Ji Chenxi’s expression didn’t change, and he even smiled as he shot back, “I heard Second Sister ran into trouble not long ago. Getting out of it so fast… I wonder who helped you?”
“Oh? So in your eyes, little brother, I can’t get myself out?” Ji Zhiqing raised a brow. “Just some interstellar drifters and a space storm. That’s nowhere near enough to take my life.”
Ji Chenxi gave a half-smile. “Second Sister makes a good point. I shouldn’t underestimate you. But… does that mean you think I can’t get through my rut on my own?”
“So you’re saying this is my fault?” Ji Zhiqing narrowed her eyes. Her sharp phoenix eyes looked especially aggressive when she did that. As she stared at Ji Chenxi’s face—one that didn’t lose to any omega—she couldn’t help but think of that woman. A face like this, whether omega or alpha, brought nothing but trouble.
The smile on Ji Chenxi’s face didn’t change. “Second Sister, I never said that.”
Ji Anze arrived a few steps later, perfectly missing their clash.
No one knew if it was to let them tear into each other more, or to make the three of them “bond,” but His Majesty the Emperor didn’t show up early this time. He only appeared right as the banquet was about to begin.
Ji Chenxi didn’t really care. He felt strangely detached, like he was both part of it and watching from the outside.
And from an outsider’s view, the whole banquet felt dull and unnecessary.
At seven in the evening, the Emperor arrived on time, and by then, the three had already stopped clashing and put away their hostility.
Among the three, Ji Anze had suffered the most losses, so he barely joined in their sarcastic exchanges. But behind his calm look, his eyes were dark and cold. It was obvious he believed this heavy loss was caused by either Ji Chenxi or Ji Zhiqing.
Ji Chenxi felt a bit regretful. Ji Anze had taken too big of a hit this time. The blame he had originally planned to shift onto his eldest brother was now hard to pass off. Not only that, Ji Zhiqing might have already seen through things and realized that her recent misfortune was his doing. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be targeting him like this now.
With everything going wrong, it was hard to feel happy.
Last time was one thing, but this time, the plan had been airtight, yet something still went wrong.
The one who had ordered Lan Ruoxi, and the one who nearly blew his eldest brother to death—if they were two different groups, fine. But if it was the same person, then that person was the real winner of this whole fight.
If Ji Zhiqing were a bit bolder, she might even think Ji Chenxi was playing the victim, that both her danger and Ji Anze’s were his doing. After all, running into rebels and running into space storms weren’t that different in nature.
Once the Emperor arrived, the tense mood eased a lot.
As the true focus of this family banquet, Ji Zhiqing smiled brightly and stepped forward to chat with the Emperor for quite a while.
In front of Ji Chenxi, she was sharp and aggressive, but in front of her father, she showed a bit of a daughter’s charm—playful but not clingy. Combined with the steady, commanding presence of an alpha she naturally gave off, she was far better at presenting herself than Ji Chenxi or his eldest brother.
Seeing his daughter act spoiled like this, the Emperor played the role of a loving father perfectly. Of course, he didn’t forget to show equal care, asking his two sons a couple of questions as well.
Once everyone was seated, servants began serving the meal.
Ji Chenxi cut into the piece of exotic beast meat on his plate, still streaked with blood. As his silver knife sliced down, the blood slowly seeped out.
The dish preserved the original taste as much as possible, but the strong smell of blood couldn’t be hidden. Ji Chenxi had hated this dish since he was a child. The other three at the table probably didn’t truly like it either, yet it was always the main dish at every family banquet.
Why?
Because it was an old tradition. As if eating bloody meat could show an alpha’s strength. As if a throne won through endless struggle and bloodshed could truly be called legitimate.
Outdated. Boring.
Ji Anze, pale-faced and having barely exchanged even polite words earlier, raised his wine glass first. “To our little princess, another year older.”
Ji Zhiqing didn’t look like any little princess. In terms of presence alone, she even outmatched Ji Anze. Still, she smiled and accepted it. “Thank you, big brother. I was lucky this time—not dying out there. Otherwise, I wouldn’t even have had the chance to celebrate this birthday.”
As she spoke, she smiled and took a sip of her wine.
