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

Dangers lurk everywhere, the chessboard turns

An indescribable pressure lingered within Shen Yiyao. Although she had reached a cooperation agreement with Minister Zuo, she knew that this power struggle was far more complex than she had imagined. The outside world was full of uncertainties, and every decision could bring about a fatal retaliation. She faced not only enemies within and outside the Shen Mansion, but also shadowy forces that could bar their fangs at any moment.

Late at night, Shen Yiyao sat alone in her study, flipping through the secret report handed to her by Minister Zuo. Those words, like cold blades, slashed through her heart, leaving her feeling a deep sense of oppression. The palace was about to be turbulent, and every move she made seemed to affect the entire situation.

Nangong Xiu knew she was determined, and Shen Yiyao never easily changed her mind. He walked over to Shen Yiyao and whispered, "But you know, this game isn't as simple as before. There are more and more forces outside, and the Zuo Shangshu family may be backed by more than just a few powerful officials in the palace. If you truly want to win this game, you'll probably have to make a bolder decision."

Shen Yiyao narrowed her eyes slightly, a cold glint flashing in them. "A bold decision? I've been prepared for it for a long time." She paused, then added, "If I don't dare to take risks, how can I seize the opportunities that belong to me?"

"Miss..." Nangong Xiu was silent for a moment, then finally spoke, "But the support of Minister Zuo's family is not strong, especially since the situation in the palace is very complicated. You may not be able to achieve your goal by doing this."

Shen Yiyao sneered. "Complex? Complex situations are exactly what I'm best at dealing with. Without complex situations, where would there be opportunities?" She stood up, her steps calm and her gaze firm. "Tomorrow morning, I will go to the palace. If I can reach some kind of tacit understanding with the emperor, the situation will turn around."

Nangong Xiu was stunned for a moment, then nodded. "If the young lady has decided, then I will naturally cooperate." He knew that Shen Yiyao never did anything without confidence, and since she dared to say such words, she must have already planned a response strategy.

-

The next morning, Shen Yiyao changed into a light blue palace dress, appearing stern and noble. She arrived at the palace with only Nangong Xiu, not many attendants. The Shen residence was not far from the palace, but she remained calm and walked with a firm step.

The guards outside the palace gate recognized her and immediately stepped forward to salute. Shen Yiyao walked into the palace without pausing, her gaze fixed squarely on the emperor. She knew that this time, her purpose wasn't just to meet the emperor, but to engage in a direct confrontation with the entire palace's power structure.

Entering the palace, she was led to a secluded inner hall. The emperor was currently attending to state affairs. Shen Yiyao stood outside the hall, calmly awaiting her moment to appear. She knew in her heart that today's negotiations would determine her position within the palace and even the future of the Shen family.

A moment later, a palace maid came out and said softly, "Miss Shen, His Majesty has summoned you."

Shen Yiyao nodded and walked into the hall without hesitation. Inside, the emperor sat on the dragon throne, beside him stood a dignified concubine with a cold and beautiful face. She was one of the emperor's favorite concubines and a key figure in the power struggle within the palace—Concubine Meng.

"Shen Yiyao, you are indeed as decisive and courageous as the rumors say." A hint of teasing flashed in the emperor's eyes, and his tone was slightly mocking. "You are so anxious to come to see me, I am afraid there is something important?"

Shen Yiyao paid no attention to the emperor's tone. She bowed her head slightly and saluted. "Your Majesty, I have come here to ask for a favor. I hope Your Majesty will listen to what I have to say."

The emperor raised his eyebrows slightly, and his gaze turned deep. "Oh? What are you asking me for?"

Shen Yiyao stood up straight, her expression stern, her voice clear and firm: "Your Majesty, I ask you to support the interests of the Shen family in the palace, ensure the stability of our Shen family, and eliminate external enemies."

"Oh?" The emperor seemed to be interested in this topic. He raised his hand and gently placed the memorial on the table. His voice sounded leisurely, "The interests of the Shen family? Do you mean the cooperation between the Shen family and the Zuo Shangshu family?"

Shen Yiyao nodded gently, "That's right. I know that the Zuo Shangshu family secretly supports some powerful officials in the palace, but they are not unshakable. I am willing to assist Your Majesty and eliminate these obstacles to power. I only ask Your Majesty to ensure the safety of our Shen Mansion."

A meaningful glint flashed in the emperor's eyes, as if he was considering the weight of her words. Concubine Meng stood aside, her expression expressionless. She was already accustomed to Shen Yiyao's bluntness.

"You're so brave, Shen Yiyao," the emperor finally said, his voice low. "However, you should know that if anything inappropriate happens, someone in the palace will drag you into the abyss. Have you thought it through?"

Shen Yiyao didn't answer. She knew the emperor's hidden meaning. These games of power were fraught with danger at every step. Any misstep could plunge her into a bottomless abyss. But she wasn't afraid.

"I am ready." She looked at the emperor with a firm gaze. "This humble official is not doing this for my own benefit, but for the future of the Shen family. I am willing to work hand in hand with Your Majesty."

The emperor was silent for a moment, the playful look in his eyes gradually faded, replaced by a trace of deep thought. He stared at Shen Yiyao, as if assessing her worth.

"Very good." He finally said, his voice becoming low and majestic. "I agree to your request. But you must understand that this cooperation is a two-way street. If you are truly willing to help me eliminate the hidden dangers in the palace, the future of your Shen family will receive my utmost support."

Shen Yiyao lowered her head and bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your assistance."

She knew that she had successfully stood at the forefront of this court struggle. The future of the Shen family, as she had hoped, had the emperor's support, but this also meant that she would have to fight against more enemies.

However, Shen Yiyao wasn't afraid. Every step she took was a carefully considered strategy, and she knew clearly that this power struggle had only just begun.

-

Every decisive battle is a life-or-death struggle. Shen Yiyao understands that only by completely defeating the enemies lurking in the shadows can the future of the Shen family be secured. And she's already prepared for the coming storm.

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Chapter 29: Lies and truth, the deal behind the scenes