Rebirth: The Journey of an Heiress novel Chapter 1311

Chapter 1311: Chapter 1306: Indulgence

But today, he found himself inexplicably fearing Bai Qingyan.

He dared not claim to be deep and calculating, but at least he was older than Bai Qingyan, even older than Bai Qishan, always managing to conceal his thoughts. Yet now, he was completely seen through by that high and mighty... what he thought was a little girl, Bai Qingyan.

If Sima Yan said he wasn’t surprised, that would be impossible. He even felt a moment’s panic.

"So..." Bai Qingyan heavily placed the teacup she held onto the table, the porcelain clattering with a resounding noise, "Master Sima, don’t think you can easily deceive me because of my age. Just speak honestly!"

Sima Yan’s head buzzed as he immediately kowtowed to Bai Qingyan, his forehead pounding the ground so hard stars appeared: "Your servant is fearful; your servant would rather die a thousand times than deceive Your Majesty!"

In truth, Sima Yan knew that since Bai Qingyan valued Sima Ruodan, she would definitely send people to investigate the matter after returning. He had thought that once the deed was done, and with his mother’s intervention, the certainty of Sima Ruodan’s death meant no one would know—clinging to a faint hope—and chose not to deal with the aftermath.

His mother had not involved herself in household affairs for many years, possessing few competent people, inevitably leaving various flaws. Bai Qingyan now had many capable subordinates.

In a fleeting moment, Sima Yan’s mind raced, cold sweat running down his spine, and he hurriedly kowtowed: "Your Majesty, regardless of who did this, the matter arose in our Sima household. As the head of the Sima family, I should naturally shoulder everything. Please understand my intentions, Your Majesty, punish Sima Yan, but spare my family!"

Just as Sima Yan finished speaking, Wei Zhong hurried in, covering his mouth as he whispered to Bai Qingyan: "Your Majesty, the mother of the Imperial Censor, Madam Sima, is currently at the Court of Judicial Review, admitting to having harmed Princess Xiangxie, requesting punishment from the Court, and even brought a confession... The Court is still aligning things, so it hasn’t been sent over yet."

This was both unexpected and yet within Bai Qingyan’s expectations.

Bai Qingyan nodded to show she understood, then turned to look at Sima Yan, still kneeling on the ground. Her fingers tapped the table intermittently: "Master Sima, Madam Sima has already gone to the Court of Judicial Review, admitting to having harmed Princess Xiangxie, and even brought a confession."

Sima Yan understood his mother knew he came to the palace to plead guilty to the Emperor, afraid he would be implicated, so she confessed first. Though he had initially decided to take the blame for his mother, he inexplicably felt relieved, yet tears welled in his eyes.

"Your Majesty, please take into account my mother’s old age, let all the blame fall on Sima Yan, I am willing to resign... as a commoner, to take my mother’s punishment." Sima Yan kowtowed again, sincerely.

"Master Sima, the country has its laws. It’s not up to you to take your mother’s punishment just because you wish to. Besides... your mother’s life is a life, but isn’t Princess Xiangxie’s mother’s life a life? Isn’t Princess Xiangxie’s life a life?" Bai Qingyan paused, her tone softening as she spoke to Sima Yan, "Master Sima, I value Sima Ping greatly..."

Hearing these words, Sima Yan’s hands clenched against the floor, understanding what they implied.

"Like Master Sima, Sima Ping is very cautious, and it’s this caution that saved many soldiers’ lives on the battlefield," Bai Qingyan saw Sima Yan stiffen and spoke, "The law of the land cannot be disrupted, but... if you want Sima Ping’s future to be smooth, at least Sima Ping’s father cannot create trouble for him — do you understand?"

Sima Yan’s spine tightened, it felt as if his throat were choked, unable to make a sound, he could only heavily kowtow to Bai Qingyan, indicating his understanding.

She pointed to Sima Yan because she wanted to use Sima Ping, and also... wanted to use Sima Yan.

Sima Yan was capable, and now Zhou needed talent, regardless of age.

Sima Yan closed his eyes, his hands behind his back slowly clenching into fists, and he thought of a solution that could both protect Sima Ping’s career and maybe... also aid the future of his three children.

Thinking this, Sima Yan gathered his robes and descended the high steps.

Chun Zhi brought Bai Qingyan a tray of snacks, gently asking Bai Qingyan, "Miss, are you going to see Madam to check on the Little Prince and Little Princess later? I heard that Madam Dong also entered the palace today."

Having been delayed by Sima Yan for so long, Bai Qingyan, who wanted to continue reviewing memorials, stood up to visit her mother upon hearing of her grandmother’s arrival.

Cining Palace.

After entering the palace, Madam Dong removed her ceremonial attire, changing into everyday clothes that Mrs. Dong had prepared, saying it was to avoid discomfort when holding the children, but really to make Madam Dong feel more comfortable.

Madam Dong rotated between holding the two children, unwilling to let go, the more she looked, the more she liked: "I come to the palace every few days to see the two children, yet it’s never enough! These children were smaller than Changlan’s child at birth, worrying me greatly! But now they’re growing stronger each day!"

The two children were dearly loved by Madam Dong, who felt anxious if she didn’t see them for a day. Yet Madam Dong adhered to palace rules, even though her daughter and granddaughter assured her it was unnecessary to be wary, she feared outsiders would say they were gaining power, suspecting the Dong family of trying to grow influential.

So Mrs. Dong would frequently send people to fetch Madam Dong, saying it was due to missing her mother.