Rebirth: The Journey of an Heiress
Chapter 359 - 356: Not Hesitating to Die A Thousand Deaths_1

Chapter 359: Chapter 356: Not Hesitating to Die A Thousand Deaths_1

Bai Qingyan said, "Your Highness, I have come to disturb you at this time because I must return to Shuoyang ahead of schedule. I worry that Daliang may start a war with our Jin Kingdom at any moment, so I am here to inquire if there is any latest military intelligence on Daliang’s movements?"

Elder Fang sipped his tea without expression. How could the Crown Prince and Elder Fang not be aware of the recent disturbances caused by the Bai Clan in Dadu City?

The Crown Prince thought for a moment, then assumed Bai Qingyan was being pressured by the Clan Leader and elders to concede, prompting her return to Shuoyang to save her clan’s brothers. If that were the case, he could extend a favor by sending someone to notify the local officials.

"The troops of Daliang are arrayed on Hongque Mountain. They haven’t made any moves recently, so there’s nothing major. You may go without worry," the Crown Prince said. Then, looking at Bai Qingyan, he asked, "But didn’t you just return from Shuoyang? Why must you go again? The first of May is soon; why not wait until then?"

Bai Qingyan pressed her lips together, sighed lightly, and, with a hint of distress, said, "Although family scandals should not be exposed, I dare not deceive Your Highness. The Bai Clan in Shuoyang has encountered trouble!"

The Crown Prince adopted a listening posture, waiting for Bai Qingyan’s explanation.

"Last time I returned to Shuoyang, it was because I heard that the descendants of the Shuoyang Clan were using the Bai family’s power in Dadu to act recklessly and commit crimes, even forcing people to their deaths. I had no choice but to return and deal with it. Little did I know, upon returning, that these descendants were using Your Highness’s name to terrorize the locals! In broad daylight, while robbing someone’s shop, they falsely claimed that I had an affair with Your Highness and was the future Empress. If the shop owner did not comply, they threatened his young son."

Bai Qingyan bit her lip, showing a pained expression. "I already bear the name of the God of Slaughter and had vowed never to marry, unafraid of rumors. But Your Highness is the cornerstone of our kingdom, the future Monarch of Jin. Your reputation cannot be sullied! So, I painfully asked the local County Magistrate to impose severe punishment and arrest those descendants who were wreaking havoc, without leniency!"

Seeing Bai Qingyan’s solemn and respectful expression, the Crown Prince’s throat tightened, and his heart was moved.

"Later, the Clan Leader brought the elders to Dadu City to cause trouble, forcing me, as Commandery Princess, to pressure the County Magistrate to release them. But if I agreed, then the populace would think Your Highness condoned the Bai Clan’s actions. How could I comply? Because of this, the Clan Leader and elders caused a commotion at Princess of Zhen’s residence. My grandmother invited them inside and patiently explained why the clan’s offspring could not be lightly indulged. Still, the Clan Leader and elders pressured her to the point of vomiting blood and fainting."

Bai Qingyan paused, looking earnestly at the Crown Prince. "Later, the guards transporting goods back to Shuoyang discovered that some clan offspring, drunk and causing trouble, had murdered someone to force the local officials to release their kin! Now everyone knows I am under Your Highness’s wing. I dare not seek further merit for Your Highness, but I absolutely must not become a burden, making people think Your Highness harbors and protects the Bai Clan."

Hearing Bai Qingyan’s words, the Crown Prince couldn’t help but recall when he suspected Bai Qingyan... She followed him to Feng County to scheme for the sacred deer for him.

The Bai family valued their reputation. Bai Qingyan indeed wholeheartedly considered the future Monarch.

The Crown Prince felt a rush of emotions and nodded. His voice softened, almost imperceptibly. "So, what do you plan to do during this trip back to Shuoyang?"

Bai Qingyan steeled herself, her eyes reddening, determined. "Expel all rebellious descendants from the Bai Clan and ask the local officials to impose the most severe punishment! The Clan Leader, unable to teach the clan to do good, will be dismissed and replaced. If the clan does not comply... I will leave the Bai family in Dadu, apologize to the ancestors, and sever ties with the Shuoyang Bai Clan! Only then, whether the descendants commit wrongdoings in the future, the public will not blame the Bai family in Dadu or Your Highness for protecting the Bai Clan!"

Seeing Bai Qingyan’s forced composure, the Crown Prince was about to speak when Elder Fang interjected, "The Commandery Princess is truly considerate of His Highness. I deeply admire this!"

Elder Fang looked at the Crown Prince and subtly shook his head. The Crown Prince clenched his fist, steadied himself, and nodded. "Yes, I am also deeply grateful."

Bai Qingyan appeared slightly surprised. "Your Highness and Elder Fang, I cannot agree with your praise! This matter has already sullied your reputation. It is a blessing that Your Highness does not blame the Bai family. How dare I accept your gratitude or Elder Fang’s admiration? If you say such words, what am I to do?"

Seeing Bai Qingyan’s sincerity, Elder Fang finally smiled and nodded.

"I know the Bai Clan has caused this. Even if I sever ties, it won’t fully atone for the damage done to Your Highness’s reputation. Calming the clan’s turmoil this time, if there is ever a chance in the future, I... will find a way to win back the people’s hearts in Shuoyang for Your Highness," Bai Qingyan said, her deep and calm gaze filled with determination.

The Crown Prince nodded, his gratitude evident. Deep down, he felt a certain pride. Ultimately, he had won over such a talented individual like Bai Qingyan.

Bai Qingyan rose to take her leave. "Since there are no changes at the Daliang border, I will return to Shuoyang to handle this matter and quickly return. If there are any changes with Daliang during this period, Your Highness can swiftly send for me. I will not hesitate to return even if it costs my life!"

"When does the Commandery Princess plan to depart?" Elder Fang asked.

Bai Qingyan replied courteously, "I planned to leave today, but dealing with the clan’s matters is of great importance. I need to gather evidence of the crimes committed by the clan’s offspring over the years. I only have a little here. I need to collect enough evidence before expelling them from the clan. I have already sent someone ahead to Shuoyang to gather evidence. I will depart the day after tomorrow at dawn and will call for the ancestral hall meeting upon my return."

"You have thought this through. If you need any assistance from me, do not hesitate to ask!" the Crown Prince said.

Bai Qingyan shook her head. "I already feel deeply guilty that the clan has brought trouble to Your Highness. I dare not trouble you further! I take my leave now..."

Elder Fang felt much relieved. If Bai Qingyan had accepted the Crown Prince’s offer of help, Elder Fang would have suspected her motives for visiting the Crown Prince. Since she declined the Crown Prince’s kindness, Elder Fang believed Bai Qingyan truly considered the Crown Prince’s interests.

The Crown Prince personally escorted Bai Qingyan outside the residence. After watching Bai Qingyan and Lu Ping ride away, he turned back to the palace.

Walking beside the Crown Prince, Elder Fang slowly said, "Your Highness, I believe that if investigation proves the Commandery Princess’s words to be true, you might consider... sending trusted aides and a squad of palace guards to accompany the Princess of Zhen."

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