Chapter 218: Preparing to Depart
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Soft sunlight streamed in, yet the atmosphere in the Fei family’s main hall remained heavy.
Xiao Ming felt deeply frustrated. With the barbarians included, the empire now faced four major threats—and two were already at his doorstep.
“The third threat, apart from the barbarians, is the non-imperial feudal lords,” Fei Ji suddenly whispered after a long silence, as if afraid of being overheard.
Xiao Ming stiffened. This was an issue no court official dared mention openly—an unspoken truth everyone understood yet avoided.
Even the powerful Fei family couldn’t withstand the chaos these non-imperial lords might unleash.
“Grand Secretary Fei’s insight is truly exceptional. This humble prince admires your foresight,” Xiao Ming said sincerely.
Fei Ji’s analysis was razor-sharp, pinpointing the empire’s core crisis—internal strife compounded by external threats.
Fei Ji sighed again. “Your Highness flatters me. With your wisdom, you’d have realized it eventually. The external threats are beyond our reach for now, so let me instead explain the factions at court.”
Xiao Ming nodded.
These external problems were currently unsolvable. With his own domain still unstable, tackling them was impossible. Focused development remained his priority.
Fei Ji continued, “The court appears divided between war and peace factions, but the reality is far more complex. The princes each represent different feudal interests. The civil officials led by Cui Hao abet these schemes, seeking to control the court. Even the military faction under Luo Quan isn’t united. Meanwhile, Princess Pingyang stirs unrest in Chang’an.”