At that thought, a chill ran down Li Guanglong’s spine.
If the mastermind behind all this was truly Margaret, then the situation was far
more serious than he imagined.
Because Margaret had always been a staunch
monarchist, known for staying out of court politics. For her to suddenly make a
move --- and cause such a commotion --- something was clearly off.
What was she after?
Or… could it be that she had already chosen a
side?
Did she know the Emperor didn’t have long to
live, and was now laying the groundwork for her own future?
The more Li Guanglong thought about it, the
more alarmed and uneasy he became.
Margaret controlled one of the most powerful
intelligence networks in the empire. She could easily cut off all his sources
of information, leaving him completely blind and deaf.
If that happened, he’d be at a disadvantage
before the crown prince battle even officially began.
“You’ve always focused your gaze on the
princes, treating them as enemies --- competing and suppressing them at every
turn. But you’ve never considered that there’s also Princess Anyang quietly building her own strength, and she now has
enough power to shift the balance.”
Eugene Montgomery said calmly.
In truth, before last night’s purge in Stonia,
he hadn’t considered Margaret a factor either.
She’d always kept such a low profile --- never
showed any ambition, never made enemies, never formed factions, never drew
attention.
She’d been like a ghost.
Only last night did this ghost finally reveal
her true edge.
It was only then that he realized: between all
the competing princes, there had been a brilliant and courageous woman hiding
in plain sight.
“Who would've thought that Margaret had such
deep cunning?”
Li Guanglong frowned.
“Uncle Eugene, what should we do now? Judging
by her stance, she clearly doesn’t come in peace.”
“Whether peaceful or not, you must make
contact.”
Prince Eugene Montgomery spoke flatly.
“Start by gathering intel, then get a better
read on her. Once you understand her needs, win her over. No matter how
powerful she is, how capable she becomes, she can’t threaten your place as
heir. What you need to worry about is whether she’ll back another prince.”
As a woman, Margaret had no claim to the
throne.
But with her current influence, she could
certainly alter the power dynamics --- meaning she had to be treated carefully.
“I understand. I’ll handle it right away.”
Li Guanglong nodded and left without another
word.
He was always quick and forceful --- once a
goal was set, he would stop at nothing to achieve it.
“Foster father...”
Just as Li Guanglong left, Mark Montgomery entered.
He’d been eavesdropping outside the whole time
and already understood what had transpired.
“What is it?”
Eugene Montgomery raised his brow slightly.
“You clearly already know about last night’s
upheaval in Stonia. What worries me is… what if Li Guanglong mishandles things?
One wrong move at a moment like this could cost us everything.”
Mark Montgomery said seriously.
“I really don’t trust someone as reckless as Li
Guanglong.”
“And what’s your brilliant plan?”
Eugene Montgomery asked with a smile.
“Foster father, I think it’s unwise to put all
our eggs in one basket.”
Mark Montgomery lowered his voice.
“Li Guanglong might have great power, but he’s
still a brute. Defeating Li Juntang
won’t be easy. If he fails, we’ll all go down with him. Betting everything on
one reckless man is too risky. If we can, we should prepare an alternate path.”
“And what path would that be?”
Eugene Montgomery asked again.
“Simple. You continue supporting Li Guanglong
--- don’t change your public stance. But I will secretly approach Li Juntang.
That way, no matter who wins --- Li Guanglong or Li Juntang --- we’ll have a
foothold either way. We won’t be left empty-handed.”
“That makes a certain amount of sense. But how
do you plan to earn Li Juntang’s trust?”
Eugene Montgomery sipped his tea.
“You should know --- Li Juntang is naturally
suspicious. You’re my adopted son, and I support Li Guanglong. Why would Li
Juntang believe or even use you?”
“That won’t be a problem. I’ve already made a
plan. But it requires your full cooperation.”
Mark Montgomery smiled.
“Oh? Let’s hear it. How am I supposed to
cooperate?”
“It’s simple. We put on a fake falling out. You and I publicly
sever our father-son relationship. That way, we’ll be completely disconnected.
Your image with Li Guanglong remains intact, and I can approach Li Juntang
without suspicion.”
Mark Montgomery explained.
“So you’ve already been plotting this. If I
don’t agree, I’d just be playing the villain.”
Eugene Montgomery said meaningfully.
“Please don’t misunderstand, Father --- I have
no ulterior motives.”
Mark Montgomery swore earnestly.
“You raised me, and your kindness is greater
than a mountain. I’ll never forget that. What I’m doing is simply planning
ahead --- for your sake. If you don’t approve, then forget I ever mentioned
it.”
“Relax, I’m not doubting your intentions.”
Eugene Montgomery smiled.
“Your proposal is sound. I do need a backup
plan. We’ll do as you said. You’re in charge of the operation --- handle
everything.”
Hearing that, Mark Montgomery’s face lit up.
“Thank you, foster father!” - Ton
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