Qian Renxue straightened her posture, a faint smile playing at the corners of her lips as she sighed with her arms crossed. "What a pity I didn't meet you earlier. Otherwise, that little fox wouldn't have gotten her way."
Noticing Ye Tian's step backward, she asked with amusement, "Am I really that scary?"
"No, I'm just afraid my resolve isn't strong enough," Ye Tian replied, pursing his lips.
Then, Ye Tian steered the conversation back to the political situation in Heaven Dou. "The power in the Heaven Dou court may seem to lie with the ministers, but in reality, it boils down to the imperial family and the military."
"The imperial family and the military are the true core forces that dictate court power. Most ministers are merely decorations, tools at best. There's no need to waste too much effort on them."
"After all, a new emperor brings new ministers. If you ascend to the throne, most of these officials will likely be replaced."
"Your current identity automatically grants you imperial status, so all you need is control over the military, and the throne will be within easy reach." Qian Renxue's expression darkened briefly before she let out a self-deprecating laugh. "That's a fine idea in theory, but the military isn't so easily controlled."
"All these years, I've been working tirelessly, yet the troops under my direct command number only a few hundred."
The military was the emperor's exclusive domain. Even as the crown prince in name, she couldn't interfere too much without raising suspicions—a grave taboo for any ruler.
Ye Tian smiled faintly. "There's an old saying: 'Training soldiers is less important than choosing generals.' Controlling the military works the same way. You only need to win over a few key generals."
"Compared to painstakingly courting a majority of ministers, winning over a handful of generals is far less work, isn't it?"
"To take it further, the 'military' I mentioned earlier specifically refers to the forces within Heaven Dou City."
"If you can control Heaven Dou City, you control everything." Qian Renxue seemed enlightened by Ye Tian's words. After a moment of contemplation, she said:
"There are three main military forces in Heaven Dou City. The first is the garrison army stationed outside the city, guarding the capital. They number around 50,000, the largest contingent."
"But if they can't enter the capital, their numbers are useless…"
"The second force is the Heaven Dou City Defense Army, numbering about 15,000. It's commanded by General Luo Feng, the 'Tiger's Might.'"
Qian Renxue had already investigated Luo Feng. He was born into a poor family on the empire's border, lost his father early, and relied solely on his mother, enduring a miserable childhood.
Later, Luo Feng awakened a Wolf of Greed martial soul, though his innate talent was mediocre—only level two soul power.
To survive, he eventually joined the Heaven Dou Border Army. Over half his life, he fought in several major campaigns.
Finally, at age sixty—seven years ago—he broke through to become a Spirit Douluo, earning Emperor Xue Ye's favor and appointment as deputy commander of Heaven Dou City's defense forces.
Three years later, he was promoted to full commander.
"Luo Feng is… an odd one," Qian Renxue frowned slightly. "He never exchanges more than necessary words with other ministers."
"Even when I occasionally cross paths with him after court, he merely offers a polite salute. Beyond that, he gives me no opportunity for conversation."
"Someone like him… I truly don't know how to win over." Qian Renxue's eyes clouded with frustration as she sighed. "So, persuading him is even harder than persuading the ministers."
"That's why there's still the third military force, isn't there?" Ye Tian glanced at her with a faint smile.
Qian Renxue chuckled wryly. "The third force is the Imperial Guard, defending the palace. Guard Commander Li Chao has served Emperor Xue Ye since his princely days. Without question, Li Chao is utterly loyal to him."
"Even if Emperor Xue Ye ordered him to die, he wouldn't blink."
"Is there any point in trying to win over someone like that?" Qian Renxue asked with a helpless laugh.
"There is," Ye Tian replied seriously.
"Oh?" Qian Renxue's confusion deepened. "Don't tell me you have the ability to alter someone's mind?"
To her, unless Ye Tian could rewrite Li Chao's loyalty, winning him over was impossible.
Ye Tian smiled faintly. "It seems you still don't grasp the essence of the matter."
"Li Chao is loyal to Emperor Xue Ye, yes—but more than that, he's loyal to the emperor. He would cut down any threat to protect the emperor's safety."
