Time Travel: He is My Dad!

Emperor's Chessboard

Princess Shen's footsteps echoed on the palace's bluestone slabs. As she left the banquet hall, the atmosphere within the palace changed instantly. The courtiers, who had previously held Princess Shen in awe and respect, seemed to realize that this storm was inevitable and the situation was quietly changing.

He Qingqing watched Princess Shen disappear at the end of the palace corridor, her heart filled with confusion. Princess Shen's words to her weren't just threats; they revealed a fierce desire for control. She understood that this game was no longer just a contest between two people, but a power struggle that could change the entire palace landscape. And she herself had been unwittingly drawn into it.

"Miss He, the princess is rushing to His Majesty. It seems that the situation in the palace will become more complicated tonight." The guard's cold voice suddenly sounded in her ears.

He Qingqing turned around and was met by the guard. A hint of vigilance flashed in his eyes. "The Emperor summoned Princess Shen, obviously not just because of Zhao Han's disappearance. Everything happening in the palace seems to be developing in an unpredictable direction."

He Qingqing sighed softly, her brow furrowing slightly. She knew that every disturbance in the palace wasn't accidental, but rather had a hidden purpose. Princess Shen had clearly been fully prepared for this turmoil, and might even have found her own way out.

"In any case, the situation in the palace will definitely become more confusing after tonight." She whispered to herself.

"Are you planning to see His Majesty?" the guard asked.

The guard didn't say anything else, just nodded, as if he knew that He Qingqing was a very opinionated person and would not easily change his decision.

At the same time, the emperor in the palace was also in the center of the storm.

When Princess Shen entered the imperial harem, the maids and guards on both sides of the corridor bowed their heads and respectfully greeted her. Everyone wore a respectful smile, but the tension and uneasiness in their eyes could not be concealed.

Princess Shen arrived outside the Emperor's bedroom and gently knocked on the palace door. A few seconds later, the guards inside immediately opened the door and led her into the most private space.

The emperor sat on the gilded dragon throne, his face stern. He didn't seem particularly anxious about Zhao Han's disappearance, but rather confident and calm. Princess Shen entered the palace and bowed gently, "Your Majesty, I pay my respects to you."

"Get up." The emperor waved his hand calmly. "As I expected, you have already prepared a plan."

Princess Shen raised her head slightly and fixed her gaze on the emperor. She knew that she was not summoned because of Zhao Han's disappearance, but because the unfathomable power behind her had begun to threaten the emperor.

"Your Majesty, the palace is in turmoil. I will naturally do my best to maintain Your Majesty's rule." Her tone was respectful, but full of a sense of control over the situation.

"You don't have to flatter me." The emperor's voice was low and tinged with a hint of sneer. "I know what you are thinking. You want to use this opportunity to better plan your life."

Princess Shen was not angry. Instead, she smiled faintly: "Your Majesty, you think too highly of me. I simply want to contribute to the palace and protect your majesty's kingdom."

Her words seemed humble, but they revealed an ambition that could not be ignored. The emperor was silent for a moment, then finally spoke: "You know, Zhao Han's disappearance may not only be due to infighting within the palace, but also to external forces."

Princess Shen nodded. "Yes, Your Majesty, Zhao Han's disappearance is indeed a complicated situation, but I believe there are deeper reasons behind all this. Those people in the palace, without external support, will not be able to shake your authority in the slightest."

A gleam of light flashed in the emperor's eyes. He looked at Princess Shen, as if considering every word she said. Finally, he smiled and said, "Princess Shen, it seems that you have a thorough understanding of the situation in the palace."

"Everything I do is for you." Princess Shen bowed her head respectfully. "Your Majesty, if forces outside the palace really interfere with the affairs of the palace, it means that we will not only have to deal with the power struggle within the palace, but also deal with external threats."

"Threat?" The emperor frowned. "Who are you referring to?"

Princess Shen smiled faintly, her gaze remaining calm. "I suspect it's the Grand Empress Dowager's faction manipulating this. After all, the Grand Empress Dowager has always been Your Majesty's backer, but she might not accept you taking the throne so quickly at such a young age."

The emperor's face suddenly darkened, a complex expression flashing in his eyes. The Grand Empress Dowager had always been his support for the consolidation of his power, but it was also the Grand Empress Dowager's faction that had given him such strong support in the early days of his ascension to the throne. Now, Princess Shen's reminder suddenly made him feel an unprecedented pressure.

"Princess Shen, do you mean that the Empress Dowager may also be involved in this power struggle?" the emperor asked in a deep voice.

Princess Shen nodded, her eyes devoid of emotion. "Yes, Your Majesty. The Grand Empress Dowager wields immense power and influence. Her every move can affect the entire palace. Some of her closest associates may have already quietly entered the palace, seeking greater power for the Grand Empress Dowager."

"If this is true, the situation in the palace will become even more complicated." The emperor pondered for a moment and finally took a deep breath. "I understand, Princess Shen, go back and make preparations. No force, whether inside or outside the palace, can be underestimated."

Princess Shen bowed her head and said, "Yes, Your Majesty."

She retreated from the palace, her expression growing increasingly stern, her eyes gleaming with a determination that could not be ignored. Princess Shen knew that the struggle within the palace wasn't just a contest between her and Zhao Han, but a three-way contest. Every detail, every strategic move, could be crucial to the ultimate outcome.

The storm in the palace has been brewing quietly.

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Chapter 16: The Eve of the Decisive Battle