Chương 56: Lover Number 8.2

The chamber was dimly lit, and the air was heavy with the weight of politics and power. Li Jie, the crown prince, sat at the head of a long table, flanked by his trusted advisors, Alfredo and Alfred.

"Your highness, we're back."

Li Jie nodded, acknowledging their return. "What happened?"

The twins had been his eyes and ears outside the palace walls, gathering crucial information on the ever-shifting dynamics of the kingdom. He had named them Alfredo and Alfred when he was just a mere child, and they refused to change the names that Li Jie had given them.

"Out of the five kings," Alfred continued, "two seem to be indifferent toward the royal court, two are deeply connected to the current emperor, and one seems to be open to change."

Li Jie hazed at them thoughtfully. "King Jiang? Was it him?"

Alfredo nodded. "Yes. Out of the fifteen dukes, thirteen are connected to the emperor, and two are most likely to join your highness's forces."

Li Jie had been building a network of allies in secret, positioning himself to challenge his father's oppressive rule. He had carefully chosen those who showed the most promise in aiding his cause.

"Was Duke Huang one of the two?" Li Jie inquired.

Again, Alfredo confirmed, "Yes. Out of the fifty marquises, twenty-seven seem to want to remain neutral, but of the neutral faction, five can be moved to our side with a little more persuasion. Thirteen of them are on the emperor's side, while the other ten have been part of your highness's faction for a long time."

Li Jie pondered for a moment, his fingers tracing invisible patterns on the polished surface of the table. "About those five neutrals… Based on their behavior, what do you think are my chances of gaining their support?"

Alfredo leaned in, a glint of confidence in his eyes. "Very high, your highness. They have been ambushed by the rebels that your highness has sent. Even some in the emperor's faction need more food and clean water. If your highness offers them your hand before the emperor, we are almost one hundred percent sure that we can gain their support."

Li Jie knew the delicate dance of politics well. Timing and strategy were paramount in swaying the minds of the influential nobles. He could not afford to falter.

"Ming Hua," Li Jie addressed a young woman standing silently in the corner of the chamber. "Can you take care of it?"

Ming Hua stepped forward with a respectful bow. "Yes, your highness. But I must ask, should I take it out of your highness's resources or the main palace's?"

Li Jie considered the options carefully. "Mine. The main palace is too risky. Even when taking from mine, make sure to delete all the transactions."

Ming Hua nodded, her face a mask of serene determination. "Alright, your highness."

As Ming Hua left to execute her orders, the twins exchanged a knowing look with the crown prince.

The room was cloaked in a tense silence as the twins, Alfred and Alfredo, continued with their meticulous report. The atmosphere grew heavier, and Li Jie's heart pounded with anticipation.

"Continue with the report," Li Jie commanded, his voice steady despite the storm of emotions brewing within him.

"Alright, your highness," Alfredo began. "Out of the hundred counts, almost all of them seem to be ready to join your highness if your highness grants them enough power after ascension. Only ten seem to have decided to remain neutral."

Li Jie leaned forward, absorbing every word. This was the crucial information he had been waiting for.

"The odds are really good," Alfred explained, his eyes reflecting confidence. "Even though I was shocked at first, your highness's strategy with the rebels has indeed worked in your favor. Most of the lower-ranking nobilities are in need, and the emperor won't provide for them. Considering their rank, they won't ask about resources immediately, just enough to last them for a while, and they will probably help your highness with requisitions during the rebellion. I can't say anything about after the rebellion, as I'm not sure, but the pros have already outweighed the cons, I think."

Li Jie contemplated this information, his thoughts drifting to the intricacies of his plan. He couldn't afford to make any mistakes, not when his everything was now at stake.

"That's fair, I guess," Li Jie replied, trying to mask the whirlwind of emotions he felt.

However, one question persisted like an unshakable shadow: If Parsa had known the extent of Li Jie's actions, would he still have loved him?

He pushed this question aside, reminding himself of Han Yasheng's words. Love and loyalty were complex, and they could withstand more than one might think. Parsa's love had been genuine, just as Li Jie's was.

Li Jie had to keep telling himself that if their roles were reversed, he would have loved Parsa the same.

Alfredo took over, resuming the report with unfaltering resolve. "Out of the hundred and fifty viscounts, seventy of them seem to be connected to the emperor's faction, while thirty-eight households wish to remain neutral and maintain their allegiance to the royal court. This will leave forty-two viscounts under your highness's leadership."

Li Jie leaned back in his chair, his expression pensive. The pieces of the puzzle were falling into place. His heart raced as he absorbed the implications of this report.

"In conclusion?" Li Jie inquired, his voice laced with a mix of anxiety and determination. He knew the time for action was drawing near, and he couldn't afford to waver.

Alfred met his gaze with a steady look. "In conclusion, Your Highness, when we consider the support from the various noble ranks and their potential influence, it is evident that your side holds a significant advantage, particularly among the higher-ranking nobility. As of now, in summary, Your Highness, you can count on approximately 44.85 percent of the nobility as supporters, with only around 17.33 percent clearly aligned with the current emperor. The remaining 37.82 percent are either neutral or have not expressed a clear preference."

Li Jie felt a surge of emotions welling up within him. This was it—the tipping point. His destiny, and that of the kingdom, hinged on the choices he would make in the days to come.

"Your highness," Alfred mirrored his twin's grin. "We are ready to declare for rebellion."