Chapter 52: CH-52: Something’s definitely fishy!(2)

Far away in the imperial capital, Qian Yinyin had spent the past several days attempting to secure support from the noble families. Her visit to Duke Wei’s residence had ended without a definite answer, and her subsequent attempts to negotiate with other influential households had yielded even less encouraging results.

Some nobles had politely declined to get involved, while others had simply refused to meet her. A few had even gone so far as to express their support for one of her siblings before she could finish explaining her proposal.

It was almost impressive how quickly people could become loyal to whichever side appeared most likely to win.

Qian Yinyin had gradually come to understand the reality of her position. Her siblings possessed established factions, powerful connections, and years of accumulated influence. Meanwhile, she had little more than her imperial title and a determination that was beginning to feel increasingly insufficient.

Still, she had no intention of giving up.

If the noble families were unwilling to support her, then she would have to look elsewhere.

And there was one group whose influence in the Qian Kingdom could not be ignored.

The cultivation sects.

Unlike ordinary noble families, the major sects possessed considerable strength of their own. Their elders could influence regional affairs, their disciples were capable of defending entire territories, and their resources often rivaled those of the wealthiest aristocratic households.

Naturally, convincing them to support an imperial heir would not be easy.

The sects valued their independence, and none of them would willingly become involved in a succession struggle without a compelling reason. Nevertheless, Qian Yinyin believed that there might still be an opportunity if she approached the matter carefully.

Her first destination was the Cloud Piercing Sect.

The sect was influential enough to matter, yet it had maintained a relatively balanced relationship with the imperial court. If she could establish a favorable impression with its elders, perhaps she could find a path forward.

It was a slim possibility, but at this point, she was running out of alternatives.

Besides, she had already visited enough noble residences to develop a genuine appreciation for people who at least allowed her to finish speaking before rejecting her.

That alone made the sects worth trying.

...

Several days later, a carriage bearing the imperial insignia arrived near the entrance of the Cloud Piercing Sect.

The disciples guarding the entrance immediately noticed the unusual visitor. After confirming the identity of the person inside, they quickly informed the elders responsible for receiving distinguished guests.

It did not take long for the news to spread.

The second imperial princess of the Qian Kingdom had arrived.

Naturally, the elders were somewhat surprised.

Although the Cloud Piercing Sect maintained relations with the imperial court, members of the royal family did not visit the sect without a reason. Such visits usually involved matters of mutual interest, official ceremonies, or occasional requests for assistance.

The arrival of an imperial princess during such a sensitive period was particularly unusual.

Nevertheless, the sect had no intention of treating a royal guest with discourtesy.

After receiving the report, several elders gathered to discuss the arrangements before Elder Hui was assigned to welcome the princess. As one of the more composed elders, he was considered suitable for handling diplomatic matters.

This was, of course, a rather convenient way of saying that the other elders preferred to avoid the possibility of accidentally offending royalty.

Cultivation was one thing.

Politics was an entirely different beast.

A cultivator could resolve many disagreements with a sword, but doing the same to an imperial princess tended to create considerably more paperwork.

Elder Hui had no desire to discover how much paperwork the imperial court could produce.

When Qian Yinyin arrived at the reception hall, Elder Hui was already waiting.

"Welcome to the Cloud Piercing Sect, Your Highness. I hope your journey here was pleasant."

Qian Yinyin returned the greeting with a polite smile.

"Thank you for receiving me, Elder Hui. I apologize for arriving without much prior notice."

"There is no need to apologize. The Cloud Piercing Sect is honored by your visit."

The exchange proceeded smoothly, with both parties maintaining the proper courtesy expected of their positions.

After inviting her to take a seat, Elder Hui ordered refreshments to be served. He then exchanged a few pleasantries with the princess, asking about her journey and whether she had encountered any difficulties along the way.

Qian Yinyin answered each question politely, though her attention occasionally drifted toward the elders seated nearby.

