The emperor was stunned for a long time, not understanding why the person who had just helped him was now turning against him with arms. It took him a long time to find his voice, "General Xie, what are you doing?"

"Helping my father-in-law seize the throne, isn't that obvious?" Xie Zhan smiled, showing no shame whatsoever.

Xia Chao shouted, "Who's your father-in-law?!"

“Master, I have quickly accepted the fact that you have become my father-in-law. You also need to adjust your mindset and accept this fact as soon as possible.”

Xia Chao nearly threw the sword in his hand at her, "You are Feng Guang's nominal third uncle, yet you covet her, you hypocrite!"

Xia Chao could hardly believe it. In the years he was away, had Feng Guang actually suffered at Xie Zhan's hands? Although he didn't know Xie Zhan well, he was well aware of how unconventional Xie Zhan was at heart.

Even if the emperor were a fool, he would know that Xie Zhan had taken a fancy to the daughter of the Xia Dynasty and wanted to defect. He was still making a last-ditch effort, "General Xie, don't you want the Xie family's property anymore?"

family property?

Does scenery matter?

Xie Zhan smiled, exuding an air of dashing charm. "Your Majesty, even at this point, do you still think I'm going to destroy the Xie family just for their inheritance?"

"Xie Zhan..." Xia Chao frowned, "You've gone too far!"

Look, even though they are both members of the royal family, Xia Chao can see through Xie Zhan's true purpose of destroying the Xie family at a glance.

Xie Zhan smiled again and said sincerely, "Father-in-law, I'm afraid that Feng Guang will live under the criticism of others. In this world, apart from her, there is no one who cannot be sacrificed."

Family ties?

What is that? It's just a boring word that people use to restrain others. Xie Zhan never thought he should be tied to anyone. People are too ignorant. Being tied to someone only lowers his status. Of course, he doesn't deny that his parents raised him. So, he killed his father and let his mother sit firmly in the position of the Xie family matriarch. He has almost repaid that debt of gratitude.

This world is like a game of chess, and everyone can be a piece on the board. The Xie family can, and so can he himself.

The scenery, however, is not good.

Since the white piece has been placed, there is a possibility that it will be captured by the black piece. He will not let Feng Guang take that risk. It is a very strange feeling, like a heartless person who suddenly has someone he wants to protect.

Compared to others, she may not be any different in terms of her appearance. In fact, she seems more fragile than others. Yet, Xie Zhan inexplicably felt a desire to protect her and get close to her. He wanted to hold this fragile treasure firmly in his hands, so that no one could covet it.

Love should not have triumphed over family ties.

But he had no concept of family affection, and as for the word "love"... Suddenly thinking of these two words, Xie Zhan couldn't help but wonder, would he even have such a thing as love?

He didn't understand, and couldn't comprehend, but that didn't stop him from knowing that he wanted that girl, and the timeframe... was forever.

When Xia Chao saw Xie Zhan's darkening eyes, he knew something was wrong. He also thought of Feng Guang's soft and cuddly nature, and he became very anxious. "Xie Zhan, if you dare to make a move on my daughter, I'll fight you to the death!"

Xie Zhan's current appearance reminded Xia Chao of when he saw Wang Ci at the palace banquet years ago. He had hardened his heart to teach this disobedient woman a lesson. At that time, Xia Chao thought that if Wang Ci did not leave with him, he would take her away even if she was a corpse.