"And your current identity is the emperor's heir."
"In other words, you are the second person Li Chao is sworn to protect."
"His distance from you now is merely to avoid arousing Emperor Xue Ye's suspicions."
"...I can understand that, but I'd rather not," Qian Renxue sighed, massaging her temples. "I know you have a brilliant plan in mind. Just spell it out for me."
"Executing a plan is often simpler than understanding it."
She had to admit, Ye Tian's analytical skills were formidable.
Thankfully, such a person was her ally rather than her enemy.
She couldn't imagine how she'd cope if Ye Tian stood against her. Seeing Qian Renxue's reluctance to overthink, Ye Tian chuckled. "I tried to make you understand, but you'd rather skip to the answer."
"Fine, I'll be direct."
"Right now, your threats come from two main fronts: the political alliance of Prince Xue Xing and Xue Beng, and your mentor's faction, led by the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Secr."
"As for the noble ministers, they're just bystanders in this power struggle. To them, it makes no difference who sits on the throne."
"The solution is to control Heaven Dou City's military, ensuring you can swiftly suppress any sudden upheavals."
"Clearly, the key lies with Guard Commander Li Chao and Tiger's Might General Luo Feng, who oversees city defense."
Qian Renxue nodded hesitantly. "Why would my mentor Ning Fengzhi be a threat?"
She couldn't comprehend it. Once 'Xue Qinghe' took the throne, Ning Fengzhi would be the emperor's teacher, elevating the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's status. As long as her identity remained hidden, shouldn't they support her wholeheartedly?
Hearing this, Ye Tian looked exasperated. "You must understand—the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect isn't a subject of the Heaven Dou Empire. They're its allies."
"Allies—do you get that?"
"...Allies are temporary friends formed under shared threats," Qian Renxue ventured after some thought.
"Close enough." Ye Tian spoke gravely. "The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's close ties with Heaven Dou stem from their common enemy: the Spirit Hall."
"But if you become emperor, Heaven Dou and the Spirit Hall will inevitably ally."
"At that point, forget Ning Fengzhi supporting you—he'd probably try to assassinate you!"
Qian Renxue's eyes widened in realization. "I overlooked that."
"But don't worry too much. The threat from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect will soon be handled by the Spirit Hall for you," Ye Tian said breezily.
"So, your tasks are now just two: win over the two generals, and use them to suppress the Xue Xing-Xue Beng alliance."
"Be more specific. I'm not that bright," Qian Renxue grumbled.
She wanted the generals on her side, but it seemed an insurmountable challenge.
Ye Tian smiled. "The method is simple."
"If we can't make the generals like you more…"
"Then we'll make them dislike Xue Beng and Xue Xing instead!"
Qian Renxue blinked, then brightened. "You're right! Why didn't I think of that?"
"Tiger's Might General Luo Feng is a battle-hardened, no-nonsense man who despises opportunists and gift-givers."
"I can have my secretly controlled ministers send him gifts in Xue Beng's name—frequently!"
"Guard Commander Li Chao shares all intelligence with Emperor Xue Ye."
"I can exploit that by having someone approach Li Chao under Xue Beng's banner."
"Offer him wealth and titles to assassinate 'Xue Qinghe'!"
"Given Li Chao's nature, this false plot will surely reach Emperor Xue Ye's ears."
Here, Qian Renxue couldn't help a light laugh.
"Then I'll have officials secretly impeach Xue Beng, exposing his 'hiding his brilliance' and courting ministers."
"Emperor Xue Ye is inherently suspicious. With this, Xue Beng will surely be exiled from Heaven Dou City!"
"Exactly." Ye Tian grinned.
With his guidance, Qian Renxue had finally caught on.
"Ye Tian, you're a genius!"
Overjoyed, Qian Renxue impulsively stepped forward and hugged Ye Tian tightly.
Then she felt the press of her chest against him, her cheeks flushing as she quickly let go. Staring at his handsome face, she said:
"If only you were my strategist. With you, I wouldn't have wasted ten years in hiding."
"All I did was add finishing touches." Ye Tian waved it off. "Most of this still depends on your efforts."
