She valued power above everything else.
Her identity and experiences along every step of her journey had already determined her character and her thinking.
Zhou Cheng could not change her, nor had he ever thought he could.
He wanted to keep the child. The key was how to persuade Li Yunrui.
Empty promises alone were useless against this damned woman. Only the most immediate realities and benefits could move her, making her weigh the gains and losses before choosing what she believed suited her best.
The two looked into each other's eyes.
Candlelight flickered between them, as though trying to see into their hearts through their eyes.
Zhou Cheng sighed softly and spoke.
"Aunt, have you ever considered that you never had a choice when it came to control of the Imperial Treasury? Even without this child, Father Emperor would take it back sooner or later."
Li Yunrui knitted her brows but said nothing.
He continued, "You should understand Father Emperor. No one can defy his will, and no one can change it. From the moment he said, 'Whoever marries Wan'er will take over the Imperial Treasury,' it was destined to leave your hands."
Li Yunrui turned her head, looking past the candlelight at the shifting light and shadows on the wall.
She could not refute him.
Of course she understood, better than anyone, even.
But understanding was one thing. Expecting her to remain unmoved and sit waiting for death? Impossible.
"So what?" She sneered, her expression as cold and cutting as frost.
"Even if he is the emperor, he can't do whatever he pleases! If he wants to take back the Imperial Treasury, he can't blame me for fighting back. I fought to get it. It should be mine, and I won't let him snatch it away with a