The number one rebel of the Great Wu

Compared to the overjoyed Third Prince Xiao Ce, the expressions of the remaining people were quite grim.

"Alright, everyone, you can all leave now."

"Oh, right, Qingci, you stay here."

After giving these instructions, Xiao Jingtian looked extremely tired.

Having been emperor for so many years, this was the first time anyone had seen him appear so exhausted.

Indeed, there's no way around it; with a formidable enemy at hand, who wouldn't be worried?

The others bowed and left, leaving only Shen Qingci in the imperial study.

Previously, the emperor had given various instructions, but none of them concerned him.

Why did you end up keeping yourself in this order?

"emperor……"

Seeing Xiao Jingtian beckon, Shen Qingci walked over with some trepidation.

"Why call me Emperor? There are no outsiders here."

"I am your father-in-law."

He emphasized the word "father-in-law" with extra force.

"Father...father-in-law."

Shen Qingci quickly bowed, but her heart was still filled with trepidation.

Why is Xiao Jingtian, who is usually so serious, suddenly chatting with me like this?

Upon hearing those two words, Xiao Jingtian looked at Shen Qingci with a smile, seemingly quite satisfied.

"You've just become pregnant with the dragon's child, so don't run around unnecessarily, lest you disturb the fetus."

"After all, you're carrying the eldest grandson of our Great Wu Dynasty, he's incredibly precious!"

"How are you feeling? Have you been feeling unwell these past few days? Should I have the imperial physician examine you again?"

Seeing that Xiao Jingtian was concerned about his grandson, Shen Qingci secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

"Your Majesty, Qingci has been eating and sleeping well these days, and is in good health."

"Your Majesty need not worry."

"Um!"

Xiao Jingtian answered with a smile and a heavy heart. Even at this moment, his face still showed happiness.

"However, there's been a lot of gossip going around in the palace lately."

"Some people are saying that the child in your belly isn't Lie'er's."

"I certainly don't believe such nonsense."

"You are a child of the Shen family, and I have watched you grow up. I know your character very well."

"It's nothing, I'm just asking you. Give me a straight answer, and I trust you won't lie to me."

Xiao Jingtian's expression gradually turned serious.

Shen Qingci's heart pounded, her face turned pale instantly, and she almost collapsed to the ground.

Xiao Jingtian has already said so much, so it's clear that he has solid evidence.

At this moment, admitting it means death, and not admitting it also means death.

There's nowhere to go...

Seeing that Shen Qingci remained silent.

Xiao Jingtian already had the answer in his heart, and a hint of disappointment flashed in his eyes.

After all, Lie'er was the bloodline of his beloved empress.

I was thinking that if I ruined my main account, I could at least create a new one.

Unexpectedly...

Xiao Jingtian gave a soft hum, seemingly with a hint of self-mockery.

The desire to defy the ancestor's wishes, forcibly reinstate the crown prince, and support Xiao Lie has completely died.

Coincidentally.

If Xiao Lie were to follow in the footsteps of his ancestors and become the guardian of the Great Wu Kingdom, without the burden of having offspring, it would actually be a good thing.

There's no need for me to argue with Shen Qingci anymore.

Xiao Jingtian also usurped the throne to become emperor.

He knew Shen Qingci's personality; such a big thing must have been instigated by Xiao Lie behind the scenes, all for the sake of vying for the throne.

Shen Qingci was just a victim.

Besides, so what if Shen Qingci really made a mistake?

At this critical juncture, it is precisely when the power of the Shen family and Shen Tianying are needed to protect the fate of the Great Wu Kingdom.

Could it be that he'd drag Shen Qingci out and behead her because of this?

Shen Tianying cherishes this daughter very much!

"Could you tell me who that person is?"

"I... surely I would know that?"

Xiao Jingtian asked in a low voice.

His words even carried a hint of humility.

This was just a heartbroken old father's last request.

If he can't touch Shen Qingci, can't he at least take revenge on that adulterer?

