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As Ling escorted Jian to the palace, Brother Fang's whispered words echoed in his mind: "Be cautious, Jian Yu. Liang Zheng's true intentions remain hidden."
Jian glanced at Ling, wondering if she knew more about Liang Zheng's plans.
"Ling, what's going on?" Jian asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Ling's eyes darted around the corridor, ensuring they were alone. "Brother Fang suspects Liang Zheng hides a darker agenda. We must be vigilant."
Jian's unease deepened. "What's at stake?"
Ling's voice dropped to a whisper. "Imperial City's future. Liang Zheng's ambition knows no bounds."
They reached the palace entrance, where Liang Zheng's guards awaited.
"Welcome, Jian Yu," a guard said, his eyes cold. "The Crown Prince expects you."
Jian steeled himself, entering the palace.
Liang Zheng greeted him in the throne room, a calculating glint in his eye. "Jian Yu, I have a task for you."
Jian bowed. "I'm ready, Your Highness."
Liang Zheng's smile widened. "Attend the upcoming banquet. Use your gift to uncover my enemies' secrets."
Jian nodded, sensing hidden dangers.
As he turned to leave, Liang Zheng's voice stopped him. "Jian Yu."
"Yes, Your Highness?"
Liang Zheng's gaze pierced through him. "Remember, loyalty is rewarded. Betrayal is punished."
Jian's heart pounded, unsure what lay ahead as he left the throne room, Liang Zheng's words echoing in his mind: "Loyalty is rewarded. Betrayal is punished."
Ling awaited him in the corridor, her expression concerned. "Jian Yu, are you alright?"
Jian took a deep breath, composing himself. "I'll be fine. What's the plan for the banquet?"
Ling's eyes sparkled with determination. "Brother Fang and I will attend, keeping a close eye on you. We'll identify potential targets for your...gift."
Jian nodded, his mind racing. "Who are Liang Zheng's enemies?"
Ling's voice dropped to a whisper. "The Emperor's advisor, Chancellor Zhou, and the noble families opposing Liang Zheng's rule."
As they approached the banquet hall, the sound of laughter and music filled the air.
Inside, Jian scanned the room, spotting Chancellor Zhou and other key figures.
Liang Zheng's voice whispered in his ear. "Begin, Jian Yu. Uncover their secrets."
Jian's gaze locked onto Chancellor Zhou, focusing his mind.
Visions flooded his thoughts:
Chancellor Zhou's hidden documents, revealing Liang Zheng's corruption.
A secret alliance between Chancellor Zhou and noble families.
A plot to overthrow Liang Zheng.
Jian's eyes snapped back to Liang Zheng, who stood beside him.
"Well?" Liang Zheng asked, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.
Jian hesitated, weighing the consequences of revealing Chancellor Zhou's secrets. Liang Zheng's expectant gaze bore into him.
"Jian Yu?" Liang Zheng prompted, his voice low and menacing.
Jian took a deep breath, deciding to tread carefully. "Chancellor Zhou seems...concerned about Your Highness's policies."
Liang Zheng's eyes narrowed. "Elaborate."
Jian chose his words cautiously. "Chancellor Zhou fears Your Highness's actions may destabilize Imperial City."
Liang Zheng's smile was icy. "And what do you think, Jian Yu?"
Jian walked a tightrope. "I think...Chancellor Zhou's concerns should be heard, Your Highness."
Liang Zheng's gaze turned calculating. "I see. You're loyal to the Emperor, not me."
Jian's heart pounded. "I'm loyal to Imperial City, Your Highness."
Liang Zheng's laughter sent shivers down Jian's spine. "We'll see about that."
As the banquet continued, Jian's mind reeled with the consequences of his choices.
Suddenly, Ling's thoughts invaded his mind. "Jian Yu, beware. Liang Zheng's plan unfolds."
Jian's eyes met Ling's across the room, a silent understanding passing between them.
Author:: :) Jian's loyalty is tested, and Ling's warning hints at impending danger.
When Jian's eyes met Ling's, a spark of understanding flashed between them. Ling's thoughts resonated in Jian's mind: "Be cautious, Jian Yu. Liang Zheng's patience wears thin."
Jian nodded subtly, acknowledging Ling's warning.
Across the room, Liang Zheng's laughter echoed, his smile masking sinister intentions.
As the banquet concluded, Liang Zheng summoned Jian to his private chambers.
"Jian Yu, your loyalty remains questionable," Liang Zheng said, his voice dripping with malice. "Prove yourself. Bring me Chancellor Zhou's documents."
Jian hesitated, torn between loyalty to Imperial City and fear of Liang Zheng.
Suddenly, Ling's presence appeared in his mind. "Refuse, Jian Yu. We'll find another way."
Jian steeled himself. "I won't betray Chancellor Zhou's trust, Your Highness."
Liang Zheng's face darkened. "Foolish decision. You'll regret this."
With a wave of his hand, Liang Zheng summoned guards.
"Take Jian Yu to the East Wing. Prepare him for...persuasion."
Jian's heart sank as guards dragged him away.
In the East Wing, Jian found himself trapped, surrounded by Liang Zheng's loyalists.
Ling's thoughts penetrated the darkness. "Hold on, Jian Yu. Brother Fang and I are coming."