Time Travel: He is My Dad!

A ray of light in the cracks

Princess Shen's coldness and resoluteness, like an invisible shackle, tightly bound everyone's heartstrings. Within the palace, whether it was the princes, powerful ministers, or those who once supported her, everyone's eyes were filled with an unspoken fear. The iron fist of power was deeply embedded in the fabric of this empire, and she was the one who controlled it with an iron fist.

But even within this seemingly perfect chessboard, cracks were already lurking. Consolidating and expanding power doesn't happen overnight. Princess Shen knew full well that this game was never easy. And the price she paid for living so brilliantly in this world was far heavier than anyone could imagine.

All of this is for a greater goal - her revenge.

In the dead of night, Princess Shen emerged from the palace's study, moonlight shimmering across her shoulders, outlining her slender figure. Cheng Jiahong stood beside her, his expression as calm and respectful as ever. They spoke in silence, both seeming to understand that today's situation had entered a new phase.

"Princess, the situation in the Eastern Palace has basically stabilized, but there are still many hidden dangers." Cheng Jiahong said in a deep voice, "Although His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is under house arrest, the outside world's reaction is becoming increasingly strong, and the attitudes of some powerful people are beginning to become unclear."

Princess Shen tilted her head slightly, a hint of a smile on her face. "You're right. The outside world's reaction is growing stronger. Uneasy people are the most formidable enemy." She paused, her eyes sharp. "But I'm not worried. If the powerful and influential people try to seize this opportunity to strike back, they'll surely reveal their flaws in a short time. I'll show them the fate of those who are disloyal."

Cheng Jiahong nodded slightly. "Then, next, do we need to strengthen the suppression of external forces?"

"Not yet." Princess Shen's eyes were deep and calm. "Right now, the most important thing is to stabilize domestic affairs and consolidate my control over the palace. External enemies are not a concern. The real threat to me comes from those around me."

Her voice was as cold as the wind. "You know, I hate people who stab you in the back. My plan goes far beyond this."

Cheng Jiahong was silent for a moment, his eyes flickering. "Princess, what do you mean..."

"It's time to re-evaluate those so-called 'loyalties'." Princess Shen's eyes flashed with a cold light, "I've given them enough time. Now, it's time for them to make a choice."

……

The situation in the palace was rapidly changing. Under Princess Shen's meticulous manipulation, many dignitaries and officials who had once supported the Crown Prince began to feel uneasy. Although the Crown Prince was under house arrest, his closest associates continued to operate secretly within the palace, attempting to leverage external forces to overthrow the throne. Princess Shen, however, had long since recognized these individuals as foolish individuals blindly pursuing a return to their former glory, and she was prepared to eliminate them one by one.

"Princess, ministers from the palace have been visiting one after another." Cheng Jiahong walked in, bringing a hint of heavy news, "They seem to be eager to express their opinions."

Princess Shen nodded calmly, "Do they think I'll be moved by their loyalty? How ridiculous."

She walked towards the screen, pondered for a moment, then turned to Cheng Jiahong and said, "Tell them that the palace meeting will be held tomorrow and ask them to prepare."

Cheng Jiahong nodded and immediately withdrew.

Princess Shen's gaze once again swept across the night outside the window, countless variables flashing through her mind. She knew that the outcome of this chess game ultimately depended on her ability to control the movements of every chess piece. She couldn't afford to slack off. Every move was the foundation for victory in the next.

……

The next day, the palace meeting convened as scheduled. Princess Shen sat at the main table, surrounded by all the high-ranking officials and dignitaries. The atmosphere was heavy. Everyone had their own calculations, seemingly waiting to see what decision Princess Shen would make.

The ministers in the palace took their seats one after another, their eyes filled with caution. Everyone understood that Princess Shen was no longer the deposed concubine who had endured humiliation in the cold palace, but the queen who held the fate of the entire empire.

"Everyone, since you are all here, I will speak frankly." Princess Shen's voice was cold but powerful. "From today on, the Eastern Palace will no longer be the domain of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, but my personal domain. I will personally examine each and every one of you, and your future fate will be determined by me."

Her words were like a stone that sent shockwaves through the air. All the ministers exchanged glances, stunned and terrified. The once almighty Crown Prince was now completely stripped of his power, and the Eastern Palace was to be handed over to Princess Shen herself. This was undoubtedly earth-shattering news.

She glanced around, her gaze sharp as a knife, as if it could see through everyone's inner secrets. Everyone lowered their heads, afraid to meet her gaze.

Her words were concise and ruthless, as if every word carried a chill that pierced directly into the heart of everyone present.

……

After the meeting, tensions within the palace intensified. Powerful individuals began to operate covertly, attempting to establish connections with outside forces to counter Princess Shen's growing control. Within this complex web of power, someone was quietly lurking, waiting for their opportunity.

Princess Shen's rule became increasingly secure, but her heart remained restless. She knew that every step taken to maintain the stability of the empire came at a price, and she had to remain vigilant, always prepared to deal with undercurrents from all sides.

In Princess Shen's plan, she is no longer the abandoned concubine in the deep palace, but the absolute master of the game of power. Every enemy, every person who challenges her will become a bargaining chip in her hands, and will eventually be defeated by her own hands.

She looked out the window at the night, her eyes deep, as if she saw a brand new empire rising. And she was the future queen of this empire.

You said:

Chapter 41: The Temptation of Desire