Since her meeting with Duang Xiaoting, Li Chenxi had been filled with unease. The power struggles within the Royal Palace and the external war were intertwined, and every decision she made could determine her future. She knew she had to quickly understand this unfamiliar world and make the right choices.
A few days later, one clear morning, Li Chenxi sat alone in her quarters, reading some ancient texts, trying to understand the history and power structure of this world. As she flipped through records of the dynasty's past, the palace intrigues, and the outcomes of wars, she gradually realized that the kingdom she was in was not as stable as she had originally thought. In fact, it was riddled with crises both inside and outside.
"Chenxi, good morning." Duang Xiaoting's voice broke her thoughts. She looked up to see Duang Xiaoting standing in the doorway, her expression serious.
"General, is something wrong?" Li Chenxi asked, feeling a wave of anxiety.
Duang Xiaoting entered and closed the door behind her, her gaze fixed on Li Chenxi. She spoke in a low voice, "You've been reading these books recently, and you must have started to notice some things, right?"
Li Chenxi nodded. Though she was still somewhat confused, she could feel the oppressive atmosphere in the palace growing. It was clear to her now that the world was much more complicated than she had first imagined, and her situation was more delicate than she had realized.
"The situation in the palace, the war outside, and even the ambitions of certain people are all slowly changing everything," Duang Xiaoting said in a somber tone. "What you can do now is to learn quickly how to find your footing in the eye of this storm."
"Does that mean... there's no place safe in the palace anymore?" Li Chenxi asked, her gaze intense, searching for answers.
Duang Xiaoting didn't immediately respond. She looked around to ensure no one was listening before speaking in a lowered voice, "Some things are known by more than just a few people in the palace. If you're smart, you'll understand soon enough—the palace is not as harmonious as it appears. And as for your identity as the 'princess,' though it seems secure, in reality, it's just a pawn in someone else's game."
Li Chenxi's heart skipped a beat. She had always thought that her position in the palace, being the daughter of the royal family, would provide her with safety. But Duang Xiaoting's words made her realize that she might be placed right in the middle of a vast whirlpool, ready to be swept away at any moment.
"So, what should I do?" Li Chenxi asked, her voice quiet.
"Learn to read the room, learn to gain power for yourself," Duang Xiaoting's eyes gleamed with sharpness. "You need to have your own strength, whether it's military power or diplomatic influence. Otherwise, you'll always be a pawn for someone else."
Li Chenxi fell silent, the weight of Duang Xiaoting's words settling in her heart. She knew she had no choice but to act. Either she would go along with the tide, letting the situation dictate her fate, or she would take control of her future by force.
"I understand," she said finally, her voice firm. "General, where should I begin?"
Duang Xiaoting nodded, seemingly approving of her decision. She spoke slowly, "First, you need more supporters—not just from within the palace, but also from outside. If you can gain their trust, you might be able to secure more leverage."
Just as they were discussing, a small eunuch hurried into the room, his face pale with urgency. "Princess, the prince requests your presence."
Li Chenxi's heart skipped a beat. The prince? Was it her father, or the prince whom her mother depended on but who had always kept his distance from her? She felt a wave of unease but quickly composed herself and stood up.
"I understand," she replied calmly, before turning to Duang Xiaoting. "General, I will go to see him."
Duang Xiaoting seemed pleased with her composure and nodded slightly. "Go. Remember, no matter what happens, stay calm."
Li Chenxi left the room and walked toward the prince's study. As she made her way through the palace, she couldn't help but notice the increasingly tense atmosphere. Many people spoke in hushed voices, their eyes filled with wariness and hidden meaning. A sense of pressure settled over her, as though something unexpected could erupt at any moment.
When she entered the study, the prince was sitting at his desk, several maps and documents spread before him, seemingly engaged in state affairs. Upon seeing her, he looked up, his eyes reflecting a complex emotion.
"Chenxi, come sit," the prince's voice was low, though it carried little warmth.
Li Chenxi bowed slightly and walked to the desk, her eyes wary as she studied the prince's expression. She knew that this moment required her utmost caution.
"Father, did you need something?" she asked calmly, trying to discern any hints from his reaction.
The prince was silent for a moment before speaking directly. "What have you been doing recently?" His question was indifferent, but there was an undercurrent of something more.
"I've been studying some of the palace history and state affairs," Li Chenxi answered honestly, but she felt a sense of unease. She realized the prince's question was not merely out of concern.
The prince didn't press further on the matter and got straight to the point. "Chenxi, there's movement outside. As you know, the war situation is precarious. Our family cannot remain passive any longer. What you need to do now is not just to be a princess; you need to fight for power for the family."
"Fight for power for the family?" Li Chenxi's heart tightened. "What do you mean, Father?"
"You need to do certain things—form alliances with people, even if it means working with external forces," the prince's eyes flashed with a ruthless gleam. "What you can do is more than just be a meaningless existence."
Li Chenxi's heart churned. She now understood: her father was not trying to protect her; he was using her. And she, too, was destined to find her place in this political game, where the palace and the outside world clashed.