Mythical Qin: I, Gao Yao, will never be a eunuch!

Chapter 1222 Fully exploit Li Yunrui's ambition!

"And what happens after he ascends the throne?" Gao Yao countered, then provided his own answer: "If the young emperor and empress are always of one mind, it is actually detrimental to Northern Qi and more likely to arouse suspicion. That's why the most famous rumor in Northern Qi arose about the young emperor and empress dowager's discord over the distribution of power. Only in this way were the royal relatives and ministers of Northern Qi willing to share their power with the weak young emperor, giving him more strength to oppose his mother."

"The difference lies in the fact that this was a setup from the very beginning, a setup orchestrated by a mother and daughter. Only in this way can Zhan Doudou have the opportunity to gradually cultivate her own strength. An orphan and a widow will be feared, but a mother and son at odds will not be. On the contrary, these people will intentionally instigate conflict between the two in order to further secure their own power."

Li Yunrui listened intently. She seemed to see a young girl, dressed in a loose dragon robe, sitting on a high dragon throne, speaking mature words in a childish voice. She saw that girl practicing every expression and every movement alone in front of a bronze mirror late at night, ensuring that she would not reveal any flaws to anyone. She saw that girl maneuvering with those old foxes in the court, seemingly yielding but gradually tightening the reins in her hands.

What kind of forbearance, wisdom, and loneliness does this require?

"As for marrying Si Lili..." Gao Yao smiled slightly, a mischievous glint in his eyes, "Your Highness should understand that it's to silence the gossip in Northern Qi. When an emperor comes of age, he must get married. Marrying an empress can both demonstrate imperial authority and temporarily put those who are watching the harem at ease. Si Lili comes from a prominent family in Northern Qi, so marrying her is itself a political marriage, meant to show those families that the emperor is 'normal' and will continue the bloodline."

Li Yunrui nodded. Of course she understood. Political marriages were a common occurrence in imperial families. But then she suddenly wondered, with Zhan Doudou married Si Lili, spending every day and night together, did that woman named Si Lili know that her husband was actually a woman?

If one knew, what torment would that be? If one didn't know, what absurdity would that be?

"As for the child..." Gao Yao paused meaningfully at this point. His gaze fell on Li Yunrui's face, a gaze that was calm yet sent a shiver down Li Yunrui's spine.

"For Your Highness, having a child shouldn't be too difficult, right?" The words were spoken lightly, as if casually.

But to Li Yunrui, it was like a thunderclap. Her expression changed in that instant.

Gao Yao's words weren't referring to Zhan Doudou at all; they were clearly referring to Li Yunrui! They were clearly referring to... that simple-minded, silly son.

And that... past with Emperor Qing, which is unclear and ambiguous.

Li Yunrui's fingers tightened slightly inside her sleeve. Her gaze towards Gao Yao became incredibly complex in an instant—shock, wariness, anger, and a hint of...fear.

So he knew all along. So he knew from the very beginning.

He knew that Lin Wan'er was not her daughter with Prime Minister Lin. He knew who the child's real father was. He knew how she had used that child to lay a pawn for herself that no one could have imagined, right beside Emperor Qing.

He knew everything. But he never said it aloud. Until now, in such a casual, almost conversational way, he has revealed it all.

Gao Yao met her gaze, maintaining his nonchalant demeanor. He picked up his teacup, took a small sip, as if his earlier remark had truly been just a casual remark.

But Li Yunrui knew it wasn't. It was a warning. It was a reminder. And more than that, it was something complex—something she couldn't quite put her finger on.

He was telling her, "I know your secrets. I know your trump card. Those things you think you've hidden best are, in my eyes, completely transparent."

But at the same time, he was also telling her, "I don't care about these secrets. Because our cooperation is more important than these things. Bloodlines are never an issue for those who truly hold power. Zhan Doudou can do it, and so can you."

The flickering lamplight cast their shadows, sometimes long, sometimes short. The river breeze still seeped in through the window, carrying the coolness of the autumn night. In the distance, the sounds of stringed instruments and a woman's laughter from the forward cabin could be faintly heard, yet they seemed separated by an invisible barrier, creating a completely different world from the quiet cabin.

After a long while, Li Yunrui took a deep breath and slowly calmed herself. She knew that in front of this man, she no longer needed to pretend or hide anything. Because everything was out in his sight.

Then why not... just accept it calmly?

"Sir, you really do know everything." Her voice regained its calmness, even carrying a hint of self-deprecating laughter. "My little schemes have probably been seen through by you long ago, haven't they?"

Gao Yao smiled slightly, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.

"Then I won't hide anything." Li Yunrui looked directly into his eyes, her gaze carrying a hint of frankness and a touch of probing. "Does Lord Gao mean that my foolish son won't be a burden to me? Or even, could he be an asset?"

Gao Yao put down his teacup and nodded slowly.

“Bloodline has always been just a tool. The key is who uses that tool and how they use it.” His voice was not loud, but every word was clear. “Your Highness’s foolish son is indeed somewhat… different from others. But it is precisely this difference that keeps him away from the power struggles in the court, allowing him to become Your Highness’s best shield and buffer at certain times. A prince who seems harmless can be more useful than a shrewd and capable prince at times.”

Li Yunrui seemed to be deep in thought.

"Moreover," Gao Yao's lips curled into a meaningful smile, "Hasn't Your Highness noticed that it is precisely because of that child's existence that someone's vigilance towards Your Highness has decreased considerably?"

Li Yunrui's heart skipped a beat, and he instantly understood Gao Yao's meaning.

Emperor Qing always harbored complex and inexplicable feelings towards his younger sister. That child was both an indelible bond between her and Emperor Qing, and a weakness that prevented him from truly taking drastic measures against her.

That child, seemingly a burden to her, was in fact her greatest protection.

And yet, all these years, she has never truly seen this clearly.

Li Yunrui's gaze towards Gao Yao grew increasingly complex. Just how much more was there about this man that she couldn't understand? What kind of eyes did he possess that allowed him to see through such intricate relationships so clearly?