However, even after hearing this news, Olivia Reed showed not the slightest hint of joy. Her father had intended to send her to the selection for palace maids, but that idea had arisen a year ago, or even earlier. At this moment, she could only follow Sophie Grant’s words and say, “Little Sophie sis, you seem quite familiar with those princes?”

　　“Actually, I don’t know much either, I’ve only heard a few things by chance.”

　　Sophie Grant smiled, two dimples appearing on her cheeks: “It’s said that the Third Prince Mark Foster and the Seventh Prince Simon Foster who left the palace this time are both sons of Consort Xue. The former is exceptionally intelligent—by the age of eleven, he had already mastered the Zuo Commentary, the Spring and Autumn Annals, the Book of Documents, and the history of Qin. The latter is outstanding in martial prowess—by the age of nine, he already had the strength to lift a cauldron. Then there’s the Fourth Prince Peter Foster, son of Consort Xian, said to be the most handsome of all the princes. Unfortunately, he is aloof and proud, cold and harsh, making him hard to approach. Another is the Fifth Prince Lucas Foster, gifted in both civil and martial arts, wise and resolute. It’s said he is deeply favored and is the most likely candidate for the throne—”

　　Olivia Reed listened intently. Though she was far from willing to marry into the royal family, since fate had already bound her to these princes, she could only go with the flow. Olivia Reed was not one to be pretentious; learning more about the palace situation could do her no harm.

　　The current Emperor of Tiansheng, due to the disaster of palace intrigue more than twenty years ago, lost all the sons born in his early years. It was not until twenty years ago, after the Emperor fully took control of the court, that things began to improve. So although the Emperor is already sixty-five years old, most of his children and grandchildren are still young. The First Prince Frank Foster and the Second Prince Samuel Foster are both under twenty, and neither was born of the principal wife, so the Emperor has not yet named a crown prince. This is probably why all the great noble families are so eager to compete, isn’t it?

　　Their Shuanghe Ye clan was better off; no matter what, they were the top aristocratic family in Great Qin. But for those second-tier noble families, if they could seize this opportunity, perhaps among the seven surnames and thirty-six families, they might secure a place for themselves.

　　However, Sophie Grant’s words were cut off halfway. Olivia Reed was puzzled, and then saw that Sophie Grant’s face had suddenly flushed red, as if shyly lowering her head.

　　Olivia Reed turned her head in surprise, only to see a young man riding past the front of the Shixiu Palace. At that moment, he was also looking this way. Out of propriety, Olivia Reed dared not look too long, but she could tell he was a handsome man, his features as if carved by a knife, heroic and striking. He wore a robe embroidered with nine dragons, and since he could ride a horse in the palace, he must be a prince or a royal relative.

　　But in that instant when she lowered her head, Olivia Reed sensed a flash of amazement in the young man’s eyes, and then his gaze toward her suddenly grew intense.

　　Olivia Reed was secretly startled, becoming even more cautious. Fortunately, the man did not go too far; after staring at her from a distance for a moment, he rode away.

　　When Olivia Reed looked up again, she noticed the atmosphere at the palace gate had changed. The other young women waiting outside the gate were all looking at her with expressions of envy and jealousy.

　　Even Sophie Grant’s expression was a bit off; she forced a smile, her face ashen: “They say that ever since Olivia was a child, a great master predicted her fate, saying she was born with the body of a phoenix, destined to be the mother of the nation. I never believed it before, but now it seems that master’s words do have some truth.”

　　Olivia Reed was left speechless, only secretly guessing whether the man who had just passed by was the Fifth Prince Lucas Foster? Was he the one Sophie Grant had just mentioned as the most likely to ascend the throne?

　　She had already sensed that Sophie Grant’s tone was different when mentioning Lucas Foster. Most likely, only this prince could make her lose her composure.

　　※※※※

　　Charles and Matthew Bolton narrowly avoided the Jingzhao Prefecture guards who were rushing over, but had no intention of returning home just yet.

　　Charles thought that at this time, Richard had probably just returned from being reprimanded at the palace and was likely in a foul mood. If he were to hear that Charles had gotten into another fight with the heir of Marquis Linhuai and killed someone in the street, the old man would surely go mad.

　　Don’t be fooled by how Old Lord Foster was mocked and ridiculed by him that day, unable to do anything about it—when it came to being tough, Charles was actually a bit intimidated. Rather than going home now and butting heads with the old man, it was better to stay out and have some fun for a couple of days, avoiding the storm. After a few days, when things had calmed down, it would be just in time for the invitation from the Prince of Wuwei’s residence. He didn’t believe that old man Richard would dare do anything to him then.

　　But after just a few steps, Charles looked around in confusion, wondering where he should go now. Should he hide out at Robert Hill’s place again?

　　As soon as the thought arose, Charles shook his head slightly. Although the elders and brothers of Robert Hill and the others had never said anything outright, Charles could tell that they actually didn’t like him much.

　　There was no need—he didn’t want to live under someone else’s roof, watching their faces.

　　And as for that Eternal Dark Lord and True Heir Grant, they still hadn’t shown up! Charles had actually been hoping that, given the abilities the ‘Prince An’ had displayed, maybe he could produce a decent Evil Emperor’s true legacy.

　　As long as there was even a sliver of hope to restore his martial veins, Charles would give it a try. Even knowing he might fall into someone’s trap, or even risk being possessed, he would not give up.

　　“I wonder where the young master plans to go?”