Rebirth: The Journey of an Heiress novel Chapter 1290

Capítulo 1290: Chapter 1285: Deposed Emperor

The Empress Dowager Yan’s expression grew increasingly excited as she spoke: “At that time… Da Zhou will suffer heavy losses, not to mention leaving itself open to the world’s censure! Bai Qingyan, being so intelligent, cannot fail to understand! After all… the Emperor of Zhou’s blood brother isn’t dead! And we, Yan Kingdom, have shown our position by having me, the Empress Dowager of Yan, personally go to Da Zhou to apologize!”

She exhaled deeply, as if brimming with confidence, and softly said: “As long as the Emperor of Zhou dares not kill me, he will have to set conditions and send me back, thereby resolving Yan Kingdom’s predicament!”

“The Emperor of Zhou is a person with a clear objective, resolutely executing his plans, she… will not stop or change herself for anyone.” Xiao Rongyan spoke in a low voice, full of despair and disappointment, then cleared his throat and continued to the Empress Dowager Yan, “If Da Zhou merely seeks a suitable pretext for attacking Yan Kingdom, I’m afraid they won’t wait for the Empress Dowager to reach Da Zhou’s border before they start the siege! Or… they might set an ambush while the Empress Dowager travels to Dadu City, capture or assassinate her, and then accuse Yan Kingdom of insincerity in seeking to apologize, claiming the Empress Dowager’s visit to Zhou is just a ruse!”

“Similarly, this will also lead the world to doubt the Yan Dynasty’s imperial family!” Zhong Xingxiao quickly added, crying and kowtowing, “It’s not worth it, Empress Dowager!”

Zhong Xingxiao was adamantly opposed to the Empress Dowager going to Da Zhou, as her departure would leave their Zhong family without its sole support, and if she truly perished in Da Zhou, the Zhong family would be finished.

Thus, under no circumstances would Zhong Xingxiao allow the Empress Dowager to go to Da Zhou, something Xiao Rongyan also understood.

Upon hearing Xiao Rongyan’s words, the Empress Dowager Yan’s palm had already tightened, her face turned white, and her clenched hand couldn’t help trembling—killed halfway there?

“Then… what should be done?” The Empress Dowager, brimming with confidence moments ago, was now flustered, looking helplessly at Xiao Rongyan.

Xiao Rongyan was seen stroking the pouch at his waist, pondering for some time before speaking: “Allow me… to return and think about it!” 𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦

“Uncle, there’s no need to think!” Murong Li’s deep and calm voice came from behind, “I… have already sent an envoy to Zhou to discuss this matter with the Emperor of Zhou. By now, Wang Hanbing is likely carrying my private seal into the territory of Da Zhou, and there’s probably no time for Mother and Uncle to stop it!”

“Ah Li!” The Empress Dowager Yan’s voice quivered sharply, yet he even sent Wang Hanbing with his private seal; just what is Ah Li trying to do!

“Uncle!” Murong Ping looked at Xiao Rongyan, inner panic overwhelming.

“Your Majesty! How can you act so rashly!” Though Zhong Xingxiao was shocked and surprised, he unknowingly felt a slight relief, at least the Empress Dowager wouldn’t have to go to Da Zhou to apologize, sparing the Zhong family’s support.

“I am merely informing Uncle, Mother, and the court officials today; whether you agree or not, I… have already done it!” Murong Li carried himself with the demeanor of an emperor, sitting on the throne, hands resting on the dragon heads at each side of the Dragon Throne, speaking slowly, “I am the Emperor of Yan Kingdom; I… am responsible for Yan Kingdom, responsible for the soldiers and people of Yan! If Uncle and Mother truly believe I’ve erred as Emperor, then dethrone me! Dispatch an envoy to Zhou again, declaring that what Wang Hanbing said on behalf of a dethroned emperor is null and void; there may still be time…”

“It seems His Majesty has truly grown independent, no longer in need of assistance!” Xiao Rongyan glared coldly at Murong Li from beneath his mask and swirled his sleeves before leaving.

“A Yan!” The Empress Dowager Yan called out to Xiao Rongyan in a panic, but saw him walk out of the hall without a backward glance.

Murong Li feigned a deeply moved expression towards Zhong Xingxiao and softly spoke: “Thank you, Uncle…”

“Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager may not understand for the moment, I am willing to help explain to her; if Your Majesty permits, I plan to escort the Empress Dowager back to the palace…” Zhong Xingxiao solemnly knelt, “I hope Your Majesty will allow it!”

Murong Li, aware that Zhong Xingxiao understood sending the Empress Dowager out would be harmful, even detrimental, to the Zhong family’s backing in both the royal court and Yan Kingdom, thus his uncle would surely persuade his mother to agree to his plan, and even have her attempt to sway Uncle.

Murong Li’s recent words about dethronement were uttered aloud; for the “Empress Dowager’s faction” in Yan’s court, there was the fear that the Ninth Prince might indeed act to depose Murong Li, or truly send the Empress Dowager to Da Zhou to appease the Emperor of Zhou’s wrath.

At such an internal and external crisis for the “Empress Dowager’s faction,” Zhong Xingxiao, as its leader, naturally chose the lesser of two evils by supporting Murong Li’s approach.

Just as Murong Li had predicted, Zhong Xingxiao was already advising the Empress Dowager Yan on their way back to the palace.

Zhong Xingxiao walked alongside the Empress Dowager Yan, maintaining a respectful demeanor, instructing the eunuchs and palace maids to stay behind and not approach. As they walked, the brother and sister conversed in hushed tones.

“Ah Li is the Emperor; once an imperial decree is spoken, it cannot be easily rescinded! Since Ah Li has sent an envoy to Da Zhou, as Your Majesty’s mother, Empress Dowager must support him! Otherwise…” Zhong Xingxiao’s voice paused, glancing at the grim-faced Empress Dowager Yan.