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Behind the layers of palace intrigue, many harbored contempt for Consort Rong. Though they appeared respectful and deferential to her in public, their attitudes changed drastically behind her back. Consort Rong knew that her survival in the treacherous harem was solely due to the Emperor's favor. However, this favor was like a rootless duckweed, seemingly radiant but ultimately fragile. Once the tide turned and the favor vanished, her situation would be precarious.

The thought of Prince Yong filled Consort Rong with worry. Even under the current emperor's rule, Prince Yong acted with such blatant disregard for her, his favored concubine. If he were to ascend the throne, she and the entire Rong family would be like fish on a chopping block, completely at his mercy. Consort Rong knew that even if she yielded, her future would be anything but peaceful. Prince Yong's contempt for the Rong family was already blatantly obvious; how could she possibly hope that he would suddenly change his attitude and show them leniency after his ascension?

Faced with this desperate situation, Consort Rong felt that rather than waiting to die, she should take the initiative and fight for a chance to survive for herself and her family. Therefore, she reluctantly chose to join forces with the Prince of Yan in a rebellion. She knew it was a gamble with little chance of success, but she had no other choice. Like a traveler walking alone in the dark, knowing that the road ahead was full of thorns, she could only grit her teeth and move forward, hoping to find a glimmer of light among the thorns.

The rebellion ultimately failed. Although Consort Rong could not reverse the tide, fate seemed to have played a small trick on her. Prince Yong also failed to ascend to the throne, the symbol of supreme power. During the rebellion, Consort Rong successfully dealt with Princess Yong and Princess Jiacheng, thus avenging her sister who had died unjustly.

Consort Rong knew in her heart that she came from a humble background and lacked a powerful family to rely on. In this harem, her only support was the Emperor's favor. But the Emperor would one day pass away, and once that day came, all the glory and status she possessed would vanish like a dream. She was born unwilling to have her fate controlled by others, to become a fish to be bullied at will. Therefore, even though the road ahead was fraught with peril, she was forced to act prematurely, fighting desperately for her future.

After successfully quelling the rebellion, General Jin led his men to withdraw from the palace in an orderly fashion. Meanwhile, in the imperial study, Di Pojun was respectfully reporting to Emperor Zhao Zhen the details of the palace coup. However, Zhao Zhen had little interest in listening. He felt utterly exhausted, a deep-seated weariness. The thought of facing the ministers in court the next day, some offering direct advice, others harboring ulterior motives, gave him a splitting headache, as if his head had suddenly multiplied. He had no energy left to focus on Di Pojun's report.

Finally, Zhao Zhen couldn't help but interrupt Di Pojun, saying with a slightly weary expression, "I... Minister Di, you can handle this matter properly. I'm really exhausted."

Upon hearing this, Di Pojun respectfully performed his farewell ceremony and quietly withdrew. Zhao Zhen, carrying a sash, slowly made his way to Funing Palace with heavy steps. Empress Cao, seeing Zhao Zhen's weary face and haggard expression, felt a pang of heartache. She quickly went to greet him, gently supporting him as he lay down on the couch. She softly placed his head on her lap, then reached out and skillfully massaged his temples.

After a while, under Empress Cao's meticulous massage, Zhao Zhen's tense mind eased slightly. He slowly rose, sighed softly, and said to Empress Cao with a helpless expression, "Alas! Empress, do you think this supreme throne is really so alluring and desirable? Even Consort Rong has participated in this rebellion. I have never treated them badly! I am still on the throne, yet they are so impatient; it truly chills my heart."

Empress Cao did not answer the question directly upon hearing it. She knew the rule that the inner palace should not interfere in politics. She simply handed the tea she had prepared to Zhao Zhen, her eyes full of concern and comfort, and said softly, "Your Majesty, the matter is over now, so please don't worry about it anymore. You must take care of your health, as the country still depends on you to manage the overall situation."

"I...I'm fine, just feeling uneasy. Fortunately, Lord Zhiyong gave me a heads-up beforehand, otherwise, I'm afraid I would have really been driven to the brink of death by their anger today. Alas! I really can't understand what they're thinking." Zhao Zhen sighed and muttered to himself.

For the rest of the time, Zhao Zhen and Empress Cao talked for a long time in Funing Palace. Most of the time, Zhao Zhen poured out his frustrations and confusion, while Empress Cao listened quietly, occasionally offering gentle words of comfort. When Zhao Zhen grew tired, he slowly rose and dragged his slightly weary body back to his own chambers. After today's events, he had no desire to have any of the palace ladies come to serve him.

