Bab 51: Lover Number 7.2
The Orphic Order embarked on an arduous journey over the following days, engaging in relentless negotiations with the noble and wealthy households that held considerable sway within the empire.
Their aim was clear: to elevate the power and influence of their beloved prince to a level that surpassed even the mighty emperor.
Though Li Jie stood as the sole legitimate heir to the imperial throne, the ever-shifting sands of politics and intrigue had taught him that in the treacherous landscape of courtly life, nothing was certain.
The future was a realm fraught with uncertainties, and who could foresee what it might hold?
The emperor, a figure whom he'd regarded as the embodiment of paternal perfection, had ruthlessly betrayed him. It was a stunning revelation that raised haunting questions.
If he could be disloyal to his own flesh and blood, what prevented him from betraying the empress, Li Jie's own mother?
A chilling realization descended upon him, an icy shroud of anxiety and doubt. Time was of the essence, and the longer he delayed action through lawful channels, the more he exposed the empress to potential danger. The imperial line could not remain stagnant; new heirs would inevitably arrive on the scene.
There lay the heart of the matter, the gnawing uncertainty that had always kept him awake at night.
Whom would the imperial court select? A prince whose heart belonged to another man, or a prince capable of siring legitimate heirs to the throne, securing the future of the empire?
The verdict was agonizingly clear to him. In the ruthless calculus of court politics, Li Jie would not be the chosen one. The path laid before him was fraught with treachery and deception, where loyalty to his true self could be the noose around his neck.
As these thoughts spiraled within him, Li Jie understood that to dance to the emperor's whims would demand a price too steep to bear.
His spirit was already scarred, a testament to the agony he'd endured. He couldn't fathom enduring more. If further torment were to befall him, it would rend his very soul, and the specter of existence would become unbearable.
Observing the emperor's unyielding grip on the throne, it became evident that he harbored ambitions of rule extending until death alone could part him from the imperial seat. For Li Jie, this reality was a grim reminder of the limited time he had to maneuver within these political shadows.
Once, he had entertained the notion of manipulating his father, playing the puppeteer until he held no further utility, and then casting the aging emperor aside. Yet, the emperor's growing control over him had shown Li Jie a stark truth: his father would not be so easily disposed of.
The prospect of ascending to the throne through peaceful, legitimate means had dwindled in Li Jie's mind since he met Parsa. The world he knew within the confines of the palace had expanded beyond the sheltered life of a prince.
In Parsa, he had discovered facets of himself that transcended his royal lineage, facets that the emperor couldn't fathom or tolerate.
The term "coup d'état" passed through Li Jie's lips, barely above a whisper, his voice carrying the weight of his contemplation as it reached the ears of those around him.
"Li Jie...?" Huang Baozhai's voice quivered as she abruptly looked up from her book. Her visage was etched with fear, born from the shock and anxiety triggered by the prince's words.
"Your Highness," Han Yasheng interjected, her voice soft as she tenderly smoothed Li Jie's hair. "Within these palace walls, we must exercise caution in our conversations. You know, the walls have ears."
The acknowledgment that Han Yasheng was privy to his clandestine intentions didn't astonish Li Jie. He had long realized that there were no secrets he could keep from her for more than a day.
A faint smile graced Li Jie's lips as he gazed at his reflection in the mirror. He noticed with a degree of surprise that some of his hair roots had regained their deep black hue, something that Li Jie hadn't seen for a very long time. "I apologize," he sighed. "The words slipped from my tongue before I could think better of it."
Huang Baozhai's heart raced as though she'd been sprinting for hours, despite her hushed tone as she implored, "Li Jie, what are you talking about?" In her eyes, the whispers bore the weight of a shouted declaration, echoing her mounting concern and confusion.
"It's precisely as it appears," Li Jie affirmed, his voice carrying an air of determination, a fire that had been rekindled in his eyes. "I'm planning to claim the throne through force."
Huang Baozhai stared at him, her gaze locked with his. Her intuition was stirred by palace rumors and a realization began to dawn. She hesitated, then suddenly laughed. "You know that you have the unwavering support of the Huang family, right?"
A grateful smile curled on Li Jie's lips as he received the endorsement. "Thank you," he said, allowing Huang Baozhai to playfully wrestle him to the ground. "Although, please don't mention it to Yiming-ge, alright?"
Han Yasheng watched them with a contented expression. She'd noticed Li Jie's self-imposed isolation, his attempt to shield himself from the world's cruelty. After the loss of his lover, Li Jie had cocooned his heart. But now, gradually, he was emerging from his shell, his heart cautiously reaching out to those who cared for him.
With a knowing smile, Han Yasheng made her exit, giving them the space they needed.
Huang Baozhai, her expression turning more serious, spoke, "I don't entirely comprehend your reasons, but I trust you. I won't breathe a word about your intentions, but there's something you must understand. Yiming will go to great lengths to help you when the time comes. Don't push him away. We both love you, alright?"
A contemplative silence settled over Li Jie. He pondered her words, aware of the depth of their love. After that conversation with Han Yasheng, after letting his emotional walls crumble, something had changed within him. It was as if he'd rediscovered the warmth of their affections, a love he'd previously shut out in his grief, one that rivaled the heat of Parsa's embrace.
Li Jie's eyes glistened with sincerity. "I know," he replied, and for the first time in a while, his entire face lit up with a genuine, radiant smile. It was the realization that these friends were not just friends—they were family, as integral to him as Parsa had once been.
PERTIMBANGAN PENCIPTA 
SagharShirazi
SagharShirazi WELCOME BACK TO THE MAIN CHAPTERS!!
This chapter and Chapter 7.1 served as a launching pad for this exciting arc, so don't worry if there wasn't too much action just yet – that's all about to change in the upcoming chapters, so be ready! ;p
By the way, in case you missed it, the EXTRA chapters are just as valuable as the main ones. While they might appear unassuming, they play a crucial role in helping you dive deeper into the characters and their relationships, so don't skip them. <3
And before I wrap this up, I just want to extend my gratitude to all of you who've given this book a chance and stuck with me through my messy self. Your support means the world to me, and I hope I can continue to keep you entertained and not disappoint you. <3333
Status Power Mingguan
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