A Troubling Matter

"Dustin, you're not joking, are you?" Margaret furrowed her brows slightly.

The answer had come too suddenly, leaving her momentarily at a loss.

"Would I joke about something like this?"

Dustin gave a faint smile and said, "Your brothers are all mediocre and can't carry the weight of leadership. But you're different --- skilled in both civil and martial affairs, brave and wise, with the people and country in your heart. If you were to take the throne, Dragonmarsh would undoubtedly become even more prosperous."

"Stop it. I'm just a woman --- how could I be fit to rule an entire nation?" Margaret shook her head.

"So what if you're a woman? Why not?"

Dustin wasn’t convinced and spoke steadily, "If we look back a thousand years, wasn’t there a female emperor? Even now, she’s still widely admired."

"That was different," Margaret shook her head again.

"Forget whether it's possible for now --- just ask yourself, do you want to? If you do, then I’ll help you. I believe under your leadership, the nation will only grow stronger," Dustin said clearly.

"This..." Margaret’s elegant brows furrowed.

She had once had similar thoughts, but they were quickly dismissed.

Not because she lacked ability or character, but simply because of her gender --- it alone made the throne seem unreachable.

Societal prejudice was like a towering mountain.

Sometimes, one’s fate was decided by gender alone.

Given Dragonmarsh’s current climate, it was clear the public wouldn’t accept a woman as emperor.

As for that Empress Wu from history --- she was one in thousands of years, a feat almost impossible to replicate.

How could she, Margaret, possibly compare?

"You don’t have to answer me now," Dustin said gently. "Think it over carefully. When you’ve made up your mind, it won’t be too late. Just know that I’m on your side --- whoever you support, I’ll support."

Dustin had never been someone who liked meddling in affairs. If he had to choose among the princes, he’d rather choose none.

He brought it up only because he truly believed Margaret was the most suitable to be empress.

"I'm going to meet with Li Wenxing."

Margaret didn’t say much more. After nodding, she stood and walked out.

She wasn’t some passionless figure without ambition --- she had her own goals.

But her ambition was always for the nation and its people.

She wanted Dragonmarsh to be strong, the country to prosper, and the people to live good lives.

For that, she had put in tremendous effort and shouldered heavy burdens.

Whether running the intelligence agency or risking her life alongside Dustin, it had all been for her country.

In the past, she had only wanted to remain in the shadows.

But now, after Dustin’s words, something in her heart had been stirred.

Should she really go and fight for it?

…

At this moment, in a private room of the Moon Pavilion ---

Li Wenxing sat quietly, gazing at the rising steam from the tea in front of him, though he made no move to drink.

Behind him, Qian Jin stood silently, head lowered, arms hanging down.

Click!

The door suddenly opened.

Margaret walked in with a smile. Li Wenxing immediately stood to show his respect --- after all, he was here to ask a favor, so humility was necessary.

“Big Brother, one doesn’t visit the Three Treasures Hall without a reason. What brings you here so early?”

Margaret gestured politely and then took her seat opposite him with composure.

"Margaret, since we're family, I’ll get straight to the point."

Li Wenxing cleared his throat and said, “You’ve probably heard about the reshuffling of the underground forces last night, right?”

"Of course," Margaret nodded. "Hostile foreign-backed groups like the Temple of Gods have all been purged. It’s actually a good thing for our nation."

"Margaret, with your control over the largest intelligence network in Dragonmarsh, investigating this incident shouldn’t be too difficult, right?" Li Wenxing asked again.

“Why is Big Brother suddenly interested in this matter? Could it be that last night’s reshuffle cost you heavily?” Margaret raised an eyebrow slightly.

"It wasn’t a major loss, just some minor impacts. But what really concerns me is how suddenly this mysterious force appeared. If we don’t get to the bottom of it, I’m worried it might pose a threat to national security," Li Wenxing said smoothly.

Though he had his own agenda, every word he said was cloaked in patriotism.

“I see.”

Margaret smiled. “Such sincerity and selflessness --- truly an example for all of us.”

“Oh, you flatter me. I’m just doing my humble duty,” Li Wenxing said with a modest wave of his hand.

"Very well, since Big Brother asked, I’ll have my people look into it thoroughly."

Margaret agreed readily.

"If I may ask --- how long do you think it’ll take?" Li Wenxing continued.

"Hard to say. But as soon as I have something, you’ll be the first to know." Margaret’s answer was deliberately vague.

"Fair enough." Li Wenxing nodded thoughtfully. "But it’s best not to let others know about this --- just to avoid any unnecessary complications."

"Of course." Margaret replied with a gentle smile.

"Alright then, I won’t take up any more of your time. I’ll be going."

Li Wenxing stood up.

"Let me walk you out, Big Brother."

Margaret gestured gracefully and personally escorted him out of the Sun & Moon Tower.

Only after watching his car drive off did her smile slowly fade.

As she had expected, he came because of last night’s events.

Now that Li Wenxing had made his move, it wouldn't be long before Li Guanglong and Li Juntang came knocking too.

This was going to be a real mess. - Ton