After returning home, Jin Shuai went straight to Old Master Jin's study. As soon as he entered, the old master asked, "Is everything taken care of?"

After quelling the rebellion, Commander Jin returned home and went straight to Old Master Jin's study. The moment he pushed open the door, the old man put down his writing brush, his aged voice heavy with melancholy: "Is everything ready?"

Jin Shuai remained calm and nodded slightly before solemnly saying, "Grandpa, it's time to send a letter back to our hometown. Tell Grandpa to immediately begin arranging the relocation and go to Mingzhou to find Shengwei. We have boats there, so we must complete the relocation within three months. As for our ancestral home, one branch can remain to guard it; I will arrange for people to take care of it."

Upon hearing this, Old Master Jin nodded in agreement, saying, "Alright, I'll write a letter in a moment and send it back home by fast horse. But grandson, I hope the officials won't become suspicious of us because of this?"

Jin Shuai frowned slightly, and after a moment's thought, analyzed, "Grandfather, he has no time to suspect us right now. This palace coup involves two princes and a concubine; he's too busy dealing with such a chaotic situation to even think about it. Although the royal relatives covet the two vacated fiefdoms, at this critical juncture, they wouldn't dare to ask for them rashly—that would be tantamount to suicide. Even if someone were to speak up, the Emperor would most likely not agree. After all, after this incident, to prevent a rebellion like that of the Prince of Yan from happening again, the Emperor certainly won't allow the royal power to grow too strong. To maintain balance, someone must step in to deter them. In my opinion, the officials in the court probably share the same thought."

The following day, the atmosphere inside the Golden Palace was tense, with the light and shadow cast by the dark blue glazed tiles flickering on the mottled dragon-patterned pillars. Nearly a third of the seats that should have been occupied by court officials were empty. Those officials involved in the power struggle between the Prince of Yong and the Prince of Yan were currently being held in the imperial prison by the Imperial Guards under Di Pojun's command, awaiting swift punishment.

Zhao Zhen, dressed in a black imperial robe, the jade pendant with twelve imperial symbols at his waist swaying slightly with his breath. His gloomy gaze swept over the empty court, without uttering a word. The hall was as silent as an abyss. All the officials held their breath and bowed, none daring to provoke the emperor's wrath—everyone knew that speaking at this time of impending storm would be tantamount to inviting disaster.

In the suffocating silence, Wen Yanbo straightened his scarlet court robes, took a half-step forward, and struck his tablet on the ground with a clear sound: "Your Majesty, in this rebellion by the Prince of Yan, the wise and courageous Duke led his elite guards to protect the Emperor and avert disaster. He has not only rendered outstanding service in saving the Emperor, but has also fought and defended the borders for many years. I humbly request that he be granted a higher title to show His Majesty's favor."

Zhao Zhen narrowed his eyes slightly, casually flicking the wide sleeves of his dragon robe, the jade belt buckle at his waist clinking softly. "This matter will be set aside for now. The most urgent task is to wipe out the remaining rebels in one fell swoop. My dear ministers, let us first discuss how to thoroughly investigate this case to restore order to the court." Before he finished speaking, a chorus of responses rang out in the hall, only Wen Yanbo, as he returned to his ranks, had fine beads of sweat on his forehead.

Inside the solemn and majestic palace, the imperial council was in full swing, with everyone engaged in heated discussions about the aftermath of the Prince of Yan's rebellion. The atmosphere was heavy and tense. Every decision concerned the stability and future of the dynasty, and the ministers expressed their opinions freely, their words sparking lively debate.

Meanwhile, a bustling scene of activity unfolded on the outskirts of Tokyo. Jin Shuai, tall and imposing, stood solemnly before the farm owner's house, methodically directing the relocation. His eyes revealed unwavering resolve and determination. After this power struggle, Tokyo was no longer a suitable place for a research lab; secrets could be leaked at any moment, leading to unpredictable consequences.

Grandpa San sat steadily at the octagonal table, a rustic pipe held between his withered fingers. As he leisurely exhaled smoke rings, the swirling smoke slowly dissipated in the air, adding a somber atmosphere to the space. Grandpa San and Jin Shuai, like two generals strategizing, meticulously considered every detail of the relocation. From route planning to the arrangement of escorts, every aspect was repeatedly considered and discussed.

