After her transformation and rebirth, she manipulates the innocent and ruthless to overthrow the wor

"Father means that we shouldn't take sides so easily. But if we don't express our opinion, how will Father face himself when a new emperor takes over?" Xiao Ran's tone was gentle, yet tinged with a hint of worry. She looked up at her father, her eyes filled with both doubt and a hidden reminder.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Mu's expression became even more solemn.

How could he not know the dangers involved? Although they appear loyal to the emperor now, the position of crown prince is still undecided. When the new emperor ascends the throne, he will inevitably purge the court. If the general's mansion never declares its stance, it will likely be abandoned. At that time, how will his family protect themselves?

But if you choose the wrong side, the outcome will likely be even more disastrous.

Xiao Mu frowned deeply, feeling as if a huge boulder was pressing on his heart, leaving him in a dilemma. He looked up at Xiao Ran, a glimmer of hope suddenly flashing in his eyes, and asked in a low voice:

"Ran'er, do you have something in mind?"

Xiao Ran gently shook her head, her tone gentle and humble: "I am just a young lady from a humble family, how could I dare to have any thoughts? I just couldn't bear to see Father so worried."

Hearing this, Xiao Mu felt helpless and could only sigh. After a moment of silence, he seemed to remember something and asked:

"Ran'er, is something the matter that brings you here so late?"

Xiao Ran smiled slightly, her tone becoming lighter: "Today is the Little New Year so lively, which makes me think of the New Year's Eve palace banquet, which will surely be even more grand..." She paused, then suddenly stood up and earnestly asked her father: "Father, this time I want to ask for a favor for my sister Wan. Please take her to the palace banquet as well."

Xiao Mu was slightly taken aback, clearly not expecting her to make such a request.

“It is possible…” Xiao Mu pondered for a moment, his brows furrowing slightly, his tone carrying a hint of concern, “But your sister Wan has only been in the General’s Mansion for a short time, and she hasn’t fully learned the rules and etiquette yet. Bringing her into the palace like this might cause some trouble.”

Xiao Ran sensed her father's concerns and gently advised, "Father, although Wan is new to the manor, she is intelligent and quick to learn. We can ask the nanny to teach her palace etiquette these few days, and she will certainly not lose her composure. Besides, with you and I by her side to look after her at the palace banquet, there should be no mistakes."

Xiao Mu nodded. In fact, he had already been planning to do this, so he agreed.

"If that's the case, then let's do as Ran'er says."

After Xiao Mu finished speaking, his gaze suddenly hesitated. He hesitated for a moment before asking in a low voice, "Ran'er, today your father adopted He Wan as his daughter. Are you... sad?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Ran was slightly taken aback, then smiled and said, "I'm not sad. Just as Father said, having another sister means I have more to look after. Father doesn't need to feel any burden; I'm very happy that you did this."

"Good...good...Ran'er has grown up." Upon hearing this, Xiao Mu's face showed a gratified smile, but behind that smile was a trace of barely perceptible guilt.

Did she really want He Wan to enter the manor? No, she didn't. She did it for revenge.

But she could have chosen to refuse, not to repeat the same mistakes, yet she chose to acquiesce. It was as if she knew a bottomless abyss lay ahead, yet had no choice but to leap into it. Because she wanted to save her family, she wanted those who had hurt them to pay the price—a path destined for no return.

But now, looking at her father's complicated expression, she felt a surge of indescribable emotion.