Rebirth: The Journey of an Heiress novel Chapter 616

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.