Time Travel: He is My Dad!

Deals in the Dark

Princess Shen closed her eyes and leaned gently against the window. The morning sunlight streamed through the carved window lattices, illuminating her face with a faint golden glow. Yet, her heart was filled with a cold desolation. The situation in the palace was becoming increasingly complex, and she knew full well that this struggle had only just begun.

The prince's promise offered a slight improvement in her situation, but it was only the tip of the iceberg. To fully control the situation, she would have to be even more cautious and ruthless. Princess Shen knew that every pawn in the palace could become a deadly threat; even the most insignificant figure could upset her balance at a crucial moment.

Over the next few days, she began frequenting important figures within the palace, riding her horse and making careful decisions, her mind complex and her vision sharp. She knew that Liu Mengyao and the Crown Prince's plans were far more far-reaching than she had imagined. If she couldn't quickly grasp the movements of the Crown Prince's closest associates, even she herself would be trapped in an irreversible predicament.

Late that night, Princess Shen summoned Cheng Jiahong again to discuss the next plan. She knew that this battle was not destined to be easy.

Cheng Jiahong respectfully walked into her bedroom and closed the door behind him. "Princess, are you looking for me?"

Princess Shen sat at her desk, her eyes solemn. "Cheng Jiahong, have you found any information about the Crown Prince's confidants?"

"I've found out." Cheng Jiahong nodded. "The Crown Prince's confidants are indeed in contact with external forces, but their identities are still difficult to confirm. However, I've heard some rumors that the Crown Prince seems to be collaborating with a new external force. This force comes from the north and has a powerful background. They have even won over some high-ranking officials in the court."

"Northern?" Princess Shen frowned slightly. "This is different from our original assumption. The northern forces have close ties with the imperial court. Are they intent on controlling the entire government?"

Cheng Jiahong was silent for a moment, a trace of worry flashing in his eyes. "Princess, the forces in the north are very powerful. If they intervene, it will not only be a power struggle within the palace, but may even shake the foundation of the entire empire. The Crown Prince's cooperation with them is by no means for short-term benefits, but to use this external force to consolidate his own power."

Princess Shen's mind was suddenly in turmoil. Northern forces? She quickly considered the situation. The North had always been a complex place, with many aristocratic families and powerful individuals wielding immense military power and wealth. If these individuals joined forces with the Crown Prince, the consequences would be disastrous. More importantly, these external forces must have ulterior motives and agendas.

Cheng Jiahong bowed his head slightly and replied respectfully, "Yes, Princess."

……

Princess Shen knows this struggle isn't just a power struggle within the palace; it's a matter of life and death. Every move by the Crown Prince and Liu Mengyao could determine her fate. She can't let her guard down; any detail could be the key to turning the tide.

She decided to take a more radical approach, directly contacting key figures within the palace. These individuals might once have been loyal supporters of the Crown Prince, but now their relationships with him were quietly changing. Princess Shen understood that the more turbulent the situation, the more she could exploit the cracks in their hearts and pry their positions.

That night, Princess Shen summoned another important court official, Prince Ping. Prince Ping was known for his low profile. While his position within the palace was modest, he possessed immense political savvy and close connections with many prominent officials. Princess Shen knew that if she could secure his support, she could secure a significant position in the power struggle.

Prince Ping glanced at her, seemingly weighing something. After a moment, he spoke, "Princess Shen, I know you're a smart person, but you should also understand that the situation in the palace is no longer something you and I can control. The Crown Prince has powerful backing, and the involvement of external forces has complicated everything. It's more like going with the flow than collaborating."

Prince Ping frowned slightly, clearly moved by Princess Shen's words. He didn't respond immediately, but fell into deep thought. Princess Shen knew this moment was crucial. She needed to give Prince Ping a compelling reason to understand that the cost of cooperating with the Crown Prince might far outweigh the rewards of joining forces with her.

"You may not have anticipated that what the Crown Prince is discussing with external forces is more than just a power struggle within the palace." Princess Shen's voice deepened. "If the northern forces are truly as I suspected, their goal is far more than simply consolidating the Crown Prince's rule. The Crown Prince's ambition is precisely the opening for this external force to break through."

Prince Ping's eyes flashed with shock, clearly surprised by Princess Shen's words: "Are you saying that the power behind the Crown Prince might cause unrest in the entire government?"

Princess Shen sneered, "That's right. You and I are no longer bystanders, but key players in this game. Once the time to choose sides is over, you and I will become victims."

King Ping fell into a deep silence. Finally, he raised his head, a look of determination flashing in his eyes. "Okay, I'll cooperate with you. But I have one condition."

Princess Shen chuckled: "Go ahead, I'm listening."

"If the Crown Prince is indeed as you say, with external forces behind him, I hope to get your promise to protect me and my family. No matter what the outcome, I do not want to become a victim of the power struggle."

Princess Shen said without hesitation: "I promise you. As long as you are willing to cooperate with me, I will ensure that you and your family are safe."

……

Returning to her own chambers, Princess Shen stood by the window, her heart agitated. She knew that Prince Ping's joining meant her power within the palace had greatly increased, but it also meant her enemies would become even more powerful. The machinations of the Crown Prince and external forces were like a vast web, gradually enveloping her.

But Princess Shen wasn't afraid. She knew that only the strong could control the palace games. Now, she placed herself at the forefront, ready to face the biggest challenge yet.

The situation has become irreversible.

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Chapter 46: The Mystery Between Reality and Illusion