Li Chenxi knew that the hidden currents in the palace were intensifying. Although she had already begun to take some measures, the complex web of power had not yet been fully revealed. Every seemingly calm moment in the palace could conceal a deadly conspiracy.
One day, Li Chenxi received the latest military report from the northern border. The news of victory came, but her face showed no sign of joy. She knew that although her success at the frontier had secured Wei's territory, it had also made the power-hungry court officials more wary of her.
Deep in the Imperial Palace, the power struggle had already quietly begun. The powerful Grand Chancellor Wang was still exerting pressure on Li Chenxi, and there were signs that he was secretly collaborating with other influential officials, plotting a greater conspiracy.
The Appearance of the Conspirators
One evening, as Li Chenxi was reviewing the state documents in her study, she suddenly heard hurried footsteps outside the door. Du Anxiaoting entered with a serious expression.
"Your Majesty, we have received news. Someone has secretly made contact with Grand Chancellor Wang, planning to take action at tomorrow's court session," Du Anxiaoting said in a low voice.
Li Chenxi furrowed her brow and put down the documents. "What are they planning?"
"They intend to propose a motion at tomorrow's court session, demanding that Your Majesty hand over control of the military and place all military authority under the command of Grand Chancellor Wang," Du Anxiaoting said calmly. "This will be a direct blow, and if Your Majesty does not respond swiftly, the situation could become very unfavorable."
Li Chenxi remained silent for a moment, her internal resolve growing colder. Grand Chancellor Wang was not only aiming to weaken her power but also seeking to take complete control of the court. And all of this would come to a head at tomorrow's court session.
"Tomorrow's court session must be under my control," Li Chenxi said in a low voice, her eyes glinting with determination. "Tonight, I must meet with some people."
Preparing for the Counterattack
That evening, Li Chenxi gathered her most trusted ministers and generals. They had long known about Grand Chancellor Wang's conspiracy but had refrained from taking direct action. They understood that any move would likely lead to massive upheaval, possibly even civil unrest.
However, under Li Chenxi's pressure, they finally chose to stand by her side.
"Your Majesty, although Grand Chancellor Wang is incredibly powerful, he does have weaknesses," one of the ministers spoke up. "He desires control over the military, but after all, he is no expert in military strategy. If military power were handed over to him, the army would undoubtedly be unsettled."
Another general added, "We can use the military as leverage, stabilize the situation for now, and later find an opportunity to weaken Grand Chancellor Wang's influence in the court."
Li Chenxi nodded, understanding that in this power struggle, she must hold onto the military authority firmly. Her eyes hardened with resolve. "Tomorrow, at the court session, I will propose a condition that forces Grand Chancellor Wang and those officials to back down."
The Power Struggle in the Court
The next day, the court session was filled with tension. All the ministers waited anxiously for the showdown between Li Chenxi and Grand Chancellor Wang. Li Chenxi sat at the head of the hall, her gaze sharp, showing no signs of anxiety.
Grand Chancellor Wang had arrived early, dressed in splendid court robes and wearing a smile as he sat at Li Chenxi's lower position. The other officials took their seats, and the atmosphere in the hall was stifling.
Shortly after the session began, Grand Chancellor Wang led the charge, proposing a motion to demand that Li Chenxi hand over the military command and entrust all military power into his hands. His words were sharp, and his tone carried an implied threat. "Your Majesty has made great achievements on the battlefield, but managing the military requires someone with more experience. If I were to oversee the military, I could ensure the stability of the Wei Dynasty."
The court fell into dead silence as all eyes turned to Li Chenxi.
Li Chenxi did not respond immediately but calmly surveyed the room. After a brief silence, she smiled lightly and spoke in a voice that was calm yet filled with intimidation. "Grand Chancellor Wang, are you suggesting I hand over military power to ensure the stability of Wei? But I have heard that you have been secretly contacting other officials. Could it be that you have other intentions?"
The entire court erupted in whispers. Grand Chancellor Wang's face instantly turned pale. He realized that Li Chenxi had seen through his plan. He paused, not immediately responding, and a flicker of anger crossed his face.
"Your Majesty, what do you mean by this? I am only concerned with the state's well-being, and would never have any ulterior motives," Grand Chancellor Wang said, trying to remain composed, though his voice betrayed his unease.
Li Chenxi did not give him a chance to recover. She continued, "If that's the case, then why have you been meeting secretly with other ministers? Didn't you know that such actions would cause unnecessary suspicion and turmoil? Could it be that you are trying to stir up chaos within the palace in order to seize even more power?"
Her words were sharp and direct, exposing Grand Chancellor Wang's scheme in front of all the ministers.
The Turning Point of Power
The entire court was engulfed in silence. Grand Chancellor Wang stood there, his face becoming increasingly dark. He knew that Li Chenxi had already exposed all his moves. If he continued to press the issue, it would only lead to great turmoil, possibly even his complete downfall.
"Your Majesty speaks the truth," Grand Chancellor Wang took a deep breath and finally decided to compromise. "If Your Majesty feels I am unfit to oversee the military, then I will no longer pursue the matter. As long as the stability of Wei is preserved, I am willing to put the greater good first."
Li Chenxi smiled faintly. "In that case, Grand Chancellor Wang, why don't you stay in the court and continue your service? I believe your contributions to Wei are undeniable."
Her words carried an unmistakable threat. While Grand Chancellor Wang was temporarily spared from being removed from his position, he had completely lost control over the military. The power struggle in the court had turned in Li Chenxi's favor.
A Smile of Victory
As the court session ended, Li Chenxi quietly left the hall, but her mind was already planning the next moves. She knew that although she had won this round, the turbulence in the palace had not yet subsided, and even greater challenges awaited her.
However, she was ready. No matter how the winds shifted in the palace, she would face every challenge with unwavering confidence and expose every conspiracy, taking this power struggle to its ultimate conclusion.