"Don’t you usually talk about justice? When you revealed the truth to Bei Qi, weren’t you afraid they’d use it to attack Nan Qi?"

Song Jing was spoken to with a face full of pale, her reputation completely destroyed.

How did it come to this?

"Second Young Master Cui, what do you think of today’s matter? You once said I was a princess, but it wasn’t right to let Song Jing bear the responsibility I should have. Yet, from start to finish, I’m the one suffering for her. If it weren’t for my skills, I’d have ended up like those other Nan Qi princesses, unable to return alive. You shouldn’t think I managed to come back alive without disadvantage, as some sort of gain. Given the circumstances, no one but me could have returned safely." Ah Chen pointed at Cui Chen, pulling him back to his senses.

He said, "So you knew from the start."

Sending Jing’er to Bei Qi was her revenge; she wasn’t randomly sending someone to die under the guise of being a princess.

"Yes, I knew, and even when you fled that day, I didn’t say a word. Otherwise, you think you could have escaped?" Ah Chen revealed another truth to Cui Chen, shocking him into stepping back two steps.

Did she even know this?

"We grew up together, very familiar. How could anyone mimic you in such a short time? Anyone familiar would quickly notice something was off." Ah Chen said that even the Commissioner would notice something amiss.

By now, Cui Chen didn’t know what to say, feeling a bit stifled inside.

Even if she knew everything, what good would it do? Now surrounded, having committed the crime of attempting to throne usurpation, the Emperor of Nan Qi would not spare her, leaving her only one path—death.

"Why didn’t you leave?" Cui Chen shouted loudly, confused. "Since you know there are no good people here, no one would treat you well, why didn’t you leave?"

"Not willing to, so I came back."

"If I left, wouldn’t you all continue your harmonious lives? It feels unpleasant."

Cui Chen’s eyes turned red: "Now even if you want to leave, you can’t."

He actually wanted to ask, since she had such a weakness, why didn’t she decisively take down all the Cui Family, then no one could exploit this weakness. Perhaps she could really succeed.

But this was the Golden Throne Hall; saying such words would be somewhat rebellious. The recent events had made the emperor angry, and he couldn’t speak at this moment, especially with the entire Cui Family behind him.

Song Chong said, "Take down Cui Chen."

He waved his hand casually; today’s scene was truly unpleasant, and dignity was mostly lost. Of course, these people wouldn’t dare go out and speak recklessly.

Better to take Cui Chen down early, to prevent her from saying more unpleasant things.

"Your Majesty, Mr. Cui is here, saying he has urgent reports." A palace servant hurriedly reported from outside, followed by Cui Yu. 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

Cui Yu looked at surrounded Ah Chen, then saw Song Chong unharmed, slightly relieved.

He slightly adjusted his attire, bowing to Song Chong: "Your subject greets Your Majesty."

"Stand, Cui Qing. What urgent matter does Cui Qing have?" In Song Chong’s eyes, Cui Yu was a loyal subject. If he had other intentions, he wouldn’t have made such arrangements. At the time, he was completely beguiled by this demoness Ah Chen, unaware of his actions.

Cui Yu said, "Your Majesty, she knew the Ninth Princess’ identity from the start, and I suspect the force behind her is Canglan Country."

Originally worried about a change, now seeing Song Chong unharmed and Ah Chen unable to struggle, he felt much at ease. Canglan Country was deceived, believing his daughter had no capabilities, unable to achieve great things.

Lucky he didn’t choose the wrong path then, or the Cui Family would face utter destruction.

Upon hearing Canglan Country, Song Chong and the entire court turned solemn.

Canglan Country was highly regarded among the people of the world; to them, even more feared than Bei Qi. With such good reputation and strong military, if they desired to unite the world, how would Nan Qi respond? They’d even prefer Canglan Country hadn’t appeared, wishing it were Bei Qi instead.

At least Bei Qi lacked public support, making it difficult to conquer Nan Qi with many concerns.

Song Chong and the court’s gaze fell on Ah Chen, all deeply probing yet somewhat enlightened, explaining why she would mislead the emperor, surrounded by suitable talents—after all, everything was Canglan Country’s conspiracy.

"Cui Chen, you not only attempted throne usurpation but are a traitor!" Song Chong’s eyes were dangerous, "Tell me, what does Canglan Country want you to do?"

Ah Chen raised her eyes, smiled, and replied, "To seize Nan Qi."

Song Chong was stunned, having assumed she would deny, but unexpectedly she spoke right away, leaving him momentarily at a loss.

"Aside from this, what other plans does Canglan Country have?" Song Chong asked, "After all, you are one of Nan Qi, having suffered for Jing’er back then. If you reveal Canglan Country’s plans, I could lighten your punishment."

"Even if you know, it’s useless."

"The plan is to take all of you down. Canglan Army has declared war on Nan Qi. At that time, who dares fight back? Ever since Da Qi’s split, Nan Qi has exchanged princesses and treasures for peace, nurturing countless cowards. When facing the Canglan Army, I’m afraid they can’t stand, no doubt their knees are weak."

Ah Chen’s words were casual, looking down on Nan Qi, yet provoked Song Chong’s anger.

"Cui Chen, you truly aren’t afraid of death. Do you think conquering Nan Qi is that easy for Canglan Country?" Song Chong laughed angrily, unable to tolerate Cui Chen further, immediately announcing, "Cui Chen attempted throne usurpation and treason. For Cui Qing’s merit, the Cui Family is spared disaster—a cup of poisoned wine for Cui Chen, and those by her side shall be executed, along with their clans."

He wanted to execute Cui Chen to deter Canglan Country! Not letting any followers of Cui Chen escape, including their families.

No killing, no relief; forgiving rebellion would lead to emulation—not possible not to kill.

Song Jing heavily exhaled, watching in the direction of Ah Chen, realizing today is Cui Chen’s fateful day. Destiny can be truly unpredictable; a month ago, she still thought to avoid Cui Chen more often.

Cui Yu bowed to Song Chong: "Thank Your Majesty."

Ah Chen glanced at his grateful demeanor and laughed aloud.

Everyone hearing her felt she was insane.

Cui Chen lowered his head, unable to say a word.

Cui Zhao remained calm, keeping his gaze down, barely noticeable.

The Ning Family’s eyes reddened, averted their gaze.

The five princes exchanged looks, contemplating Canglan Country behind this affair, somewhat worried. However, Canglan Country’s wrongdoing came first; even if they battled, it was unjustified. Canglan Country was recently established; waging war against Nan Qi wasn’t so simple, otherwise, they wouldn’t resort to such schemes.

"Report!"

"Your Majesty, urgent report!"

Suddenly, voices of urgency echoed from outside. Those eager to watch Cui Chen drink the poisoned wine looked out; many felt a sinking in their hearts, as such rapid dispatch typically indicates significant matters.

"What is going on?" Song Chong questioned the messenger kneeling on the floor.

The messenger hastily said, "Your Majesty, Canglan Country’s army of fifty thousand is pressing the border, declaring war on Nan Qi."

How wrong can this be?

Is Canglan Country really so unreasonable?

Ah Chen looked smilingly at the messenger coughing blood. When one’s fists are strong, is a reason needed to hit? Just strike when desired, and swallow bitterness if opposed.

Emperors send subjects to die similarly, don’t they?

But she would provide them a reason.

Song Chong’s face turned pale: "The reason for declaring war against Nan Qi?"

The messenger said, "Claiming Nan Qi insulted Canglan Country’s Majesty."

"They lie!" Song Chong fumed; the envoys he dispatched never even met them—how could they insult her? He certainly didn’t actively provoke conflicts.