared themselves, they didn’t have the advantage to compete with Cang Xuan Jin for power.
“It doesn’t matter. We have nothing to begin with, so why should we be afraid of losing it? Those who have nothing to lose aren’t afraid of those who wear shoes. This is our advantage. We can only press forward with no way out. Once this is set in motion, there’s no turning back!” Cang Ling Ye declared with resolve.
Cang Ling Ye had already decided. They had nothing to lose because they had nothing to begin with. It was precisely this lack that drove him to push forward relentlessly.
“Alright, I support you. I believe you will succeed!” Mo Fan looked at Cang Ling Ye confidently, his eyes filled with hope and determination.
He said this not only to encourage Cang Ling Ye but also to bolster his own resolve.
Mo Fan thought about Cang Ling Ye’s words and realized they made sense. Over the years, Mo Fan had stayed by Cang Ling Ye’s side, enduring cold shoulders and ridicule. He, too, wanted to escape this life of being at the mercy of others. So, he had no choice but to rise and fight for survival.
There was another reason driving Cang Ling Ye’s decision. He wanted Wu’er to be safe by his side. Only with supreme power could he ensure Wu’er’s safety.
No matter how they looked at it, they didn’t have the advantage to compete with Cang Xuan Jin for power.
“It doesn’t matter. We started with nothing, so why should we be afraid of losing anything? Those who have nothing to lose aren’t afraid of those who have everything. This is our advantage. We have no choice but to move forward. Once we start, there’s no turning back!” Cang Ling Ye declared with determination.
He had made up his mind. They had nothing to lose because they had nothing to begin with. This lack of options pushed him to act.
“Alright, I support you. I know you will succeed!” Mo Fan said, looking at Cang Ling Ye with confidence and hope in his eyes.
He said this not only to encourage Cang Ling Ye but also to reassure himself.
Mo Fan reflected on Cang Ling Ye’s words and realized they made sense. He had stood by Cang Ling Ye for years, enduring cold shoulders and ridicule. He, too, wanted to break free from this life of subservience. Rising and fighting was their only option.
There was another reason for Cang Ling Ye’s decision. He wanted Wu’er to be safe by his side. Only with supreme power could he ensure Wu’er’s safety.