Rebirth: The Journey of an Heiress-Chapter 728 - 725: Heartthrob_1

The Hidden Guard reported that it was unknown whether the Crown Princess was giving birth to a boy or a girl, but the Crown Prince’s residence was filled with joy. The Crown Prince ordered a carriage to be prepared to enter the palace and report to the Emperor. He emerged from the residence unable to contain his happiness, seemingly off to deliver good news.

Bai Qingyan and Bai Jinxiu did not pay much attention to the gender of the Crown Princess’s child. In the evening, the two sat together discussing the spring examination.

After last year’s examination fraud, the chief examiner this year was the highly respected Master Tan, which made everyone feel more at ease. Master Tan had lived to such an old age that he valued his reputation above all else.

"I remember the candidate from last year named Xue Renyi, who knocked on the drum to report the fraud. I wonder if he will get a good result this year," Bai Qingyan recalled.

"Eldest Young Lady, don’t speak too soon. He might indeed make the list. A while back, Qin Lang told me about Xue Renyi. Because he knocked on the drum last year to seek justice for the students, he is highly respected among the scholars. Qin Lang and the other students, who are retaking the exam this year, gathered to discuss and practice. Qin Lang said that Xue Renyi has a deep understanding of state affairs and national livelihood, with sharp and often astounding words," Bai Jinxiu thought for a moment. "Eldest Young Lady... are you thinking of recruiting him?"

"No rush..." Bai Qingyan lifted a cup of hot tea. "This man dared to knock on the drum to expose the examination fraud, so he must be loyal and straightforward. Hastily recruiting him might backfire. Let’s wait for the right opportunity."

"Okay... I will keep an eye on him. If this Xue Renyi encounters any difficulties, we can offer our help slowly," Bai Jinxiu smiled.

"You should go back tomorrow! You know nothing will happen here. The day after, Qin Lang has to enter the examination hall, so you should go back and help prepare," Bai Qingyan chuckled.

"Alright! I understand, Eldest Young Lady!" Bai Jinzhi thought for a moment before looking at Bai Qingyan. "Everyone is saying that Mr. Xiao Rongyan has deep feelings for you. I heard from Mother that during the Wude Gate conflict, Mr. Xiao risked his life to protect the Bai family. Doesn’t that move you?"

As soon as Bai Jinxiu finished speaking, Bai Qingyan heard very faint footsteps outside. She gestured for Bai Jinxiu to be quiet and opened a crack in the window.

"Greeting, Master!"

Bai Qingyan saw that the Hidden Guard in front of her was the one responsible for monitoring the residence of King Liang. "What’s the matter?" she asked.

"Second Young Lady ordered me to watch Jiuchuan Alley. Today, I saw a carriage used by servants of the Crown Prince’s residence parked in front of the Du Residence. Two people got off, went inside for a long time, and then came out with two other people. The elder in the Du Residence who stayed behind has very high martial skills. I didn’t dare approach too closely, fearing to startle him, so I don’t know what was said between them. However, I saw from a distance that one person in the carriage wore a hood and boots, suggesting a high status within the Crown Prince’s residence. After Li Mingrui saw them off, he seemed in good spirits, conversing with his subordinates at the door for a while," the Hidden Guard reported with some self-reproach.

"Understood. You may leave now!" Bai Qingyan was about to close the window when the Hidden Guard continued, "Master, there are many new Hidden Guards watching the outside of the Princess of Zhen’s residence. It was very difficult for me to get in. Please be careful."

"Understood. Be careful on your way out." Bai Qingyan instructed.

"Yes!"

After closing the window, Bai Jinxiu asked, "Eldest Young Lady, Li Mingrui is colluding with the people from the Crown Prince’s residence. Could this be a threat to our Bai family?"

Bai Qingyan lowered her eyes, connecting the day’s events in her mind.

Wang Qiulu had been rescued by Li Mingrui at her command. Today, Wang Qiulu went to the residence of King Liang, deliberately letting Fu Ruoxi see him. Meanwhile, Li Mingrui met with people from the Crown Prince’s residence, who took away two people, and new Hidden Guards were monitoring the Princess of Zhen’s residence...

Bai Qingyan didn’t want to overthink it, but when putting all the pieces together, she felt like this time their target was her.

Otherwise, why would Wang Qiulu deliberately let Fu Ruoxi see him go to King Liang’s residence?

Bai Qingyan stared at the flickering flame in the glass lamp. "There must be a clever person who figured out Fu Ruoxi is on our side and made sure Fu Ruoxi saw Wang Qiulu enter King Liang’s residence to see if Fu Ruoxi would report this to me, which is why there are Hidden Guards placed outside the Princess of Zhen’s residence."

"Li Mingrui?!" Bai Jinxiu exclaimed.

"Wang Qiulu was rescued by him, who else could it be?" Bai Qingyan’s voice was calm, the warm candlelight reflecting on her features and deep eyes.

"Was Li Mingrui testing whether General Fu was working for you?" Bai Jinxiu pondered, sitting down to analyze with Bai Qingyan.

"I don’t think it’s that simple. If it were just to test Fu Ruoxi, how do you explain the Crown Prince’s people meeting Li Mingrui tonight?" Bai Qingyan pondered.

Perhaps Wang Qiulu was among the people taken by the Crown Prince’s men today.

But did Wang Qiulu not want to live anymore? Why would he cooperate with Li Mingrui, allowing Fu Ruoxi to discover he was still alive, and then follow the Crown Prince’s people?

Was Wang Qiulu’s weakness grasped by someone, or did he believe in loyalty to the Crown Prince, thus following his people?

Bai Qingyan tapped her fingers on the Agarwood table rhythmically.

"Has the Eldest Young Lady gone to bed?" The gatekeeper of Qinghui Courtyard whispered at the door.

Bai Jinxiu saw that Bai Qingyan was still deep in thought and called out, "What’s the matter?"

"Second Young Lady, someone outside our residence claims to be Minister Li Mingrui’s servant. He says Minister Li has urgent matters to report to the Eldest Young Lady and instructed that the message must be delivered directly to her," the gatekeeper said.

Bai Qingyan’s tapping on the table stopped. A flash of insight struck her, and she smiled faintly. "Li Mingrui’s scheming has reached this level, trying to play both sides and manipulate me..."

"Understood. Tell him to wait outside, and let him know that since it’s an urgent matter, he should wait properly. My weak health makes it difficult to get up. He... must wait," Bai Qingyan instructed, adding, "If he tries to leave, you must stop him and tell him that if it’s urgent, he must tell me personally!"

"Yes!" The gatekeeper conveyed the Eldest Young Lady’s instructions to the gatekeeper outside Qinghui Courtyard.

"Eldest Young Lady? Why are you smiling?" Bai Jinxiu asked.

"We have in our possession the letters Left Prime Minister Li Mao instigating the Second Prince to rebel. Li Mingrui is still anxious," Bai Qingyan smiled.