Chapter 148: Shadows of Betrayal
While Lin Yuer's efforts in Hengxi are slowly gaining traction, her enemies remain ever watchful. General Zhao, although momentarily subdued, has not forgotten his ambition, nor has he abandoned his allies. He has begun to rally other discontented factions within the empire—former military commanders, disgruntled nobles, and wealthy landowners who feel threatened by the new direction Lin Yuer has set for the country.
One such figure is Lord Jian, a once-loyal advisor to Lin Yuer who now finds himself aligned with the opposition. Jian, a calculating and ambitious man, has grown resentful of Lin Yuer's success. He believes that her rise to power has sidelined his influence, and he has begun to conspire with Zhao and others to bring about her downfall.
Jian's treachery begins in subtle ways. He feeds false information to Zhao, painting Lin Yuer as a tyrant, a woman whose reforms have sown division rather than unity. He spreads rumors that Lin Yuer is attempting to centralize power and dismantle the traditional structures that have long governed the empire.
Though Lin Yuer remains unaware of Jian's betrayal, her spies soon begin to report suspicious movements—underground meetings, coded messages, and secret alliances forming across the empire. She begins to realize that her enemies are regrouping, and that the next phase of her reign will not be as peaceful as she had hoped.