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

Shen Ning-shuang’s expression was resolute, and she spoke with an air of indisputable authority: "Your Highness, it is you. Even if it were not you, it would still have to be you." Her words rang out like a solemn vow; though she offered no concrete proof, she spoke with absolute conviction.

Leng Yi-chen understood her implication immediately. Since the current Emperor ascended the throne, the fates of the late Emperor’s many sons had been tragic—some were exiled, others died mysteriously, and none met with a favorable end. Even those who survived had been ground down by years of suppression and hardship, stripped of any ability to resist, let alone reopen the old cases of the past. Only Leng Yi-chen, through his own strength and endurance, had managed to secure a foothold in the treacherous imperial court, possessing the capital and the fortitude to seek the truth. Furthermore, according to the prophecy of Master Ming-kong, he was, in all likelihood, the one to whom the late Emperor had truly intended to pass the throne.

Leng Yi-chen’s initial agitation and resentment had faded, replaced by a calm composure. "What is Shen Feng-mo’s stance?" he asked, his tone level, his gaze piercing as if trying to discern the secrets of Shen Feng-mo’s mind.

Shen Mu-yun, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke. "He is irrelevant." His voice was concise and powerful, as if he had already unraveled the core of the mystery.

Leng Yi-chen looked at him with a puzzled expression, as if searching for the deeper meaning behind those three simple words.

Shen Ning-shuang nodded in agreement, adding with a grave expression, "Indeed, he is irrelevant. If the day comes when we truly set things right, he will inevitably assist us fully. Until then, there is no need to pay him much mind. Our focus now must be on how to maneuver and advance."

After a long pause, Leng Yi-chen spoke again: "What is your next step?" His voice had regained a measure of stability, like a commander preparing for battle, now focused on the direction of the war.

Shen Ning-shuang felt a secret sense of relief. She knew well that Leng Yi-chen still possessed the temperament of a young man, prone to being swayed by his emotions. She had feared that he might act on impulse and sever ties with them entirely, which would have made rebuilding trust an impossible task.

"This impending war between the two nations is a matter of utmost importance and the perfect opportunity for us to restore order. At such a critical juncture, we cannot allow the Crown Prince’s faction to interfere or deliberately sow chaos. Once the Crown Prince falls, there will be no more suitable candidate for the throne than brother Zhao-wen. When that time comes, we must spread rumors of discord between brother Zhao-wen and Your Highness.

"Therefore, from now on, both in the imperial court and in your daily interactions, you must behave as if you are at loggerheads, utterly incompatible. Do not let any cracks show, or others will grow suspicious. In this way, given the Emperor’s wariness of you, he will be compelled to rely on and trust brother Zhao-wen even more. Our ultimate goal is for brother Zhao-wen to command the Imperial Guard and seize control of the capital’s vital military strongholds." Shen Ning-shuang paused, her tone shifting as she fixed her gaze intently on Leng Yi-chen. "And you, Your Highness, will take the role of commander-in-chief, leading the army into battle for the country! With you holding military power on the front lines and brother Zhao-wen holding the capital, we will reveal the secret edict at the opportune moment. Even if the current Emperor wishes to hide the truth, he will be powerless to change it."

Leng Yi-chen had to admit that this was a grand and compelling plan, a strategic blueprint unfolding before his eyes. Yet, he also knew that while the ideal was lofty, the reality would be harsh. It was easy to speak of, but putting it into practice would undoubtedly involve unimaginable obstacles and endless variables—like walking through a thicket of thorns where every step could lead to bloodshed.

When the conversation turned to the military matters he excelled in, his spirit was immediately ignited. His eyes sharpened like torches as he asked:

"When it comes to command, your father, Shen Feng-mo, clearly has far more experience than I. Moreover, a war between nations concerns the fate of the state; who serves as commander-in-chief is not a matter easily decided. What assurance do you have that I will be the one chosen? Even if your plan proceeds smoothly at first, the situation in the capital is complex, and we may encounter interference from other factions. The waters of this capital run deep, and one never knows what mysterious loyalists might be lurking in the shadows. A single misstep could lead to total ruin."

"Rest assured, Your Highness. I have already devised countermeasures for the problems and potential accidents that might 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." Shen Ning-shuang’s expression was calm, like a strategist with absolute confidence. It seemed this plan was not conceived in a day; she had likely played it out in her mind countless times, perfecting every detail and anticipating every contingency.

Leng Zhao-wen, listening from the side, was filled with excitement. "Imperial Uncle, the road is laid out before you. Just give us a straight answer: are you in or out?" His voice was high and impassioned, as if cheering them on.

Leng Yi-chen looked at the three of them, his gaze weighing and assessing them. After a long moment, he said, "If things turn out as you say—that war breaks out within three months and I am named commander—then I will believe you." His voice carried a sense of finality, as if he had issued a military oath.

Leng Zhao-wen’s face lit up with joy. He stepped forward and clapped a hand on Leng Yi-chen’s shoulder, his smile exaggerated. "Imperial Uncle, a man’s word is his bond! Since you’ve agreed, you can’t doubt us anymore. You have no idea how much effort we put into forming this alliance! But, since I’ve worked so hard, can you promise me one thing?" A glint of mischief shone in his eyes, as if he were hiding some secret intent.

Leng Yi-chen looked at him, recalling that Shen Ning-shuang had once called this man a bit of a rogue. Now, it seemed he was more than just a bit—he was a live wire, both exasperating and amusing. "Let’s hear it."

"If one day you marry my sister Shuang-er, can I avoid calling her Imperial Aunt?" Leng Zhao-wen stifled a mischievous grin, looking like a cat that had gotten into the cream.

Shen Ning-shuang, hearing this, flared with indignation. She swiftly drew the sword from Shen Mu-yun’s waist and hissed through gritted teeth, "Leng Zhao-wen! See if I don't sew your mouth shut one day! You stop right there!" Her cheeks flushed deep red, like a ripe apple. All her usual decorum and maturity vanished, replaced by a playful, spirited charm, making her look like a blooming flower in spring—vivid and beautiful.

Seeing this, Leng Zhao-wen took to his heels and fled, throwing a playful grimace at Shen Ning-shuang from a distance before vanishing, his triumphant air that of a general returning from a successful campaign.