Shameless One

"Damn it! Didn't see that…" The Emperor of the Eternal Dynasty, Liu Anzhi, softly cursed as he studied the chessboard before him. His eyebrows furrowed, but there was a rare sense of ease in his demeanour—a stark contrast to the weight of his usual imperial presence.

Across the golden table, Yang Jiuzhou wore a mischievous smile. "Got you again," he said, his tone carrying a subtle mockery. To an uninformed observer, the two might have seemed like close friends sharing a casual game.

But both men knew better. This brief interlude was not a gesture of camaraderie but rather a diversion in their ever-present contest of power—a quiet battle cloaked in strategy and subtext.

"Hmph, if I'd played this move, wouldn't you have been screwed?" Liu Anzhi asked, his eyes narrowing suspiciously. The majestic authority he usually commanded was softened, though an unshakable aura of royalty still emanated from him.

"You wouldn't have played it. I had already predicted that," Yang replied with confidence. "Your Majesty, I think checkmate is near."

For a fleeting moment, a sharp, icy light flickered in Liu Anzhi's eyes, but it quickly melted into a bright smile. That smile sent a chill down Yang's spine despite its outward warmth.

"I take this move back," Liu Anzhi said quietly, resetting the pieces two moves behind. A giant, crimson "4" glowed faintly on the back of his hand.

Yang froze momentarily before breaking into a resigned laugh. "Not again, Your Majesty. This happens nearly every time we play." Despite his lighthearted tone, there was an underlying resignation—his position, powerful as it was, did not permit him to judge the emperor's actions, at least not for now.

"Your turn," Liu Anzhi said, fixing his gaze on Yang.

Yang leaned forward, carefully studying the board, but before he could make his next move, a messenger entered the room and bowed deeply.

"Your Majesty, Cao Zunsheng requests an audience."

"Let him in," Liu Anzhi replied, his voice calm and unreadable.

The messenger retreated with practised grace, and moments later, Cao Zunsheng, known as the Father of Machines, stepped into the imperial library. Though in his sixties, Cao had replaced much of his body with mechanical enhancements, his appearance was unnaturally youthful, his face exuding a vitality that belied his age. 

As the founder of all mechanical industries across the entire world, Cao received unparalleled respect, one that even the emperor himself had to acknowledge.

"An honour to be in your presence, Your Majesty," Cao said, his tone measured as he bowed deeply.

"No need for such formality, Mister Cao," Liu Anzhi replied evenly. "You know I hold your contributions to the dynasty in the highest regard. Without you, much of what we have achieved would not exist."

"You honour me, Your Majesty," Cao said, his head still bowed. "I am but an old craftsman, nothing compared to the burden you carry as the ruler of an empire."

Liu Anzhi chuckled. "Enough humility, Mister Cao. What brings you here today?"

As he spoke, Yang quietly made his next move on the chessboard, his attention split between the game and the unfolding conversation.

Cao straightened and spoke firmly. "Your Majesty, I wish to discuss Antonio Valdis's invasion of Lordrixis."

Before Liu Anzhi could respond, Yang interjected, his tone measured but questioning. "From my understanding, the Great Five Sects have decided unanimously to remain neutral. We've pledged to provide refuge to those who flee to our borders, as agreed with their king. That is the extent of our involvement."

Cao shook his head. "I speak not as a representative of the Platinum Hall. I relinquished that position to my son long ago. This matter is my own." He paused, then knelt before the emperor. "Your Majesty, Antonio's army is overwhelming. Lordrixis will fall—it is only a matter of time. However, even with the full strength of the two 0th complete ethereal arms, Antonio's forces would not stand a chance against our Eternal Dynasty."

Liu Anzhi nodded. "That is clear. But the three factions remain independent, and we have no obligation to interfere."

Cao's mechanical eyes glinted as he spoke with resolve. "I propose something bolder, Your Majesty. Not only should we refrain from assisting Lordrixis, but we should align ourselves with Antonio Valdis."

Liu Anzhi's eyes darkened, and he stood abruptly, his voice sharp with fury. "Preposterous! The Bog are remnants of Tyrant Kolgwyn's forces. Out of respect for the Three Champions, including my grandfather, Founding Emperor Liu Yu, we will never align with those demons!"

"Your Majesty, please allow me to finish," Cao said quickly. "We would not truly align with them."

Liu Anzhi paused, his interest piqued despite his anger. "Then what is your plan?"

"Instead…" Cao's voice grew louder, carrying an air of conviction. "We use them as a tool to obliterate Lordrixis, wiping it off the map. Once their task is complete, we eliminate every single one of them and claim dominance, becoming the sole kingdom in the entire world!"

Liu Anzhi arched an eyebrow, "Go on."

Relief washed over Cao Zunsheng, emboldening his words. "Your Majesty, if there is one achievement that could be heralded as the greatest in human history, it would be the unification of the entire world under a single banner. Until now, we could never even dream of such a feat—not with our longstanding peace treaty with Lordrixis and the Cult of Luca Azoria binding our hands." He leaned forward, his mechanical eyes gleaming.

"But if Antonio Valdis destroys Lordrixis for us, and we then crush Antonio to take his place, we would stand unchallenged. Not only would you ascend as the greatest ruler the world has ever known, but you would also win the allegiance of the former citizens of both Lordrixis and the Cult of Luca Azoria. This vision of a united world is closer than ever. I implore you to consider this opportunity, Your Majesty!"

Liu Anzhi's expression softened slightly, though his tone remained skeptical. "An interesting idea, but there is a glaring flaw. If we assist Antonio Valdis, how could I ever earn the respect of Lordrixis's people? How would I justify such treachery?"

Cao smiled faintly. "We will not send our army. Instead, we will send our enemies. Free the vilest criminal ever known in our history, Corpse Burier Wu Que and let him assist Antonio. The world will see it as chaos beyond our control, and the Eternal Dynasty will remain untainted."

A slow smile spread across Liu Anzhi's face. "Ingenious. The heavens bless our dynasty for sending such a bright mind under my reign! Prime Minister Yang Jiuzhou, I appoint you to oversee this operation. Ensure that Wu Que is freed and aligned with Antonio's forces."

Yang stood up and bowed deeply. "As you command, Your Majesty."

Yang stepped alongside Cao Zunsheng, giving him a firm pat on the back. "I'll need your guidance, Mister Cao. After all, this grand plan is your brainchild," he said with a smirk.

Cao's face twitched at the exaggerated smile that accompanied Yang's words, but he masked his unease with a nod and a faint smile of his own.

"We shall take our leave, Your Majesty," Yang said with a deep bow. His tone held a mix of formality and subtle levity as he added, "I've made my move. If you're still inclined to play, make yours and wait for my return."

With that, the two men exited the Imperial Library, moving at a deliberate pace. As they passed through the gilded doorway, Cao leaned toward Yang and murmured, "I never expected the emperor to embrace the plan so readily…"

Yang's confidence never wavered. "Trust me," he replied in a low voice, ensuring the emperor couldn't overhear. "Everything will unfold exactly as I've foreseen. I always know the next move."

Just as they reached the threshold, Liu Anzhi's voice rang out, halting them.

"Prime Minister Yang," the emperor said, his tone layered with meaning, "I hope your foresight in real-life chess is as sharp as it is on the board."

Yang turned back, laughing lightly. "Your Majesty, I also hope that you always retain the power to take back your moves, therefore always securing your inevitable victory."