My Brother's the Protagonist? Good Thing I Awakened My System!



Chapter 168 The Third Prince

The day after the Feng Clan settled into the luxurious mansion, word of their arrival spread like wildfire across the capital.

After all, the Feng Clan was now one of the strongest in the Eastern Region, if not the most powerful.

It was well known that the clan boasted the extraordinary talents of Feng Yun and Feng Mei, two of the most gifted individuals in the Empire.

"Feng Yun is said to have climbed up to 18 steps on the Pillar of Aptitude!"

"Tsk! It must be a lic! Who knows what kind of trick they used? There's no way someone could climb up 18 steps. Even taking 10 steps is incredibly difficult."

"Whether he's truly talented or not, we'll find out soon enough. I can't wait to see how Ling Meiyu fares against her former fiancé."

"Tch! First, he needs to qualify to compete. Maybe he'll even get disqualified in the first round."

The discussions about the Feng Clan and their potential candidates spread far and wide, making it so that nearly everyone in the capital was aware of their arrival. Among those informed was the Third Prince, who immediately decided to pay them a visit.

The sun hung high in the sky as a grand procession arrived at the gates of the Feng Clan's temporary residence.

The courtyard of the Feng Clan's mansion bustled with activity as servants and clan members went about their tasks.

Suddenly, the booming sound of trumpets broke the morning tranquility, drawing all eyes toward the gates.

A grand procession approached, the Third Prince's insignia-a silver dragon coiled around a sword-fluttering on banners held high.

The clattering of hooves and the rhythmic march of guards in gleaming silver armor created an imposing spectacle.

As the procession halted, a guard clad in ornate ceremonial armor stepped forward, his expression a mask of superiority.

Striking his staff against the ground, he announced loudly.

"Hear this, all within! His Royal Highness, the Third Prince of the Azure Sky Empire, has arrived! His presence graces your humble dwelling, an honor beyond compare!"

The guard's voice echoed across the courtyard, heavy with disdain.

He turned his gaze toward a nearby servant who had frozen in place at the unexpected spectacle.

With a sharp sneer, the guard barked, "You there! Don't just stand around like a fool! Inform your Clan Leader of His Highness's arrival immediately! His Highness's time is far too precious to be wasted waiting on the likes of you!"

The servant, startled by the harsh tone, bowed hastily.

"Y-yes, sir! At once!"

He scurried toward the main hall, casting nervous glances over his shoulder as he

went.

To someone like him, a royal prince's status was beyond comparison, and he couldn't help but be intimidated by the guards.

The Feng Clan members nearby bristled at the guard's rudeness, but they held their tongues, knowing it was not their place to act in the presence of such an esteemed royal figure.

However, their eyes burned with silent indignation.

Inside the mansion, the servant burst into the hall where Feng Chen was seated with several elders. Panting slightly, he bowed deeply.

"Clan Leader, the Third Prince has arrived at the gates. His guards demand your presence immediately."

Feng Chen's calm gaze shifted toward the servant. A faint smile played on his lips, though it did not reach his eyes.

"Demand, you say?"

"Yes, Clan Leader," the servant replied nervously.

"They insist that you meet His Highness without delay."

Feng Zhenshan's expression darkened, but Feng Chen raised a hand to forestall any reaction.

Rising from his seat, he adjusted his robes, his movements unhurried and deliberate.

"Let us not keep His Highness waiting," he said coolly.

(Looks like the steward's attitude comes from the prince himself.)

Feng Chen thought. These people who always think they are superior, even when asking for favors.

With Grand Elders Feng Zhenshan and Feng Zhilan flanking him, Feng Chen made his way to the gates.

Of course, Feng Chen wasn't in a hurry and walked slowly, enjoying the scenery. He didn't care what the Third Prince thought and wasn't concerned about the implication

of that.

The Grand Elders also didn't comment on Feng Chen's pace.

They lon the clan used to be and had no need to comply with the demands of some prince whose chances of ascending the throne were very slim.

It was only after 10 minutes that they finally arrived at the gates where the Third

Prince waited.

The atmosphere at the gates of the Feng Clan's mansion had grown tense.

The Third Prince, seated on a gilded chair brought by his attendants, tapped his fingers impatiently on the armrest.

