fourth chapter betrayal and redemption

yongzong's disgrace in the hands of the turk sentries was like a dart piercing the calm waters of the tang court. lichengqian, who had been silently enduring the humiliation as the "puppy in the litter of princes," suddenly found his own suppressed anger had a target.

he gripped the edge of the desk, his knuckles white. the light in his eyes flashed under the dim candlelight as he thought of yang yong's predicament. this was his chance.

in the grand scheme of things, lichengqian was the eldest son. he had always been expected to inherit the throne in due course. but now, a crisis had opened the door for bold moves.

"the time is ripe," whispered lichengqian to himself, his thoughts racing. he needed to strike while the iron was hot, while yang yong was vulnerable.

the next day, lichengqian sent a message to his loyal advisor, xue shi. "yang yong has fallen," he wrote. "this is the moment we strike."