Ji Chenxi kept working on his beast meat, acting like he didn’t hear the sarcasm in her words.
The entire banquet kept up a surface-level peace while tension simmered underneath. Ji Chenxi originally thought the fire wouldn’t reach him anymore. He had even messaged the butler to prepare some late-night snacks. As for the food on the table, he only took a few casual bites.
But just as he was waiting for the Emperor’s final words to wrap up the banquet nicely, his dear elder brother spoke again.
“I’ve been recovering in the hospital these past days. I heard Chenxi was triggered into a rut earlier by the Wen family’s youngest daughter.”
Ji Zhiqing followed up, “That did happen.”
Ji Anze looked at Ji Chenxi and smiled. “That incident was unpleasant indeed. The Lan and Wen families both crossed the line. But Chenxi… it might be time for you to find an omega.”
Ji Anze’s smile was gentle, and with the soft piano music in the background, he looked every bit like a caring older brother. Ji Chenxi suddenly felt the late-night snacks he ordered were pointless—his appetite was already gone.
The Emperor seemed to agree that Ji Chenxi should find an omega and get engaged first. Political marriages might lack love, but they were useful ties of interest.
Seated at the head, the Emperor asked, “Chenxi, do you have any omega in mind?”
Ji Chenxi feigned surprise, putting down his utensils. He looked a bit helpless yet amused. “I’m only 18, aren’t I? The way you’re talking, I’d think I was 28. Even big brother only got engaged recently. I’m not in a rush. I’ll look around first.”
“How long do you plan to ‘look around’?” Ji Anze asked.
Ji Chenxi smiled flawlessly. “I don’t know. I just think rushing won’t help. Maybe my future partner is still a kid right now.”
Ji Anze’s expression stiffened for a moment, clearly suspecting Ji Chenxi was mocking him.
Ji Anze was already 26, and his fiancee was nine years younger—she had just turned seventeen not long ago.
The Emperor lightly scolded Ji Chenxi for speaking too freely, but then added, “This ball has invited all eligible unmarried omegas. You can use this chance to interact with them. If you don’t meet them, how would you know if you like any?”
At that point, refusing would be rude. Ji Chenxi kept his natural smile and agreed.
“Just agreeing isn’t enough, Chenxi. Take it seriously.”
The last two words carried deeper meaning. Ji Chenxi’s smile stayed, but a trace of irritation flickered in his eyes.
Royal birthday banquets were always like this. On the actual day, the family had dinner together, and then the next three days were celebrations. The ball was just nobles gathering for fun. The only difference this time was that even omegas from distant planets were invited. The so-called “wide invitation” was just a cover—his second sister already had a chosen engagement partner. This was just going through the motions before making it official.
With both his siblings already having suitable marriage partners, even he, now 18, had to be put on the schedule.
Trying to make things hard for him? Forcing him to rush into choosing a marriage partner?
That didn’t seem right.
Among those of suitable age, Bai Anran and Lu Churan were both good choices, and he got along with them on the surface. Ji Anze wouldn’t be so shaken by an explosion that he’d go out of his way to hand Ji Chenxi an advantage.
So what was this about…?
Right after the Wen Rui incident, Ji Anze wouldn’t try to push some omega with a weak background onto him. He must be sure that bringing this up would make Ji Chenxi uncomfortable.
So where was that discomfort coming from?
Ji Chenxi’s eyes turned cold. It couldn’t be… that this guy also knew about his relationship with Chi Zhuo.
For a brief moment, Ji Chenxi wondered if he and Chi Zhuo had really been that careless. But no—they hadn’t done anything in public. Even their most reckless moments were around people they trusted.
The people in the manor, Su Yu, Manye Zhe, Chen Xing, Lu Tu, Wu Xiang—even Queqi only knew there was someone, not who it was.
Looking at it this way, either he and Chi Zhuo had slipped up somewhere, or there was a traitor.
Considering interests and positions, the suspect could only be Wu Xiang… or Chen Xing.
At that moment, Ji Chenxi would rather believe it was just a slip on his and Chi Zhuo’s part.
The tasteless family dinner finally ended. As he left the palace, Ji Chenxi ran into Ji Zhiqing.
