The decisive victory led by Li Chenxi in the northwest campaign had ensured the security of the Wei Dynasty's border. However, she knew very well that while this victory solidified her control over the military, it did not free her from the power struggles brewing in the imperial court.
In the days following her return to the capital, a sense of unease spread throughout the court. While some officials praised her victory, others began to openly or covertly express discontent, secretly allying with external forces in an attempt to weaken her power.
"Your Majesty, the situation in the court is becoming more complex. The attitude of the senior ministers, especially Grand Chancellor Wang, is becoming increasingly hostile. He has been meeting privately with certain powerful officials." Du Anxiaoting reported in a low voice, her expression grim.
Li Chenxi furrowed her brow, but her mind was already making judgments. Grand Chancellor Wang had always been a man of great scheming and influence in the court. If he allied with other powerful ministers, the situation would become even more complicated.
"What movements has Grand Chancellor Wang made?" Li Chenxi asked in a low tone.
"He has been secretly gathering support from ambitious officials and is even planning to take control of the court." Du Anxiaoting continued, "If we allow him to continue, it could pose a serious threat to Your Majesty."
Li Chenxi nodded slightly, a cold glint in her eyes. "In that case, we must strike first."
The Battle for Power
That evening, Li Chenxi summoned her trusted ministers and generals. Standing above them in the war room, she scanned each person present. The atmosphere was thick with tension; everyone knew that Li Chenxi was about to make a decision that would change the entire court's dynamics.
"Now that the northwest is secure and the enemy has temporarily retreated, we must find a way to balance the power in the court and stabilize the foundation of our Wei Dynasty," Li Chenxi spoke in a deep voice. "It's time to expose the true face of Grand Chancellor Wang and those ambitious ministers."
"Your Majesty, Grand Chancellor Wang has immense influence. If we directly confront him, it may cause turmoil in the palace," one minister cautiously suggested.
"Then we'll use another method to force him to reveal his true intentions," Li Chenxi said with a cold smile, her voice carrying a resolute tone. "I want him to fall into his own trap."
She thought for a moment and decided to use a strategy of division and inducement. First, she would use the victory in the northwest to call a grand court banquet and invite Grand Chancellor Wang to attend, showing him respect. The conversation and atmosphere at the banquet would be key to setting the stage for her next move.
However, she would not merely honor Wang; instead, she would subtly push him into a position of disadvantage using the opportunity of the banquet.
"Tonight's banquet will be personally overseen by me, and all the ministers must feel the weight of my authority," Li Chenxi ordered quietly.
The Chess Game at the Banquet
On the night of the banquet, the palace hall was brilliantly lit, with gold and jade decorations enhancing the festive atmosphere. Grand Chancellor Wang entered in resplendent attire, and everyone in the hall bowed in respect as he made his way toward the seat of honor. Li Chenxi sat at the head of the table, poised and dignified, though her eyes held a sharpness that no one dared ignore.
"Grand Chancellor, it is an honor to have you present tonight," Li Chenxi said with a smile, her tone warm but edged with a hint of steel.
Grand Chancellor Wang smiled in return, bowing slightly. "Your Majesty is too kind. The victory in the northwest belongs to all of our soldiers. Your Majesty need only provide guidance, and the great deeds of the army speak for themselves."
Li Chenxi smiled gently, but there was a cutting edge to her words. "Of course, the victory belongs to the entire army, but let us not forget that the one who commands bears the future of the entire country."
Her words were laced with subtle probing. Grand Chancellor Wang hesitated for a moment but quickly regained his composure. "Your Majesty speaks the truth. The affairs of the court must rely on Your Majesty's wisdom."
At this point, Li Chenxi suddenly changed the subject. "Grand Chancellor, I hear that there have been some important matters recently within the court. How are things progressing with the other ministers? Any new developments?"
Grand Chancellor Wang smiled faintly, playing it casual. "The stability of the Wei Dynasty is of utmost importance. There is no need for Your Majesty to worry. Everything I do is for the peace of the court."
Li Chenxi's gaze sharpened. She could already see through the emptiness and falsehoods in Wang's words. "Stability, you say? Then I trust that Grand Chancellor Wang will continue to focus on state affairs, as your opinion weighs heavily on the court's matters."
Grand Chancellor Wang sensed the hidden meaning behind her words and felt a subtle unease. The atmosphere at the banquet grew tense, as Li Chenxi's smile remained, but her composed aura made everyone reluctant to speak.
The Underlying Current
After the banquet, Li Chenxi stood up and slowly left the hall. She knew that her words tonight had already planted a seed, and that Wang and the other ministers would soon reveal their true intentions.
"Your Majesty, Grand Chancellor Wang's reaction was quite strong," Du Anxiaoting whispered. "It seems he is starting to feel threatened."
"It's time for them to realize that we are not puppets they can control," Li Chenxi said, her eyes flashing with determination. "This game of power is only just beginning."
She turned her gaze toward the deepening palace, silently planning her next moves. The storm in the court had yet to settle, and she had already begun her subtle maneuvers, waiting for the next wave to strike.