As Liang Zheng handed Jian Yu the documents, their fingers touched, sending a spark through both men.
"Find a safe place to analyze these," Liang Zheng whispered, his eyes locked onto Jian Yu's.
Jian Yu nodded, his heart racing.
Their gazes held, the air thick with tension.
Liang Zheng's hand brushed against Jian Yu's, sending shivers down Jian Yu's spine.
Jian Yu's stomach fluttered.
Liang Zheng's eyes darkened.
"Let's move," Liang Zheng said, his voice low.
They slipped away, finding a secluded alley.
Jian Yu and Liang Zheng found a secluded tavern, hidden from prying eyes. They sat in a dimly lit corner, pouring over the documents.
"These ledgers show massive embezzlement," Jian Yu said, his eyes scanning the pages.
"And these letters reveal corruption at the highest levels," Liang Zheng added.
The documents exposed the emperor's regime, revealing:
. Embezzled funds meant for the people.
. Bribery and corruption among officials.
. Secret executions of dissenters.
Jian Yu's anger grew.
"The emperor's tyranny must end," Jian Yu said.
Liang Zheng's expression turned somber.
"My father's rule has brought suffering," Liang Zheng said. "But there's more. My mother's murder..."
Jian Yu's eyes locked onto Liang Zheng's.
"Tell me," Jian Yu said.
Liang Zheng's voice dropped to a whisper.
"My mother, Empress Wang, discovered my father's corruption. She threatened to expose him. One night, she was poisoned. The official report said 'natural causes,' but I know better."
Jian Yu's grip on the documents tightened.
"I'm sorry, Liang Zheng," Jian Yu said.
Liang Zheng's eyes burned with determination.
"I'll make sure her death isn't in vain. We'll bring my father down."
The documents provided the proof they needed.
But the risks were high. Jian Yu's expression turned contemplative.
"Liang Zheng, I've been thinking," Jian Yu said.
"Yes?" Liang Zheng replied.
"Exposing your father's corruption...it's not just about justice," Jian Yu said. "It's about family. He's still your father."
Liang Zheng's eyes dropped.
"I know," Liang Zheng said. "But my duty is to the people, not my family's legacy."
"Understandable," Jian Yu said. "But consider this: if we expose your father's crimes, his image will be tarnished. The consequences will be severe."
"I'm prepared for that," Liang Zheng said.
"Are you prepared to give up the crown prince seat?" Jian Yu asked.
Liang Zheng's gaze faltered.
"I...haven't thought that far," Liang Zheng admitted.
"Your father will not go quietly," Jian Yu warned. "He'll fight to maintain power. War may be inevitable."
Liang Zheng's face paled.
"I never considered the full implications," Liang Zheng said.
"Exactly," Jian Yu said. "We must weigh our options carefully."
Liang Zheng's eyes searched Jian Yu's.
"What do you suggest?" Liang Zheng asked.
I'll get back to you, Jian said
Walking out of the enclosed place they walk into the alley
As they walked, Liang Zheng's hand grazed Jian Yu's.
Jian Yu's pulse quickened.
Liang Zhang step closer to jian.
Liang Zheng's face drew closer.
Their lips almost touched.
Jian Yu's breath caught.
Liang Zheng's eyes burned with desire.
Just as their lips were about to meet...
A noise echoed through the alley.
They froze.
Their moment shattered.
"Too close," Liang Zheng whispered.
Jian Yu nodded.
But Liang Zheng's desire only grew.
He wanted Jian Yu.
And he would seize the next opportunity.
For now, they focused on what next
But Liang Zheng's heart knew:
His true battle was winning Jian Yu's.
****†****
Jian Yu decided to delay action, seeking Brother Fang's counsel.
"Brother Fang, I need your wisdom," Jian Yu said, arriving at the rebel hideout.
Brother Fang's eyes narrowed.
"What's troubling you, Jian Yu?"
Jian Yu presented the evidence:
"Ledgers, letters, and witness testimonies. The emperor's corruption runs deep."
Brother Fang's expression darkened.
"And Liang Zheng? Where does he stand?"
Jian Yu hesitated.
"Liang Zheng wants to expose his father's crimes, but I'm unsure. The consequences will be severe."
Brother Fang nodded thoughtfully.
"The king is to blame, not the prince. Liang Zheng's just a puppet."
"Exactly," Jian Yu said. "But facing the king at war...it's no match for our rebellion."
Brother Fang's eyes gleamed.
"Perhaps we don't need war. Perhaps we can use the evidence to manipulate the king."
Jian Yu's eyebrows rose.
"How?"
"Blackmail," Brother Fang said. "Threaten to expose the king's crimes unless he steps down."
Jian Yu considered the plan.
"But what about Liang Zheng? His position is precarious."
Brother Fang's expression turned sympathetic.
"Liang Zheng's fate is tied to ours. We must protect him."
Jian Yu nodded.
"I'll speak with Liang Zheng, ensure he understands the risks and our plan."
Brother Fang placed a hand on Jian Yu's shoulder.
"Jian Yu, our rebellion's future hinges on this. We must act fast