Time Travel: He is My Dad!

Turbulence resurfaces

The atmosphere in the palace is growing increasingly tense. Everyone is quietly making plans, and every move seems fraught with danger. And she, He Qingqing, is a chess piece in this chess game. Although she is deep in the palace and the power situation is changing rapidly, her steps are gradually changing from a bystander to a player deeply involved in it.

One day, while processing official documents, He Qingqing received a secret letter. The wax seal had been skillfully broken, revealing legible handwriting within. The contents of the letter shocked her. It came from her father, He Feng, the heir apparent of the He family. He mentioned that the power struggle within the family had intensified, and that some ruthless relatives were secretly preparing for betrayal. As the family's sole representative in the capital, she must be even more cautious, especially regarding potential enemies she hadn't yet noticed.

The letter specifically mentioned a recent power arrangement brewing in the palace—the emperor intended to pass a new decree to reorganize the court and rectify some official positions, and this decree could have a fatal impact on the He family. He Qingqing's mood suddenly became heavy. It turned out that the situation in the court had quietly changed.

The Emperor's intention wasn't simply a reshuffling of power; it was a radical new strategy. All centers of power were shifting, and her position was becoming increasingly precarious. The letter included some advice, suggesting she start by gaining the support of key individuals, particularly Lord Wei and Zhao Rulan, two figures with deep pockets. "If possible," her father wrote, "an alliance with Lord Wei would be crucial for our family's survival in this crisis."

He Qingqing clutched the secret letter, countless thoughts racing through her mind. Lord Wei, a prominent official with military power, held one of the most influential positions in the palace. Zhao Rulan's family, meanwhile, had extensive commercial connections. If they could secure their support, the He family would naturally be well-positioned to seize the initiative in this crisis.

However, she knew that no one in the palace was a simple friend, and all relationships were based on the exchange of interests. She had to be very careful, especially when facing those who seemed kind but were actually scheming.

Just as He Qingqing began to plan her palace operations, unexpected news shattered her peace. Inside the palace, shocking news spread—a young prince had been injured and was in critical condition. Furious, the emperor demanded an investigation, halted all palace celebrations, and convened an emergency meeting.

This young prince, Zhao Han, was deeply favored by the emperor. He was not only intelligent and astute, but also possessed considerable political savvy, and already enjoyed widespread support within the palace. It was rumored that he had been attacked while on patrol, suffering serious injuries for reasons no one could fully explain. Some claimed it was an assassination attempt, others that it was simply an accident. Regardless, Zhao Han's injury caused panic within the palace, with everyone speculating whether it was linked to the burgeoning power struggle within.

He Qingqing quickly realized that this incident was far more than just a palace assassination. If Zhao Han's injury was indeed orchestrated by someone behind the scenes, then this person must be closely connected to the struggles within the palace. And she was inevitably drawn into it.

Soon, news spread from the palace that Lord Wei had begun an investigation, and all the ministers in the palace were summoned to participate. As a representative of the family, He Qingqing was also invited to participate in the investigation. Faced with the truth that was about to be revealed, she not only had to walk a tightrope between Lord Wei and Zhao Rulan's camps, but also had to decide whether to make a choice and stand on the side at this time.

The atmosphere in the court grew even more tense. He Qingqing entered the palace hall, a complex turmoil swirling within her. She knew this was more than just a simple palace investigation; it was the beginning of a new power struggle. Whoever orchestrated this "assassination" must have had ulterior motives. Everyone waited to see who would ultimately win this game, and whether she could emerge unscathed from this storm remained uncertain.

Inside the palace hall, Lord Wei stood aside, observing the crowd with a cold, indifferent expression. He was clearly unwilling to express his views, silently pondering the direction of this struggle. Standing shoulder to shoulder with him was Zhao Rulan, a woman of profound power within the palace. Her gaze was calm and sharp, seemingly impassive, but He Qingqing could sense she had a plan in mind.

"Ms. He, today's meeting seems particularly unusual." Zhao Rulan whispered as He Qingqing approached, with a hint of inquiry in her tone.

He Qingqing smiled calmly and replied softly, "It is indeed unusual. It seems that the turmoil in the palace is far more complicated than we expected."

Zhao Rulan smiled faintly. "The turmoil in the palace is always full of variables. However, no matter how the wind changes, we must be clear about our position." She said lightly, "What do you think of Zhao Han's injury this time?"

He Qingqing pondered for a moment and replied calmly, "It may seem like an accident, but there must be a deep-seated political struggle behind it. Zhao Han is the emperor's favorite prince, so any move he makes will affect the court. If this is truly an assassination, then the person behind it must have a purpose connected to a certain force within the palace."

Zhao Rulan's gaze lingered on her for a moment, as if she were considering her words. "You're right. Zhao Han's injury may just be the beginning of this power struggle." Her voice was low. "But, Miss He, are you willing to participate?"

He Qingqing didn't answer immediately, but instead carefully observed Zhao Rulan's expression. She knew this wasn't just a question, but a test. Zhao Rulan clearly wanted to know if she was ready to provoke a bigger fight in this turmoil, and whether she would find her place in this vortex of power.

"If the family needs me, I will naturally get involved." He Qingqing finally answered, her tone steady and firm.

Zhao Rulan smiled slightly, with a hint of satisfaction in her eyes: "Very good. Then, we may have more opportunities for cooperation in the future." Her tone was relaxed, but there was a threat in her words that could not be ignored.

This investigation concerns not only Zhao Han's injury but also the power dynamics within the palace. Over the next few days, everyone will face a battle of loyalty, betrayal, and self-interest. He Qingqing, however, is deeply entangled in this, unable to extricate herself. She knows that every choice she makes will determine her future, and she is ready to face every challenge.

The court game has just begun.

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Chapter 8: Bloody Mist