Douluo Continent: Targeted Thoughts, Winning Over Bibi Dong at the Start

Orange looked completely taken aback, her lazy eyes widening unusually, clearly not expecting Xu Tianran to ask such a question in front of so many people.

She subconsciously took a half step back, a faint blush rising on her fair cheeks, her voice tinged with panic: "Your Highness, I...I've never thought about that."

Seeing her embarrassed look, Xu Tianran chuckled and waved his hand, saying, "If you haven't thought about it, think about it now. You're not young anymore, and it's not a long-term solution for you to always be by my side."

Orange lowered her head and stopped talking.

The illusionary figure spoke at the opportune moment. He put down the wine cup in his hand, and his vertical eye between his eyebrows opened slightly. The eerie light swept over Xu Tianran, and his aged voice carried a firmness that was neither humble nor arrogant: "Your Highness, my grandson is still young, only twelve years old this year."

The golden years for a Soul Master's cultivation are limited; they should prioritize training. Matters of romance can wait until he comes of age.

This statement was reasonable and respectful, neither offending Xu Tianran nor failing to clearly express a refusal.

Upon hearing this, Xu Tianran's smile did not fade; instead, it became more sincere. He raised his wine cup slightly towards Huan Shen and said in a gentle tone, "Your Majesty Huan Tong is overthinking it. I have no intention of letting Ju Zi and your grandson have anything happen between them right now. I just want the two children to spend some time together and get to know each other. If they feel it's not suitable, I won't force them."

He paused, turned to look at Ju Zi with a complex emotion in his eyes, then looked back at the illusion and continued, "Ju Zi is my savior. When I was assassinated, I would have died long ago if she hadn't risked her life to save me. Over the years, she has always been by my side, nominally a maid, but in reality, she is the person I trust most."

Xu Tianran's voice lowered slightly, carrying a rare sincerity: "It's not that I haven't thought about giving her a proper status."

But Ju Zi is simple-minded and lazy, unsuitable for the treacherous world of the harem. Keeping her in the palace would only harm her, so I want to find her a good home so she can live the life she desires.”

He looked at Qin Heng with a mixture of scrutiny and expectation in his eyes: "Although my nephew Qian Heng is young, he is exceptionally talented and of pure character. With a grandfather like His Majesty Huan Tong to guide him, he will surely achieve great things in the future."

I truly believe that it would be better for Ju Zi to stay with my nephew Qian Heng than to remain with me.

These words were so sincere that even Xu Tianyuan was slightly moved.

Qin Heng remained outwardly calm, but inwardly he was speechless.

Is Orange simple-minded?

He silently rolled his eyes. Of all the female characters in the second part of the series, Ju Zi was the most cunning.

This man would later become the de facto ruler of the Sun Moon Empire. Ruthless and cunning, he manipulated the entire continent's situation with ease.

Even a chosen one like Huo Yuhao was completely outmaneuvered by her.

To say she's simple-minded is a huge joke.

Qin Heng admitted that he did indeed admire Ju Zi. This woman was intelligent, decisive, and had great courage; in the original work, she was one of the few female characters who could truly achieve great things.

From the perspective of the Sun Moon Empire, her methods and schemes were justifiable. In fact, it could be said that without Orange, the war between the Sun Moon Empire and the Douluo Three Kingdoms would not have gone so smoothly.

But despite his admiration, Qin Heng was genuinely uneasy about having such a shrewish woman by his side.

However, in this situation, he couldn't very well refuse outright.

Xu Tianran had already made his point clear, calling her both his "savior" and his "good match," and every word he uttered seemed to be from Ju Zi's perspective, as if he were truly thinking of her best interests.

If Qin Heng were to refuse again, it would seem as if he were ungrateful.

Moreover, no matter how smart Ju Zi is, she is still just a food-type Soul Master. Even though she learned some Soul Tool knowledge from Xuan Ziwen, her combat power is almost zero in front of Qin Heng.

No matter how cunning a Soul Master is, they can't make a fuss in the face of absolute power.

Qin Heng quickly calculated in his mind and decided to secretly tamper with the orange.

With his level 98 mental strength, it wouldn't be difficult for him to give Ju Zi a mental suggestion or a soul imprint without her noticing.

As long as you can make sure she won't betray you, keeping her by your side isn't a bad idea.

As for the idea that the Sun Moon Empire wanted to use oranges to bind themselves to their war machine, Qin Heng could only say that they were overthinking it.

Ultimately, he was a person from ten thousand years ago, his enemies were from ten thousand years ago, and his goals were also from ten thousand years ago.

Qin Heng's purpose in coming to the future ten thousand years ago was simply to intercept Electrolux and learn soul tool technology. If possible, he also wanted to get his hands on Tianmeng. However, it was impossible for Tianmeng to retain her self-awareness. Qin Heng did not want to have a lewd big worm in his head.

