Chapter 86: The Insect King of Fengshengheli Tower can reproduce, and is the most courageous person in the empire...
Because the soup still needed to be stewed for a while, and some dishes that tasted better with thick soup also needed to be put back into the pot, and the meal could not be served until later, Nan Qi left the task of controlling the heat to Melon and other insects who came to help, and walked out of the kitchen.
When he reached the living room, Prince Keppel was no longer there. The physical examination had taken quite a bit of effort on him, and Aiyou had already pushed him back to his bedroom to rest. Bai and Lunke sat on Aiyou's left and right, chatting with him.
It had been a long time since the master and the disciple had spoken so relaxedly. They both had easy smiles on their faces and seemed to be in a good mood.
Nan Qi came over and said hello. Ai You said that Keppel was waiting for him to chat, saying that there might be more topics to talk about between them male insects. Keppel was also very interested in the method of refining the spiritual body and hoped to discuss it.
At this point, Ai You smiled: "Come to think of it, you two haven't even officially met before."
Nan Qi thought about it and agreed.
He had met Prince Keppel three times in total. Strictly speaking, today was his first official meeting with Prince Keppel.
Their first meeting was at a palace banquet. At that time, Prince Keppel was following behind the Insect Emperor, and his vision was blocked by the Insect Emperor. Prince Keppel probably didn't see what he looked like, and he didn't see what Prince Keppel looked like either.
When they met for the second time, he saw Prince Keppel's appearance clearly, but he was in a spiritual state at that time, so Prince Keppel still didn't know his specific appearance, although he might have seen his photo a long time ago.
This was the first time they met face to face.
"Then I will go and accompany His Royal Highness the Prince." Nan Qi's eyes narrowed.
Nan Qi had a good impression of Prince Keppel. Last time, he had a brief conversation with Prince Keppel when he was in his spiritual state. He admired the wisdom and character of this sickly male insect.
He also had some questions that he didn't clarify last time and wanted to ask Prince Keppel.
"Then I'll leave it to you. He has been ill for a long time and is a little delicate. Just call me if you need anything." Ai You reminded.
Nan Qi nodded, exchanged an affectionate look with Bai, and then walked towards the bedroom in the suite.
The entire top floor of this luxury hotel in the black market is occupied by the presidential suite, which the hotel calls the King's Palace.
Although there is some exaggeration, it is enough to show that it is fully functional. Even the balcony that runs through the outside is covered with glass, creating a sky garden with blooming flowers.
In addition to the living room that looks like it could house horses, the kitchen that is large enough for ten strong men to cook together without feeling crowded, and the beautiful sky garden and swimming pool, the bedroom is the most luxurious and comfortable place in this "King's Palace".
As soon as you enter the door, a light woody scent slowly drifts in the air, bringing a sense of tranquility. The floor is covered with soft long-haired carpets, and every step you take feels like walking on the clouds.
The low-key and luxurious black and gold wallpaper, the gorgeous and unusually shaped chandeliers made of shells and crystals, the comfortable sofas, the solid wood bedside tables, and the huge, gorgeous bed in the center of the room with layers of curtains all exude the smell of money.
However, this was not what attracted Nan Qi the most. What attracted Nan Qi the most were the flowers in the white and delicate vase on the solid wooden bedside table. That was a bouquet of flowers that Bai had picked personally as an apology. It seemed that Keppel liked this thought very much.
Nan Qi's footsteps were light, but they still startled Keppel, who was leaning against the head of the bed reading a book.
When Keppel looked up, he saw a tall, handsome male insect that could be called beautiful, but not at all feminine, slowly walking towards him.
The real insect is very different from the one in the photo. The male insect in the photo also looks outstanding, but it looks stiff and lacks the lively style it has now.
"Are you done?" Keppel put down the book in his hand and pointed to the small sofa in front of the bed. "Sit down and rest for a while."
Nan Qi walked over and sat down without saying a word, carefully looking at the sick male insect in front of him.
When he delivered the letter this morning, he didn't even look at Keppel. He just handed the letter to Aiyou and went home. After not seeing him for two days, Keppel looked thinner, but fortunately he was in good spirits.
Keppel saw Nan Qi's worry and smiled: "You really don't have to worry too much. I really won't die in the short term."
"That would be uncomfortable, too." Nan Qi said, "If you're uncomfortable, Marshal Ai You will be uncomfortable too, and Bai will be worried, so you must get better."
Nan Qi's words sounded a bit overbearing, but Keppel didn't mind at all.
