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Empress Dowager Li, Prince Liang Zheng's stepmother, stood before her mirror, admiring her reflection.
"Soon, my children will reign supreme," she whispered.
Empress Dowager Li's twins, Prince Liang Jin and Princess Liang Mei, were her key to power.
Prince Liang Jin, ambitious and cunning, shared his mother's desire for the throne.
Princess Liang Mei, sweet and innocent, remained unaware of her family's scheming.
Empress Dowager Li's gaze turned cold.
"Crown Prince Liang Zheng must be brought down. My son, Liang Jin, deserves the throne."
She began plotting:
Empress Dowager Li, Prince Liang Zheng's stepmother, sat in her chambers, a calculating glint in her eye. She held a document, its contents enough to seal Minister Wang's fate.
"Minister Wang," she summoned, her voice dripping with sweetness.
Minister Wang bowed upon entering.
"Your Imperial Majesty," he said.
Empress Dowager Li smiled.
"I have something that belongs to you," she said, waving the document.
Minister Wang's eyes widened.
"Where did you...?" he trailed off.
"Enough," Empress Dowager Li interrupted. "You'll do my bidding, or this evidence will send you to the executioner."
Minister Wang's face paled.
"Yes, Your Majesty," he acquiesced.
Empress Dowager Li's smile grew.
"Excellent. Now, let's discuss Crown Prince Liang Zheng's...removal."
Minister Wang hesitated.
"But, Your Majesty, the prince is—"
"Useless," Empress Dowager Li finished. "My son, Prince Liang Jin, deserves the throne."
Minister Wang nodded.
"I understand, Your Majesty."
Empress Dowager Li's eyes sparkled.
"I'll guide you. Together, we'll ensure Liang Jin's ascension."
Minister Wang bowed.
"As you wish, Your Majesty."
Empress Dowager Li's eyes gleamed as she watched Minister Wang nod in agreement.
"Spread the rumors, Minister," she instructed. "Make sure the emperor hears of Liang Zheng's treason."
Minister Wang bowed.
"As you wish, Your Majesty."
Empress Dowager Li smiled.
"Remember, Minister, I hold your fate in my hands. Betray me, and..."
Minister Wang paled.
"I understand, Your Majesty."
With Empress Dowager Li's guidance, Minister Wang began spreading false information about Crown Prince Liang Zheng.
"Crown Prince Liang Zheng secretly meets with foreign diplomats," Minister Wang whispered to Advisor Liu.
Advisor Liu's eyes widened.
"Treacherous," he muttered.
Minister Wang nodded.
"And embezzlement, too. The crown prince's corruption knows no bounds."
Advisor Liu gasped.
"The emperor must know."
As the rumors spread, Liang Zheng's reputation suffered. The emperor's trust began to falter.
Meanwhile, Jian Yu and Brother Fang prepared their blackmail plan.
"Brother Fang, Empress Dowager Li's rumors are damaging Liang Zheng's reputation," Jian Yu said.
Brother Fang's expression darkened.
"We must act quickly. Gathering evidence to clear Liang Zheng's name is crucial."
Jian Yu nodded.
"But Minister Wang's involvement complicates things."
Brother Fang's eyes narrowed.
"We'll handle Minister Wang. First, let's find concrete proof of Empress Dowager Li's scheming."
Their investigation led them to a hidden document dropped by an anonymous person:
"Empress Dowager Li's confession: 'I manipulated Minister Wang, using evidence to control him. Together, we'll bring down Liang Zheng.'"
Jian Yu's eyes locked onto Brother Fang's.
"This is it. We have her."