His guards, standing rigidly around him, shot disapproving glances at the servants. "Ten minutes," the Third Prince muttered, his voice dripping with irritation.

"Is this how the Feng Clan treats a royal visit? Such insolence."

The arrogant guard from before, sensing his master's displeasure, stepped forward and raised his voice.

"Your Highness, it seems the Feng Clan does not comprehend the honor bestowed upon them by your presence. Shall we remind them?"

The Third Prince waved a dismissive hand.

"Hmmm... no need. Let us see how their leader explains this delay. When dealing with ants, one must exhibit patience, however begrudgingly."

As the prince's words hung in the air, the grand doors to the courtyard finally creaked

open.

Feng Chen emerged, his bearing composed, as if he had not kept the Third Prince

waiting at all.

Feng Chen approached the waiting prince with a serene expression, his pace calm and unhurried, as though he had no concern for the brewing tension.

The Grand Elders beside him mirrored his composure, their presence adding weight

to his silent authority.

Stopping a respectful distance from the gilded chair, Feng Chen clasped his hands in

greeting.

"Your Highness, to what do we owe the honor of your visit?"

He asked, his tone polite yet devoid of subservience.

Before the Third Prince could respond, the arrogant guard from earlier stepped

forward, his face twisted in anger. He pointed an accusing finger at Feng Chen.

"You dare ask His Highness what he wants after making him wait so long? Is this how

the Feng Clan treats royalty? Such disrespect!"

Feng Chen turned his gaze to the guard, his expression still calm but with a faint hint

of amusement in his eyes.

"Disrespect?"

He repeated, as though the word were foreign to him.

"I assure you, we came as quickly as we could. After all, it would be improper to appear

before His Highness in haste and disorder."

The guard's face darkened, his anger flaring further at Feng Chen's measured

response.

"Quickly?" He spat.

"Do you call ten minutes quickly? His Highness's time is far too precious to be wasted

on your leisurely stroll!"

Feng Chen's faint smile didn't falter.

"Ah, my apologies if our definition of haste differs. I can only move so quickly without

sacrificing decorum, and as you can see, I am here now, ready to attend to His

Highness's needs."

The guard's hands clenched into fists, his voice rising in indignation.

"You-"

The guard's fists trembled with fury, his voice rising to a thunderous pitch.

"You dare mock His Highness with such insolence? This is blatant disrespect to the imperial family!"

"It seems you misunderstand, I only speak the truth. Time is precious, especially for

someone of His Highness's stature. Perhaps we shouldn't waste it quarreling with

people like you."

The guard's face turned crimson with rage, his mouth opening to retort, but the Third

Prince's sharp, irritated voice interrupted him.

"Enough!"

The prince snapped, his tone laced with annoyance.

The guard, who was ready to argue, backed down at the prince's command.

"Feng Clan Leader, I want to offer you an opportunity again."

The Third Prince began. "Although your previous rejection has angered me, I am willing to forgive you. Work

with me and your clan shall prosper under my protection!"

The Third Prince offered.

Feng Chen smirked at the Third Prince's words. (What forgiveness? You just cannot deal with me and now want to use my influence.)

Feng Chen knew what the Third Prince was thinking. He hasn't forgiven and tried to

make use of his influence to make trouble for the Feng Clan like the Bai Clan, but was

unsuccessful.

With their growing power and influence, there was little chance the Third Prince, even with his allies, could do anything to the current Feng Clan.

The Zhu Clan was a prime example. They were more afraid of the Feng Clan than someone like the Third Prince.

Moreover, the only reason the Third Prince was expanding his allies in the Eastern

Region instead of the capital was that he couldn't compete with the First and SecondNôv(el)B\\jnn

Princes. There was no way that The Third Prince could take the throne unless he also has support from people like the Feng Clan, and other Powerful Clan.

"Your Highness, I appreciate the offer, but it is one I must decline, as I did before."

A visible flicker of disbelief crossed the Third Prince's face.

He had not expected such a swift rejection, especially not after he had so graciously

offered to forgive the previous "insult."

"You dare refuse me again?"

The prince's tone sharpened, his mask of calm slipping. Previously, although his offer

had been rejected, it was by the steward.

This time, he had come in person, but even then, the rejection was direct, to his face.

This was an insult to him!