Rebirth: Phoenix Riding the Ninth Heaven

Look at the Emperor Qian, seated upright on the dragon throne, his face solemn, lips tightly pursed, silent. Beside him, the Fourth Prince, Shen Sihong, gazed anxiously at his father. This young and energetic prince, a fiery passion burning within him, yearned to contribute to the nation and realize his ambitions. However, reality presented a harsh reality: powerless and weak, he felt a sense of helplessness and bewilderment.

Shen Sihong knew that to achieve something, he needed sufficient power and strength. But now, he was filled with passion but lacked the means to fully utilize his talents. Faced with the complex situation, the intertwined forces and the checks and balances between them, he could not help but lament the difficulties of life. His father, once wise, courageous, and decisive, seemed to have gradually lost his former charm in this game of thrones, becoming hesitant and indecisive.

Shen Sihong desperately hoped that his father would regain his composure, and with his extraordinary wisdom and experience, he could skillfully maneuver between the various factions and make wise decisions. Only in this way could their country escape its predicament and move towards prosperity. However, at this moment, everything seemed so far away...

A strong conviction welled up in his heart, and he secretly resolved to sacrifice himself for the peace and tranquility of the world. This noble and selfless act was a supreme honor for him. Thinking of this, he knelt without hesitation and performed the solemn ritual of three bows and nine kowtows before his father. Then, raising his head, he gazed at his father with a firm gaze and asked in a resounding voice, "Father, do you trust me?"

Emperor Qian gazed at his son, his eyes filled with determination and fearlessness. His heart trembled, as if a warm current surged through his chest. He listened quietly to what the Fourth Prince was about to say.

The Fourth Prince took a deep breath and continued, "Father, I am willing to be a chess piece at your mercy. I will go deep into the various forces in the court, hold them firmly in check, and make them work for you to win the crucial battle in the northwest!" These words were full of determination and courage, as if he was ready to meet all challenges at any time.

Emperor Qian looked at the Fourth Prince Shen Sihong with interest, and said casually, "Tell me how to implement it specifically?" This house knelt and took two steps forward, revealing his plan in full.

Father! I dare to say something disobedient, please do not be angry. Actually, the situation in the court is complicated, with various forces intertwined.

The most powerful faction was undoubtedly the eldest and second brothers, as they were backed by the immense power of their maternal clans. Back then, these maternal clans were descendants of the founding heroes who had fought alongside the late emperor in battles across the land, shedding blood and tears, to establish this magnificent land.

As a result, these two families wielded immense power within the imperial court. As for the other concubines and princes, they relied on the influence of their respective maternal clans to compete with one another. They were all embroiled in a fierce, heated dispute over your father's inability to determine the heir apparent.

If my father were to deliberately spread the word that whoever could contribute the most to quelling the conflict in the northwest would most likely become the future crown prince, then they would undoubtedly devote themselves to the northwest war, sparing no effort in providing financial, human, and material support.

However, the most crucial figure in this entire situation is undoubtedly you, my father. You can fully leverage my presence. The two families are secretly collaborating, secretly instructing others to spread rumors. For example, you might intend to use the affairs of the Northwest Territory to train me, so that I can gain greater power, more experience, and more power.

In this way, everyone will hope that this will become a political achievement that will greatly benefit their succession. They will then undoubtedly regard me as a stumbling block to their succession and try to exclude me from this matter. In this way, we can skillfully utilize the complex network of relationships and successfully bring the Northwest issue to the forefront, drawing the attention of the entire court and even the people of the country, thereby quickly resolving the difficulties facing the Northwest.

Upon hearing this, Emperor Qian frowned slightly, lost in thought. After a moment, he raised his head, his gaze set on the Fourth Prince, Shen Sihong, and spoke slowly, "My son, please step aside for now. If there is anything important, I will summon you." His voice was deep and commanding, as if imbued with endless power.

Upon hearing this, the Fourth Prince, Shen Sihong, felt a flicker of doubt in his heart, but he dared not betray any displeasure. He bowed respectfully to the Emperor Qian and said in a clear voice, "Father, I will obey your command! I will now take my leave. If you require anything, please summon me at any time." With that, he straightened his body, turned, and left. Each step was steady and powerful, demonstrating the demeanor expected of a child of the royal family.

