The chamber fell silent once more.
Finally, Feng Yexuan's indifferent voice broke the stillness.
"What's done is done. Thinking too much won't help. It's better to consider how to move forward."
Prince Yu had been slain, and his forces were about to be dismantled.
In this process, new powers would inevitably rise.
The only advantage now was that Prince Yu didn't have any truly formidable figures under his command, no core leaders.
With Chu Minghao also fallen, and no one legitimately set to inherit Prince Yu's entire military might, his remaining generals would undoubtedly seek their own interests.
Before a new major power could form, their priority was to defeat them one by one.
They would consolidate a portion of Prince Yu's troops, and the rest, being too scattered and weak, would pose no threat.
Eventually, they could be gradually absorbed.
But this would take time, and during this period, they would need to do much work.
"Instead of wasting time regretting what happened to Li'er, it's better to think about how to win over Prince Yu's former subordinates."
Feng Yexuan's words were like a sudden enlightenment for Chu Lingyang and Chu Wang, bringing them back to clarity.
Chu Qianli's composed smile returned to her lips. "Lord Xuan is correct. What has happened cannot be undone by mourning or regret. Second Uncle, Fourth Uncle, why don't we discuss what needs to be done next?"
"It seems you two already had a plan?" Chu Wang glanced at them.
When did their understanding become so good again?
Or perhaps, their understanding had always been there?
For a long time afterward, Chu Qianli was busy assigning tasks.
As night fell, Chu Lingyang left the palace.
Unexpectedly, Lan Ji was waiting at the entrance.
Seeing the Princess of Ling standing outside the palace, Chu Lingyang looked surprised and quickly dismounted.
"Lan'er, why are you here?"
"Waiting for you."
"Waiting for me?" Chu Lingyang hurried to her. "What is it? Why the worried expression?"
Lan Ji glanced towards the palace before beckoning the groom.
Chu Lingyang had no choice but to hand his horse to the guards and return with his wife in a carriage.
Strangely, Lan Ji did not allow the groom to follow, sitting in the front seat herself.
Chu Lingyang asked no further questions, acting as the driver and personally guiding the carriage away.
All the way, Lan Ji remained silent, her mind clearly troubled.
Chu Lingyang knew she had something to say, but now was not the time.
After more than twenty years with his wife, Lord Ling remained as patient as ever.
Even if she said nothing, he would always be there to protect her.
Upon reaching the manor, the carriage drove directly to Lan Ji's courtyard.
Lan Ji ordered all guards and servants to be dismissed before taking Chu Lingyang's hand and entering her room.
"Lan'er, what is it? Is it about my elder brother's affairs that's upsetting you?"
"Prince Yu got what he deserved, his death was well-earned. I have nothing to be upset about."
After all, he had caused the deaths of so many people. Anyone in his position would have to pay with their life.
It's just...
She looked at Chu Lingyang, still deeply worried.
"I know you trust your imperial niece very much, but this time, your imperial niece's methods were too cruel and cunning!"
Lan Ji bit her lip, her voice becoming very soft. "I'm worried that one day, if you threaten her position, she... will she use such methods to harm you as well?"