Time Travel: He is My Dad!

Power struggle, the hand behind the scenes

Princess Shen sat on a soft couch, quietly observing the scene outside the palace. The morning sunlight shone on her face, outlining a cold and stern outline. She knew that her plan had entered a new phase, and every step forward would be crucial in determining her fate.

Ever since that night's conversation with Prince Zhao, the situation within the palace has quietly shifted. Prince Zhao's stance seems to have softened, and the Qingyun Chamber of Commerce's actions have become more covert. Princess Shen, through a series of details, has confirmed that the collaboration between Prince Zhao and the Qingyun Chamber of Commerce is far more complex than it appears. There must be a deeper power struggle at work, and she, too, is navigating it, waiting for the opportunity to turn the tables.

"Princess, Eunuch Li is here to see you." The voice of a palace maid interrupted her thoughts.

Princess Shen nodded slightly, her eyes still determined. "Let him in."

Princess Shen paused in thought, her gaze sweeping over Eunuch Li. Her expression calm, "Lord Zhu and Prince Zhao have always had a close relationship. If the Qingyun Chamber of Commerce were truly interfering behind the scenes, it would surely stir up a major disturbance. Eunuch Li, how are your arrangements going?"

Eunuch Li bowed his head respectfully. "Don't worry, Princess. We've already deployed our spies throughout the palace. We'll be the first to know if there's any movement. However, there seems to be an undercurrent pushing the Qingyun Chamber of Commerce and Prince Zhao to form alliances. I'm worried they'll resort to more covert tactics this time."

Princess Shen's expression remained unchanged as she said in a deep voice, "Secret means? That's interesting. In that case, we should also give them some 'surprises'." There was an imperceptible coldness in her words, as if everything was under her control.

Eunuch Li frowned: "Princess, you mean..."

"Go prepare a banquet," Princess Shen said calmly. "Invite all the high-ranking officials in the palace, especially Prince Zhao's close associates. I have something to say."

Eunuch Li didn't ask any more questions and immediately went back to make arrangements.

-

On the day of the banquet, Princess Shen's palace was ablaze with lights, overflowing with guests. Her meticulously decorated venue embodied her characteristic elegance and majesty. The atmosphere throughout the banquet hall, seemingly gentle and tranquil, shrouded in a menacing atmosphere. She shone in a deep purple satin gown, radiant and dazzling, every detail revealing her extraordinary status and demeanor.

Prince Zhao and some of his closest associates also attended the banquet, and representatives from the Qingyun Chamber of Commerce also arrived on time. Princess Shen didn't rush to speak, but calmly observed the movements of each guest. During the break, she exchanged a few words with several powerful officials, trying to learn more about the latest developments of Prince Zhao and the Qingyun Chamber of Commerce.

As the banquet was in full swing, Princess Shen's eyes quietly scanned the faces of those present, her own plans already in mind. She deliberately slowed her pace, appearing thoughtful. It was as if she had meticulously orchestrated all of this, aiming to bring those hidden forces to the forefront and force them to reveal themselves.

Finally, she stood up and gently raised her hand to signal the noise of the banquet to gradually stop. The entire banquet hall instantly fell silent, and everyone's eyes were focused on Princess Shen.

Princess Shen spoke slowly, her tone calm and clear: "Everyone, today's banquet is to bring everyone together and eliminate misunderstandings and barriers. However, matters in the palace cannot remain silent. Prince Zhao, everyone from Qingyun Chamber of Commerce, today I hope that everyone can have a sincere discussion on how to preserve our common interests."

Her words, carrying an invisible pressure, instantly overwhelmed the atmosphere of the entire banquet. Prince Zhao and his confidants seemed to have noticed something, and the representatives of the Qingyun Chamber of Commerce couldn't help but look grim.

"Princess Shen, you're too kind," Prince Zhao suddenly said, his gaze piercing her like a knife. "We have never concealed anything. If your Highness has any concerns, please speak directly and I will explain."

Princess Shen smiled, a subtle glint in her eyes. "I hope that Prince Zhao and the Qingyun Chamber of Commerce can, as you say, serve the country wholeheartedly. Unfortunately, I recently learned that the actions of certain individuals in the palace seem to have transcended palace matters and reached a much wider scope."

As soon as she finished speaking, the atmosphere in the banquet hall grew even more tense. Prince Zhao raised his brow slightly, seemingly not expecting Princess Shen to be so blunt. The representatives of the Qingyun Chamber of Commerce looked at each other, their hearts already stirred.

"Princess, you mean..." Prince Zhao's voice was low and his eyes were focused.

"I'm referring to the 'backstage hand' that might be behind the Qingyun Chamber of Commerce," Princess Shen said casually. "I don't know if Prince Zhao is aware, but I have evidence proving that the Qingyun Chamber of Commerce's collaboration with outside forces is far more complex than you imagine."

She paused, her gaze sweeping over everyone present, her voice unwavering. "Prince Zhao, Qingyun Chamber of Commerce, and even some powerful officials in the palace are all part of this game. And I am waiting for the person who can ultimately change the rules of this game."

Prince Zhao's expression suddenly changed, and the Qingyun Chamber of Commerce representatives began to whisper nervously. Every word Princess Shen spoke pointed directly at their covert actions, and these words struck everyone like a hammer.

"Princess Shen, if you have evidence, why don't you present it to me in person?" A senior executive of the Qingyun Chamber of Commerce couldn't help but say in a cold voice.

Princess Shen curled her lips into a cold smile. "Of course, I have the evidence. But I want to know how many people in the palace are willing to stand by me and promote this power transition."

Prince Zhao's expression darkened completely, and anger was already rising in his eyes: "You are threatening me!"

Princess Shen remained unmoved and continued to look at him calmly: "Threat? No, Prince Zhao, I am simply telling you that this game is no longer a contest between you and me, but a game that all of us must participate in. If you can understand this, I am willing to work with you on this grand plan; if not, then..."

The banquet fell into a brief silence. Princess Shen knew that her words today had already sown a deep seed. The situation would change dramatically because of her words. And she would stand at the center of the storm, leading this decisive battle.

-

As night fell, the palace remained brightly lit. Princess Shen walked alone back to her chambers, a cold glint in her eyes. She knew she had nowhere to retreat. This power struggle within the palace was no longer simply a contest between the palace maids and the emperor and his princes. It was a fateful game in which everyone must participate.

"The storm is coming." She whispered to herself, and the determination in her eyes became stronger.

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Chapter 71: Scheming and Calculating, Who Will Be the Master of the Ups and Downs?