Running into each other was normal—they came from the same place—but the timing was clearly intentional.
Ji Chenxi looked at her following behind and smiled. “Second Sister, need something?”
“My incident—it was your doing, wasn’t it?”
Ji Chenxi’s smile faded slightly. “I already said before, it wasn’t. If you don’t believe me, there’s nothing I can do.”
Ji Zhiqing laughed as well. After laughing, the bright and beautiful female alpha brushed her hair back. “Honestly, I already know the answer. I won’t tease you about it.”
Ji Chenxi knew she didn’t come just to say that, so he didn’t rush her and quietly waited.
“I don’t quite understand big brother’s move this time. What about you, little brother? Do you know what he’s trying to do?”
Ah, so she was testing him.
Ji Chenxi didn’t know if she already knew anything, but it didn’t affect his calm expression. “How would I know what big brother is planning?”
“I figured you wouldn’t. Little brother, in the current situation, who do you think has the upper hand?”
Ji Chenxi fell silent. Right now, the one with the upper hand… was the person standing in front of him.
“We’re fighting each other to the death for that position. But that position isn’t just power—it’s also a cage. Once we get it, we’ll be trapped in this palace forever, no longer free like we are now. If you really want that position, I can help you. But if you don’t, then help me instead. I can promise that once I take it, I’ll protect you and give you power no less than what you have now.”
Ji Zhiqing spoke with complete sincerity, nothing like the person who had just been digging at him earlier. But right now, only an idiot would believe her.
“I know you don’t trust me. But I really am your best ally. Big brother’s mother never got along with yours, but my mother and yours can at least speak to each other in this palace. You can think about it.”
Ji Chenxi smiled and agreed.
Ji Zhiqing nodded. When she returned to her hover car, she wasn’t surprised to see someone who shouldn’t be there.
“Big brother, here to give advice?”
Ji Anze looked pale, still carrying the fatigue of someone recovering from illness. “Chenxi isn’t a child anymore. Do you really think pulling him in will help?”
“It’s not about pulling him in. I just want to know how much strength he’s built up. Instead of worrying about me, you should think about how we’re going to keep playing this game. Speed it up—I don’t want to wait until his wings are fully grown. By then, this game won’t be fun anymore.”
“Why wouldn’t it be fun?”
“Bias. When the one in power already has a preferred answer, we’re just clowns dancing on stage. But who says clowns can’t become the main character?”
Ji Anze reached out and tucked a loose strand of her hair behind her ear. “Very confident.”
“Or maybe it’s just a clown trying to save herself.”
“No, Ji Zhiqing. I saw ambition in your eyes when you were very young. No need to dress it up.”
*
After she left, Ji Chenxi’s smile disappeared.
He had only walked a few steps when Wu Xiang appeared beside him. A luxurious hover car stopped in front of him, and the door opened automatically.
Ji Chenxi and Wu Xiang got in. Another alpha from the royal guard sat in the driver’s seat, and once they boarded, the car slowly began to move.
Silence filled the small space. Ji Chenxi played with an old, exquisite lighter in his hand. The flame flickered as his fingers moved, and each soft flare made the space feel even quieter.
“You know I have something to ask you,” Ji Chenxi said with a smile, breaking the silence.
“Yes.”
Ji Chenxi smiled lightly. “What do you think of my second sister?”
“The Second Princess is highly intelligent.”
“And my big brother?”
“The First Prince is both capable and virtuous.”
“You really don’t want to offend anyone. Then what do you think of this game of ours? Who will be the final winner?”
Wu Xiang, who had been answering smoothly, suddenly fell silent. This was no longer something he could casually answer.
But after just two seconds, Wu Xiang dropped to one knee in front of Ji Chenxi. “Your Highness, it’s not about who I think will win. The final winner can only be you.”
With a soft click, the flame dancing in Ji Chenxi’s hand went out as he closed the lighter.
In the darkness, his smile turned cold. “But right now… I find it incredibly boring.”
Hello, everyone ヾ(＾∇＾). I hope you enjoyed the story! If you’re feeling generous, please buy me a coffee, share/comment on my translated works! Check out the link below for early chapters. (๑>ᴗ<๑)
