Time Travel: He is My Dad!

Sudden change

Outside the palace gates, the moonlight shrouded the entire palace like water. Princess Shen walked calmly, but her heart was already churning with turmoil. She knew that the Grand Empress Dowager's move was far-reaching, and tonight's meeting was bound to be a crucial moment.

She silently calculated that the envoy sent by the Grand Empress Dowager could not be a simple messenger. This meeting, seemingly calm, was actually full of turbulent undercurrents.

"Princess, the Empress Dowager's envoy is waiting outside." The guard walked carefully to Princess Shen's side and reported in a low voice.

"I understand." Princess Shen nodded, then turned and walked towards the palace gate.

She had never feared any power struggle, even when the opponent was one of the most powerful forces in the palace—the Grand Empress Dowager. She calmly told herself that all the power struggles and calculations in the palace were her magic weapon for survival.

As she stepped out of the palace, Princess Shen spotted a middle-aged man in a golden official robe standing outside. He had a solemn expression, his hands clasped together, appearing exceptionally respectful. Upon seeing Princess Shen emerge, he immediately bowed slightly, his tone respectful yet with a hint of intimidation that couldn't be ignored. "Princess Shen, the Grand Empress Dowager has ordered that you accompany me to the inner hall."

Princess Shen smiled slightly and nodded at him: "Lead the way."

Her steps were steady and unhurried. Although the doubts in her heart had not dissipated, she knew that if she wanted to gain the upper hand in this contest, she had to remain calm and even show a determination that was more tenacious than anyone else.

Passing through the winding palace corridor, guards stood in awe on either side, and the atmosphere within the palace grew increasingly solemn. Princess Shen's gaze never left the messenger, but she was already beginning to analyze his identity. This messenger was no ordinary figure. To represent the Grand Empress Dowager meant he must be a powerful official with a heavy responsibility, and the pressure he exuded was a testament to his status within the palace.

Arriving at the inner hall, Princess Shen followed the envoy into the hall. She was greeted by a desolate atmosphere. The empty hall was silent, with only a few palace lanterns flickering softly. The Grand Empress Dowager had not appeared in the hall. Princess Shen knew that she always enjoyed teasing people and would not appear in person unless she had no other choice.

The messenger bowed his head and saluted, "Princess, please wait a moment. The Empress Dowager will be here soon."

Princess Shen didn't respond, but simply stood there quietly, her eyes indifferent, as if she didn't care how long she waited. She knew that in such situations, the calmer she appeared, the less likely the other party would be able to discern her inner turmoil.

A moment later, the palace door finally opened, and the Grand Empress Dowager appeared at the entrance. She still had that same aloof demeanor, a subtle hint of intimidation between her brows. She didn't have her usual gentle smile, but instead, with a hint of coldness, she slowly walked into the palace.

"Princess Shen, are you finally willing to come and see me in person?" The Empress Dowager smiled slightly, her tone seemed harmless, but she seemed to be testing her.

Princess Shen bowed to her without any arrogance or servility and said, "Grand Empress Dowager, I am only following the palace rules and obeying the Grand Empress Dowager's orders."

The Grand Empress Dowager glanced at her, a barely perceptible glint in her eyes, and then she smiled: "Rules? Haha, there are more than just rules in the palace. Survival depends on who can play better. Princess Shen, I'm afraid your days in the palace will not be easy now."

Princess Shen's heart was slightly moved, but her expression remained calm: "Why does the Empress Dowager say that?"

A sly glint flashed in the Empress Dowager's eyes. She slowly walked up to Princess Shen and spoke in a light yet threatening tone, "Zhao Han's death has caused panic in the palace. Do you think you can remain calm? Do you think the Emperor will always stand by you? Princess Shen, I advise you not to struggle any further. If you are willing to obey me, perhaps you can still keep your place."

Princess Shen sneered inwardly, but her face remained calm: "Grand Empress Dowager, I have never thought of surrendering. If Your Majesty feels that I am superfluous, you will make the decision yourself."

Princess Shen looked up at the Grand Empress Dowager, her lips curled up slightly. "If the Grand Empress Dowager truly felt I was a threat, she could have eliminated me at any time. Why bother with all this unnecessary talk?"

The Empress Dowager's smile gradually faded. She stared at Princess Shen, as if wondering if she truly possessed the strength to stand up to her. After a moment, the Empress Dowager spoke slowly, "You are quite clever. In that case, let's see who will ultimately win this game."

Princess Shen's gaze grew sharper, her mind already resolved. She knew the Empress Dowager hadn't come just to engage in a verbal exchange. Tonight's negotiations must harbor a deeper conspiracy, and she was prepared for it.

"Then let's wait and see." Princess Shen responded lightly, with a determined light flashing in her eyes.

The Empress Dowager smiled, turned and left, leaving Princess Shen standing there, quietly thinking about her next move.

That night, the storm in the palace was far from over. Princess Shen knew she had stepped into an abyss from which there was no return. Every move in the palace would determine her life or death, and she had already prepared for the most difficult situation.

The balance of power is quietly tilting, and who will be the ultimate winner of this gamble? Princess Shen is ready to face the coming sudden change.

You said:

Chapter 20: Undercurrent