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

The shadows are thick and the mystery is gradually emerging

Shen Yiyao stood in the spacious study, overlooking the nightscape of the Shen Mansion. The faintly silvery lake seemed to complement her inner calm and loneliness, as if the entire world was under her control. Yet, deep within her heart, an uneasy premonition surged. Although Bai Yueqin had been thoroughly dealt with, she knew in her heart that this struggle was far from over.

"Miss, your decision just now was decisive and resolute. Bai Yueqin has completely lost the chance to turn the tables this time." Nangong Xiu still stood behind her, his tone full of respect, but his eyes could not hide a trace of solemnity. "But this does not mean that everything is over. The forces outside are still spying on every move of the Shen Mansion."

Shen Yiyao raised her head slightly and looked at Nangong Xiu, a hint of coldness in her eyes. "I know, so the next step is the most crucial one," she whispered. "Although Bai Yueqin's betrayal has been exposed, the forces behind her may not give up easily. My elimination is just the beginning."

Her voice was low and calm, but it seemed to hint that an extremely complicated situation was quietly taking shape.

"What do you mean, Miss?" Nangong Xiu asked cautiously. Even though he had been with Shen Yiyao for many years, he still couldn't fully see through her thoughts.

"The forces behind Bai Yueqin are more than just rivals of the Shen Mansion." Shen Yiyao turned, slowly walked to the desk, and unfolded the secret reports. "Her collusion with Minister Zuo's family isn't a simple affair or collaboration; it involves a more complex palace struggle. If I simply eliminate her now, it won't necessarily eliminate the external threat, but may instead lead to even more trouble."

Nangong Xiu was silent for a moment. Shen Yiyao's analysis was sharp. Although the connection between Bai Yueqin and Zuo Shangshu's family had long been revealed, the deeper relationship hidden behind it far exceeded their expectations.

"Miss, do you mean to make this matter even bigger?" Nangong Xiu asked tentatively.

"Making a big fuss? No, I want to expose this matter completely." Shen Yiyao sneered, "Bai Yueqin's death cannot remain a secret in the Shen family. I want the outside world to see that even when facing internal and external pressure, the Shen family can remain steadfast and deal with all traitors. This way, not only can we eliminate the forces behind Bai Yueqin, but we can also establish a strong deterrent within the palace."

She paused, a glint in her eyes. "But this also means that the Shen Mansion's opponents will come at me more directly. The undercurrents within the palace will inevitably surface. If we don't take the initiative, those forces will surely unite and break through the Shen Mansion's defenses in one fell swoop."

Nangong Xiu's heart tightened. He naturally understood the meaning behind every word Shen Yiyao said. Shen Yiyao had never been someone who simply responded passively. On the contrary, she was always the one in control of the situation. And this time, Shen Yiyao had clearly decided to take the initiative and set off an even bigger storm.

"Miss, what are your plans?" Nangong Xiu asked, his voice sounding a bit serious.

Shen Yiyao tilted her head slightly, a hint of coldness in her eyes. "I want to make sure that the Zuo Shangshu family understands that their every move is under my control. Tonight, I will personally meet an important guest."

Nangong Xiu frowned slightly and immediately realized. "You mean..."

"That's right." Shen Yiyao answered casually, "I want to see a noble in the palace."

-

Late at night, Shen Yiyao, dressed in a plain white dress, quietly entered a secret courtyard within the palace. This place, starkly different from the palace's opulent grandeur, was surrounded by dark trees and a tranquil pond, giving it a sense of otherworldliness. She waited there for a long time, until the moonlight began to shine, when she saw a middle-aged man in brocade clothes and a solemn expression slowly approach.

"Miss Shen, I've been waiting for you." The man said in a low voice, his voice full of suppressed majesty. "Since you have this intention, why don't you come to me directly? Why go through so much trouble?"

Shen Yiyao chuckled, her eyes brimming with confidence. "This is the most appropriate approach, Master Zuo. Look, if I had come directly to you, wouldn't your schemes have already been exposed to me? By playing this game, I can both draw out the forces behind it and force you to cooperate with me, thus resolving this crisis."

Minister Zuo was slightly stunned, obviously not expecting Shen Yiyao to be so thoughtful and deliberate in her plan. Shen Yiyao's calmness and confidence left him speechless for a moment.

"What do you want me to do for you?" Minister Zuo finally spoke, with a hint of hesitation in his voice.

Shen Yiyao's eyes, sharp as blades, stared directly at Minister Zuo. "I need you to help me uncover the hidden forces behind this and expose them to the light of day. The Shen family's internal and external enemies are too deeply hidden, and I don't want to be stabbed in the back again. Aren't you an important figure in the palace? If you are willing to help, I guarantee that your interests will be maximized."

Minister Zuo was silent for a moment, as if trying to determine whether Shen Yiyao's words were trustworthy. A flash of deep thought flashed in his eyes, and then he slowly spoke, "If you can truly plan this for me, perhaps I might consider collaborating with you."

Shen Yiyao smiled faintly, a hint of pride flickering in her eyes. "Cooperation is always about win-win situations. You and I each have our own standpoints, but the current predicament facing the Shen Mansion is an opportunity for us to work together to resolve it. If you agree to this, the affairs of the Shen Mansion will be between us. How about it?"

Minister Zuo didn't agree immediately, but Shen Yiyao could see the hesitation in his eyes. She knew that the only way to win the game was to exchange interests.

"Okay." Minister Zuo finally agreed, his tone solemn. "However, Miss Shen, you must understand that you cannot easily wade into the deep waters of political struggle. I can help you, but it also depends on how you deal with the upcoming storm."

Shen Yiyao nodded slightly. Her face showed no excitement, but rather a calmness. "Don't worry, Master Zuo. I will prepare everything."

Minister Zuo sighed deeply as he gazed at Shen Yiyao's back. He knew that a partnership between him and this woman might trigger an unprecedented power struggle. Ultimately, he had underestimated Shen Yiyao's intelligence and ruthlessness.

-

Upon returning to the Shen Mansion, Shen Yiyao began to plan her next move. She knew that while Bai Yueqin's betrayal had been resolved, the true outcome was far from over. She faced enemies within the palace and the combined pressure of powerful officials. She relied not only on her cooperation with Minister Zuo but also on her own profound political skills.

She sat quietly in her study, her expression calm, her gaze as sharp as a blade. She had a clear goal in mind: only through more sophisticated planning and strategy could this struggle ultimately bring her to the pinnacle of power. And she had already begun to embark on this dangerous and confusing path.

Every game is a matter of life and death. Shen Yiyao has long been prepared. She will use her absolute advantage to eliminate all enemies one by one, and let this power struggle end with her victory.

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Chapter 28: Crisis lurks on every side, the chessboard turns