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As Jian Yu committed to the rebellion, Brother Fang's expression hinted at hidden motives.
"Is this truly about justice?" Jian Yu asked, sensing unease.
Brother Fang's smile faltered.
"For some, yes. For others...it's personal."
Ling's eyes darted nervously.
"What do you mean?" Jian Yu pressed.
Brother Fang leaned in.
"Liang Zheng's corruption is real, but our true goal...is his heart."
Jian Yu's confusion deepened.
"What do you mean?"
Ling whispered.
"Prince Liang Zheng harbors feelings for you, Jian Yu."
Jian Yu's eyes widened.
"That's impossible."
Brother Fang's gaze intensified.
"We've manipulated events to bring you closer to the prince. Your mind-reading ability will reveal his secrets."
Jian Yu felt betrayed.
"You used me."
Ling's voice softened.
"We need your help to bring Liang Zheng down. His feelings for you are our key."
Jian Yu's thoughts reeled.
What did Liang Zheng truly feel?
Was this a clever ploy or genuine emotion?
Jian Yu sought to verify the corruption evidence.
"Show me concrete proof of Liang Zheng's corruption," Jian Yu demanded.
Brother Fang presented documents and witness testimonies.
However, Jian Yu's mind-reading ability detected inconsistencies.
"Some of these witnesses are lying," Jian Yu said. "And these documents have been altered."
Ling's expression turned defensive.
"We had to protect our sources," Brother Fang explained.
Jian Yu's skepticism grew.
"Protect or manipulate?"
Brother Fang's gaze intensified.
"Liang Zheng's corruption is real, but perhaps not as extensive as we claimed."
Jian Yu's thoughts swirled.
What if the rebellion's goals weren't entirely pure?
What if Liang Zheng was not the only one corrupted?
Jian Yu decided to continue with the rebellion, seeking clearer evidence and insight into Liang Zheng's feelings.
"I'll gather more information," Jian Yu said. "But I want honesty. No more manipulation."
Brother Fang nodded.
"We'll provide everything we have. But be cautious, Jian Yu. Liang Zheng's agents are closing in."
Jian Yu's mind-reading ability would be crucial.
Days passed and the prince organized another royal banquet. Jian seized the chance to get into the palace and confront some official..
He attended a royal banquet, mingling with Liang Zheng's officials.
Gathering thoughts and emotions, Jian Yu uncovered:
Jian Yu navigated the lavish banquet, his mind-reading ability on high alert.
"Liang Zheng's officials are wary," Jian Yu thought, sensing the tension.
He approached Minister Wang, a known loyalist.
"Minister Wang, your thoughts are troubled," Jian Yu said, his eyes locked onto the minister's.
Wang's eyes darted around, ensuring they were alone.
"Liang Zheng's decisions have been...questionable," Wang whispered. "But who can oppose the prince?"
Jian Yu's mind probed deeper.
He detected Wang's genuine concern for the people, tempered by fear of repercussions.
Next, Jian Yu engaged with Lady Li, a palace advisor.
"Lady Li, your emotions are turbulent," Jian Yu observed.
Lady Li's expression turned guarded.
"Liang Zheng's affections for you are no secret," she said, her voice laced with envy.
Jian Yu's mind delved into Lady Li's thoughts.
He uncovered her own hidden agenda: using Jian Yu to gain influence over Liang Zheng.
As Jian Yu mingled, he gathered more thoughts and emotions:
- General Chen's loyalty was genuine, but wavering.
- Advisor Zhang harbored corruption, feeding Liang Zheng misinformation.
Jian Yu's mental map of the palace's intricate web expanded.
He sensed Liang Zheng's presence, his emotions complex:
80% genuine attraction to Jian Yu,
20% strategic interest in exploiting Jian Yu's ability.
Liang Zheng's eyes met Jian Yu's across the room.
Their gazes locked, sparks flying.
Jian Yu knew the stakes were higher than ever.
Jian Yu's thoughts swirled.
The rebellion's motives were mixed, but Liang Zheng's corruption was real.
He needed to confront Liang Zheng.
He think swiftly.
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