Shadows in the capital

The capital, a symbol of power and splendor, was now shrouded in an atmosphere of distrust. The streets, once brimming with life, were empty, as if the death of Emperor Zhen Ying had extinguished every last trace of joy. Citizens walked with their heads down, avoiding any eye contact, while soldiers patrolled the corners with restless eyes. The four great families, whose tentacles stretched across the entire Empire, wove intricate networks of espionage, monitoring every word and every movement of those who might pose a threat to their dominance.

In the dark, opulent hall of the Wei family, the air was thick with tension. Jade vases, silk carpets, and ancestral armor seemed to preside over an atmosphere that, far from being glorious, was somber and dangerous. Around an ebony table, representatives of the four great families were gathered, their faces serious and their gazes suspicious. It was time to discuss Yuan Guo.

Yuan Guo was no ordinary name. He had led the imperial army to numerous victories against the northern barbarians, cementing not only his reputation as a brilliant strategist but also his loyalty to the throne. Under his command, the army had reclaimed lost territories and strengthened the Empire's borders, earning him the respect and devotion of many officers and soldiers. Even now, in times of uncertainty, his figure was a symbol of stability and strength for the troops—something the families could not ignore.

The four families not only ruled from the shadows but also held Emperor Zhen Luo under their control. The child, a powerless specter, was merely a ceremonial figure on the throne, while the true governance lay in the hands of the leaders of these houses. In a weakened Empire, the families were the real power, and their control over the throne gave them legitimacy in any conflict that might arise, especially in times of war. Should the barbarian hordes or any faction decide to rebel, it would be the families who would take the reins of military and political power under the guise of imperial orthodoxy.

"What Yuan Guo is doing is reckless," said Wei Chao, leader of the Wei family, tapping the table with a thick finger. His voice was low but firm, like the distant roar of a storm. "We know his influence over the army is vast, but what exactly is he planning? Does he intend to seize the capital under the guise of an imperial mission?"

The leader of the Li family, Li Chang, with his sharp face and cold gaze, leaned forward, his hands resting on the map spread across the table.

"No, Wei Chao. What Yuan Guo is seeking is far more subtle. This isn't about an immediate coup," he replied calmly. "What he's doing is creating distance, and as he steps away, he grows in power. His position is pivotal—he's attempting to ally himself with the army generals, and those generals are the ones who can shift the course of any rebellion."

"But don't you see?" Bei Xian of the Bei family interrupted with a cynical laugh. "What happens if we allow Yuan Guo to become the new leader of the military? The army is already weakened, but its loyalty to the imperial cause is unquestionable. If Yuan Guo grows stronger, if he manages to rally the officers we rely on so heavily, what will remain of our power?" His voice was harsh, as if already contemplating defeat. "We cannot allow him to grow unchecked."

Silence filled the hall. Each of the attendees pondered Bei Xian's words, and the gaze of Yu Qing, leader of the Yu family, drifted toward the ceiling as if searching for an answer in the void.

"The problem isn't Yuan Guo himself," Cong Qing broke the silence with a voice that was a blend of coldness and strategy. "The problem is what he represents: a military figure who could rally the loyalty of the entire army. If we let him act without obstacle, our own generals might follow his example, and that would be a disaster. But what can we do? Acting hastily could be worse than doing nothing."

Wei Chao's eyes gleamed with a calculating light. Of all the families, his was the most pragmatic, and he knew that haste in decisions could mean their downfall.

"So, what do you suggest, Cong Qing?" he asked calmly, observing everyone present. "Do we kill him before he becomes a problem, or do we wait for him to make his move and then crush him?"

Cong Qing remained silent for a moment, thoughtful, before letting out a cold smile.

"No, we mustn't rush into decisions that could backfire. Yuan Guo is still valuable to the imperial cause. We can still use him. We can't unleash him completely, but neither can we destroy him now. He's a valuable piece on the board. We must… simply observe him and ensure he doesn't make a wrong move."

Bei Xian frowned but said nothing. He knew it wasn't the time to oppose that strategy.

"What if he grows stronger outside the capital?" Li Chang asked, looking at the others. "While carrying out the mission he's requested, he could communicate with other army officers and gain their support. How can we be sure he won't use this to overthrow the Empire entirely?"

Once again, silence fell over the hall. This time, it was Bei Xian who broke it with a voice full of mistrust.

"What we need to do is monitor each other. If Yuan Guo moves, we move with him. If he gains power, it must be well-documented and controlled. We need to know everything he does. If he succeeds in allying with high-ranking officers, we shouldn't hesitate to intervene. But for now, we must let him step away… with the condition that he doesn't leave us out of the game."

Cong Qing nodded slowly, while Wei Chao and Li Chang exchanged glances, evaluating the suggestion.

"Agreed," Wei Chao said decisively. "We won't risk a direct conflict with Yuan Guo or the army, but… we must ensure he stays where we need him. At the right moment, we'll surround him with our spies. No one can move without us knowing."

Bei Xian smiled maliciously.

"Then, it's settled?" he asked, looking at the others. "Let him go. But don't let him escape from our grasp."

"Let's not forget the most important thing," Cong Qing interjected again, his grave tone wiping the smile off Bei Xian's face. "The army is loyal to the Emperor, not to us. If Yuan Guo manages to convince the officers that the four families are traitors, if he gives them the idea that we've corrupted the throne and no longer represent the Empire's interests, we could lose the army. If that happens, peasant rebellions won't be our biggest concern. Civil war would erupt immediately, and control over the Empire would vanish. The army could support him, and worse, the generals might join him."

The gravity of his words struck like a hammer upon the attendees. The weight of what was at stake became evident. Yuan Guo not only held military power but could also win the army's loyalty if he convinced the officers that the Empire had fallen into the hands of traitors. The mere fact that he was still considered loyal to Emperor Zhen Luo, even if the emperor was a mere figurehead, was an anchor for the Empire's stability.

"That's true," Wei Chao said, visibly concerned. "If the army follows him, the families will lose all power. The worst part is that, right now, we don't have the strength to confront the generals. We need their loyalty to suppress peasant uprisings and maintain peace in the provinces. Without the army, our control over the Empire would be nothing more than an illusion."

Cong Qing nodded slowly, his face somber.

"That's why we must be careful. Yuan Guo can be a useful ally if we keep him close, but if we let him grow unchecked, he could become our downfall. We need to ensure he's not a threat before it's too late."

Bei Xian remained silent, recognizing the logic behind Cong Qing's words.

"Then our decision is clear," Li Chang finally said, looking at the others. "Let Yuan Guo carry out his 'mission' outside the capital, but keep him under surveillance. If we give him total freedom to act, he could gain the support of the generals and turn his influence into a real danger for the families. We need to stay informed of everything he does and ensure he never becomes a direct threat to our position."

The agreement was made in silence, and the shadows that once seemed distant now felt much closer. In that dark hall, the four families played with fire, and no one knew when the flames might erupt. However, one thing was certain: the army, with its loyalty to the Emperor, would be the key to maintaining or losing power in the Empire. And if Yuan Guo won over the officers, the families would be in grave danger.