Rest in a Demon's Embrace [BL]

Chapter 163 - New Partner

Cao Haolong was slowly walking through the palace gardens. He had never before entered the home of the Seventh Demon Prince, but while he had certain expectations, they had all been shattered.

Initially, Cao Haolong had seen Jiang Yao as a boring soul with no interest in anything; however, the garden was so beautiful that he could not connect it to the cold and ruthless demon prince.

Cao Haolong was aware that he could not pay too much attention towards the surroundings, as others would fear his intentions, so he only glanced at the stunning landscape a few times before he focused his gaze on the pavilion in front.

Jiang Yao was the only figure present within, and Cao Haolong could not help but release a sigh of relief.

Although he admired and had a good impression of Luo Xiao, what he was about to say was not suitable for this young man to hear, even if he was Jiang Yao's lover.

"Greetings to his Royal Highness, the Seventh Demon Prince."

Cao Haolong bowed deeply towards Jiang Yao, showing the customs that were kept for the palace. There was a lot of sincerity in his gesture, making Jiang Yao narrow his eyes slightly and wonder what purpose this young man had.

Jiang Yao did not detest Cao Haolong. He felt that this young man was different from the rest of the Cao family, and he even admired him for taking control of the family at such a young age, but he had never had much connection with this young man in private.

It was obvious that Cao Haolong was offending his backer by appearing here in such a high profile manner, and Jiang Yao was even more approving of his personality, but he also knew that this young man was taking a gamble.

It was not hard to guess that he wished to change the person whom he supported, but if Jiang Yao did not accept him, then the whole gamble would be lost, and he would suffer severe damage.

"Tell me what made you bet on me instead of my fourth brother."

Jiang Yao did not need to ask for his purpose, they were both very clear of what it meant to appear here, so instead, he wished to know what thoughts he had behind this action.

Cao Haolong truly enjoyed speaking with intelligent people, and from the actions of Jiang Yao, he understood that he might stand a chance of success.

"The Cao family has supported the Fourth Demon Prince for many years, and I have not made any gestures to change this decision as I was of the impression that Your Highness had no intention to fight against your Royal Brother.

"I am perfectly well aware that the Fourth Demon Prince is not the strongest, and the only reason for his position as the most likely to become the next Emperor is merely due to a few of the other princes, yourself included, having no interest in that seat.

"Since the stronger princes have had no interest in the position of the Emperor, then I did not see any harm in supporting the Fourth Demon Prince. However, with the emergence of your royal lover, I understood that you might not be willing to continue to sit back.

"I still doubt that you wish to become the ruler yourself, but I am certain that the one who comes to rule this world will need to obtain your approval. As long as I stay loyal to you, the new Emperor will not make things too ugly for my Cao family."

Jiang Yao could not help but lean back in the chair and listen to the thoughts that Cao Haolong had been considering. For a smart person like Cao Haolong, it was truly a new experience to tell all the thoughts he had in mind so clearly, but he also knew that if he tried to hide anything, then he would not be accepted.

His way of thinking was logical and reasonable, and Jiang Yao had to admit that it made perfect sense to think this way, and he too felt that he was no longer able to allow his fourth brother to run rampant.

"What do you think about my Xiaoxiao?"

Jiang Yao did not ask about the power play or political schemes right away, but instead asked Cao Haolong about his thoughts of his young lover.

Cao Haolong had not expected this question, and he raised an eyebrow in surprise, but he still answered seriously.

"I admire Sir Luo. He is young, but he is not stupid. He is not a saint that forgives all, but he is also able to let go. Others might not approve of the relationship between the two of you, but I feel that it is quite matching. I do hope that I might have a chance to befriend him at some point."

Cao Haolong was honest. He truly admired Luo Xiao, but his admiration was very different from Jiang Yao's. Jiang Yao loved Luo Xiao, and wished for the two of them to be partners for the rest of their lives, while Cao Haolong admired him as a man, but he had no ulterior motives. He just wanted to befriend him.

Such emotions were stemming from pure admiration, and the final hesitation that Jiang Yao had vanished.

"I would be happy to have your support in the days to come; however, it will bring great chaos and danger to both you and the Cao family itself. The Cao family has never sworn an oath to the Fourth brother due to the noble identity of both sides, but he will not be happy when he finds out things will turn out this way."