Rebirth: The Journey of an Heiress novel Chapter 359

Chapter 359: Chapter 356: Not Hesitating to Die A Thousand Deaths_1

Bai Qingyan said, "Your Highness, I have come to disturb you at this time because I must return to Shuoyang ahead of schedule. I worry that Daliang may start a war with our Jin Kingdom at any moment, so I am here to inquire if there is any latest military intelligence on Daliang’s movements?"

Elder Fang sipped his tea without expression. How could the Crown Prince and Elder Fang not be aware of the recent disturbances caused by the Bai Clan in Dadu City?

The Crown Prince thought for a moment, then assumed Bai Qingyan was being pressured by the Clan Leader and elders to concede, prompting her return to Shuoyang to save her clan’s brothers. If that were the case, he could extend a favor by sending someone to notify the local officials.

"The troops of Daliang are arrayed on Hongque Mountain. They haven’t made any moves recently, so there’s nothing major. You may go without worry," the Crown Prince said. Then, looking at Bai Qingyan, he asked, "But didn’t you just return from Shuoyang? Why must you go again? The first of May is soon; why not wait until then?"

Bai Qingyan pressed her lips together, sighed lightly, and, with a hint of distress, said, "Although family scandals should not be exposed, I dare not deceive Your Highness. The Bai Clan in Shuoyang has encountered trouble!"

The Crown Prince adopted a listening posture, waiting for Bai Qingyan’s explanation.

"Last time I returned to Shuoyang, it was because I heard that the descendants of the Shuoyang Clan were using the Bai family’s power in Dadu to act recklessly and commit crimes, even forcing people to their deaths. I had no choice but to return and deal with it. Little did I know, upon returning, that these descendants were using Your Highness’s name to terrorize the locals! In broad daylight, while robbing someone’s shop, they falsely claimed that I had an affair with Your Highness and was the future Empress. If the shop owner did not comply, they threatened his young son."

Bai Qingyan bit her lip, showing a pained expression. "I already bear the name of the God of Slaughter and had vowed never to marry, unafraid of rumors. But Your Highness is the cornerstone of our kingdom, the future Monarch of Jin. Your reputation cannot be sullied! So, I painfully asked the local County Magistrate to impose severe punishment and arrest those descendants who were wreaking havoc, without leniency!"

Seeing Bai Qingyan’s solemn and respectful expression, the Crown Prince’s throat tightened, and his heart was moved.

"Later, the Clan Leader brought the elders to Dadu City to cause trouble, forcing me, as Commandery Princess, to pressure the County Magistrate to release them. But if I agreed, then the populace would think Your Highness condoned the Bai Clan’s actions. How could I comply? Because of this, the Clan Leader and elders caused a commotion at Princess of Zhen’s residence. My grandmother invited them inside and patiently explained why the clan’s offspring could not be lightly indulged. Still, the Clan Leader and elders pressured her to the point of vomiting blood and fainting."

Bai Qingyan paused, looking earnestly at the Crown Prince. "Later, the guards transporting goods back to Shuoyang discovered that some clan offspring, drunk and causing trouble, had murdered someone to force the local officials to release their kin! Now everyone knows I am under Your Highness’s wing. I dare not seek further merit for Your Highness, but I absolutely must not become a burden, making people think Your Highness harbors and protects the Bai Clan."

Hearing Bai Qingyan’s words, the Crown Prince couldn’t help but recall when he suspected Bai Qingyan... She followed him to Feng County to scheme for the sacred deer for him.

The Bai family valued their reputation. Bai Qingyan indeed wholeheartedly considered the future Monarch.