Chapter 199: The Dai Family's Dark Secret, Ruthless Actions
After Dai Long left, the attendees at the banquet finally relaxed, no longer needing to suppress their emotions. The events that had unfolded today were simply beyond belief.
Dai Mubai's disgrace was exposed, Xu Ao sought to form an alliance with the Dai family, only for Dai Mubai to be rejected. Zhu Zizhao's daughter, Zhu Zhuqing, was revealed to be an exceptional talent, and then the Xu family withdrew their engagement as well. All of this happened in such a short span, and each development was more sensational than the last.
This was undoubtedly the biggest scandal they had witnessed in years.
"Lord Zhu, I must take my leave. Farewell, everyone," Xu Ao said, looking at Zhu Zizhao and the others at the banquet with a sense of shame.
Today had been an utter humiliation for him. He had practically begged Dai Long to let his daughter marry Dai Mubai, only to find that the person he had been so eager to ally with was someone the Zhu family had already discarded. The thought made his anger burn, and he was filled with the urge to give Dai Mubai a kick for all the trouble he had caused.
With Dai Long's support, the Xu family had been rising in influence, even harboring hopes of catching up to the Zhu family. But now that everything had come to light, it was clear they were once again far behind. They had tried to form an alliance with someone the Zhu family had already rejected.
How would their followers perceive this?
The failed engagement wasn't just a personal embarrassment; it was a decisive loss in their power struggle with the Zhu family.
After Xu Ao departed, only Davis and his faction, as well as Zhao Ming's group, remained at the banquet.
They weren't in a hurry to leave. Initially, they had assumed Dai Long's welcoming of Dai Mubai was a sign that Dai Long intended to secure the Crown Prince position for him.
After all, in royal succession, it wasn't just about power but also about talent. Originally, the gap between Davis and Dai Mubai's talents wasn't substantial, and Davis's seniority allowed him to secure the Crown Prince title. But now, with Dai Mubai reaching the Soul Ancestor level at just fifteen, his talent was undeniable.
"Lord Zhu, you've done us a great favor," a man in official robes stood up and said with a smile, addressing Zhu Zizhao.
"Indeed, Lord Zhu, you've helped us greatly. Dai Mubai will no longer have a chance at the Crown Prince position."
"Dai Mubai is nothing but a failure—how could he compare to the Crown Prince?"
"In terms of character, Dai Mubai is far below the Crown Prince. How could he ever deserve the title?"
The crowd continued their chatter, praising Davis.
Davis had arrived at the banquet but had kept a low profile.
Davis, with his long golden hair flowing behind him, had a languid expression on his face. His features bore at least a seventy percent resemblance to Dai Mubai's, though his build was more imposing. Despite his laid-back demeanor, there was still an air of authority in his smile.
Beside him stood Zhu Zhuyun.
Today, Zhu Zhuyun wore a black gauzy dress, her figure voluptuous, and her skin as flawless as white jade. Simply standing there, she captivated those around her with her beauty.
Zhu Zhuyun was stunning.
If he could have her, wouldn't that be wonderful?
Such a treasure—did Davis really deserve her?
"Ding, congratulations to the host for triggering a task: Win Zhu Zhuyun's affection from Davis," the system's crisp voice echoed.
"Ding, task reward: Divine Beast Egg."
"What the…" Zhao Ming was momentarily stunned by the task.
"System, you're crossing the line. Zhuyun is Zhuqing's elder sister," Zhao Ming protested.
"They don't share the same mother," the system replied casually.
"What? Is that true?" Zhao Ming's eyes lit up. He suddenly recalled that Zhu Zhuyun and Zhu Zhuqing were indeed born of different mothers.
In that case, was it possible?
A thought stirred in Zhao Ming's mind. Zhu Zhuyun was incredibly beautiful—her figure, her looks, everything about her was perfect. If he could win her over, it would be an opportunity he could enjoy for years.
Adding another to his harem—wouldn't that be delightful?
"But Zhuyun is in love with Davis. I can't just interfere like this, can I?"
"Davis is nothing—just eliminate him," the system suggested.
"But I'm not one to kill without reason. I need a justification to take Davis down," Zhao Ming replied.
"Davis, like his brother, is no saint. Being part of the royal family and the Dai clan, what do you expect?" the system said.
"What do you mean? Did Davis do something despicable to Zhu Zhuyun as well?" Zhao Ming asked, his expression darkening.
"Of course. Davis left traces of Magic Soul Fragrance in Zhu Zhuyun's room. This fragrance is extracted from the spleen of the Magic Soul Beast and can manipulate a person's mind."
"What?" Zhao Ming's face changed.
"The Magic Soul Fragrance, when used with fresh blood, makes anyone who inhales it feel a sense of attraction toward the user. If the dosage is high enough, it can even turn them into willing slaves. Davis used a small amount, so the impact on Zhu Zhuyun isn't severe, but it's still there."
"Davis is truly despicable! How could he stoop so low?" Zhao Ming felt a surge of anger. While he was a man who appreciated beauty, he respected the women he was interested in. Such vile methods were beneath him.
He could easily take advantage of his puppets, but he never did. To resort to such tactics would make him no better than an animal.
He wanted these women to genuinely fall for him; only then would he pursue them.
"This isn't just Davis's plan; it's a longstanding tradition of the Dai family. Otherwise, do you think the Dai and Zhu families could have ruled the empire together for a thousand years with the Dai family always on top? The Zhu women who marry into the Dai family have always been manipulated with the Magic Soul Fragrance. It's how the Dai family ensures they remain loyal and supportive. The fragrance plays a crucial role in achieving the heart-to-heart connection necessary for the martial soul fusion technique. Once the Zhu family's women are influenced, they become completely obedient, enhancing the power of the fusion."
"So that's the truth." Zhao Ming hadn't expected to stumble upon such a significant secret.
"However, the Dai family has been cautious with the use of the Magic Soul Fragrance over the centuries. Zhu Zhuyun is still technically part of the Zhu family, so they haven't dared to use a larger dose yet. Once she is fully married into the Dai family, they will increase the dosage, and she will become entirely obedient to Davis."
"There's no such thing as a lasting alliance that endures for a thousand years. Even blood brothers eventually settle scores. The Zhu family's willingness to serve the Dai family without rebellion has its reasons. The Zhu family's most talented women are married off to the Dai family, ensuring loyalty. But the Dai family doesn't want the Zhu family to become completely subservient—they need the Zhu family to remain strong so they can continue to produce partners for the martial soul fusion technique."
Understanding this, Zhao Ming's gaze toward Zhu Zhuyun was filled with pity.
He also felt a sense of relief. If Dai Mubai hadn't left the palace when he did, Zhu Zhuqing might have fallen victim as well.
"By the way, since Zhu Zhuyun was exposed to the Magic Soul Fragrance and has feelings for Davis, can you remove these feelings?" Zhao Ming asked.
"Of course, this system can do anything," the system chuckled. "But only after you complete the task."
After hearing what Davis had done to Zhu Zhuyun, Zhao Ming felt justified in pursuing her.
The Dai family's methods were utterly vile. Manipulating their partners to such an extent with this fragrance made Zhao Ming feel no guilt about taking action against them. Even if he ended up eliminating every member of the Dai family, he wouldn't feel a shred of remorse.
[•———•——•———•]
𝙥𝗮𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙤𝙣(.)𝙘𝙤𝙢/𝙂𝙤𝙙𝙊𝙛𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧
✨ • 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀: 𝙂𝙚𝙩 𝟲𝟬+ 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙚𝙡𝙨𝙚.