Chapter 1042: Chapter 1042

After Prince Nalan finished speaking about these two matters, he left directly, leaving a group of the Nalan family members in the conference room to discuss for a long time, dumbfounded.

Nalan Lie did not stay there; he left with Prince Nalan, as the prince had much to entrust to him regarding the Nalan family's affairs. Indeed, only he roughly guessed the prince's purpose in heading to the South.

Previously, Prince Nalan mentioned wanting to find a wife for Nalan Tianyu and had inquired about Shen Qingyi at the time. Judging by the situation, Prince Nalan seems to have taken a liking to Shen Qingyi, and this trip to the South may very well involve bringing Nalan Tianyu to the Shen Family Manor for a marriage proposal.

Nalan Lie felt that Prince Nalan's actions in this matter were quite inappropriate. Although the Xihang Shen Family Manor could be considered a match for the Nalan family in terms of standing, the Shen family was, after all, so far from the Capital. Even if the Shen family were strong, they couldn't assist the Nalan family much. What's more, given Nalan Tianyu's character, going to the Shen Family Manor might not succeed. If it doesn't work out, it might anger the Shen family, which wouldn't be good for the Nalan family. After all, the Shen family has a Southern Fist King, Shen Tianjun.

However, Nalan Lie dared not express this to Prince Nalan's face. Although this is his father, a decision made by Prince Nalan is one that will not change. If he urged Prince Nalan, he wouldn't change the prince's decision but instead might make Prince Nalan dissatisfied with him—therefore a futile effort.

"Father, with Helian Tiehua entering the Capital this time, are we really going to entertain them ?" Nalan Lie followed Prince Nalan to the small pavilion in the back and finally asked the question that he had long wanted to ask.

"Do you think there's something inappropriate?" Prince Nalan asked in reply.

"Not exactly..." Nalan Lie scratched his head and said in a low voice, "For years, Helian Tiehua has had a famous reputation in the Meng District. Whenever someone mentions him, they always compare him to you, father. Besides, I've heard rumors outside that the Helian family has always wanted to compete with our Nalan family. This time, with Helian Tiehua entering the Capital, most people speculate that he intends to challenge you, father. If we treat them too politely, others will surely think we are afraid of Helian Tiehua, which is not good for the Nalan family's reputation!"

Prince Nalan glanced at Nalan Lie, slowly shook his head, and said, "Lie, over the years, your competitive nature hasn't diminished. My inability to entrust the family to you is partly due to this trait. Managing a family requires comprehensive consideration, not just the bravery of the moment. The Helian family and the Nalan family — who stands higher or lower, what does it matter? Helian Tiehua in the Meng District has never set foot in the Capital; doesn't that tell you something? As long as he does not enter the Capital, the Capital is still under the Nalan family's say. As for what others say, it's not important!"

Prince Nalan's words left Nalan Lie a bit embarrassed but mostly resistant inside. He felt his character wasn't bad at all. Nalan Tianyu's character, for instance, was designated early by Prince Nalan as the next Family Head. Nalan Lie's character is not worse than Nalan Tianyu's by many measures!

"But still, we don't know Helian Tiehua's true purpose in coming to the Capital — whether he's here to provoke us or just passing through," Nalan Lie said in a low voice. "If they're really here to provoke, being too polite might have us trampled underfoot!"

"Since I've said they're merely passing through, that's absolutely correct," Prince Nalan said firmly. "Moreover, the time has already arrived; Helian Tiehua simply doesn't have time to linger in the Capital. His visit this time is more akin to coming to negotiate with our Nalan family rather than just passing through."

Knowing Prince Nalan spoke so assuredly, Nalan Lie realized the prince must have everything in hand. Still, he couldn't understand how Prince Nalan had even guessed Helian Tiehua's purpose for entering the Capital.

"Father, you mentioned negotiations..." Nalan Lie asked with curiosity, "What negotiations would Helian Tiehua have with us?"

"When Helian Tiehua entered the Southern Six Provinces this time, his focus will shift entirely to the Southern Six Provinces. He'll scarcely have time to attend to the Meng District. Now, across the entire North, our Nalan family is the strongest, and his biggest worry is that once he enters the Southern Six Provinces, we might attack the Meng District from behind!" Prince Nalan smiled slightly and said, "Helian Tiehua is very meticulous and thorough in his work. However, he's considered me, Prince Nalan, too lowly. How could anyone from our Nalan family commit such a vile act?"

Nalan Lie suddenly understood, finally comprehending the meaning behind Prince Nalan's earlier words.

"So that's how it is!" Nalan Lie nodded and said, "Father, rest assured, I know how to deal with the Helian family!"

