A thought of Imperial Father drew a helpless sigh from Li Rong. "I actually think your idea is pretty good. Toss this bone of power out and let the ambitious fight over it. It would also shift the conflict between the emperor and the great clans.
"As long as we keep a firm grip on military power, we'll be perfectly safe. The realm will still belong to the Li family, and the great clans will be firmly on our side.
"But I'm afraid Imperial Father won't agree. He already hates the great clans taking part in government. Now he'd have to share power over the realm with them and give up control of the court."
Wang Yue knew Li Ming wouldn't agree. He looked at Li Chuan and asked seriously, "What about you, Crown Prince? Do you agree?"
Li Chuan smiled and nodded. "Of course I do. This way, I won't be confined to the palace. I'll be able to do whatever I want."
Seeing Li Chuan put it that way, Wang Yue replied, "Isn't that simple? We have plenty of time. We can just wait."
Li Rong and Li Chuan both laughed. That was right. All they had to do was wait patiently.
Shangguan Yue, however, frowned and hesitated. "But how can we make sure the Imperial Throne returns to Chuan'er? Our emperor hates the great clans, and that means he hates Chuan'er, too."
Wang Yue smiled. "Because Chuan'er is Rong'er's younger brother, he has to be emperor. Rather than worrying about the emperor, Mother-in-law, I think you should worry about whether the great clans will agree."
Though Wang Yue spoke with a smile, everyone present was clever enough to understand the killing intent behind his words.
By the time the Imperial Throne changed hands, Li Ming would already