Time Travel: He is My Dad!

Struggle for the throne

Princess Shen sat on the rosewood dragon throne, eyes slightly closed, hands resting lightly on the arms. The atmosphere within the palace grew increasingly tense, the struggle for power permeating every detail. While the court might appear calm, beneath the layers of splendor, undercurrents surged, simmering with intrigue and deception.

She knew her journey to the top was far from over. Even though she had seized real power and eliminated many potential threats, the only position that truly controlled the empire was the Emperor. To achieve this, Princess Shen knew she would have to endure further trials and sacrifices.

She thought back to the emperor who had treated her so coldly—her husband. He had once been the embodiment of all her dreams, yet also the illusion that had been shattered countless times. He had brought her wealth and glory, but also endless humiliation and betrayal. She had sacrificed her dignity for him, but now, she would take it all back from him.

"Princess, news has arrived." The guard suddenly appeared behind her and whispered respectfully.

Princess Shen did not open her eyes and continued to sit quietly, as if she had not heard anything, until the guard lowered his head and whispered again, "Prince Zhao's confidants have begun to move outside. They are planning a rebellion."

Her eyes finally opened, a cold glint in their gaze. She had long anticipated that Prince Zhao's closest associates and the powerful officials who had once supported him would not give up easily. They might be under house arrest, but they still cherished their dreams of the throne, waiting for the right opportunity to make a comeback.

"They're going to rebel?" Princess Shen sneered. "I've been waiting a bit too long." She stood up and slowly walked to the window, her gaze traversing the palace courtyard to the distant lights of the capital. She knew she was standing on a massive powder keg, poised to explode at any moment, and she was the one who would ignite the spark.

"Send the order down, have people begin collecting all clues of rebellion in the palace. If there's even the slightest sign of trouble, act immediately." Princess Shen's tone was icy, the resoluteness in her words practically freezing the air. Her hand gently brushed the window frame, as if caressing her own fate.

She knew that although she had eliminated most of Prince Zhao's remaining power, these hidden dangers still lurked in every corner of the palace. If she was not careful, she might repeat the same mistakes.

At this moment, an unexpected news broke her contemplation.

"Princess, there's movement in the Eastern Palace." The guard reappeared, his voice this time carrying a hint of urgency. "Prince Zhao's trusted associates have begun gathering in the Eastern Palace. They intend to use Prince Zhao's name to unite a number of eunuchs and palace maids to form a secret force."

Princess Shen's gaze instantly sharpened. She knew that the most likely target for Prince Zhao's cronies was the Eastern Palace. They might believe that by taking over the Eastern Palace, they could threaten her rule, or even replace her.

"Immediately bring all the eunuchs and maids from the East Palace before me." Princess Shen's eyes became as sharp as a knife. "Anyone who dares to betray me will die."

"Yes." The guard immediately took the order and left, quickly passing the message on.

Princess Shen returned to the throne and sat down, folding her hands. A look of deep thought flashed in her eyes. She knew that if Prince Zhao took action, it would inevitably trigger a fierce confrontation within the palace and even cause external shocks. She could no longer underestimate any force that might threaten her position.

"Prepare all available forces," Princess Shen ordered in a low voice. "If a conflict breaks out, I must strike first and will not tolerate any acts that disrupt the situation."

Her voice was low, yet it carried a sense of oppression, as if it could penetrate all obstacles and reach the enemy's heart.

Meanwhile, the atmosphere in the palace grew increasingly tense. Every command from Princess Shen was like a thunderclap, triggering a chain reaction. Numerous rebellious forces within the palace began to quietly gather, gradually forming a vast network to oppose Princess Shen.

The commotion in the Eastern Palace intensified, the maids and eunuchs' eyes grew panicked, rumors spread, and the power struggle within the palace seemed poised to erupt once again. However, Princess Shen was no longer the obscure, downtrodden concubine in the cold palace; she now controlled the lifeblood of the empire.

Overnight, the atmosphere in the Eastern Palace suddenly became extremely tense. Almost all eunuchs and palace maids associated with Prince Zhao were placed under close surveillance. Meanwhile, Princess Shen had already dispatched her trusted aides to purge key figures within the palace. Those who had previously supported Prince Zhao had either already thrown themselves into her arms or were quietly biding their time, preparing for a counterattack.

At this moment, Princess Shen received even more shocking news: "Princess, Prince Zhao's confidants have secretly released some information, saying that he is about to issue an order in the name of the emperor, announcing that he has regained his freedom."

This news was like a bolt from the blue, instantly shattering Princess Shen's calm surface. Prince Zhao's confidant had the audacity to do so; it was undoubtedly a challenge to her authority and a threat to her rule.

"How audacious!" Princess Shen's eyes flashed with cruelty. "It seems that as long as Prince Zhao is not dead, I'm afraid it will be difficult to stabilize him." She sneered, "Since they are so wishful thinking, I will grant their wish."

She stood up and looked at the guards coldly: "Go, immediately seal off the Eastern Palace and prohibit anyone from entering or leaving. Arrest all of Prince Zhao's confidants."

"Yes, Princess." The guard quickly accepted the order and turned around to prepare for action.

Princess Shen had already made her decision. She knew this was the final showdown between her and Prince Zhao. If Prince Zhao wasn't completely eliminated, he would become a major threat to her. This battle would determine her future as an empire.

As night fell, the situation inside and outside the palace grew increasingly complex. Within the palace walls, undercurrents surged, the silence before the storm almost suffocating. Princess Shen took a deep breath, gently raised her head, and gazed at the endless sky.

"I must take the throne with my own hands." Her voice echoed in the silent palace with an extremely firm determination.

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Chapter 88: Undercurrents in the Palace