Time Travel: He is My Dad!

Ups and downs in the sea of ​​blood

Princess Shen's eyes gleamed coldly in the candlelight, as if she had foreseen everything that was about to happen. The court's dynamics danced like a chessboard between her fingertips, each move determining the future's trajectory. The Empress Dowager's actions had already stirred a deep sense of tension within Princess Shen—she knew that in the decisive battle ahead, there would be no room for hesitation or slackness.

Princess Shen's eyes flashed coldly. She looked at Cheng Jiahong and said in an unwavering tone, "Backlash? If they make any further moves, our plan will be activated ahead of schedule."

Cheng Jiahong paused, shocked by Princess Shen's determination. The plan she described meant wiping out all hidden enemies, even those closest to her, in one fell swoop. But there was no sign of retreat in Princess Shen's eyes.

"Princess, if the Empress Dowager's trump card is completely revealed, even the Emperor will be in irreparable trouble." Cheng Jiahong said softly.

Princess Shen raised the corners of her mouth slightly, revealing a sneer: "If His Majesty cannot make a decision, then everything we do is to help him make that decision. Regardless of the outcome, today's situation is irreversible."

Her words revealed the true key. Regardless of the Grand Empress Dowager's plans, Princess Shen was determined to seize complete control of the entire palace situation. If her actions could lead to a complete defeat for the Grand Empress Dowager, she would be able to regain control of the balance of power, even free herself from her constraints and pave a path to victory.

……

Everything had entered an unavoidable fast pace. The Empress Dowager's trusted ministers within the palace were growing increasingly nervous. After all, the exposure of the letter had already posed a significant threat to their status and position. Everyone began to reconsider their position, and more and more voices were heard, secretly seeking a way out.

When Princess Shen noticed this, her expression showed no surprise. She had long known that the Grand Empress Dowager's arrangements were not flawless, and that most of her so-called trusted aides were selfish, treacherous, and mediocre. She had discerned the signs of betrayal from minute clues and began to gradually extract more information from them.

Just as Princess Shen was about to take further action, a piece of news came from the palace that shocked her heart - Emperor Zhao Hao suddenly summoned the Empress Dowager.

This sudden summons shocked everyone in the palace. Despite her high position and power, the Grand Empress Dowager was compelled to attend Zhao Hao's summons in person. Princess Shen felt a surge of unease. Although she tried hard not to show it, she sensed that this summons could potentially change everything.

……

The Emperor's chambers were brightly lit. Zhao Hao, dressed in plain palace robes and a stern expression, stood before the throne, his gaze deep, as if he had already prepared himself for the coming storm. The Empress Dowager entered the chamber, her steps steady, but a hint of alertness in her eyes.

"Your Majesty, what is the important matter that you summoned me for?" The Empress Dowager's voice was gentle, but with a hint of majesty that could not be ignored.

Zhao Hao didn't answer immediately, but looked at her deeply. After a moment, he slowly said, "Mother, I called you here today because I have something to discuss with you."

The Empress Dowager was slightly taken aback, seemingly puzzled, yet also vaguely uneasy. Zhao Hao's attitude grew increasingly cold, unlike his usual gentle and affectionate demeanor. She knew that facing such an aloof Emperor, she must be cautious.

"Mother, you always thought that you were controlling everything behind the scenes, but I want to tell you today that you do not hold the real power in the palace." Zhao Hao's voice was low and cold, striking the Empress Dowager's heart.

The Empress Dowager's expression changed, and a chill ran through her heart. She finally realized that Zhao Hao seemed to have noticed it long ago. "Your Majesty, what do you mean by this?" Her voice trembled slightly. Although she tried her best to hide it, her inner uneasiness was already exposed.

"You have always thought that you can control all power and destiny, but today I must let you know that you are just a passerby." Zhao Hao's words pierced her heart like a sharp sword.

The Empress Dowager's face turned livid, instantly realizing that her power had been completely stripped away by Zhao Hao. A flicker of anger and resentment flashed through her eyes, but she quickly suppressed it. She knew that if she forcefully fought back at this moment, the consequences would be disastrous.

"Your Majesty, so you have made up your mind?" The Empress Dowager suppressed her inner turmoil and asked coldly.

The Empress Dowager finally understood that she had no room for maneuver. At this moment, she knew that Zhao Hao was no longer the weak emperor who allowed herself to be manipulated by her. And her conspiracy was finally exposed.

"In that case, how do you plan to deal with it?" The Empress Dowager suppressed her inner anger and her voice became cold and hard.

Zhao Hao sneered: "You want to control the court, and I have no objection. But now, this position is no longer yours. You and your cronies are destined to be eliminated."

Before she finished speaking, a flash of despair flashed in the Empress Dowager's eyes, and her hands trembled slightly, but she quickly regained her composure. She knew that she had no way out now.

……

Princess Shen stood far outside the palace walls, observing the movements within. She knew that the conversation between Zhao Hao and the Grand Empress Dowager had reached a critical juncture. The situation in the palace was changing drastically, and the shift in circumstances could instantly affect everything she had.

However, Princess Shen remained unwavering. Her plan had reached its final stages, and the Grand Empress Dowager's defeat was only a matter of time. The balance of power within the palace had begun to quietly shift. And she was the one driving this storm.

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Chapter 26: Ice and Fire