Rebirth: The Journey of an Heiress
Chapter 616 - 613: A Risky Military Move_1

Chapter 616: Chapter 613: A Risky Military Move_1

"So, the Empress used you from beginning to end! Yet, you are willing to disregard Madam Dong, who sacrificed her life to clean up your mess, for such a woman who plotted against your whole Fu family! Such filial piety truly makes me see you in a new light."

Bai Qingyan spoke in this damp, cold, and old room, her tone remaining flat.

After speaking, Bai Qingyan asked again, "This is the last time I ask you. The lives of your entire Fu family rest on your words. Did the Empress mention in the letter sent to coerce you to return to the Anping Camp that His Majesty’s days were numbered? Will you tell the truth?"

"You suspect...that His Majesty’s fall from the horse was the Empress’s doing?" Fu Ruoxi’s voice was choked and hoarse.

Bai Qingyan sneered, stood up, and brushed the straw from her legs. "I thought you would ask whether I could save your entire Fu family, but I didn’t expect your heart was still with the Empress! Forget it... I originally came here out of pity for Madam Dong, but it seems I came for nothing."

Saying this, Bai Qingyan turned to leave. Fu Ruoxi hurriedly crawled forward on her knees, almost tripping over the chains on her feet, using one arm to support herself. She cried loudly, "Yes! The Empress mentioned in her letter... that His Majesty’s days were numbered and ordered me to return to Dadu City with the Anping Camp to support King Xin’s ascension!"

In the adjacent cell, Lu Jin looked back at the recorder sitting by the lamp... the Registrar of the Court of Judicial Review diligently recording Fu Ruoxi’s words. Seeing him jot down every word on the bamboo slip, Lu Jin nodded and looked at Quan Yu.

Quan Yu clenched his fists tightly, already full of admiration for Bai Qingyan.

As long as Fu Ruoxi spoke, the subsequent interrogation would be much easier.

Bai Qingyan nodded, clearing the doubts she had in her heart since her visit to the Dong Mansion today.

The Empress had learned in advance that the Emperor’s days were numbered. Hence, the Emperor’s staged fall from the horse must have been manipulated by the Empress, turning the fake fall into a real one.

And the Emperor’s call for the Crown Prince to return to Dadu to repair the Jiuxing Tower, forcing him to comply out of filial piety, was likely suggested by King Liang.

King Liang was adept at reading the Emperor’s mind. In the past, besides seeking revenge against the Bai family, he had grasped the Emperor’s intentions, fabricating the Bai family’s rebellion by imitating Bai Qingyan’s grandfather’s handwriting. These actions were characteristic of King Liang.

Bai Qingyan was initially seventy percent certain that this was King Liang’s suggestion to the Emperor. Now, she was convinced.

After advising the Emperor, King Liang conspired with the Empress, encouraging her to turn the Emperor’s staged fall into reality, rendering him comatose.

King Liang’s plan had the Crown Prince restrained by veteran advisor Fang while being suddenly sent to Dengzhou by the Emperor. Seeing that the Crown Prince did not counter King Xin and the Empress, King Liang became anxious and had to stir things up, forcing the Empress and Crown Prince into conflict.

If the Empress mobilized Fu Ruoxi, the fight between the deposed legitimate son and the appointed Crown Prince would lead to mutual destruction. At that time, relying on his father-in-law, King Xian, to raise an army, King Liang could easily secure his desired position.

Though risky, King Liang’s maneuver allowed him to avoid most dangers while reaping the greatest benefits.

To ascend the throne, King Liang was willing to plunge the Jin Kingdom into chaos.

He even considered collaborating with foreign princes.

This showed King Liang’s determination to seize the throne of Jin Kingdom.

Bai Qingyan suddenly recalled Liu Ruofu’s earlier remark...that she had only a few days left. She now understood.

No wonder King Xian was willing to marry Liu Ruofu to King Liang. It was to create chaos in Dadu City, then help King Liang usurp the throne, ultimately paving the way for his grandson’s future reign!

After all, King Liang’s reputation for being weak and easy to manipulate was well-known. If his daughter were pregnant with the future ruler, how could King Xian not be tempted?

Bai Qingyan suddenly grasped the complex situation clearly.

She had underestimated King Liang and Li Mingrui.

Inwardly, she chuckled.

Well, well, originally, Bai Qingyan intended to hold back her sharpness, subtly guiding the Crown Prince to earn merit, helping him secure his position against the Empress and King Xin, despite the trouble.

But since King Liang was so eager to act, Bai Qingyan felt obliged to reciprocate his efforts.

Alright, with King Liang, King Xin, the Empress, and King Xian dead, the Crown Prince would dominate. Given his cautious nature, at least... things would be stable for a year or two.

With stability in Dadu, Ah Jue and the Bai family army could train in the southern borders without worries.

Bai Qingyan thought of King Liang and Liu Ruofu’s wedding on the fifteenth of this month. What could be a better opportunity?

Using their wedding as an excuse, guests from Nandu would arrive in Dadu City to attend. Would there be an issue?

Traveling from Nandu with guards, what could be the problem?

Thus, King Xian’s people could openly enter Dadu City. King Liang’s arrangement was perfect.

Today was the thirteenth, two days remained...

King Liang would surely devise ways to push the Empress and King Xin to act within these two days, making the Crown Prince and Bai Qingyan aware.

Great, King Liang’s efforts saved Bai Qingyan the trouble!

As the mantis stalked the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind, King Liang intended to be the oriole. Bai Qingyan... would be the white python behind the oriole.

This time, let King Liang make the effort.

She would... cooperate with King Liang, making a full show and trapping him.

Bai Qingyan looked at Lu Jin and spoke, "Since General Fu is willing to speak, he is willing to save his entire family. The rest of the words... speak to Minister Lu! As long as General Fu clarifies he acted under duress, His Majesty and the Crown Prince... will surely be lenient."

After speaking, Bai Qingyan exited Fu Ruoxi’s cell, seeing Lu Jin already standing at the door, bowing deeply. "Thank you, Princess of Zhen, for your assistance."

Bai Qingyan also bowed to Lu Jin. "Please, Minister Lu, take care, in memory of Madam Fu’s sacrifice for her family."

"Naturally! It’s only right! The Crown Prince also instructed so," Lu Jin quickly replied.

Actually, Lu Jin deeply respected Bai Qingyan, the eldest daughter of the Bai family.

"One more thing, now that Madam Fu’s suicide in the Court of Judicial Review’s prison is widely known, General Fu, known for his filial piety, might cause the Empress to worry that he will reveal everything. She could send someone to silence him. Minister Lu must be vigilant," Bai Qingyan said, seeing the few prison guards in the Court of Judicial Review. "Don’t let General Fu end up like Marquis of Loyalty and Courage, Qin Dezhao, who was silenced."