In the heart of the kingdom, a web of deceit intervened the royal family, Crown prince Liang Zheng, next in line for the throne, uncovered evidence of his father's corruptions.
"Liang Zheng confronted the emperor"
"Father, how could you?" Liang Zheng whispered, his eyes scanning the documents.
The king's face twisted in anger "silence, Liang Zheng! You'll never rule if you expose me" . Liang Zheng knew he had to act fast. He entrusted Jian, a loyal and cunning ally, with the evidence.
" Jian, use this to protect me. Bring down minister Wang, and the empress will fall"
Jian nodded . "I'll ensure justice is served, Your Highness.
As minister Wang spread the rumors, Liang Zheng reputation suffered.
Jian Yu and Brother Fang devised a plan.
"We'll blackmail minister Wang" Jian Yu said.
"He'll reveal the empress's scheme, Brother Fang nodded.
Jian Yu and Brother Fang devised a plan to blackmail Empress Dowager Li .
"We'll threaten to expose her scheme unless she withdraw her support for Prince Liang Jin." Jian Yu explained.
Brother Fang nodded, "And we'll ensure Liang Zheng's safety
They sent a messanger to Empress Dowager Li, scheduling a secret meeting.
At the meeting, Jian Yu and Brother Fang present the evidence note dropped by the anonymous person.
"Your confession, Empress Dowager Li", Jian Yu said, holding up the note.
"We know your plans"
Empress Dowager Li face pated. "Who dared to betray me" she spat.
Brother Fang stepped forward
" We represent the rebellion. And we'll expose your scheme unless you cooperate".
Empress Dowager Li's eyes narrowed.
"What did you want?". Jian Yu smiled
Ensure Liang Zheng's safety and withdraw your support for Prince Liang Jin or face the consequences.
Empress Dowager Li's expression twisted. Fine, This is not enough for me to back down.
"This isn't over" she said as she walked away.
As she got to her chamber, she searched for the betrayal.
"Empress Dowager Li, enraged by her servant betrayal, summoned the servant to her chamber.
Empress Dowager Li's face twisted in rage as she confronted the servant who had betrayed her
"You dared to betray me?" She spat, her voice venomous.
The servant trampled, falling on his knees,
"I-- I had no choice, Your Majesty.
They threaten to expose me.
Empress Dowager Li's eyes narrowed. "You'll pay for your disloyalty". With a wave of her hand, guards dragged the servant away, never to be seen again.
Meanwhile, Jian Yu and Brother Fang met with Liang Zheng, revealing the empress corruption showing the false accusations.
Liang Zheng's eyes widened in horror. This is damning. We must act quickly. "What did you want me to do" Liang asked .
Make sure the Emperor see this note. Jian Yu said.
The Emperor, enraged by Empress Dowager Li's betrayal and confronted her.
"You foolish woman!" the Emperor thundered
Empress Dowager Li trembled. "I did it for our family's future. Your majesty". The Emperor face reddened.
"Your future? You've sealed your own fate".
Empress Dowager Li's eyes widened as the Emperor's guard dragged her away.
"Jian Yu and Brother Fang dug deeper, uncovering Empress Dowager Li's darkest secrets.
"A hidden affair with a man she was forced to leave behind" Jian Yu revealed.
Brother Fang eyes widened. "Who is he".
Jian Yu's expression turned serious.
"Lord Zhang, the man she was meant to marry. Her father arrange her marriage to the king, despite her protest.
Brother Fang nodded. This changes everything, we can use this to discredit her further.
As they investigated, they discover a shocking truth.
"The twins, prince Liang Jin and princess mei, are not the king's biological children". Jian Yu said stunned.
Brother fang's eyes narrowed. "Then who is their father?".
Jian Yu's voice dropped to a whisper. "Lord Zheng, Empress Dowager Li's lover.
"The king was unaware of her infidelity".
Brother fang's eyes darkened. This is treason. The Empress Dowager Li's deception has corruption the royal bloodline.
Jian Yu's, Brother fang, and Liang Zheng decided to expose the Empress Dowager Li's secrets.
"We'll reveal her affairs and the twins' true parentage, Liang Zheng said, determined.
"Liang Zheng confronted his stepmother, Empress Dowager Li in her prison cell.
Hearing footsteps getting closer to her prison, she adjust her dress thinking the Emperor has come to release her, gazing up, her eyes met Liang Zheng's fuming with anger and hatred.
(☞ ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)☞
"Your deceit has destroyed our family's legacy" Liang Zheng said, his voice firm.
Empress Dowager Li's face contorted.
We've uncover more secrets, Prince said.
"What secret , her eyes narrowed. You'll never prove it" she spat.
The Emperor was approching her prison cell when he had heard what Empress has said.
He paused to listen to what they were saying.
Jian Yu stepped forward. "We have proof. Letters, witness, and documents. Your secret are out". Empress Dowager Li's eyes widened as the evidence was presented to her.
As Jian Yu presented the documents, his words cutting deep. "The twins, Prince Liang Jin and Princess Liang Mei, are not the king's biological children. Lord Zheng, your lover, is their father"
Empress Dowager Li's face paled, her eyes wide with horror. "You'll never prove it" she whispered.
Outside the cell, The king listened, his heart heavy with sorrow and betrayal.
He had suspected Empress Dowager Li's infidelity but never imagined the extent of her deception.
As Jian Yu continued, The king's anger grew.
He pushed open the cell door, his presence commanding attention.
"Empress" the king said, his voice cold.
"Is this true?". Empress Dowager Li's darted between Liang Zheng and the king. Your Majesty, I--" . The king's voice cut her off.
"Did you bear another man's children?".
Empress Dowager Li's composure crumbled.
"I was young, and in love. My father forced me to marry you". I couldn't help myself.
The king's face twisted in pain. "You lied to me, to our people, you corrupted the throne"
Liang Zheng stepped forward. "Father, I--".
The king's gaze halted Liang Zheng. "No, son. This is not your fault". Your mother's action have brought shame to our dynasty.
Jian Yu's voice firm. "Justice will be served. The people demand truth and accountability.
The king looked at Liang Zheng and nodded, his eyes locked on Empress's. "You will face trial for your crimes. Your title and privileges are revoked.
Empress Dowager Li's world crumbled, her screams echoing through the prison corridor.
As they were about to leave, Empress Dowager Li's voice echoed through the cell, halting the king's departure. "Wait! One of them is yours"!
The king turned, his eyes narrowing, "Which one?"
Empress Dowager Li's gaze locked onto the king's, a hint of desperation in her voice "the girl, Princess Liang Mei". She's your daughter.
Liang Zheng's eyes widened in shock. Jian Yu's expression remain skeptical.
The king's face twisted in uncertainty. "How can I trust you? You've lied to me for years".
Empress Dowager Li's voice cracked. "I swear it's true. Mei's birthmark, the shape of her eyes ... they're yours.
The king's eyes darted to Liang Zheng, then back to Empress Dowager Li. "We'll do a paternity test to confirm".
Jian Yu nodded. "A wise decision, Your Majesty. We must ensure the truth".
Empress Dowager Li's face fell, but she nodded. "I understand".
Liang Zheng spoke up, his voice firm. "If Mei is indeed father's daughter, I'll ensure her right are protected".
The king's gaze lingered on Liang Zheng, a mix of gratitude and sorrow. " Thank you, son" .
As they left the cell , Jian Yu whispered to Liang Zheng, " this changes everything. If Mei is the king's daughter, her claim to the throne --" . Liang Zheng's eyes locked onto Jian Yu's.
We'll cross that bridge when we come to it.
First, we need the truth.
乁( •_• )ㄏ