Time Travel: He is My Dad!

Undercurrent

Princess Shen stood high above, the thick palace walls behind her, the blood-red moonlight before her. Her eyes were as still as the surface of a deep lake, without a single ripple. Within the palace, the stillness gradually returned to calm. The dim night enveloped this once magnificent palace, now a symbol of her power.

Princess Shen launched a palace purge, crushing all rebellious forces in a single night. Those once powerful figures were either imprisoned or completely vanished from her sight. Her army, however, had already quietly occupied key positions throughout the palace under the cover of night, rendering the forces outside the palace incapable of posing a threat.

However, even though everything seemed under control, Princess Shen still felt a sense of unease. This unease did not stem from the remnants of Prince Zhao's power, nor from the undiscovered palace conspiracies, but rather from her own insatiable desire for power and a future.

"Princess, the news has come that Prince Zhao is under house arrest in the East Palace, and Jiang Shaozong is still imprisoned in the West Courtyard." A personal guard quickly walked up to her and reported in a low voice.

"Yes." Princess Shen nodded gently, her eyes still calm. She stood up and pushed open the window. The wind outside was slightly cool, ruffling her hair. The moonlight poured down like water, reflecting on her delicate face, which was filled with a deep loneliness.

"Prince Zhao's death is only a matter of time." Her voice was low and firm. "However, Jiang Shaozong is the key to my operation this time."

The guard did not answer immediately, but just stood there, waiting respectfully.

Princess Shen turned around, her eyes suddenly sharp as a knife. "Go inform the guards of the Eastern Palace to immediately strengthen the guard of Prince Zhao. Prince Zhao may be a pawn in my hands, but Jiang Shaozong is the biggest obstacle in my pursuit of the throne."

She sneered, "Jiang Shaozong is able to control so many forces behind the scenes. With him and the Jiang family, if he is not completely dealt with, he will sooner or later become my real enemy."

The guard's expression changed slightly, but he immediately bowed his head: "Yes, Princess."

Princess Shen smiled coldly inwardly. Her plan had entered its final stage. Next, she had to completely eliminate all threats.

The next day, the situation at court remained tense. Although the rebellious forces of the palace's powerful officials had been eliminated, Princess Shen knew that superficial stability did not mean that all was settled. She needed more support and more power to ensure the stability of her position.

When Princess Shen entered the court, the atmosphere suddenly tensed. Her attire remained exquisite and gorgeous, but she was no longer the gentle noblewoman she once was. Instead, she wore a cold, scheming, and scheming cloak. She slowly walked towards the main seat, and the ministers watched in silence, no one daring to speak first.

After Princess Shen took her seat, she swept her gaze over the courtiers and spoke slowly, "My dear ministers, today's court meeting will determine the future of our dynasty." Her voice was cold and held an unquestionable authority. "I know that there are many loyal ministers and capable generals in this court, but there are also many with ulterior motives. Today, we will peel back those facades and reveal the vicious hearts of those hiding in the shadows."

As soon as she spoke, the court fell into a dead silence. The ministers looked at each other, their expressions varied, but no one dared to speak first. In their hearts, everyone was clearly aware that Princess Shen was no longer someone they could despise, but the center of power.

"From today on, all those who are disloyal and unjust will be spared." Princess Shen glanced at the powerful officials with an icy gaze. "I have complete control over the government. Anyone who dares to make any more moves will pay the heaviest price."

These words not only shocked the powerful and influential people in the court, but also caused those who originally harbored ambitions to quietly restrain themselves. Princess Shen's aura had already made the atmosphere in the entire court oppressive and heavy.

"Your Highness is wise!" Finally, an old minister couldn't help but speak, his tone filled with a hint of respect and a touch of tentativeness. "We are willing to serve Your Highness and protect the stability of the court."

"Very good." Princess Shen nodded slightly, a hint of a sneer on her lips. "In that case, after today's court meeting, I will personally review the loyalty of every official. Those who fail to meet the requirements will be dismissed immediately."

The court was completely silent, and everyone's heartbeats almost stopped. Every word Princess Shen said was a symbol of power, signifying the beginning of a new imperial order.

Just as Princess Shen was about to announce the end of the court meeting, a middle-aged minister suddenly came out, his expression excited: "Princess, please allow me a moment!"

Princess Shen's eyes moved slightly, and after a pause she spoke: "What is it?"

"Sir..." The middle-aged minister's voice seemed to tremble a little, "I...I have something to ask of you."

Princess Shen looked at him calmly, a hint of impatience flashing across her eyes, "Speak."

"Your Excellency is willing to serve the Princess, but there is one thing I must mention." The middle-aged minister gritted his teeth, his expression complicated. "I pledge my loyalty to the former Prince Zhao. I have never considered joining the Princess's army... However, I know that the Princess's wisdom and courage will surely lead the country to a more glorious future. Now that the Prince Zhao is under house arrest, I... I would like to ask for the Princess's leniency. I am willing to serve you."

These words shocked many people in the court. Some officials who had originally supported Prince Zhao had already expressed their willingness to switch sides with Princess Shen.

Princess Shen didn't answer immediately, but instead calmly assessed the minister. After a moment, she sneered, "Are you really willing to surrender?"

"Yes!" the middle-aged minister said through gritted teeth, "If I surrender, I will definitely be loyal to the princess and will not have any second thoughts!"

"Very good." Princess Shen raised a cold smile at the corner of her mouth, her tone as cold as ice: "In that case, you will take your faction and come with me. For the sake of loyalty, I will give you one chance; but if you betray me again, I will kill you without mercy."

Her voice was as cold as a gust of wind, causing the hearts of everyone in the court to tighten.

"Thank you, Princess." The middle-aged minister bowed deeply to her, his face full of anxiety and expectation.

Princess Shen nodded slightly, her eyes sweeping across the court. She knew her plan was beginning to work. The traitors would gradually be drawn to her, and all the loyalists would, under her intimidation, begin to rejoin the ranks.

However, Princess Shen knew that this was just the beginning. The real challenge had just arrived.

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Chapter 87: The Battle for the Throne