The tension in the room shifted. All eyes turned to the youngest figure in the assembly, her youthful face set with a determination that belied her age. The weight of the statement, from someone so seemingly inexperienced, hung in the air, challenging the authority of seasoned warriors and strategists alike.
The silence stretched, pregnant with anticipation, until Edina continued, her words carefully chosen, though her voice carried the faintest tremor of nervous energy. “Our faction doesn’t have many members to spare, and given that Mister Richard cannot accompany them unless I go myself, I will travel to the south. The Heavenly Doctor might appreciate having a mage by his side during these troubled times.”
Her declaration was not just an offer; it was a calculated move.
Li Mei, seated beside Edina, narrowed her eyes, suspicion flaring in their depths. As the seasoned leader of the Gold Faction had seen enough political maneuvers to recognize that Edina’s words likely hid an ulterior motive. Yet, in the face of Lu Shun’s deteriorating condition, there was little time to argue or unearth hidden agendas. The young boy’s life hung in the balance, and delaying action was not an option.
The room remained silent for a moment longer, before the assembly reluctantly shifted its focus back to the matter at hand.
Right Minister Qin Gang’s Office, Ningxiang Palace, Central City, Central Plains,
Within the opulent chambers of the Right Minister, Qin Gang sat amidst towering piles of documents and scrolls, the weight of his responsibilities evident in the deep lines etched into his face. Yet, despite his advanced years, there was a vitality to him—a spark of sharp intellect that belied his appearance.
His office, though orderly, bore the marks of constant activity: stacks of correspondence, maps detailing the southern provinces, and records of inspections all testified to the ceaseless demands of his position.
Opposite him sat Princess Huangshu, the empire’s “Little Phoenix.” Her vibrant presence filled the room like a sudden burst of spring in the dead of winter. Dressed in regal robes, she exuded an air of calculated mischief, her playful demeanor a sharp contrast to the Minister’s stern, methodical approach.
Qin Gang regarded her with suspicion, his brow furrowing as he asked, “Your Highness, I approved your request for acquiring that minor sect already. So, why are you here now, unannounced? We are not exactly close acquaintances.”
Huangshu offered a radiant smile, though it failed to conceal the mischief dancing in her eyes. “Oh, must there always be a reason for my visits, Minister? Can’t I simply check on how diligently you’re working? As a princess, is it not my duty to ensure the empire’s most trusted servants are not overburdened?”
Her tone was light, but even in her inexperience, she was not adept at masking her true intentions. Qin Gang sighed heavily, folding his hands on the desk as he responded with measured patience. “Your Highness, you and I both know that’s not why you’re here. Spare me the theatrics and state your purpose. I have much work to do.”
Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.
The princess pouted, leaning forward slightly, her smile turning sheepish. “Fine, if you insist. I wanted to suggest that you take a vacation, Minister. You’ve been working tirelessly for weeks on end. Surely, a few days of rest wouldn’t harm the empire.”
The elderly minister’s eyebrows shot up in suspicion. Her proposal seemed oddly out of place, especially given her reputation for bold and often unexpected moves. “A vacation?” he repeated slowly, his tone edged with wariness. “Your Highness, I find it difficult to believe this is mere concern for my well-being. If you’re suggesting this, it means something is happening that you want me out of the picture for. I cannot oblige, not without a very compelling reason.”
Her pout deepened, and she crossed her arms, exhaling in mock frustration. “Oh, come now, Minister. Why must you always overthink? I’m only suggesting you take a well-earned break. Surely, there’s no harm in stepping away for a short while?”
But Qin Gang was no fool. As a key member of First Prince Zhou Wan’s faction, he was deeply entrenched in the empire’s political chessboard. Underestimating Huangshu, despite her relative inexperience, would be a grave mistake. She was no ordinary player; she had entered the game late but with an audacity that demanded attention.
His eyes narrowed. “Your Highness, I respect your intelligence too much to believe this is a mere gesture of goodwill. Speak plainly. What are you scheming?”
For a moment, the playful veneer slipped, and Huangshu’s expression turned calculating. Then, with a sigh, she leaned back in her chair. “Alright, Minister. If you insist on making this difficult, let me remind you of a certain promise you made to me. A favor, in exchange for my assistance with a rather delicate matter…”
Qin Gang stiffened, his expression betraying his discomfort. “Y-you promised never to bring that up again, Your Highness! I only agreed to let you help me publish them because—”
“Because you needed someone to keep your little secret safe,” she finished for him, her smirk triumphant. “Best-selling romance novelist Xi Kong, wasn’t it? Your works are quite popular, Minister. Who would have thought the stern Right Minister moonlights as a purveyor of passionate love stories?”
His cheeks flushed crimson, and he spluttered, “That’s irrelevant! You said you wouldn’t use this against me!”
“And I’m not,” she replied smoothly. “I’m merely cashing in on a favor you promised. It’s hardly blackmail if you volunteered, Minister. Now, will you take a short trip or shall I find myself… compelled to share this delightful tidbit with a wider audience?”
Qin Gang’s face darkened, and he sighed in defeat, recognizing the futility of resistance. “Fine. I’ll take a brief vacation, but I will inform Prince Zhou Wan first. I won’t betray my faction, even to save my reputation.”
“That’s perfectly acceptable,” Huangshu replied cheerfully, rising to her feet. “I recommend the North Sea or perhaps Hollow Town in the northeast. Lovely places for a relaxing retreat, don’t you think?”
He studied her face intently, searching for any clue as to her true intentions, but she remained as enigmatic as ever. Finally, he relented with another heavy sigh. “Very well. I’ll suggest Hollow Town to my wife. She’s been asking to visit for some time.”
“Excellent!” Huangshu clapped her hands, her smile widening. “Oh, and Minister—take a little extra in the way of rations for your journey. You never know when you might need them.”
Her parting words sent a chill down his spine. Though she masked her intentions with that same playful air, there was an undeniable sense that she was setting something in motion. Qin Gang watched her leave, his unease growing with every step she took.
What game was she playing? Whatever it was, he could not shake the feeling that it would not bode well for him or his allies.