Published: March 12, 2025
CHAPTER 397: The Second Prince
Just as Zhao Hai had said, the businesses he had taken over were already enviable enough. Now, the starting point for him and his brothers was quite similar; their strengths were roughly equal, with no one particularly strong or weak. However, if he started managing these businesses, his strength would gradually surpass that of his brothers. If they decided to unite against him then, he would be in serious trouble.
But the businesses Zhao Hai mentioned were all highly profitable, and he really couldn't bear to give them up, which was precisely why he felt conflicted.
Zhao Hai looked at Charlie and smiled, saying, "Your Highness, there's no need to overthink it. In the end, the final decision lies not with you. Just focus on doing your own things well."
Charlie nodded and sighed, understanding Zhao Hai's point. In the matter of competing for the throne, the ultimate decision really wasn't in their hands. His father was currently in good health and not very old, and could easily rule for another ten or twenty years without issues. Who could tell what would happen in twenty years?
Zhao Hai smiled slightly and said, "Your Highness, this time I'm planning to open a shop in Jadewater City, and I will need your assistance then."
Charlie smiled and replied, "Rest assured, once we're in my territory, everything can be discussed."
As they were speaking, a sudden alarm sounded from outside. Zhao Hai was taken aback and turned to Shun Yi, who immediately ran out.
Charlie, however, remained calm; he retained some composure. After a while, Shun Yi returned and bowed to Zhao Hai, saying, "Young Master, several ships have been following us since we left the port, and they've now caught up, surrounding us."
Zhao Hai nodded and said, "They're coming for us. Let's go out and see who they are."
After standing up, Charlie also got up, but Zhao Hai said, "Your Highness, it would be better for you to wait in the cabin for a while. This matter may not be directed at you. If it isn't, your presence outside may expose you."
Charlie nodded and sat down again, while Zhao Hai led Laura and the others outside. That left only Charlie and Lirui in the living room.
Lirui frowned and asked, "Your Highness, do you think there will be danger?"
Charlie shook his head and said, "It's really hard to say. Forget it; we'll know soon enough. I believe Mr. Zhao Hai's strength should ensure our safety."
Although Lirui was still worried, he didn't say anything more and simply nodded. He had no idea that Zhao Hai's living space had already reached level eight in strength. Coupled with Zhao Wen, Cai'er, and those undead beings, very few people in this world could threaten Zhao Hai.
Zhao Hai exited the living room, calmly observing the ships surrounding them. These ships weren't actual military vessels but were all five-masted, armed merchant ships, similar to the Peach Blossom he was on. He was somewhat surprised to see that several of these ships had been dispatched.
However, Zhao Hai wasn't afraid. Even the strongest armed merchant ships were useless against him now. Due to the upgrade of his space, the undead beings he had now also reached level eight. With just these undead beings, annihilating a small country would no longer be an issue, so what was there to fear from these ships?
But Zhao Hai did not take action; he wanted to see what the other party was after. So he stood there calmly, even letting the sails of the Peach Blossom drop and waiting for the others.
Before long, the ships had fully surrounded them. One ship, the closest to them, caught Zhao Hai's eye. A group of people stood on it, the most striking being a man in his thirties, dressed similarly to Charlie. He had a low-key appearance, but it felt entirely different when worn by him. Most importantly, he exuded an imposing aura that Charlie didn't have.
Upon seeing this man, Zhao Hai had already guessed that these people likely weren't here for him but for Charlie. This man was very likely Charlie's second brother, the Second Prince of the Roson Empire.