The imperial majesty, transformed into a board, must eventually fall heavily somewhere.

He is dead.

Shen Qingci spoke with absolute certainty.

Xiao Jingtian was slightly taken aback and stared at Shen Qingci for a long time.

Shen Qingci remained calm and bravely met his gaze without flinching.

Because she knew that if she took a step back at this moment, it could trigger a terrifying bloodbath.

"Good, good, well done."

Xiao Jingtian either saw through her deception or believed her lies.

In the end, he just gave a tired smile and waved his hand.

"I understand. You may leave."

"Don't worry... I don't blame you."

"Thank you very much, Your Majesty."

Shen Qingci pursed her lips and quickly retreated.

The door to the Imperial Study slowly closed.

Xiao Jingtian let out a long sigh.

He stared at the narrow patch of sky outside the window, lost in thought for a long time.

After a long while, he muttered to himself.

"Oh well... children and grandchildren have their own blessings."

"Prepare the sedan chair and inform the Third Prince that I am going to his residence to see my grandson."

……

Outside the Imperial Study.

Shen Tianying, Xiao Lie, and Shen Lang were all waiting.

Seeing Shen Qingci come out looking unwell, even her steps seemed a little unsteady, they quickly came up to her and asked her what was wrong.

"What's wrong?"

"No, it's nothing."

"I feel a little weak after standing for so long."

Upon hearing this, Shen Tianying immediately became anxious.

"You've only been pregnant for a short time, how come your symptoms are already so strong?"

"Quickly, let's go back to the manor. When your mother was pregnant with you, it wasn't this serious!"

The three members of the Shen family left anxiously, while Xiao Lie stood behind them, slightly lost in thought.

Clearly, he had anticipated this.

"Second Prince, what's wrong with you...?"

"Oh, I almost forgot... you need to go see the ancestor."

Shen Tianying realized that Xiao Lie hadn't followed, and slapped his forehead.

Xiao Lie grinned and quickly went along with it.

"My father ordered me to stay in the palace, so I'm afraid I won't be able to take care of Qingci personally."

"I can only entrust this to my father-in-law and elder brother."

Thank you!

Xiao Lie solemnly cupped his hands in a gesture of respect, and then bowed.

The group was overwhelmed by such a generous gesture and quickly came forward to help him up.

After exchanging a few polite words, they parted ways.

The three remained silent for a long time in the carriage leaving the palace.

Everyone carries different things in their heart.

Shen Tianying knew that when the snowstorm came from the mountain, he would probably have to fight to the death.

They might even perish from this point on; the once-glorious Shen family... might just fall from grace.

Shen Lang was worried about the border war; how could he defeat the Di people in such a short time?

The northwest direction where Shen's army was located was precisely the direction of the Di people's main attack.

The Di people have many cavalry. Even if the enemy doesn't attack for two months, it would be easy for them to stay for half a year.

As for Shen Qingci... she worried that Xiao Jingtian would find out sooner or later that the child in her belly was Chen Changgeng's.

Even if Chen Changgeng had nine lives, he would still be unable to escape death!

In the midst of this silence, Shen Tianying suddenly spoke.

"Even in the best-case scenario, our ancestors fought an earth-shattering battle against the Di people in the Northwest."

"This will surely severely damage the Shen family's vitality, and may even cause it to collapse in one fell swoop."

"Now the throne is practically being handed over to the third prince openly."

"Once this matter is over, he will reap the benefits, or perhaps he will find an excuse to settle scores with our Shen family."

Shen Tianying remained silent for a moment.

Given the current situation, anyone who came here would feel despair.

"Lang'er, Qingci, do either of you have a way to break this deadlock?"

Shen Lang and Shen Qingci are both outstanding young talents of the Shen family.

As the father, he felt ashamed of himself. After thinking for a long time, he decided to ask for their opinions.

"Well... I have another question."

"When we entered the Imperial Study earlier, it seemed that the Emperor was waiting for someone."

"Does anyone have any leads on this matter?"

"My gut feeling is that this person might... be the key!"