The Empror's Trap

Ch 20 - Establishing the Plan

The battle strategy was quickly finalized.

General Balinos would lead fifty thousand troops, with every tactical detail carefully planned out by the assembled generals.

While the Empire occasionally had its share of incompetent officials, overall competence remained high. With vast territories and a thousand-year history, the Empire had no shortage of military talent.

Kenji handed over half of his command seal to Balinos, authorizing him to mobilize the fifty thousand troops.

Then, Kenji brought up his proposal to streamline military reports. Surprisingly, Pluvia agreed immediately.

After careful observation of the Emperor and the generals' reactions, Kenji understood why - she likely didn't have time to review every military report, and her micromanagement skills weren't great. Though this wasn't Kenji's preferred solution, it was necessary. Waiting two or three days for reports to clear the palace during emergencies would be disastrous.

This effectively secured Kenji's grip on military authority.

"By the way, why did you bring your sister today?" Pluvia's expression softened when looking at Siyue.

She held no ill will toward Siyue, having grown up together. After learning of Siyue's supposed mental illness, she'd felt even more protective of her childhood friend. Despite her antipathy toward Kenji, she'd searched for doctors to treat Siyue, until Kenji had to have his sister act more normal and claim she was improving under the Emperor's help...

"Ah, actually, Siyue helped me notice these issues today," Kenji said frankly. Since childhood, Siyue had been brilliant, and her supposed "intermittent" condition allowed for periods of lucidity.

"Oh?" Pluvia's interest peaked. "Such a shame. If not for her illness, I could have given her an official position."

Though certainly not a military one - she couldn't let the siblings completely control the army.

"Siyue, greet the her majesty."

Kenji realized Siyue had been standing silently behind him the whole time, barely noticeable and haven't properly greeted Pluvia.@@@@

"Ah... greetings, Your Majesty." Siyue awkwardly bowed. Everyone, including the emperor, overlooked the clumsy greeting given her condition.

"How have you been, Siyue?"

"Yes, Your Majesty?"

"Some advice: Siyue is a good child. You know what you've done. Don't make me take difficult measures."

She seemed to deliberately avoid his gaze.

"I understand. I'll take good care of Siyue."

Kenji raised an eyebrow, maintaining a neutral expression.

"You... sigh very well."

Pluvia waved them away: "You may go. I'm tired and need rest."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

......

"Pluvia has changed," Siyue mused as they left the palace.

"Oh? How so?"

"She seems... constrained."

Siyue knew Pluvia was never purely kind - few who reached the throne were truly innocent.

But beyond the expected royal decisiveness and cunning, Siyue sensed something unfitting for her position.

Too restrained - or rather, Pluvia now exhibited a sense of constraint.

"Of course she's constrained. She's Emperor now, and she has me to deal with," Kenji said with a bitter smile.

It was true - without him, Pluvia could rule more freely.