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Jiang Shaohan's eyes flashed, as if he felt the same way as Gu Zhiyi: "I understand, Gu Zhiyi. I also know that only after going through the wind and rain can we see the rainbow. However, I have a dream, that is, I don't want to be mediocre, I want to be a leader instead of a follower."

Gu Zhiyi looked into Jiang Shaohan's eyes, as if she saw the desire deep in his heart: "Ninth Prince, I admire your ambition very much. But the battle for the throne of the Nine Dragons is complicated. Do you have any specific plans and positions?"

Jiang Shaohan frowned slightly. This was a sensitive and complicated topic. He pondered for a moment, then slowly spoke: "The power struggle between the princes is cruel and ruthless. I... I sometimes feel confused and hesitant."

Jiang Shaohan's eyes suddenly became sharp, and he looked directly at Gu Zhiyi: "Madam, what do you think I should do to stand out in this battle for the throne?"

Gu Zhiyi thought for a moment, then slowly spoke: "Ninth Prince, the battle for the throne is not only about strength, but also about wisdom. First of all, you need to consolidate your power, and at the same time, establish a good image in the court. Only in this way can you get the support of others at the critical moment."

Gu Zhiyi gently pushed the teacup in her hand, causing it to spin gently on the table. She slowly said, "Your Highness, you might as well adopt a retreat strategy."

Jiang Shaohan frowned slightly, and he was obviously surprised by this suggestion: "Retreat? Madam, this seems to be contrary to my original intention of competing for the throne."

Gu Zhiyi shook her head gently, her eyes revealing a calm wisdom: "Your Highness, you know the situation in the court better than I do. Now, the Eighth Prince holds military power at the front line. Once he returns, his power will be greatly enhanced. A three-way confrontation has already formed in the court. If you join the fight at this time, you will face the greatest challenge and the least resources."

Jiang Shaohan was silent for a moment. He picked up the teacup, sniffed the tea, and then slowly put it down: "Then, how should I retreat?"

Gu Zhiyi looked at Jiang Shaohan and her tone softened: "Your Highness, you can choose to keep a low profile for the time being and consolidate your power. At the same time, observe the movements of the other princes and look for the right opportunity. Once the Eighth Prince returns, the situation in the court will surely change. You will be more confident when you take action then."

Jiang Shaohan's eyes flashed with admiration. He looked at his wife and couldn't help but look at her with new eyes. He chuckled and said, "Your insights are indeed unique. So, if I follow your advice, are you willing to assist me?"

Gu Zhiyi smiled slightly. She gently pushed the teacup, and the water in the teacup rippled, as if reflecting her inner determination: "Your Highness, as long as you are willing, I am willing to assist you."

Jiang Shaohan's heart moved when he heard this. He looked at his wife, and a hint of determination flashed in his eyes: "Okay, then I'll trouble you."

"Ninth Prince, do you think that actively fighting for power is not the only way out?" Gu Zhiyi's voice was gentle and firm. She looked at Jiang Shaohan with wisdom in her eyes.

"Ninth Prince, do you feel that the emperor is aware of our every move?" Gu Zhiyi's voice was low and powerful, as if plucking the strings of Jiang Shaohan's heart.

Jiang Shaohan frowned slightly, thought for a moment, and then replied: "I did notice something, but I'm still not sure. Madam, what do you think of the Eighth Prince?"

Gu Zhiyi smiled slightly, with a gleam in her eyes: "The Eighth Prince appears gentle on the surface, but he is actually very cunning. He may have been forbearing and looking for the best opportunity. And the Emperor may have been secretly controlling all this."

"Control everything?" Jiang Shaohan's voice trembled slightly. "Then we...are we all on his chessboard?"

Gu Zhiyi nodded, her eyes more determined: "Yes, Ninth Prince. We are all pawns, but the emperor may not realize that you still hold a trump card in your hand."

"Ace?" Jiang Shaohan looked at Gu Zhiyi puzzledly.

"That's right. Ninth Prince, have you ever thought that your existence itself is a kind of balance. If you can jump out of the chessboard and use your own advantages, you may be able to break this balance and even influence the emperor's decision." Gu Zhiyi's words were full of encouragement.

Jiang Shaohan frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and said: "I do have this idea, but in this chaotic world, if I don't take the initiative, I'm afraid I will only be passively controlled."

Gu Zhiyi shook her head slightly and said slowly: "Ninth Prince, don't forget that you still have your fiefdom, Lancheng. Although the people there are poor, it is surrounded by mountains and rivers, and it is a great place to develop your power."

"I understand what you mean, but the situation in Lancheng is not optimistic." Jiang Shaohan said with some concern, "Once I leave the capital, I may lose the best opportunity to compete with the Eighth Prince for the throne."

"Ninth Prince, have you ever thought about this? The fight for the throne is not a one-day effort, but a long battle." Gu Zhiyi said calmly, "In Lancheng, you can slowly accumulate strength and avoid becoming a victim of the struggle for imperial power. Isn't this killing two birds with one stone?"

Jiang Shaohan was silent for a moment, with a hint of hesitation in his eyes. He looked at his wife and said sincerely, "Madam, you are right. My previous idea was indeed a bit too eager for quick success. So, how do you think I should act?"

Gu Zhiyi smiled slightly and said, "First, you should temporarily return to Lancheng, appease the people, and develop the economy. At the same time, you can use the geographical advantages of Lancheng to train troops and transport. In this way, your strength will gradually grow."

Jiang Shaohan's eyes sparkled, and he said excitedly: "Gu Zhiyi, you are really my confidant. I really didn't realize before that Lancheng's value is so great."

Gu Zhiyi continued, "Ninth Prince, you also need to leave people in the capital to maintain your power as a double insurance. This way, even if you are in Lancheng, you can always understand the dynamics of the capital."

Jiang Shaohan nodded in agreement. He said with emotion: "Madam, your suggestion has enlightened me. I have been trapped by the emperor's calculations and felt shocked and frightened. Now, I finally see a ray of hope."

Gu Zhiyi smiled and said, "Ninth Prince, don't worry, as long as you follow my advice, I believe you will be able to stand out in the struggle for imperial power."

The two continued to discuss in depth the details of Jiang Shaohan's return to Lancheng, including how to appease the people, develop the economy, train troops and transport, etc. Gu Zhiyi's suggestions gave Jiang Shaohan confidence, and he decided to take action immediately.

"Ninth Prince, I, Gu Zhiyi, am deeply honored by your trust in me. However, you should also understand that the Ningguo Mansion does not belong to me alone, but carries the fate and expectations of the entire family."

Jiang Shaohan nodded slightly to show his understanding. What Gu Zhiyi was talking about was not only the power of the Ningguo Mansion, but also the complex relationships and responsibilities behind it.

"Madam, I understand your concerns. I will not act rashly, nor will I regard the power of the Duke's Mansion as something that can be easily acquired. On the contrary, I will cherish my relationship with you and the future of the Duke's Mansion even more."