Chapter Thirty-Three-Quando a concubina diz que eu não mereço? A filha legítima renascida, abalando a corte e conquistando o posto de fênix(Chuva intensa)

Shen Ningshuang tightened her grip on Leng Yichen’s hand, as if to convey strength and resolve through the touch. Her tone was calm, yet underscored with determination. "The reason we chose not to tell you is twofold: first, we feared you might lose your composure and reveal clues to the Emperor; second, we were afraid that once you knew the truth, you would never trust us again."

Indeed, the root of Shen Ningshuang’s previous hesitation to reveal the whole truth lay in her deep awareness that in Leng Yichen’s heart, the Shen family had already failed him. The succession of the throne is a matter of paramount importance, far beyond trivial affairs; it concerns the rise and fall of a dynasty and the fate of countless souls. Because of the Shen family’s choice at that critical juncture years ago, Leng Yichen had lost his opportunity to ascend the throne. For years, he had lived under the shadow of suspicion and suppression. That he could endure such a grievance without seeking vengeance spoke volumes of his profound restraint; another man might have already plunged the world into chaos. Under such circumstances, how could one dare to hope he would cast aside his resentment and trust the Shen family once more?

For a long time, the surroundings seemed to have been muted, plunging into a deathly silence. Everyone understood without words that Leng Yichen needed time to digest and accept a truth as heavy as a bombshell. His inner world must have been surging with waves—past grievances, resentment, frustration, and uncertainty about the future all tangled together like a chaotic knot he desperately needed to unravel.

It was impossible to tell how much time had passed—it felt as long as a century—before Leng Yichen finally broke the silence. His voice was hoarse, as if he had just emerged from a fierce, silent scream. "Has anyone seen the imperial edict with their own eyes? Are you certain it names me as the successor?" His gaze locked onto Shen Ningshuang, as if trying to extract the truth from her eyes.

Shen Ningshuang fell silent instantly upon hearing this. The edict was securely stored within a complex box filled with intricate mechanisms. Shen Fengmo had been entrusted with its safekeeping, knowing only that it was an edict concerning the throne, but he was as much in the dark as anyone regarding the chosen successor. Thus, to this day, no one had been fortunate enough to see its contents. Shen Ningshuang, however, had seen it in her previous life, but that reason was too bizarre to explain to anyone in the present. With unwavering resolve, she spoke firmly, "Your Highness, it is you. Even if it were not, it must be you." Her words were like a solemn vow, lacking concrete proof but radiating absolute confidence.

Leng Yichen understood immediately. Since the current Emperor’s ascension, the fates of the late Emperor’s sons had been tragic—many were exiled or died under mysterious circumstances. Even the few survivors had been broken by years of suppression, lacking any capacity for resistance, let alone challenging the past. Only Leng Yichen, through his own strength and endurance, had managed to secure a foothold in the treacherous imperial court, possessing the capital and conviction to pursue the truth. Furthermore, based on Master Mingkong’s old prophecy, the person the late Emperor had most desperately wanted to succeed him was, in all likelihood, him.

Leng Yichen’s agitation and resentment gradually subsided. His emotions calmed, and he asked in a level tone, "What is Shen Fengmo’s stance now?" His gaze seemed to pierce through the void, attempting to discern Shen Fengmo’s intentions.

Shen Muyun, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke. "It is irrelevant." His voice was concise and powerful, as if he had grasped the hidden truth behind the matter.

A look of confusion crossed Leng Yichen’s face as he turned his gaze toward Shen Muyun, as if probing for the deeper meaning behind those three simple words.

Shen Ningshuang nodded in agreement, adding with a grave expression, "Indeed, it is irrelevant. If one day we truly succeed in restoring the rightful order, he will inevitably assist us fully. Before then, there is no need to pay him too much mind. Our current focus should be on how to structure and advance our plans."

After a long pause, Leng Yichen spoke again. "What is your next step?" His voice had regained a measure of composure, like a general preparing for battle, beginning to look toward the trajectory of the war.

Shen Ningshuang felt a secret sense of relief. She knew that Leng Yichen was still young at heart and prone to letting emotions dictate his actions. She had truly feared that he might act on impulse and sever ties with them entirely, which would have made rebuilding trust nearly impossible.

"This current war between the two nations is of vital importance and serves as the perfect opportunity for us to restore order. At such a critical juncture, we cannot allow the Crown Prince’s faction to interfere or sabotage our efforts. Once the Crown Prince falls, the Emperor will have no more suitable candidate for the throne besides Brother Zhaowen. When that time comes, we must extensively cultivate rumors of enmity between Brother Zhaowen and Your Highness.

"Therefore, from now on, whether in the imperial court or in your daily interactions, you must both appear to be at each other’s throats, completely incompatible. Do not let anyone see a flaw or harbor suspicions. In doing so, given the Emperor’s wariness of you, he will inevitably lean more heavily on Brother Zhaowen and trust him more. Our ultimate goal is for Brother Zhaowen to take command of the Imperial Guard and control the strategic military nerve center of the capital." Shen Ningshuang paused, her tone shifting, and looked at Leng Yichen with burning intensity. "And you, Your Highness, will be appointed as the commander-in-chief for this war, leading the great army to battle for the country! When that time comes, with you wielding military power on the frontier and Brother Zhaowen overseeing the capital, we will reveal the truth of the imperial edict at the opportune moment. Even if the current Emperor wishes to hide it, he will be powerless to change the outcome."

Leng Yichen had to admit that this was a grand and highly compelling plan, like a sweeping strategic blueprint slowly unfurling before his eyes. However, he also knew that while the ideal was vibrant, reality was harsh. It sounded easy, but implementing it would surely involve unimaginable hardships and endless unexpected variables, like walking through a thicket of thorns where every step could draw blood.

When the conversation turned to the military field where he excelled, Leng Yichen’s spirit was instantly reignited. His gaze was like a torch as he asked:

"When it comes to military command, your father, Shen Fengmo, clearly has far more experience than I do. Furthermore, a war between nations concerns the fate of the state; who becomes the commander-in-chief is not a matter easily decided. What certainty do you have that I will be the one appointed? Even if your plan proceeds smoothly in the beginning, by the time we reach the final showdown, the situation in the capital will be incredibly complex. We are highly likely to encounter secret obstruction from other forces. After all, the waters in the capital run deep, and there may be mysterious royalist factions lurking in the shadows. One slight error, and we could lose everything."

"Rest assured, Your Highness. I have already devised countermeasures for the problems and potential accidents that may arise. If, after such thorough preparation, we still fail, then it can only be said that Heaven does not favor us and it is beyond human effort."