To put it bluntly, Qin Heng's heart has never been here.

This can be seen from the fact that when he swore an oath using his martial soul, he used a fake martial soul to swear the oath.

The binding force of a Martial Soul Contract is based on both parties swearing an oath with their true Martial Soul origins. In other words, that Martial Soul Contract has no binding force on him at all.

He can leave whenever he wants, and he can turn his back on someone whenever he wants.

So Xu Tianran's attempt to use oranges to keep him was a complete waste of time.

With this in mind, Qin Heng made a plan.

He raised his head, a perfectly measured shy smile on his face, and cupped his hands in a gesture of respect to Xu Tianran, saying, "Your Highness's kindness is overwhelming. However, I am still young and have not yet considered matters of the heart."

However, if Sister Orange is willing, I would very much like to become friends with you, and chat and talk together from time to time.

This was a perfectly worded statement. It neither directly accepted Xu Tianran's "matchmaking" nor failed to save face for the other party, while cleverly shifting the decision-making power to Ju Zi herself.

Ju Zi raised her head, her lazy eyes lingering on Qin Heng for a moment, a hint of surprise flashing in them.

She had assumed that the twelve-year-old boy would either blush and stammer, or agree with the Crown Prince.

Unexpectedly, his answer was so tactful, neither offending the Crown Prince nor embarrassing her.

"Young Master Qianheng, you're too kind." Ju Zi bowed slightly, her voice still languid, but with a touch more sincerity in it. "It's my honor to know you, Young Master."

Seeing that neither of them explicitly refused, Xu Tianran's smile grew even more satisfied. He clapped his hands and laughed, "Alright, it's settled then. Ju Zi, you're a disciple of Xuan Ziwen, and it just so happens that my nephew Qian Heng is also learning soul tool technology from Xuan Ziwen."

Please take some time to talk to your nephew Qianheng and have some tea. He's all alone in Mingde Hall, unfamiliar with the place, so please look after him.

Orange bowed and replied, "Yes, Your Highness."

Qin Heng also cupped his hands in thanks: "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness."

The banquet continued, and the atmosphere became even more harmonious than before.

Xu Tianyuan was clearly satisfied with his son's arrangement, and frequently raised his glass to drink with Huan Shen.

Kong Deming also chimed in at the right time, steer the conversation toward soul tool technology, and discussed with Illusion the advantages of mental-type soul masters in soul tool production.

Qin Heng sat quietly to the side, occasionally answering Xu Tianran's questions, but mostly observing silently.

He noticed that although Orange had outwardly returned to her lazy demeanor, her eyes would occasionally glance at him, her gaze carrying a mixture of scrutiny, curiosity, and a complex mix of emotions that were hard to define.

Qin Heng chuckled inwardly, but remained outwardly calm, only occasionally nodding and smiling politely when his eyes met Ju Zi's.

By the time the banquet ended, the moon was high in the sky.

Surrounded by guards, Xu Tianyuan left first. Xu Tianran, in a wheelchair pushed by Ju Zi, turned back to look at Qin Heng before leaving, a meaningful smile on his lips.

"Nephew Qianheng, Ju Zi is my savior, so you mustn't neglect her."

Qin Heng bowed and said, "Your Highness, please rest assured, I will certainly treat you with the utmost courtesy."

Xu Tianran nodded in satisfaction, then was pushed away by Ju Zi.

Kong Deming personally escorted Huan Shen and Qin Heng to the gate of the mansion.

As he was leaving, he patted Qin Heng on the shoulder, his tone tinged with emotion: "Qian Heng, His Highness the Crown Prince has high hopes for you. I've met that girl, Ju Zi, a few times, and she is indeed a good girl. If you can really get together with her, it would be a wonderful thing."

Qin Heng smiled but didn't reply.

In the Crown Prince's residence, Xu Tianran, sitting in a wheelchair, was pushed into the study by Ju Zi.

The palace doors slowly closed behind us, shutting out the noise from the outside world.

Only the two of them remained in the large study, the candlelight casting flickering shadows on the walls, and a faint sandalwood scent filling the air.

Xu Tianran didn't speak immediately, but instead raised his hand to signal Ju Zi to stop. He supported himself on the armrests of his wheelchair and slowly stood up.

Although his legs have not fully recovered, he can now stand and walk slowly with difficulty. At this moment, he stands in front of his desk, with his back to Ju Zi, his gaze fixed on the huge continental map on the wall, remaining silent for a long time.

Orange stood quietly to the side, without saying a word. She knew Xu Tianran all too well.

Whenever he makes that expression, it means he's about to say something important.

Sure enough, after a moment of silence, Xu Tianran spoke.

"Orange, how many years ago was the last time I stood here?"

Ju Zi paused slightly, then replied, "Your Highness, it was about six years ago."