Emperor Qian watched the Fourth Prince's receding figure, a complex expression flickering in his eyes. Once he was completely out of sight, he gently waved his hand, signaling his attendants to withdraw as well. The vast palace suddenly fell into an unusual silence. Only Emperor Qian sat alone on the Dragon Throne, continuing to ponder what had just happened...

Eunuch Sun stood still, his feet as if pinned to the spot, not daring to move an inch forward. His previously downcast gaze was now fixed even more intently on the ground, as if he feared a careless movement would disturb the Emperor Qian, who was lost in his thoughts.

Back then, Eunuch Sun was just a young, naive eunuch who, by chance, found himself serving the then-Prince Emperor Qian. From that moment on, he and the Emperor were inseparable, weathering countless ups and downs together. Their relationship was more than just master and servant, but more like a partnership of mutual growth and support.

Time flies, and the former prince has become the Qian Emperor, ruling the country. Eunuch Sun has always been at his side. Over the years, he has come to know the Qian Emperor's meticulous thinking and the careful consideration of every decision. Therefore, when he sees the Qian Emperor lost in thought, Eunuch Sun knows that he must not rashly interrupt. He can only wait silently, waiting for the Qian Emperor to recover from his deep thoughts.

Speaking of which, Emperor Qian truly had a miserable life! Ever since he could remember, he had never experienced the warmth of a father's love. His father had passed away suddenly when he was still a child. And his mother, the Empress, despite her high status, was not favored by the Emperor. This was simply because his father was devoted to his younger brother, who was, after all, the son of his most beloved concubine, Consort Chen.

However, fate played a cruel trick! A sudden plague cruelly ripped away his father's beloved child, leaving even Concubine Chen on the verge of collapse over the loss. During those days, his father remained by her side, trying to soothe her inner wounds, but ultimately, the gnawing grief was too much. Just a year later, his father passed away, never to return to the harem. As for the affairs of state, they were entrusted to the elder ministers at court.

At court, influential and powerful ministers exploited their power and position to unscrupulously exploit various matters for personal gain. The various factions within the court engaged in relentless strife and conflict, plunging the nation into chaos. Innocent civilians suffered utterly, their lives utterly miserable. Yet, facing this tragedy, the singer Wang Quan, the ruler, turned a blind eye, seemingly indifferent to the consequences.

Ever since the loss of his beloved concubine, Consort Chen, the late emperor had been devastated, forever immersed in endless grief and sorrow. He even failed to show much fatherly love to his own son, only caring for him somewhat because the child was Consort Chen's.

Even more shocking was that just six months later, despite the strenuous opposition of his court ministers, the late emperor resolutely appointed Consort Cheng as the new empress and buried her with all the ceremonial honors accorded to an empress. This act was unheard of and unprecedented! To appoint someone else as empress while the empress was still in office was undoubtedly a profound insult and injury to the current empress—the mother of Emperor Qian. How would the surviving empress cope in such a situation? Where would her dignity and status be?

In this palace, ravaged by the raging storm and teetering on the brink of collapse, the Emperor Qian's noble and resolute mother, Queen Wang, stood like an impenetrable fortress, resolutely withstanding the countless rumors and gossips emanating from both the imperial court and the harem. Her steadfast heart was like a rock, unshaken by the turbulent storms of the outside world.

Queen Wang was well aware of the cruelty and treacherous nature of palace struggles, yet she neither flinched nor flinched. Instead, with unparalleled courage and wisdom, she skillfully navigated the various factions, carefully protecting her son, the young Emperor Qian. Faced with the taunts and malicious slander of those with ulterior motives, Queen Wang remained indifferent, never taking them to heart. She understood that these were merely the tactics of villains, and that easily angered would only allow her enemies to triumph.

Throughout the long years, Queen Wang maintained a clear mind, undeterred by the lust for power or the allure of wealth and splendor. She devoted all her energy to the care and upbringing of Emperor Qian. From the time Emperor Qian could speak, Queen Wang personally taught him to read and write, and to understand reason and morality. As Emperor Qian grew older, she sought out renowned teachers and scholars to meticulously cultivate his moral character and ability to govern.

Under Queen Wang's loving care, Emperor Qian gradually grew into adulthood. He inherited his mother's wisdom, wisdom, courage, and fortitude, becoming a highly accomplished monarch. All of this achievement was made possible by Queen Wang's years of dedicated effort. It was precisely because of this remarkable mother that Emperor Qian was able to thrive in such a challenging and complex environment, ultimately ascending the throne and ruling the country.