They would sometimes frown in deep thought, and sometimes engage in heated discussions, not letting any potential problem slip by. Time passed quietly in this tense and focused atmosphere, until the red sun slowly sank in the west, and the sky was tinged with a magnificent yet somewhat melancholic sunset, at which point the two finally finalized the plan.

First, the canal caravans took on the crucial task of escorting the craftsmen and core equipment. They would travel along the winding canal waterways, then by land, directly to Dengzhou. The remaining supplies would be transferred in batches according to a meticulous plan. This arrangement, like precisely operating gears, ensured the flawless execution of the entire relocation process.

As dusk deepened, night fell like a vast black ribbon, slowly spreading across the land. Jin Shuai watched the convoy laden with wooden crates slowly drive out of the farm, bathed in the glow of the setting sun. The crates carried not only equipment and supplies, but also the foundation stones of his grand vision.

At this moment, Marshal Jin's gaze burned with unwavering determination, like a torch. He stared intently at the receding convoy, a magnificent and awe-inspiring picture already forming in his mind. He seemed to already see those brand-new fleets, like dragons, completed next year, setting sail in a mighty torrent. They would first storm Korea, displaying national power with overwhelming force; then, like sharp arrows, they would point directly at Japan and Ryukyu. When they successfully controlled the vast and boundless seas of Southeast Asia, a powerful navy, capable of dominating the world and striking fear into the hearts of its enemies, would emerge like a phoenix from its cocoon, standing proudly among the nations of the world.

By then, even if you travel thousands of miles away, the mysterious and unknown continent of Europe will no longer be an unattainable illusion, but a real goal that can be reached and conquered.

As soon as Jin Shuai returned to the mansion, a clever servant rushed forward and respectfully reported: "Your Excellency, the Grand Master instructed that you should go to his study immediately upon your return."

Upon hearing this, Jin Shuai didn't hesitate and went straight to the study. Entering, he saw his grandfather sitting at his desk. Seeing him enter, a smile appeared on his face, and he said, "Grandson, the court was quite lively today. The Minister of Personnel specially requested credit for you, but the Emperor temporarily suppressed the matter. Then everyone discussed how to deal with those involved in the rebellion. Many ministers advocated executing their entire families, but I noticed the Emperor wasn't satisfied with this proposal. After much discussion, no satisfactory conclusion was reached. Grandson, what are your thoughts on the Emperor's actions?"

Upon hearing this, Jin Shuai frowned slightly and fell into deep thought. After a moment, he slowly said, "In my opinion, His Majesty is probably unwilling to engage in a large-scale massacre, as such a large-scale killing conflicts with His Majesty's long-held principles of benevolence and righteousness. In fact, those officials who directly participated in the treason should be punished. However, treason is an unforgivable crime, and according to the law, it should be punished severely. Out of respect for the law and hatred for treason, the ministers will naturally steer the discussion towards the most serious crimes, since no one is willing to plead for these traitors in this situation. Grandfather, is there a reason why you suddenly asked about this?"

Upon hearing this, the old man couldn't help but sigh softly, and said with a slightly worried expression, "Alas! Several of my old friends' children have been unwittingly implicated in this."

Upon hearing this, Jin Shuai's gaze sharpened, and he pressed further, "Were they directly involved in the treason?"

The old man quickly waved his hand and explained, "No, they were just some civil officials who were recruited into the Prince of Yan's camp. They did not directly participate in the rebellion."

After listening, Jin Shuai pondered for a moment and slowly said, "In that case, there is still room for maneuver." After speaking, he fell into deep thought again. After a while, he looked up and asked, "Sir, what is the character of these civil officials like in normal times?"

The old man nodded and said, "His character is acceptable. Grandson, do you have something else in mind?"

Jin Shuai's lips curled up slightly, revealing a smile, and he said, "Grandpa, think about it, after this turmoil, we will definitely occupy some new territories, and then someone will have to manage and operate them. If these civil officials are indeed promising, we might as well lend them a hand."

Upon hearing this, the old man immediately understood, his smile widening as he said, "If we give them a hand, they'll be completely devoted to us in the future."

Jin Shuai nodded in agreement and continued, "Here's what we'll do, Your Excellency. Please take the trouble to find out which officials were not directly involved in the rebellion and can be used by us. Once you have found out, I will find a suitable opportunity in the court to speak on their behalf."