The Great Zhou Dynasty had a total of five princes and four princesses. Princess Zi Ji ranked ninth; the remaining three princesses had married far away, leaving only her within the imperial family.
Since Princess Zi Ji entered the deep palace, the Emperor's fondness for her was evident to all. That undisguised favor astounded the court and the many great powers, including the five princes.
They were all potential crown princes, individuals who might have become the Heir Apparent and perhaps even succeed the Emperor one day.
However, Princess Zi Ji's existence profoundly threatened their status. If she did not die, how could any of the five princes succeed?
Zhou Huaian was well aware of this. He also understood why the Emperor had sought him out—he had never taken sides and did not belong to any of the five princes' factions.
Having him protect Princess Zi Ji was the best option.
But now, he deeply doubted that.
