Chapter 5: Subtle Manipulations

The throne room was nearly empty now, with the ministers and courtiers having retreated to their chambers or offices after the morning's tense discussions. Zhihao—Aaron—sat on the grand throne, his fingers absentmindedly drumming against the armrest, eyes glinting with satisfaction. The first court meeting had gone as well as he could have hoped. He had planted enough doubt to keep the ministers off-balance, especially Minister Feng, who was probably scrambling right now to figure out just what had changed about the once-meek king.

The throne was heavy, but the power it symbolized? That was something Zhihao could use. He'd always known how to read a room, how to adjust his mask to suit the situation, and in the game of court intrigue, he had one advantage: no one expected him to be dangerous.

Except, perhaps, General Tian Yi.

Zhihao's eyes flicked toward the door where Tian Yi had stood only minutes before. The general had bowed respectfully, but there was something guarded in his posture, something that told Zhihao the man was more than just a loyal soldier. Stoic, cautious, and probably smarter than most of the people here. A challenge, but an interesting one.

He leaned back, smiling slightly. Tian Yi's loyalty was a priority—not just because the general was the kingdom's best military mind, but because the man's influence extended far beyond the battlefield. The soldiers adored him, and some of the court's more powerful nobles had ties to the army. Securing Tian Yi's loyalty meant securing the kingdom's most formidable force.

Zhihao stood up from the throne, his silken robes whispering against the floor as he stepped down. A servant appeared at his side instantly, bowing low.

"Fetch General Tian Yi," Zhihao said, keeping his tone light, almost casual. "I'd like a private conversation with him before the day is over."

The servant scurried away, leaving Zhihao to his thoughts.

It didn't take long before the doors opened again, and General Tian Yi entered, his presence commanding as always. He approached the throne, his steps measured, and stopped a few feet away before bowing deeply.

"Your Majesty, you requested my presence?"

Zhihao offered a smile that was a little too soft, a little too inviting. "General Tian Yi, yes. Please, come closer. I wanted to speak with you privately about some... concerns."

Tian Yi's eyes flickered with suspicion, but he moved forward, standing close enough that Zhihao could see the tension in his jaw. The man was all duty, wrapped in discipline, and Zhihao could already see the cracks forming in that facade. His new general was not immune to charm, no matter how hard he tried to be.

"I've been thinking about our earlier discussion," Zhihao began, his tone conversational, "about the Xu Kingdom's threat." He paused, letting the moment stretch just long enough to add weight to his next words. "You seem to be the only one in court who truly understands the gravity of the situation."

Tian Yi straightened slightly, his brow furrowing. "Your Majesty, my only concern is for the safety of the kingdom. I have served Xingli with loyalty and will continue to do so, but it is imperative that we prepare for the worst. The Xu forces are not to be underestimated."

Zhihao nodded thoughtfully, as if the general's words were reshaping his entire view of the situation. "Of course. And it's that loyalty I admire, General. I find it... reassuring." He allowed his gaze to linger on Tian Yi, his smile growing just a touch more intimate.

There was a flicker of something in Tian Yi's eyes—uncertainty, perhaps? Suspicion? Or maybe... curiosity? Zhihao had seen it before. He knew that look. Tian Yi wasn't just responding to Zhihao's words; he was responding to him. It was subtle, but it was there.

The general cleared his throat. "Your Majesty is kind to say so. I live to serve the throne."

Zhihao stepped closer, closing the distance between them just enough to be noticeable, but not enough to be inappropriate. "I have no doubt that you will, General. In fact, I was hoping you could offer me more... personal counsel. The court is full of voices, each with their own agendas. But you..." Zhihao's eyes met Tian Yi's, his voice lowering. "You speak the truth."

Tian Yi's jaw tightened, but there was a hesitation in his response, as if he were trying to assess what this new king was playing at. "I will always offer Your Majesty the most truthful counsel, even when it is not what others wish to hear."

Zhihao allowed a light laugh to escape, though it was more like a soft chuckle—just enough to make Tian Yi feel like an insider in a shared joke. "That's exactly what I need, General. Honesty. Loyalty. In a place like this... those are rare commodities."

The silence between them thickened, and Zhihao could practically see the gears turning in Tian Yi's mind. The man was calculating, trying to figure out the game Zhihao was playing. And he was right to be cautious. But that only made it more satisfying. A challenge like Tian Yi wouldn't be won over with simple flattery or overt manipulation. He needed subtlety. Patience. And perhaps a little vulnerability.

Zhihao sighed softly, as if the weight of his new responsibilities were truly sinking in. "This throne... it's heavier than I expected. I feel as if I've been thrown into the deep end of a river, and the current is pulling me in every direction. That's why I need people I can trust. People like you."

Tian Yi's expression softened, but only slightly. "Your Majesty, you are stronger than you realize. I can assure you, the army stands ready to defend the kingdom. But we must act swiftly, before the Xu forces gain too much ground."

Zhihao nodded, stepping back, letting the tension ease just a little. "You're right, of course. We'll need to make decisions soon. But..."

He let the sentence hang in the air, watching as Tian Yi's brow furrowed once more. The general's eyes flickered with a hint of concern, his loyalty battling against his wariness of the king's sudden change in demeanor.

"Is there something else, Your Majesty?" Tian Yi asked, his tone measured, but Zhihao could sense the genuine curiosity beneath it.

Zhihao smiled again, softer this time. "It's nothing, really. I just find it difficult to trust those who surround me. They all have their own interests, their own agendas. But with you... I feel I can let my guard down, if only for a moment."

Tian Yi's eyes widened ever so slightly, just a flash of surprise before his expression hardened again. But Zhihao caught it—just enough of a reaction to know his words had struck the right chord.

"I'm grateful for your trust, Your Majesty," Tian Yi said, his voice a little more strained than before. "I will not betray it."

Zhihao allowed his gaze to soften, letting the moment linger before turning away slightly. "I know, General. I know."

There was a beat of silence before Zhihao dismissed the general, thanking him for his service and promising to consult him again soon about the military's readiness.

As Tian Yi left the throne room, Zhihao watched him go, the faintest smirk playing on his lips. The general was beginning to fall into his web—slowly, carefully, just as Zhihao intended. He didn't need to rush things. The loyalty of someone like Tian Yi couldn't be won in a single conversation, but it could be nurtured over time, with just the right amount of attention.

Now, with Tian Yi intrigued, it was only a matter of time before he became loyal. Not just to the throne, but to Zhihao personally.

Good, Zhihao thought, leaning back into the throne. One piece in place. Now for the rest of the board.