Qian Renxue smiled. Ye Tian was far too modest.
What a shame—such an exceptional young man, yet snatched up by that little fox first.
As the heir of the Angel family, Qian Renxue's standards for a partner were sky-high.
In all her years, Ye Tian was the only man who had ever stirred her heart.
But fate was cruel—the man she fancied was already taken.
And worse, by her own half-sister.
The thought pained her, leaving her unable to reconcile.
Why couldn't she have met Ye Tian sooner? Just then—
A cheerful voice rang from outside. "Ye Tian, come see what I brought you!"
The door creaked open as the words faded.
Xiao Wu bounded into the courtyard, her face bright, clutching an oil-paper package. After two steps, her smile froze.
Beside Ye Tian stood a slender girl in black mage robes.
The girl had golden hair and breathtaking beauty—enough to steal Xiao Wu's breath away.
She was stunning!
What shocked Xiao Wu more was how close the golden-haired girl stood to Ye Tian—far closer than mere acquaintances would.
A pang of jealousy struck. How had Ye Tian charmed such a beauty so soon after arriving in Heaven Dou? Then she shook her head inwardly.
Why was she jealous? She didn't even like Ye Tian… But then again, as his good friend, wasn't she entitled to a little envy?
After all, she'd never gotten to chat with him so intimately!
"And you are…?" Xiao Wu's gaze fixed on the golden-haired girl.
"Hello, I'm Xiaoxue, a maid serving His Highness the Crown Prince," Qian Renxue introduced herself gracefully.
"Oh, from the Eastern Palace." Xiao Wu nodded. That explained the beauty.
She'd met Crown Prince Xue Qinghe before—a refined, gentle man.
It made sense his attendants would be lovely.
"I'm Xiao Wu, Ye Tian's good friend."
"Um… did the Crown Prince send you for something urgent?" Xiao Wu's tone grew reserved as she set the food package on a nearby table. "If I'm interrupting, I can leave."
Not wanting to arouse suspicion, Qian Renxue smiled lightly and glanced at Ye Tian. "Nothing urgent. His Highness asked me to look after Ye Tian, since he saved the prince's life."
Ye Tian was taken aback. "You're staying here?"
That was bold!
Qian Renxue's other identity was the crown prince. If the prince vanished for days, Heaven Dou's officials would panic.
Hearing Ye Tian's reluctance, Xiao Wu brightened and smiled at Qian Renxue. "No need to trouble yourself, Sister Xiaoxue. I'll take care of things here."
"It's getting late—why don't you return to the Eastern Palace?"
Qian Renxue's guard rose.
This ponytailed girl was acting suspicious.
Why drive her away?
Did she and Ye Tian share some secret?
What alarmed Qian Renxue more was Xiao Wu's striking beauty—large eyes, delicate features, fair skin, and even… adorable bunny ears. The epitome of innocence.
Ye Tian, so young yet already skilled at charming girls. With Hu Liena absent, as her elder sister, shouldn't she safeguard her sister's interests?
Back at the Eastern Palace, a body double stood in for her. And with Emperor Xue Ye bedridden, court sessions had long ceased.
There was no risk of her prolonged stay here exposing her identity.
"Don't be silly, Sister Xiao Wu. His Highness ordered me to tend to Ye Tian—how could I disobey?"
"You've worked hard these days. With me here, you can rest." Qian Renxue's smile didn't reach her eyes.
Xiao Wu wasn't pleased. So she was determined to cling to Ye Tian?
This mysterious woman might even pose a threat.
For Ye Tian's safety, she had to take precautions.
"Let me be blunt." Xiao Wu lifted her chin defiantly. "I'm Ye Tian's girlfriend!"
For his sake, she'd go all out today.
"No way!" Ye Tian and Qian Renxue exclaimed simultaneously.
Qian Renxue instantly regretted it.
In her current role as a palace maid, this was her first meeting with Ye Tian. She shouldn't have reacted so strongly.
Meanwhile, Ye Tian was utterly baffled.
He shot Xiao Wu a look—Sister Xiao Wu, what kind of game are you playing?!
(End of Chapter)