Grandpa Jun didn't know that last night's incident had come as a blessing for his grandson; no assassination attempt had taken place. However, he had somehow guessed that the two incidents were related to each other. He had been extremely angry to hear that Jun Moxie had jumped into the Setting Moon pond. He had woken-up startled… with his heart filled with fear. Then, he had received the news that there had been a problem with his grandson. This had ignited his anger further.
"I'm alright… All's good. I'm fine." Jun Xie grabbed a towel to hide his crotch in embarrassment. He stood naked in front of several elderly men… his body had been left vulnerable to everyone's eyes. Jun Xie was a thick-skinned person with a calm mind. However, he couldn't accept this.
"What are you trying to cover-up? Do you need to be so ashamed to show that 'thing' to your grandfather? I still remember the time when you were a baby. I would often carry you in one hand… while my other hand played around with that thing." Jun Zhantian's words nearly caused Jun Xie to choke to death.
The bodyguards at the back relaxed. But, their faces turned red as they showed restraint. All of them started to breath heavily. Many of them stole glances at the area covered by the Young Master. Some of them winked and signalled each other; as if they were comparing something…
"Who was it?" Jun Zhantian's face fell; it looked as cold as ice. It seemed as if his killing intention had been unleashed.
"Huh?" Jun Xie was confused. However, he quickly understood what Grandpa Jun meant. He lowered his head in shame and replied, "I fell before I could see anything."
"You waste of a boy!" Grandpa Jun swore in a voice filled with disappointment. He looked at him once more to ensure that he was fine. After that, he no longer seemed to be in a mood to look at his naked body. His grandson didn't look like a person from a military family with his small physique. Even a young lady's skin couldn't be fairer than his. [Humph! This is truly…] Grandpa Jun nodded reluctantly, "You take rest then." Then, he turned around and departed with the bodyguards. Jun Xie finally heaved a sigh of relief. He put away the towel as he broke out in a cold sweat.
The next day, the Old Duke flew into a temper inside the Golden Imperial Hall. He unleashed a barrage of curses at several lords, ministers, and imperial relatives. He didn't even spare the Chief Chancellor. He seemed to be exceptionally agitated. He warned that every family would lose one of its members if another attempt was made on his only grandson's life.
Jun Zhantian had been silent since the past few years. Therefore, his sudden eruption rendered the entire royal court – including both the civil and military factions – into silence. So, the Emperor had to comfort him in person.
However, there were a few insensitive people present in the court. The Eldest Prince's old supporter – the Royal Doctor Song Shi Yi – was a newly promoted noble. He had climbed to this position with the help of the Eldest Prince. However, he didn't know much about this Old Duke. He contradicted Jun Zhantian with an expectation to be supported by the Elder Prince in order to get the Emperor's support. But, he was bashed by Jun Zhantian, and ended-up losing two of his teeth. He was left to look like a pig as a result.
The Eldest Prince came forward to persuade Jun Zhantian. But, he went rolling on the floor after he received a kick from Jun Zhantian on his stomach. After that, no one even dared to move. This prompted the Emperor to come forward and pacify the Old Duke. He reassured him that he would personally guarantee Third Young Master Jun's safety. Finally, Jun Zhantian decided to leave with an indignant face. However, he stared furiously at all the supporters of the Prince before he left; the legs of the supporters had turned as unsteady as noodles…
The Old Duke had held back his anger for almost ten years. So, every official of the Golden Imperial Hall was terrified out of their wits when Jun Zhantian had thrown a fit. He had even dared to strike the Prince. What else would he not do?
The Emperor looked at the departing figure of Jun Zhantian. He was the only one who could let out a deep sigh. Jun Zhantian had displayed an imposing might and prestige in the court. However, the Emperor was also aware that the Old Duke was disappointed with his only grandson. He remembered the time when Jun Zhantian had come to him with a proposal of Jun Moxie's marriage with Princess Ling Meng. That was probably the last attempt on Jun Zhantian's part to preserve his bloodline.
However, His Majesty had rejected the proposal.
Jun Zhantian would never throw such a fit in the Golden Imperial Hall as long as Jun Moxie was alive. He had lost his temper owing to the fact that he couldn't see a future for the Jun family. The Jun family had countless enemies – both inside and outside. So, the Old Duke knew that his grandson won't be spared after he died…
Therefore, the Old Duke had felt no reservations before he had lost his temper, [I'll finish whoever tries to hurt my Jun family or my grandson. My family has already been forced to such a degree. What else is there to fear?]
The Jun family was once the awe-inspiring Saint Patron of the Heavenly Scent Kingdom. Could they decline into oblivion like this? The Emperor let out a sigh as a feeling of regret tugged at his heart. Perhaps back then…
The military officials were frightened after they witnessed the Old Duke's might. A few people had made plans against him in the past. They obviously dropped their plans as soon as they saw the Old Duke's temper. Even the Eldest Prince didn't hold anything against Jun Zhantian even though he had been hit by him. Instead, he blamed his old supporter for whatever had happened. Was he blind to not notice the anger and madness of the Old Duke?
However, there were many people who had grievances in their hearts. [You old thing, do you think that you'll continue to live forever? The Jun family will become extinct the day you die!]
However, they could only think along these lines. No one in the Tian Xing Kingdom had the courage to confront the Old Duke.
Only…
The Royal Preceptor Chief Chancellor Li Shang had been silent throughout the proceedings. He smiled and raised his eyebrows after Jun Zhantian had left. The Old Duke seemed to be quite protective of his useless grandson. So, was Jun Moxie Jun Zhantian's weakness? It was easy to determine this kind of a weakness. A person couldn't be feared if his weakness was revealed… even if he was immensely strong.
The Palace Army Captain – Meng Ru Fei—stood in a corner beside Preceptor Li. He looked at him with a smile on his face.
Jun Family House… Jun Xie's Room…
The doors were closed. Little Ke's face was red with embarrassment. She seemed keen to escape.
"Are you scared of me?" Jun Xie cleaned his naked body. This made no difference to him since the girl had already seen him naked. Why would he care if the little girl did again?
"Scared…" Little Ke nodded her head. But then, she thought something and quickly said, "No… no… not… scared."
Jun Xie laughed and got out of the bathtub; he was still naked. Little Ke covered her eyes and screamed.
Jun Xie quickly put on his clothes. He then spoke with a smile, "You can open your eyes now… it's alright."
Little Ke secretly peeked from a crack between her fingers. She felt calm when she saw that Jun Xie was now clothed. She then put her hands down. Her face was still a little red; she looked truly lovely.
Jun Xie saw her cute face. He couldn't help and reached out to gently pat her head. Little Ke was surprised. She raised her head and saw that Jun Xie's eyes were filled with warmth. He seemed to be like a big brother looking at his little sister. She started to feel serene; she was no longer fearful. She thought, [Right now… the Young Master looks pleasing to the eye.]
Suddenly, she was startled, [How can I even think that? He's still the indecent, defiled, and abhorrent baddie! I'll not allow him to defile my innocence. I'll give my life if he uses force.] Her face became alert, and she took a step backwards.