"Six years." Xu Tianran turned around, his gaze falling on Ju Zi. A rare hint of tenderness appeared in his sinister eyes. "Six years ago, if you hadn't risked your life to save me, I would have died at the hands of those assassins long ago. Over the years, you have been my maid in name only, but I have never treated you as a servant."

Orange lowered her head and didn't say anything.

"I know that people in the palace are gossiping behind my back, saying that you are my plaything, and that I keep you by my side for ulterior motives." Xu Tianran sneered, his tone tinged with disdain. "But they don't know that the reason I keep you by my side is not because I have any improper thoughts about you, but because I don't trust anyone else."

He slowly walked up to Ju Zi, looking down at her: "You know my personality best. I am suspicious, violent, and vindictive."

In this imperial court, countless people want me dead. The number of people I can truly trust can be counted on one hand, and you are the one I trust the most.

Orange raised her head, a complex emotion flashing in her languid eyes: "Your Highness..."

"Let me finish," Xu Tianran waved his hand, interrupting her. "My body is fully recovered. Before long, I will be able to walk, ride horses, and even fight like a normal person. You should understand what that means."

Ju Zi's pupils contracted slightly. She knew, of course, that Xu Tianran's recovery of his legs and fertility meant that he had regained his right to inherit the throne.

Prior to this, there had been voices in the court opposing Xu Tianran's succession, arguing that his physical disability was detrimental to the dignity of the nation.

Now that obstacle no longer exists, with Xu Tianran's methods and ambitions, the throne is practically his for the taking.

"Once I ascend the throne, the harem must have a master." Xu Tianran's voice was low and solemn. "Ju Zi, you've been with me for six years. If I wanted to give you a title, I would have done so long ago, but I haven't. Do you know why?"

Orange was silent for a moment, then said softly, "Because I'm not suitable."

"That's right." Xu Tianran nodded, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes. "After all, you're not one of my Sun Moon Empire's people. Plus, you're very perceptive. The harem isn't a suitable place for you. Putting you in there would only harm you."

He turned around and looked at the map on the wall again, his voice tinged with emotion: "So I've been thinking about what kind of home I should find for you. Someone who is worthy of your intelligence, can tolerate your laziness, and can put my mind at ease."

Orange felt a sudden jolt, vaguely guessing what was going on.

"Qianheng is my choice," Xu Tianran said with certainty.

He turned around, staring intently at Orange: "You saw it tonight too. Although that kid is only twelve years old, his demeanor is calm and proper, and his talent is astonishing."

More importantly, he has a grandfather who is a level 97 mental super Douluo, the Illusionary Eye Douluo Qianhuan, who is 76 years old, level 97, and has combat power comparable to level 98.

Such a powerful individual can be counted on one hand across the entire continent. And now, he is loyal to my Sun Moon Empire.

Orange listened quietly without saying a word.

"I need this grandfather and grandson pair," Xu Tianran said bluntly. "The strength of the Illusionary Douluo and the talent of Qian Heng are indispensable assets to the Empire."

Qian Heng is a twelve-year-old Soul King, and his future achievements are limitless. If we can firmly bind him to the empire's war machine, twenty years later, the empire will have one more Super Douluo, or even possibly a Limit Douluo.

He walked up to Ju Zi, placed his hands on her shoulders, and said with unusual sincerity, "Ju Zi, I'm not ordering you, I'm begging you. Win over Qian Heng for the Empire, and find someone for yourself to entrust your life to."

I can tell that young man isn't the frivolous type. The way he looks at you shows appreciation, but no malice. A man like that is worthy of your trust.

Orange remained silent for a long time.

She had always known that Xu Tianran had no romantic feelings for her.

Over the years, Xu Tianran's attitude towards her has been more like that of a trustworthy partner, or a useful tool.

But she also knew that Xu Tianran was indeed somewhat grateful to her. Back then, if she hadn't used her martial spirit to shield him from a fatal blow during that assassination attempt, Xu Tianran would have been dead long ago.

In retrospect, that gratitude has turned into a desire to find her a good husband.

Orange felt conflicted. She had never considered getting married.

Over the years, she had stayed by Xu Tianran's side, helping him handle intelligence, analyze situations, and devise strategies. She had grown accustomed to this life and enjoyed the feeling of being in charge.

The feeling of suddenly being asked to approach a twelve-year-old boy and "win him over" is indescribably strange.

But she did not refuse.

Because she knew very well that although Xu Tianran said it was a "request," it was actually a decision that had already been made.

She couldn't refuse, nor did she want to. Rather than being randomly assigned to a spoiled brat, she would rather accept Xu Tianran's arrangement. At least, the boy named Qianheng was not unpleasant.

"I understand." Orange bowed slightly, her voice still languid, but with a hint of solemnity. "Your Highness, rest assured, I will do my best."