Rebirth: The Journey of an Heiress
Chapter 570 - 567: Expansive_1

Chapter 570: Chapter 567: Expansive_1

For some reason, looking at the speechless Elder Fang, Qin Shangzhi couldn’t help but feel a sense of exhilaration. His eyebrows twitched as he raised his teacup.

The Crown Prince seemed to be in a much better mood. He smiled at Elder Fang and Qin Shangzhi, saying, "Alright, Elder Fang is also doing this for my sake. I understand! This journey... Elder Fang and Mr. Qin have truly worked hard. Go back and rest!"

After saying that, the Crown Prince turned to Bai Qingyan, "You must be hungry after such a long journey. I’ve been vomiting like crazy, and my stomach is very empty! Just now, Quan Yu asked the Imperial Chef to prepare some simple food. Let’s have some."

Elder Fang was very dissatisfied. He had seen the Crown Prince furrow his brows and look weary throughout the journey, without any appetite. Yet now, the Crown Prince appeared full of vigor and actively wanted to eat something.

Seeing Qin Shangzhi had risen, Elder Fang reluctantly stood up and left the main room with Qin Shangzhi.

Once outside, Qin Shangzhi, wearing his old boots, lifted the hem of his robe like a martial character on stage and strode down the steps.

When Quan Yu led palace maids carrying bowls and plates, stepping in lightly and serving the dishes, the Crown Prince ate a few bites. He was so delighted to have resolved a troublesome issue that had been bothering him for days that he drank a few cups of wine.

After getting slightly tipsy, the Crown Prince finally confided in Bai Qingyan, "I... originally thought everything would get better once I sat in this position! But upon sitting in this position, I found it to be like sitting on pins and needles, besieged on all sides! I... I’m not lying to you, I sometimes feel really tired."

"Your Highness should not say such discouraging words. With Elder Fang, Qin Shangzhi, and Ren Shijie, you should entrust them to handle matters. There’s no need for Your Highness to personally attend to everything," Bai Qingyan respectfully said, putting down her chopsticks.

The Crown Prince waved his hand, signaling Quan Yu to pour wine for him, "It’s not like Elder Fang and the others can think of everything for me. For instance, this time... none of the three counselors could think of it. Thanks to your words, I had an epiphany. Otherwise... I wouldn’t have been able to eat today!"

Bai Qingyan lowered her eyes without responding. She did not dare to speak about Ren Shijie but believed Qin Shangzhi was truly talented. She didn’t believe that Qin Shangzhi, well-informed in Dadu, couldn’t figure it out.

Qin Shangzhi was merely suppressed by Elder Fang. Initially, his advice was not used, so he gradually remained silent, leaving Elder Fang to perform.

Having great talent but being unable to showcase it was the real reason why Qin Shangzhi was so depressed in his previous life.

Kneeling beside the Crown Prince’s table with a wine pot, Quan Yu softly persuaded, "Your Highness, you haven’t had a proper meal during this entire journey. For the sake of your health, drink less wine."

"Your Highness, drink less wine! There’s still half a day’s journey tomorrow morning. You might feel uncomfortable. It would be best to rest well tonight," Bai Qingyan also advised.

The Crown Prince smiled and nodded, "Since the Princess of Zhen has spoken, I won’t drink anymore! With Elder Fang, Mr. Qin, Mr. Ren, and you, who always plan for me, by my side, I am very fortunate! I know... in the Jin Kingdom, women’s status is not as high as in Xiliang or the Rong. But in my heart, the Princess of Zhen... is far superior to many men in this world! If your health wasn’t an issue, I... wouldn’t bear to exert you. I would definitely keep you by my side. With you around... I feel at ease!"

"It is my privilege to have your Highness’s trust!" Seeing the Crown Prince’s eyes grow hazy, Bai Qingyan instructed, "Quan Yu... help the Crown Prince to rest."

Quan Yu responded, waving to a few eunuchs.

Seeing the eunuchs supporting the Crown Prince, Bai Qingyan also stood up.

The Crown Prince loudly said, "It’s alright! I’m fine... I’m not drunk! I still want to confide in the Princess of Zhen!"

"Farewell, Your Highness!" Bai Qingyan bowed deeply.

Quan Yu also bowed to Bai Qingyan, "Please wait here, Princess of Zhen. I will send someone to escort you to your rest chamber."

"No rush, take good care of the Crown Prince," Bai Qingyan replied.

Assisted by Quan Yu and several eunuchs, the Crown Prince was taken to his sleeping quarters. The eunuchs carefully laid the Crown Prince on the soft couch. The palace maids brought in a copper basin, copper kettle, and cloths. Quan Yu waved them away and personally cleaned the Crown Prince’s face, trimmed the candle with copper scissors, and used a glass cover to shield the flame.

Hearing that the eunuchs and palace maids had left, the Crown Prince sat up.

Quan Yu quickly called out, "Your Highness," and went to pour water for him.

The Crown Prince, not truly drunk, only pretended to reveal his true feelings to show Bai Qingyan... that he genuinely trusted her.

"Your Highness, have some tea!" Quan Yu handed the warm tea to the Crown Prince, carefully kneeling on the soft couch, massaging his shoulders, "Why did Your Highness pretend to be drunk to deceive the Princess of Zhen? If Your Highness wanted to rest, just say so. The Princess of Zhen wouldn’t have stopped you from resting."

The Crown Prince chuckled, sipping his tea, "I’m not afraid that Bai Qingyan would prevent me from resting. I just want her to know... I trust her! After all, Bai Qingyan is far away in Shuoyang and doesn’t often see me. I need to give her peace of mind."

Moreover, Bai Qingyan’s maternal uncle’s family... is the Dong family!

If King Liang were to aim for the throne, marrying the daughter of the Minister of Judicial Review, Dong Qingping, was undoubtedly for the military power held by Governor Dong Qingyue of Dengzhou.

Now that Liu Ruofu is pregnant and will marry into King Liang’s mansion next month, King Xian undoubtedly supports his son-in-law as Crown Prince. This way, his grandson could potentially become Emperor. King Liang would then essentially have the military power of King Xian. This calculation is not difficult.

Father only consoles him, saying he is already the Crown Prince and no one can surpass him. But what if this direct son, hailed as an auspicious sign and the reincarnation of the sacred deer, is born? Could he not surpass him?

Bai Qingyan is loyal to him, and the Bai family army is led by his people. The Bai family generals only train the troops. But if he used Bai Qingyan as a link and got Dong Qingyue, who treated Bai Qingyan as his own daughter, on his side, then he would have both the Bai family army and the Dengzhou army. That would be foolproof.

As for the legitimate son in the Empress’s womb, he had already thought it through as Bai Qingyan suggested, to temporarily hold off and guard against King Liang, even finding ways to force King Liang to take action.

Perhaps because of the Empress’s pregnancy, the Crown Prince felt an acute sense of crisis. His mind became more active, and he started evaluating those around him. Although Elder Fang’s way of doing things greatly suited the Crown Prince’s preferences and he was utterly loyal...