The next day the whole Bai Kingdom went into chaos just like Bai Long predicted.
News regarding the king suddenly falling ill stunned everyone in the kingdom. What made it worse was that the Royal Doctors were unable to figure out what was wrong with the King, Bai Wang.
Luckily, there was something which allowed everyone to calm down a little.
After examining the king, even though doctors didn't know what was wrong with him, or how to cure it, they did know he wasn't in any immediate danger.
Due to this, the doctors could take their time in trying to understand what was happening to the king, and how to cure it, without having to worry about him dying suddenly.
While this information allowed the common people to calm down, the same couldn't be said about the strong individuals and clans inside the Bai Kingdom.
This was because every one of them knew that a storm was coming.
And that it was time to pick a faction to support.
Sure, if the king recovered and they had chosen a faction nothing major would happen.
But, if the king died and they hadn't chosen a faction they'd no longer have a way to join any of the princes's factions in their fight for the throne.
When this happens, once the final winner was decided he and his forces would completely suppress those few who didn't support anyone.
Thus, it was now time to make a decision. And they had to do it quickly, since no one knew how long the king would live.
Once this realization struck the various princes were trying to recruit, while the major clans and forces were deciding on whom to support.
As for the truly smart ones, they all held back and decided to watch how the undercurrents would flow before they come to a decision, and this included the strongest general of the Bai Kingdom.
The man who commanded a force of 100,000 soldiers, with 20,000 being in Martial Soldier Realm!
Cao Hai.
...
"We have to move fast, brother. That Bai Shen, has already obtained the support of General Guo Tian."
"Guo Tian? It would've been nice if I could've obtained his support, but not obtaining him doesn't change much. Our goal, is still to obtain General Cao Hai's support."
"If we obtain General Cao Hai's support, it's the same as obtaining the throne, brother. However, do you have any idea on how we'll be able to obtain his support?"
"For now... Focus on trying to seduce his son, and make him follow all of your words. With the prospect of his son being the future King's brother in law, Cao Hai would no longer have a reason to stay neutral."
"Sigh... Do I really need to meet that idiot again? Just looking at him makes me want to slap his stupid face."
"Bare with it sister. Once I become the king, you can have every man you want near your feet."
"Hmmm... Even if it's Bai Long?"
"Bai Long... Let's not talk about him or his mother... The two of them most likely won't stay in this kingdom for long anyway."
…
While the various princes and their supporters were on the move to obtain more supporters, and had already started scheming on how to take advantage of the other contestants, none of them had figured out that the king wasn't suffering from any illness, but was instead poisoned.
As for the one who poisoned him, Bai Long was resting with his head in between Linxin's breasts as she gently massaged his head.
"You've managed to poison him quicker than I expected, Cao Ning."
"Thank you for the praise, Master."
Not even opening his eyes, Bai Long said, "I want you to continue what I told you, and one way or the other make him consume 9 drops of the poison every day."
"Yes, Master."
"Also, I'm going to be using you and your mother to take control of Cao Hai."
Upon hearing General Cao Hai's name, Cao Ning was stunned and her eyes turned a little wide, but in the end she didn't say anything and nodded her head.
"You can use me... And my mother as you please, Master."
"Good. You can go now. I'll call for you when it's time."
Once Cao Ning who seemed like she wanted to say more reluctantly left, Linxin looked at Bai Long who opened his eyes and looked back.
"What is it, mother?"
"I'm not asking since I'm jealous, but why are you placing so much importance towards Cao Ning? And are you sure about being so straightforward when you plan on dealing with her father?"
For those of you who have yet to understand, Cao Hai was none other than Cao Ning's father. Which was one of the reasons why Cao Ning was given the status of First Queen.
Smiling mysteriously Bai Long adjusted his head so that he would be more comfortable and began speaking.
"I have my own plans for Cao Ning. I'm going to make her strong enough to do everything I need of her. And guard me at all times."
"But, that is all for the future. Because when my plan works out and I take control of the kingdom I need her to use her status and calm the common folk who will be reluctant to accept my rule."
"Though I could just slaughter everyone who wishes to oppose me, it would be a simple waste of manpower. Especially when I have a use for them."
"Also, she's got a really sexy body."
While Linxin agreed with the first two reasons, she snorted and at the third reason.
Chuckling a little, Bai Long added, "As for the reason I'm being so open when dealing with her father, its to test her loyalty."
"And if she chooses her family over me, there's no need to keep her alive any longer than I need."