Ethan Foster stood silently by a railing, but his heart was as turbulent as stormy waves, unable to find peace. Too much had happened in these past few days, and every single event had shaken him deeply. He had gained the wealth and status he desired, yet lost the love of his family. Even his own mother could attempt to harm her own child—this was truly terrifying. He could not understand how, all these years, the original Ethan Foster had managed to survive. However, now that he had taken his place, he absolutely would not die so easily. In that distant place, his real parents still did not know that he had fallen into such dire straits.

Thinking of this, a resolute light flashed in Ethan Foster’s eyes. No matter what, he had to survive, and live even better. Those who wished for his disappearance would one day pay a heavy price for it. Moreover, he would protect every good person around him—let this be his gift to the boy who had departed! Ethan Foster clenched his fists. I will make this cold place change because of me. The young man made a solemn vow, not knowing what kind of changes his sudden arrival would bring to the empire’s future. Yet, he knew that, no matter what, he would never again be the Ethan Foster of the past.

Chapter Seven: Leaving the Mountain

As the ruler of a vast nation, Emperor Wanlie Andrew Foster enjoyed riches and honor beyond the reach of others, but he also had many worries. Though he had already passed the age of knowing destiny, he still had not established a crown prince. Because of this, there was endless discussion both inside and outside the court, and the concubines in the harem were constantly whispering in his ear, leaving him agitated.

In terms of birth, the position of crown prince should belong to the Fifth Prince Logan Foster. His mother was the empress, a model for all women, and his maternal uncle held considerable power in the court. After his own death, it would not be difficult for the crown prince to ascend the throne. But this was exactly what the emperor feared. The consequences of the empress’s family monopolizing power had occurred repeatedly throughout history. Moreover, the empress was known for her ruthless temperament. The emperor’s other concubines and children might be wiped out once she held absolute power. As a ruler who valued stability, he would never allow such a thing to happen. Therefore, the Fifth Prince was not the best choice.

In terms of talent, the position should go to the Third Prince Noah Foster. He could recite poetry at three, compose essays at five, and by ten was able to discuss state affairs with insight, earning universal praise from all civil and military officials. Now, at nineteen, he was ready to soar, and many ambitious officials sought shelter under his wings. Yet, as emperor, he did not wish to see a prince’s brilliance outshine his own during his lifetime. One must remember: when merit eclipses the ruler, there is no true father and son in the imperial family!

In terms of favoritism, it would be the Eleventh Prince Lucas Foster. His mother, Consort Yu, was not only of noble status but also stunningly beautiful. If not for the empress’s unimpeachable conduct and her family’s grip on power, Consort Yu would have long since replaced her. The Eleventh Prince had been cherished since childhood and was deeply loved by the emperor. But the emperor understood that a ten-year-old child could not win the ministers’ approval. Even if he were forced to make him crown prince, a young ruler could easily be deceived—hardly a wise choice.

His sons were not limited to those mentioned. Besides the eldest and tenth princes, who died young, there were also the Second, Fourth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, Ninth, and Twelfth Princes. Each prince had more or less some backing. Of course, the Second Prince’s mother was of humble origin and could not win public support, so he withdrew from the succession struggle early on. The Sixth Prince was always absorbed in books and only associated with scholars, showing no ambition for the throne. As for the Seventh Prince... at this thought, the emperor’s heart ached. That frail child, with his pale face, often appeared in his dreams. Yet, he truly did not want to face that incurable despair, so he rarely visited him. Now, he had too many sons—was he really going to let them fight to the death?

Suddenly, the emperor’s eyes lit up. That reclusive acquaintance, Samuel Clark—how had he not thought of him? Back when he was plagued by illness, it was this immortal-like man who gave him a second chance at life. Why not seek his help again? The Lingyun Empire had always revered Daoism, with many state-protecting masters and countless officially recognized Daoist sages, some of whom were truly virtuous. It was not unusual for the emperor to entrust the matter of succession to a Daoist. In the past, Emperor Xianlie Benjamin Foster had invited a legendary immortal said to have lived three hundred years to help him judge among his three sons, and only then decided to make the youngest his heir. Of course, that immortal did not meet a good end—the emperor bestowed upon him the “elixir of immortality,” and the once robust old man died suddenly. Naturally, the outside world never heard of such events; only the secret royal records contained any mention of it.