Time Travel: He is My Dad!

A plan to break the deadlock, a hidden secret

Princess Shen stood at the window, gazing out at the deep night outside the palace. She had a strong premonition that this night was more than just a semblance of tranquility. She sensed a deep undercurrent creeping towards her. She had already embarked on a path of no return, a path that had been precisely the trap she had carefully laid.

Lu Zhao's retreat didn't let her down; instead, it only strengthened her resolve to take complete control of the situation. She knew she wasn't just facing palace intrigue, but also those hiding in the shadows, waiting for their chance. She had to be the one to control her own destiny, not the one controlled by it.

She slowly turned and walked to her dressing table, staring at the cold, beautiful face in the mirror. She was no longer the defenseless princess who had just entered the palace, but a woman who was well versed in political maneuvers and possessed her own strength. She understood that the power struggle within the palace depended not on favor but on one's own wisdom, strategy, and decisiveness.

Suddenly, there was a soft knock on the door: "Princess, Eunuch Li is here."

Princess Shen was slightly stunned, then said calmly: "Let him in."

Eunuch Li walked in respectfully, his face somewhat heavy as he bowed his head and saluted: "Princess, the situation in the palace has become increasingly complicated. Something seems to be amiss with the Qingyun Chamber of Commerce."

Princess Shen didn't show any surprise, but a cold look flashed in her eyes: "Tell me more details."

Eunuch Li said in a deep voice, "In the past few days, many ministers in the palace have begun to quietly contact people from the Qingyun Chamber of Commerce. Moreover, the Qingyun Chamber of Commerce seems to be deliberately plotting behind the scenes and expanding its influence. Prince Zhao, in particular, has become increasingly close to the Qingyun Chamber of Commerce, and seems to be preparing for some major plan. Princess, you must be careful."

Princess Shen listened quietly, yet she already began calculating the value of this information. She had long known that the relationship between Prince Zhao and the Qingyun Chamber of Commerce was far more complex than it appeared. Prince Zhao desired more than just superficial power, but the unspeakable secrets hidden within. And the Qingyun Chamber of Commerce, as a vast commercial empire, must have immense political power behind it.

"Are you saying that Qingyun Chamber of Commerce is joining forces with Prince Zhao to seek greater power?" Princess Shen asked.

Princess Shen's eyes flashed with a cold light. She knew that the alliance between Prince Zhao and the Qingyun Chamber of Commerce would inevitably cause greater turmoil. And she also had to make her own decision at this critical moment.

"Eunuch Li, tell everyone that if anyone dares to plot against me behind my back, they will regret it." Princess Shen said coldly, with a chilling determination in her tone.

Eunuch Li was slightly taken aback, then nodded respectfully: "Don't worry, Princess, Eunuch Li will definitely see to it."

"Go." Princess Shen waved her hand.

After Eunuch Li's departure, Princess Shen fell into deep thought once more. A storm was about to strike the palace, one that was bound to be closely tied to Prince Zhao and the Qingyun Chamber of Commerce. Every decision she made would determine her survival in this turbulent power struggle.

-

The next day, Princess Shen appeared at the palace banquets and gatherings as usual. She showed no signs of change, remaining as cold and proud as ever, as if nothing and no one could affect her. But in her heart, she had already begun to make her own plans.

She was particularly aware of the various actions between Prince Zhao and the Qingyun Chamber of Commerce. It seemed as if every step was paving the way for a larger plan. She had to seize the initiative in this game, gaining the upper hand.

During a break in the banquet, Princess Shen conversed with some of the palace's noblewomen and powerful officials. Through these conversations, she learned more inside information. The Qingyun Chamber of Commerce was not only a powerful force in the business world, but also supported by mysterious forces. Prince Zhao, in turn, had deep connections to these mysterious forces. Princess Shen knew that if she could gain access to this information, she would be in a favorable position in the upcoming struggle.

She began to proactively contact key figures within the palace, subtly directing their attention to the interactions between the Qingyun Chamber of Commerce and Prince Zhao. She subtly hinted that Prince Zhao's ambitions went beyond simply seizing the throne and ultimately controlling the entire court and the country. And she was the only force capable of standing in his way.

A few days later, Princess Shen received a secret letter. It was unsigned, with only a simple sentence: "Prince Zhao and the Qingyun Chamber of Commerce are already quietly planning their next move. Are you prepared for it?"

Princess Shen wasn't alarmed, but rather felt a sense of relief. She knew the arrival of this letter meant someone was providing her with important clues. She re-examined the contents of the letter, gradually piecing together the details into a complete picture.

-

Over the next few days, Princess Shen decided to confront Prince Zhao head-on. She was no longer the abandoned concubine of the past, but a woman filled with wisdom and strategy. She knew that Prince Zhao was now at the pinnacle of power, and she was the woman who could help him reach that pinnacle.

Late one night, Princess Shen invited Prince Zhao into her chambers. Dressed in a long satin dress, she had a cold, elegant expression and a sharp gaze. She slowly sat down, motioning for Prince Zhao to sit across from her.

Prince Zhao noticed her calm demeanor the moment he entered, and he couldn't help but feel a bit surprised. He knew that Princess Shen was no longer just a simple woman, but a scheming opponent.

"Princess, I wonder why you called me here tonight?" Prince Zhao asked in a low voice.

Princess Shen smiled slightly, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "Prince Zhao, the situation in the palace seems to be getting more and more complicated. The relationship between you and Qingyun Chamber of Commerce is getting closer and closer. I'd like to know how you plan to deal with this impending storm."

Prince Zhao was slightly stunned, then smiled: "Princess, you are indeed smart. Of course I know what's going on in the palace. However, since you already know all this, don't you plan to cooperate with me?"

Princess Shen shook her head gently. "Cooperation? Prince Zhao, I'm afraid you underestimated me. Qingyun Chamber of Commerce is just a pawn in the chess game, and you are the ultimate loser."

Prince Zhao's expression changed slightly, as if he had sensed the deeper meaning behind Princess Shen's words. The alertness in his eyes grew even stronger. "Princess, what you mean is..."

Princess Shen sneered, "Prince Zhao, if you want to play the game of thrones, I will naturally accompany you. However, if you want to gain anything from this game, I'm afraid you must first consider who the true winner is."

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Chapter 69: A Strategist's Strategies and a Competition in the Palace