Rebirth: The Journey of an Heiress novel Chapter 1493

Chapter 1493: Chapter 1488: Preparations

Shen Liangyu grabbed the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue by the nape with one hand and dragged him out. Soon, the piercing screams outside abruptly stopped, and the silence was such that only the sound of the wind could be heard. Everyone inside the room understood that the Vice Minister was likely dead.

Shen Qingzhu finally sheathed his sword and stood aside at the doorway.

Bai Qingyan’s gaze swept over the people kneeling on the ground; some had straight backs while others were trembling. She said, "Rise, all of you! My apologies for the fright you have received!"

Hearing Bai Qingyan say this, everyone slowly stood up but kept their heads lowered in a respectful manner, not daring to meet her gaze.

Bai Qingyan, accompanied by Bai Jinzhi, walked through the crowd and took a seat, speaking softly, "When the King of Hancheng handed your names to me, he pleaded that I treat you kindly, saying you were trustworthy. I believed him! But this Vice Minister... betrayed Zhou, leading to the death of the King of Hancheng in battle. I... cannot forgive that!"

"Gathering you here today is because the King of Hancheng trusted you, and I am also willing to believe that you remain loyal to Zhou! I want you to be well aware of who is friend and who is foe, so that in the future, whether acting in the royal court or in private, you will have this understanding!" Bai Qingyan’s fingers traced the armrest of her chair, "All of you, whether it was for Daliang or later... for Zhou, you’ve endured hardships..."

Bai Qingyan stood up and bowed deeply to these loyalists who had lived under assumed identities, constantly in fear for the nation and people.

These spies were surprised and hurriedly returned the bow to Bai Qingyan.

"However, as the outcome of the national bet is yet undecided, Zhou still needs people to remain in Dongyi Kingdom to serve the country and sacrifice themselves in peril! Many of you have served long in Dongyi, achieving countless merits for the nation, and my heart is full of gratitude. If any wish to return to Zhou, you may do so with the army this time—official positions and riches... houses and fields will not be lacking! For those who choose to stay in Dongyi, when the three-year national bet concludes, win or lose, I will personally come to greet you back! Regardless of the outcome, I will ensure the future success of your descendants, without fail!"

Upon hearing Bai Qingyan’s words, a daring spy bowed deeply to her, saying, "Majesty, having gathered all of us together, if any choose to stay and a traitor emerges... I fear we’d be left without a place to be buried in this foreign land."

"Indeed!"

"That’s exactly it, Majesty..."

Bai Jinzhi, too, had this doubt in her heart. She turned to look at her eldest sister, understanding that her sister had her reasons for doing this. She remained silent, watching her sister survey the people with what seemed like a slight smile, which put her heart at ease. She stood next to Bai Qingyan, her posture straight, hand on her sword hilt, prepared to protect Bai Qingyan.

"I believe... that those willing to remain in Dongyi for Zhou are surely resolute and steadfast, loyal and trustworthy!" Bai Qingyan observed the expressions and subtle movements of those present, speaking in a calm voice, "Moreover, now that you know each other’s identities, you can collaborate and be mutually vigilant, easier to spot any signs, and deal with them early! Of course... I do not believe such things will happen!"

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify