The Rebirth of a Concubine's Daughter and Her Heartless Lover!

Hunter in the Mist

Shen Yiyao left the palace, a chilling wind brushing against her cheeks. Standing high above, overlooking the vast courtyard of the Shen Mansion, she felt a surge of anxiety that went beyond a simple family feud. She realized that this struggle not only concerned the survival of the Shen Mansion but also her own future, and even her ability to escape the shadows of power and become the true ruler.

"Miss, the situation outside is becoming more complicated. Do we need to adjust our plan?" Nangong Xiu's voice suddenly came, breaking her contemplation.

Shen Yiyao retracted her gaze, turned to face Nangong Xiu, and smiled coldly: "Complicated? Isn't this exactly the situation I want?"

"Yes, Miss," Nangong Xiu replied respectfully, but he felt a little uneasy in his heart. Although Shen Yiyao's words were full of confidence, he knew that the situation Shen Yiyao faced was far more dangerous than she let on.

Shen Yiyao's gaze grew deep, and she gently waved her hand, signaling Nangong Xiu not to worry. "This situation, no matter how complex, will ultimately be a chess game controlled by me. Bai Yueqin, the ministers behind her, external forces, and the power vacuum left after Shen Qianyun's death are all mere pawns in my hands." A cold glint flickered in her eyes. "Now, what we need to do is not rush to launch a counterattack, but to wait quietly."

Nangong Xiu frowned and asked doubtfully, "Miss, do you mean to let these powerful officials and external forces make their plans and wait and see what happens?"

Shen Yiyao nodded, a hint of a sneer on her face. "They thought I was eager to seize power, but little did they know that being too impatient would only expose one's own weaknesses. A truly powerful person can see the whole picture clearly in the fog, rather than rushing into anything."

She raised her head and gazed toward the distant palace walls, her eyes as cold as steel. "In this game, all players believe themselves to be hunters, while I am the prey stalking silently in the fog. Only in the end will I reveal my sharp claws."

-

A few days later, Shen Yiyao personally convened a high-level meeting within the Shen Mansion. The agenda was how to address the power vacuum left after Shen Qianyun's death and how to deal with external threats. The Shen Mansion's cabinet and several important ministers were all present. Many of them had been Shen Qianyun's confidants, appearing loyal supporters, but in reality, they had their own agendas.

She paused and looked at Bai Yueqin who was sitting beside her: "Bai Yueqin, have you made any arrangements regarding the intelligence of external forces?"

Bai Yueqin smiled faintly, a calm expression between her brows. "Don't worry, Miss Shen. I've arranged for some key figures to ensure that the Shen Mansion is not infiltrated by external forces in the next few days." Her tone was steady, yet a hint of scheming could not be concealed. She seemed to believe that she had a place in Shen Yiyao's heart, but Shen Yiyao knew that Bai Yueqin was just a pawn, not yet a true ally.

"Very good." Shen Yiyao nodded. "I believe you can complete this mission. But I must remind you, Bai Yueqin, not everyone can be controlled by us. The future situation of the Shen Mansion is still full of variables. Only if we remain vigilant can we ensure that we will not be counterattacked by these hidden enemies."

Bai Yueqin's eyes flickered slightly, as if she sensed the implicit warning in Shen Yiyao's words, but she didn't show any dissatisfaction. She simply lowered her head gracefully and replied softly, "Ms. Shen, I admire your vigilance. I will be more careful and ensure that everything goes according to plan."

Shen Yiyao nodded slightly, but she already had her own thoughts in mind. Bai Yueqin's words seemed to have sown a seed of distrust in her heart. Shen Yiyao was not a fool. She knew clearly that Bai Yueqin would never give up her power easily, especially after Shen Qianyun's death, when she had undoubtedly become a key player. Shen Yiyao needed to use her, but she could never rely on her completely.

-

After the meeting, Shen Yiyao returned to her study alone. Standing at her desk, she flipped through the intelligence Bai Yueqin had sent her, scanning every clue within. The information seemed complete, but Shen Yiyao didn't react immediately. She knew that in this game of thrones, every piece of information could potentially hold a deeper meaning.

"Nangong Xiu." She called in a low voice.

Nangong Xiu immediately appeared before her and bowed his head respectfully. "Miss, what do you want?"

"Go check the intelligence Bai Yueqin provided, especially the connections she mentioned to those external forces." Shen Yiyao's eyes were penetrating, as if she saw everything. "While her intelligence appears accurate, I can't rule out the possibility she's laying a trap."

Nangong Xiu didn't ask any more questions and nodded immediately: "Yes, Miss."

Shen Yiyao slowly sat down, her mind already made up. She knew that at this moment, despite the growing conflict between external forces and powerful officials within, she had to remain calm. Only when these enemies began to lose their composure would she take action and fully grasp the situation.

Amidst this chaotic political struggle, Shen Yiyao knew she couldn't be too assertive, nor could she be too low-key. Every detail would be crucial to her future.

-

A few days later, Nangong Xiu returned to Shen Yiyao's study with the results of his investigation, his eyes flickering with complex emotions. "Miss, you're right. While the intelligence Bai Yueqin provided may appear impeccable on the surface, my careful investigation reveals that there seems to be some undisclosed power behind her."

Nangong Xiu left, and Shen Yiyao once again looked down at the intelligence. She knew the real game had just begun. In the game of power, the strongest opponents are often those who seem the most insignificant.

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Chapter 24: Rising Storm