Summer Palace.

King Lionheart Richard is the most powerful iron-fisted monarch of the Aus Empire. After his father Lao Henry's failed eastward invasion, which ended with his death due to illness, the Empire faced internal and external troubles, with voices calling for 'electing democracy' during this crucial time. Richard became the nominal leader of this nation.

King Lionheart is well-versed in Ancient Hua Xia classics from the Blue Star era before the great catastrophe, he holds grand admiration for the strategic thinkers Su Qin and Zhang Yi of the pre-Qin era.

He skillfully applies their concepts of forming alliances and rivalries in his own governance philosophy, whether by forming alliances or employing brutal methods to eliminate threats, uprooting them as a deterrent.

In just three years, he eradicated all oppositional voices and hostile forces within the country, becoming the sole ruler of this nation.

After King Lionheart fully seized power, he did not impulsively launch an attack against the Phoenix Empire like his father, but instead quietly hibernated, waiting like a true lion for the perfect opportunity.

He could sense that the precious chance was about to come.

What comforted him even more was that even the little lion in front of him sensed the same.

Prince Philip stood before his father with vigor and said aloud, "The affair between the Crown Princess Consort and Shen Leyou's exposure will surely intensify the internal chaos in the Phoenix Empire, widening the rift between the Zhong Royal Family and the Shen Family... Even if Zhong Tianque is a fool, he won't willingly become a puppet of Shen Family's manipulation."

"Moreover, using this matter as a catalyst, he will certainly seize the opportunity to cause trouble and find ways to take advantage from the Shen Family. Therefore, I think now is our best chance..."

"If we can push a wave from behind, or send a secret envoy to conduct a private talk with Zhong Tianque, promising him a certain level of support..."

"I think that in the absence of other choices, he should agree to stand with us against the strong enemy."

"Even if Zhong Tianque doesn't agree... as long as news of his meeting with our people reaches the Shen Family, would they still trust him?"

"Philip, your thoughts are excellent." Richard looked at his most beloved youngest son and said, "However, we need to wait a little longer. When a lion hunts a rabbit, it still uses all its strength."

"We must ensure a killing blow, leaving no opportunity for the opponent to resist or struggle. If we act now, do you know what consequences it might bring?"

"Please enlighten me, Father." Philip displayed a humble expression.

"The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind. It's because the mantis and the cicada don't know there's a oriole behind them."

"What would the mantis and cicada do if they knew there was an oriole behind them?"

"I understand." Prince Philip realized and said, "Striking now might intensify the conflict between the Zhong Royal Family and the Shen Family, sowing seeds of suspicion. But it would also expose our intentions."

"Whether it's Zhong Tianque or the Shen Family... realizing that our Aus Empire is watching them from the shadows would elicit a sense of vigilance and threat."

"What might they do? They might strive to repair the conflicts between them, minimizing mutual hostilities as much as possible... In that case, it would be a loss for us."

"Philip, I'm truly delighted that you're able to think this way." King Lionheart showed a comforting expression: "A young lion will eventually grow up to become the lord of the forest."

With his father's praise, Philip wasn't overly proud, but humbly said, "Thank you, Father, for your critiques. I was short-sighted, only seeing the tiny profit in front of me and neglecting the larger strategic thinking of the entire nation."

"Who doesn't make mistakes? You've already done very well by thinking about these things, proving you indeed focus your mind on national affairs." King Lionheart patted his son's shoulder with force, laughingly said, "Although we can't actively intervene in the battlefield, we shouldn't miss the opportunities to act cleverly with the situation. Otherwise, it will cause them to become suspicious of us."

"Father, I understand." Prince Philip understood his father's intention, which was to fan the flames beside the discord, spreading the scandal of the Phoenix Empire: "I will increase the efforts."

"Hmm." King Lionheart nodded, gazing deep at the multi-dimensional planetary map on the desk: "Wait, we will eventually become the sole rulers of this world."

"I remain unwavering." Prince Philip looked at his father with admiration and said loudly, "The Aus Empire will bathe in divine light once again."

------

Phoenix National TV Station.

This is the official media organization of the Empire, always controlled by the Zhong Royal Family.

Although the Shen Family now holds the power behind the Empire, due to their short tenure, and not wanting too stiff a conflict with the Zhong Family, they haven't performed a purge or reorganization.

The National TV Station's subsidiaries include Phoenix TV, TV Cat, Top News, Galaxy Diary and other full media formations. Today, these sites simultaneously released a video:

Zhong Tianque and Crown Princess Consort Dongguo Chenxi apologizing in public.

In the video, dressed in a black suit, Zhong Tianque appears somewhat haggard but has a solemn expression, sincerely addressing the camera, "I know this is the most challenging time for a man."

"However, I am willing to take all responsibility because Dongguo Chenxi is my fiancée and will be the woman I share the rest of my life with."

"Everyone makes mistakes; she only made a mistake that all women in the world might make. She's deeply regretful and has honestly expressed her apologies to me."

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