"It's good you understand." Prince Nalan softly sighed, looking at Nalan Lie, and said, "Lie, your brother died early, and many family matters are pressing heavily on your shoulders. Tianyu's character, by nature, can't lead the entire Nalan family. In the future, even though he becomes the family head, he'll need your assistance. Hence, I hope you can support the whole family and not disappoint me!"

Prince Nalan's sudden remarks left Nalan Lie stunned, staring at Prince Nalan in shock. He always thought Nalan Tianyu was the one Prince Nalan valued most. Unexpectedly, Prince Nalan had such high hopes for him too. Moreover, what surprised him most was Prince Nalan's knowledge of Tianyu's incapability yet still insisting that he becomes the family head; such action seemed too conservative. Why persist in the principle that the eldest grandson is entitled?

"Father, there's something I've been considering whether to say or not." Nalan Lie paused for a moment, and without waiting for Prince Nalan to speak, he directly said, "I know you probably don't want to hear this, but I still want to say it. Father, do you really think Tianyu is suitable to be the head of the Nalan family? It's not that I have an issue with Tianyu, but with the way he is now, he really can't support the Nalan family. If he becomes the family head in the future, I'm afraid the Nalan family might fall to ruin in his hands."

Prince Nalan was silent for a long time, then slowly sighed and said, "Lie'er, I am making him the head of the Nalan family not just to lead the whole family but for other more important reasons. But right now, it's inconvenient for me to explain. In time, you will understand. Just remember that Tianyu is the most important person in the entire Nalan family. The Nalan family can even do without me, but absolutely must not let anything happen to Tianyu!"

"Ah?" Nalan Lie's eyes widened; he did not expect Prince Nalan to say such a thing. What on earth makes Nalan Tianyu so valuable, that in Prince Nalan's eyes, he's more important than himself?

"Father, you..." Nalan Lie was just about to speak when his mobile phone suddenly rang.

Nalan Lie glanced at the phone and hurriedly said, "It's Fangyuan's number. Could it be that he's found Tianyu?"

"Answer it quickly!" Prince Nalan said in a deep voice; he was the most concerned about this matter.

Nalan Lie pressed the speakerphone, and immediately Nalan Fangyuan's voice came through: "Brother, I just found out that this afternoon Tianyu left with that Helian Qingfeng. I don't know what they went out to do. However, in the morning, Helian Qingfeng had a conflict with Ye Qing and suffered a significant setback at Ye Qing's hands. With their people gathering together, I suspect they might be looking for Ye Qing to settle a score!"

Nalan Lie did not respond and only looked toward Prince Nalan beside him.

Prince Nalan frowned deeply, clearly very worried about this matter. After a moment of silence, he said deeply, "Increase manpower; no matter what, bring Tianyu back. Also, investigate that Ye Qing's situation and check if Tianyu is indeed seeking revenge. If so, ensure Tianyu is brought back as quickly as possible before anything happens!"

"Yes, Father!" Nalan Fangyuan hung up and immediately set about this task.

On this side, Prince Nalan was still frowning, showing that he was actually very concerned about Nalan Tianyu's situation. Seeing him , Nalan Lie didn't know what to say; he still couldn't understand why Prince Nalan valued Nalan Tianyu so highly.

However, Nalan Lie didn't ask any more questions at this moment to avoid causing further distress to Prince Nalan. He walked to Prince Nalan's side and whispered, "Father, don't worry. This is the Capital; Tianyu will definitely be alright. Besides, the few people around Helian Qingfeng are top-notch experts. Together, even if they're not Ye Qing's match, they're certainly capable of protecting themselves."

"Don't forget, Ye Qing is holding the Seven-Star Ancient Sword!" Prince Nalan said in a deep voice, "If he truly draws his sword, then it's uncertain."

Nalan Lie opened his mouth, but in the end, couldn't say anything more. He had also heard of the power of the Seven-Star Ancient Sword—once drawn, it truly becomes unpredictable.

"No, we must find Tianyu as soon as possible!" Prince Nalan looked up at Nalan Lie and said deeply, "Don't just stand idle now. Quickly gather people and find Ye Qing. No matter what, you must find Tianyu!"

"Yes!" Nalan Lie dared not delay, hurriedly turning to leave the pavilion and going out to look for Nalan Tianyu.

Prince Nalan did not leave the pavilion; he remained standing there. After a long silence, he slowly stood up, walked to the edge of the pavilion, and looked at the stars in the night sky, his eyes gleaming with unspeakable brilliance.

"Ancestors, I apologize; I haven't trained Tianyu well!" Prince Nalan sighed regretfully, then suddenly clenched his fist tightly and said in a deep voice, "But don't worry, I will definitely ensure that Tianyu ascends to the throne. Ancestors in heaven, bless me with a smooth journey to find the Heaven's Gate left by Guiguzi, so that Tianyu can receive the supreme opportunity within!"