She had expected the sect to receive her with courtesy, but she was still relieved that the meeting had begun on such a pleasant note.

At least nobody had immediately told her that supporting her would be a terrible investment.

That was already an improvement over several of her recent encounters.

Elder Hui, meanwhile, was trying to determine the purpose of her visit.

The imperial succession was a sensitive matter, and the second princess had arrived at a time when the royal family was deeply divided. It would be unreasonable to assume that her visit was entirely unrelated to the current political situation.

However, without hearing her intentions directly, he had no reason to jump to conclusions.

Perhaps she had come to discuss trade arrangements, spiritual resources, or some other matter involving the imperial court.

It was best to listen before making assumptions.

After the refreshments had been served, Elder Hui finally asked, "May I inquire about the purpose of Your Highness’s visit? If there is anything the Cloud Piercing Sect can assist with, please feel free to speak."

Qian Yinyin placed her teacup on the table.

She had rehearsed this conversation during the journey, carefully considering how to present her request without appearing desperate. Yet now that the moment had arrived, she found herself hesitating slightly.

The Cloud Piercing Sect was not an ordinary noble household. Its elders were powerful cultivators who had little reason to involve themselves in the affairs of the imperial family.

If she approached the matter too aggressively, she might offend them before she had even made her proposal.

Still, she had not traveled all this way merely to drink tea.

"To be honest, Elder Hui, I came here hoping to discuss a matter concerning the future of the Qian Kingdom."

Elder Hui’s expression became slightly more attentive.

"The future of the Qian Kingdom?"

"Yes. As you are likely aware, following my father’s passing, the imperial family is currently facing a succession struggle. My siblings and I are each seeking support, and the outcome will have considerable consequences for the kingdom."

The elders exchanged brief glances.

So it was about the succession after all.

They had suspected as much, but hearing the princess confirm it made the situation considerably more delicate.

Qian Yinyin continued speaking, her tone remaining composed.

"I understand that the Cloud Piercing Sect has maintained a good relationship with the imperial court for many years. I have no intention of asking the sect to abandon its principles or become involved in unnecessary conflict. However, I hope that the elders will at least hear my proposal before reaching a decision."

Elder Hui remained silent for a moment before nodding.

"Of course, Your Highness. We are willing to hear what you have to say."

The princess drew a quiet breath.

"I wish to seek the Cloud Piercing Sect’s support in my attempt to succeed the throne."

The reception hall became silent.

Although the elders had already anticipated the possibility, the directness of her request still caught their attention.

Seeking support from a major sect was not a trivial matter. Once a sect publicly supported an imperial heir, it could find itself entangled in the succession struggle whether it wanted to be or not.

And with the current political situation so uncertain, such a decision required careful consideration.

Elder Hui exchanged another glance with the elders before turning back toward the princess.

"Your Highness, we appreciate your trust in the Cloud Piercing Sect. However, I believe you understand that this matter cannot be decided hastily. The sect has maintained its independence for generations, and we must consider the consequences of any decision we make."

"I understand."

Qian Yinyin had expected this response.

In fact, she would have been rather concerned if the elders had immediately agreed to support her without asking any questions. That would have suggested either remarkable recklessness or an extraordinary lack of understanding regarding the current political situation.

Neither was particularly reassuring.

"I am not asking you to make a decision today," she continued. "I merely hope that the sect will consider my position and the principles I intend to uphold should I succeed the throne."

Elder Hui nodded thoughtfully.

"Then perhaps you could explain those principles to us in greater detail. We would like to understand what Your Highness intends to accomplish if you become the next emperor."

Qian Yinyin straightened slightly and began explaining her views on the relationship between the imperial court, the noble families, and the cultivation sects.

She spoke about maintaining stability within the kingdom, preventing unnecessary conflicts between powerful factions, and ensuring that the imperial court did not abuse its authority over organizations that had long contributed to the kingdom’s strength.