“Find a scapegoat?”
Li Juntang froze for a moment, not quite
understanding. “I beg you, Mother, please elaborate.”
“It’s simple. Hand over one of your powerful
enemies --- those you can’t handle yourself --- to the God Kings of the
Pantheon. Let them do the dirty work,” said Consort Spanner, the corners of her
lips curling slightly. “For example, one of your two royal brothers, or any
other major thorn in your side.”
Li Juntang’s eyes lit up instantly. “Brilliant!
Mother, your words are like a divine revelation!”
Just moments ago, he had been consumed with
panic and failed to see this possibility.
The arrival of the Pantheon’s God Kings was not
only a threat --- it was also an opportunity. If used wisely, their divine
power could be the sword that eliminates his enemies.
This way, not only would he resolve the
immediate crisis, but he could also avoid offending the West Lucozia Prince’s
household, and even use this borrowed knife to pave his own path to power.
This wasn’t just killing two birds with one
stone --- it was a perfect triple gain.
Indeed, when it came to strategy and foresight,
no one was more reliable than his mother.
“Juntang,” Consort Spanner said earnestly, “no
matter the problem, you must remain calm and search for a way to turn the
tide.”
“I’ve said all I need to. What happens next is
for you to decide.”
“Rest assured, Mother. I know what I must do,”
Li Juntang replied with a nod.
Now that he had a plan, it was time to act. His
intelligence network and political resources could now finally come into play.
“One more thing,” Consort Spanner said
suddenly, as if something had just come to mind. “You must manage your
relationship with Logan Rhys carefully. He is the key to your rise --- if you
can bring him into our camp, he will be a tremendous asset.”
“Logan Rhys has the backing of the West Lucozia
Prince’s estate, true. But I don’t think he’s interested in political affairs,”
Li Juntang replied, shaking his head. “I’ve tried to win him over multiple
times with no success. He’s made it clear he doesn’t care for such things.”
In truth, he didn’t think very highly of Logan
Rhys. Despite repeated efforts to woo him, the man showed no reaction --- offering
no courtesy, no cooperation.
Worse still, Logan had taken advantage of the
dragon-source energy in the vault, essentially scheming against him. If not for
his mother’s calming guidance, he might have already fallen out with the man.
To Li Juntang, Logan Rhys was a seemingly
valuable but ultimately useless investment. Not worth the time or energy.
“Even if Logan Rhys isn’t interested in power,”
Consort Spanner said seriously, “you can approach him from other angles. The
important thing is not to alienate him. He’s a high-potential asset, not to be
taken lightly. At the very least, don’t offend him. Understood?”
“I will remember your words, Mother,” Li
Juntang replied, though he didn’t fully agree.
As for how he would handle Logan Rhys going
forward, he made no promises.
In his view, no matter how much potential Logan
had, it was useless if that potential couldn’t be harnessed.
Even Zhuge Liang, the legendary strategist, was
persuaded after only three visits to his cottage.
He had approached Logan Rhys more than three
times --- with humility, with generosity --- and tolerated his schemes and the
trouble he brought. Li Juntang felt he had done more than enough.
If Logan Rhys still didn’t appreciate the
gesture, he wouldn’t continue to beg. He was, after all, a prince of the realm
--- why should he circle around someone beneath him?
Still, even if he couldn’t win Logan over, he
wouldn’t go so far as to make him an enemy.
As long as Logan didn’t provoke him, he would
leave it at that.
“It’s getting late. You should return now,”
said Consort Spanner, once again advising her son. “In matters of great
consequence, every step must be careful. Don’t rush.”
“I’ll remember that. I take my leave,” Li
Juntang said, bowing and turning to go.
“He’s still a little green…” Consort Spanner
sighed softly, watching him leave.
With her sharp mind, how could she not see
through her son’s thoughts?
Li Juntang had only absorbed about seventy
percent of her advice --- the remaining thirty percent pertained to his
attitude toward Logan Rhys.
“Your Highness, the prince is young and
ambitious. It’s only natural he feels a little competitive toward someone like Logan
Rhys,” said the elderly handmaid standing beside her.
This handmaid was Consort Spanner’s most
trusted servant and companion since childhood. Though technically her maid, she
was more like a sister. She also held another identity --- she was Consort
Spanner’s personal guard.
A powerful martial arts master.
She had played a crucial role in helping
Consort Spanner outmaneuver the empress and other concubines, rising safely to
her current position.
"Many years ago, the Royal Astrologer
foretold that Logan Rhys has great luck and is the best minister to follow the
emperor. Although he has been silent for many years, his potential is still
huge. Many people only see the West Lucozia Palace behind Logan Rhys, but they
don't know that Logan Rhys himself is the key. I also hope that Juntang can
seize this opportunity." Consort Spanner said softly.
“If Logan has no interest in politics, there’s
no way to force him,” the handmaid said gently. “As long as the prince doesn’t
offend him, that will be enough.”
Consort Spanner nodded, ending the
conversation. “For Juntang’s safety, go to the Spanner Clan yourself. Ask two
of the Elders to provide covert protection. We can’t afford any accidents.”
“Yes, Your Highness,” the handmaid replied. In
the next instant, her figure vanished into the shadows. - Ton
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