However, his body was riddled with holes from the poison. Even if the poison was removed, he probably wouldn't be able to spend the rest of his life with Ai You.
A hint of regret flashed in his eyes, and Keppel changed the subject. "Aiyou has already found the insects to practice the Spirit Body Condensation Method. There are female insects, male insects, and sub-female insects. Their spiritual power is between D-level and A-level, but we have also found some F-level insects to try to practice with."
"These bugs are Aiyou and I's trusted confidants. They will never betray us, and they don't dare to do so."
The method of refining the spiritual body is related to Nan Qi's safety. For Nan Qi, he doesn't mind using some shady means. Anyway, his hands are no longer clean.
As long as the bugs behave themselves, there won't be any bloodshed.
Nan Qi nodded. He did not doubt Keppel's words. Whether it was a seasoned prince like Keppel or a marshal who had crawled out of a sea of blood and corpses like Ai You, it was almost impossible for something to go wrong if they wanted to do something well.
After this topic was over, Keppel asked again: "Do you know what Bai has been doing recently?"
Nan Qi was stunned. Keppel continued, "He has teamed up with various major countries to come up with a joint anti-bandit plan. The proposal has been approved, and a joint training camp will be established soon."
Nan Qi's eyes moved slightly. Was this what he meant by "suppressing the bandits"? Was it because of him?
Because of his lies about his background.
Keppel seemed to see what Nan Qi was thinking and said with a smile, "Bai pushed for this proposal to be passed because the interstellar thieves were becoming more and more arrogant, but I think he also did it for you."
"I understand, thank you." Nan Qi raised the corners of his mouth and smiled.
"Finally you smiled. Aiyou said that you were always smiling when you were with Bai, but your two conversations with me were very serious. I thought you had something against me." Keppel raised his eyebrows and said with a familiar attitude again.
Nan Qi blinked, and finally couldn't help but ask the question in his heart again: "Have we really never met before? Even if you know my information, we are not familiar with each other after all. Your attitude towards me makes me feel that we are old friends who have known each other for a long time, but..."
Nan Qi paused before continuing, "But you don't seem to want them to know—you treat me like an old friend."
"Why do you say that?" Keppel felt a little tired from sitting. Just when he was about to move, Nan Qi stood up and stuffed a soft pillow behind his lower back, making him feel much more comfortable. Keppel smiled and said thank you.
Nan Qi waved his hand: "Because you told Bai that this is your Lord? If you wanted Bai and the others to know that you treat me like an old friend, you wouldn't pretend to be unfamiliar with me."
"But I really am not familiar with you now. Have you forgotten that the last time I saw you was your spirit body?" Keppel spread his hands, with a helpless expression as if you were being unreasonable.
Nan Qi: “…” He laughed angrily.
Keppel looks elegant and easy-going, with the air of a gentleman. Even though he is frail, his temperament is as strong as pine and bamboo.
At this moment, his face was full of helplessness. When the ignorant insects saw this, they would only think that Nan Qi was a bit aggressive. Even Nan Qi himself felt for a moment that he had gone too far.
But although Keppel's explanation of this matter seems to be logically perfect and flawless, in fact, Keppel did not answer anything, he just circled the question back, and the problem still exists.
Nan Qi didn't believe that there was any familiarity without reason in this world. Keppel said that he got to know him after reading the information, but Nan Qi knew that no matter how detailed the information was, it would not allow Keppel to entrust Ai You with peace of mind when he saw his spiritual body for the first time.
Because Keppel is not a fool, he will not rush to seek help. He still has time to meet Bai and the others. Why should he confide in a male insect he meets for the first time?
And since you understand yourself by reading the information and can speak to your spiritual body familiarly, you will naturally not be unfamiliar with your "current appearance".
If he hadn't trusted his own feelings, he would have been fooled by Keppel.
Perhaps Nan Qi's expression was too obvious. Keppel knew his theory wouldn't work. He coughed awkwardly and said seriously, "I really don't know you, but I felt a sense of familiarity the first time I saw you. Let's call it a familiar feeling at first sight."
Nan Qi didn't say anything, just looked at Keppel. His dark eyes made Keppel's back chill, and he quickly said:
"I didn't lie to you this time. I can't help it if you don't believe me. If you keep looking at me like that, I'll complain to Bai."
“…”
"How can you be like this? Do you still remember that you are the elder?" Nan Qi raised his voice and looked at Keppel in disbelief. "You are such a dignified prince, and you are such a scoundrel."
Keppel smiled smugly. "As long as it works, that's all. As for what kind of prince I am, haven't you guessed it? I'm just barely surviving under the majesty of the imperial power."
