Time Travel: He is My Dad!

Undercurrent

As news of Zhao Han's injury spread, tensions in the palace intensified. Everyone's eyes shone with the glint of an invisible sword. He Qingqing knew she had been completely drawn into this vortex of power, and any wrong step could ruin her future. However, she had no time to retreat—this complex situation had become a reality she had to face.

That evening, He Qingqing returned to her palace, her mind filled with the words of Lord Wei and Zhao Rulan. Standing by the window, gazing at the hazy moonlight outside, she pondered her next move. What did the dispute between Princess Shen and Zhao Han truly signify? If, as the secret report suggested, Zhao Han and Princess Shen harbored a hidden grudge, then the assassination was likely linked to a wider palace power struggle.

Just as He Qingqing was lost in thought, she suddenly heard a gentle knock on the door. She immediately turned around, walked to the door, and opened it. It was her personal maid, Xiao Cui. Xiao Cui looked hurried, obviously having something important to report.

"Miss, there's news from the palace," Xiao Cui whispered, glancing around cautiously, as if afraid of being overheard. "A secret letter has been delivered from outside the palace. Master He told you to be careful. The situation in the palace is much more complicated than we imagined, especially regarding Princess Shen."

"What's going on?" He Qingqing frowned, her heart aroused. "What did father say?"

Xiao Cui stammered, "The secret letter mentioned that Princess Shen has been in frequent contact with merchants and nobles outside the palace recently, and has even hinted on some occasions that she intends to support a certain prince in his bid for the throne. Master He believes that this situation must be taken seriously."

"A struggle for the throne?" He Qingqing was startled, and she suddenly turned back to look out the window at the darkness, as if she saw some untouchable shadow. Princess Shen had always been favored for her beauty and wisdom. If she really intended to intervene in the struggle for the throne, it would mean that the situation in the palace had quietly changed dramatically.

"Xiao Cui, go get ready. I'll go to the court tomorrow morning," He Qingqing instructed calmly, her tone firm and decisive. She knew this wasn't just news about Princess Shen, but a precursor to changes in the entire court structure. She needed to seize every possible opportunity to find her footing in this storm.

"Be careful, miss." Xiao Cui warned and quietly left the room.

As the night deepened, the palace gradually quieted. He Qingqing remained standing by the window, her thoughts swirling like a surging river, never stopping for a moment. She knew she could no longer remain a bystander and must quickly find her own direction in this turbulent struggle. To do so, she needed not only wisdom and composure, but also courage and decisiveness.

The next morning, He Qingqing rushed to the morning court. Many ministers were already present, but the atmosphere remained oppressive. Ever since Zhao Han's injury, a sense of unease had permeated the palace, and everyone was cautiously observing each other's movements.

Lord Wei and Zhao Rulan remained the most compelling figures. Lord Wei's steady demeanor and Zhao Rulan's calm gaze seemed to hint at a tacit understanding. He Qingqing knew their roles were crucial in this palace struggle, especially Lord Wei, who held supreme power. Zhao Rulan, like a chess piece hidden in the shadows, maintained her hidden power.

The discussion in the court continued to revolve around Zhao Han's injury, but He Qingqing was no longer focused on these superficial matters. Her gaze was fixed on Princess Shen. This woman was the core of the entire palace. Her relationship with Zhao Han might be the key to unraveling this struggle.

"Miss He." Suddenly, Lord Wei's voice broke her thoughts. He Qingqing came to her senses and found Lord Wei standing in front of her, his eyes as sharp as a knife.

"Lord Wei." He Qingqing lowered her head slightly, speaking respectfully.

"What do you think about today's topic?" Lord Wei asked calmly, with a hint of tentativeness in his tone.

He Qingqing's heart trembled, realizing that Lord Wei was deliberately directing the conversation towards her. She smiled faintly and said in a deep voice, "Prince Zhao's injury is definitely more than just a simple assassination. There's probably a larger power struggle behind it. And this struggle isn't just about Zhao Han alone; it probably also involves the question of succession to the throne."

Lord Wei raised an eyebrow slightly, clearly not expecting He Qingqing to directly touch upon the struggle for the throne. He paused in thought before calmly asking, "What role do you think Princess Shen plays in this?"

He Qingqing's eyes flickered, but her tone remained calm. "Princess Shen has been in frequent contact with nobles and merchants in the palace recently. If she is really trying to support a certain prince in his fight for the throne as the outside world says, then the support behind her must be a powerful force."

Lord Wei didn't respond immediately, but lowered his head slightly, as if considering her words. He nodded and turned to look at the other ministers in the court. "In that case, Miss He's remarks are worth pondering."

He Qingqing knew that her words had caught the attention of Lord Wei, but she didn't relax at all. The situation in the palace was unpredictable, and any slackness could be seized by the enemy. She had to remain vigilant and ready to face the upcoming challenges at any time.

As the morning court session concluded, He Qingqing remained unperturbed. She knew Princess Shen's secret couldn't remain hidden forever. The power struggle within the palace would inevitably reveal more truths as the Zhao Han incident deepened. And she, in this struggle, would find her true place.

However, before she could fully adapt to this bloody palace, a more hidden danger was quietly approaching.

You said:

Chapter 10: Sweet Lies