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Killing Three Birds with One Stone

“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

Comments

Anonymous said…
Thanks Ton
Anonymous said…
So you know Margret knows more than she has let on about Logan. She probably knows Logan’s fortune. Interesting little scene.
Anonymous said…
Thanks for the update, Admin Ton
Anonymous said…
Thanks Tom -

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