He had guessed it, but after hearing Keppel admit it with his own ears, Nan Qi still felt like he was being abandoned after his rabbit had died.
"Okay, don't feel sorry for me. Things are not as the outside world says. Aiyou and I are doing well now. I won't feel too bad after everything is cut off." Keppel said casually.
Since the person involved had said so, Nan Qi did not say anything to comfort him, and besides, Keppel did not need it.
"Since you consider me a friend, I still want to ask you." Nan Qi looked at Keppel, "Why aren't you the Insect King?"
"You're quite persistent." Keppel sighed. "I told you I'm not suited to that position. A worm in that position needs to give up some things, like compassion and morality. And also pick up some things, like a hard heart and the ability to weigh the pros and cons."
"A good Insect Emperor will undoubtedly benefit the people, but he or she isn't necessarily a good insect. To secure their position, maintain national stability, and ultimately triumph over power struggles, they will abandon their conscience and sacrifice everything possible to maximize their own interests, including the lives of innocent people."
"They dare not reveal their preferences, because they are weaknesses. The Insect Emperor cannot have weaknesses. Even freedom is a luxury."
"I can't be that great Insect King. I'm afraid of the innocent people I sacrificed coming back to me in my dreams at midnight to claim their lives. I'm afraid of being trapped in this small space, and even more afraid of not being able to love the ones I love freely."
Keppel looked at Nan Qi and said, "I think you should understand now."
Nan Qi certainly understood that Keppel was a typical representative of "freedom is more valuable" and "love beauty more". He could be a wise king, but he could not be an emperor because he was not cruel enough.
So the question is, if their plan succeeds, the current Insect King Hoover Walker will inevitably be overthrown, but reform cannot be achieved overnight, there must be a transition, so who can be the Insect King who must harden his heart during the transition period of reform?
Nan Qi was initially obsessed with the question of why Keppel did not become the Insect King. He thought that if Keppel was willing, he would discuss with Bai to push Keppel to a high position.
This would not only be legitimate, but would also allow them to exchange for an emperor who shared the same values as them at the least cost to the empire. The empress of this emperor was Marshal Ai You, his beloved and a man of great military achievements.
With the assistance of Bai, Melon and others, they form a strong alliance and there is no need to worry about the star beasts who are eyeing them taking the opportunity to attack.
But now, Keppel has made it clear that he is not suitable to sit in that position, and Nan Qi is a little at a loss for a moment.
However, he quickly realized that the problems he could think of would not be missed by Bai, Marshal Aiyou, and Prince Keppel, so they already had a choice of insects for the new Insect King.
"Who is it?" Nan Qi asked after a moment of silence.
"We're still in the process of selecting," Keppel said frankly. "Hoover has three adult sons and four more underage ones. The eldest, second, third, and fifth princes are males, while the fourth, sixth, and seventh princes are females. They're all under consideration."
Nan Qi touched his chin and asked suspiciously, "Isn't it said that Zerg have difficulty conceiving offspring? How come he is so fertile?"
“…”
Keppel choked. He really didn't expect that Nan Qi's focus was on the Insect King's fertility. But it seemed to be true. Hoover was even called "the most courageous male insect in the empire" because of his fertility. This made Hoover so angry that he smashed several sets of precious tea sets.
"Angry? Isn't this a compliment to him? Is it because some of these princes are not his biological children that he is so angry?" Nan Qi's gossipy heart rose slowly, and he looked at Keppel with sparkling eyes.
Keppel: “…”
How would he know this? Even if the child was not his biological son, Hoover would have kept it a secret.
"You don't know either." Nan Qi was a little disappointed. He thought he could hear royal gossip.
Keppel was speechless, but when Nan Qi mentioned it, his curiosity was aroused.
After thinking for a moment, he whispered, "There's a Fengshenghelilou in the black market, a place dedicated to buying and selling information. We can ask them if they know anything."
"There's such a good place!" Nan Qi was shocked. "Countries actually allow such an organization to exist. Aren't they afraid that state secrets will be leaked because of them?"
"They're afraid, but they're more interested in knowing the secrets of other countries." Keppel laughed. "They're not united, and the rumors are spreading only on the black market. Different levels of secrets require different things, and money can't buy them."
"If I can't give Fengshenghelilou what it wants, then naturally I can't get the secrets it wants. This is also a kind of protection. This is how Fengshenghelilou has survived all these years."
"Is that so? Existence is reasonable. It seems that I haven't thought enough." Nan Qi reflected and felt that he should think more carefully before doing anything in the future.
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