235 A Betrayal (1/2)

The geography book slipped out of Li Chenyang's hand, landing on the floor with a loud thud. He couldn't speak, his hands shook at the realization of this betrayal. Not only was Jiangsu an enemy country, but it was also Hanjian's prime target for battles.

For decades, Hanjian had a feud with Jiangsu, and neither country was willing to make peace until a treaty was formed. Recently, there was talk of one, thus, war had been called off.

If Wuyi was funding Jiangsu, it only meant one thing—Wuyi planned on taking down Hanjian. With the forces of two countries combined, Hanjian would suffer.

If Hanjian found out about this, there would surely be another gruesome war between Hanjian and Wuyi.

”What's wrong?” Duchess Wang Qixing said, approaching the book that had landed on the floor. She picked it up and saw it was just a plain geography book.

”It's not like you to drop books. You said they're more valuable than gold.” Duchess Wang Qixing chuckled, slipping the book back onto the shelf.

Li Chenyang attempted to regain his composure. So much was spiraling out of control.

The Emperor had to be disposed of as soon as possible.

Another war with Hanjian would be deadly and costly; especially with Li Xueyue's inevitable decision to stay with Yu Zhen. What if she arrived in Hanjian only to be scrutinized for she was a Princess of Wuyi? What if Li Wenmin was sent off to battle?

Li Chenyang's expression paled at the horrid idea. Both of his siblings would suffer whilst he remained safe and sound in Wuyi.

A war must not break out.

”Mother, when are we going to mobilize our people?” Li Chenyang asked, swiveling around to face his mother.

”As soon as we finish discussing everything with Wen Jinkai.”

”We need to kill the Emperor first,” Li Chenyang harshly whispered. ”Whoever deals with his private income must be disposed of prior to his death!”

Duchess Wang Qixing was taken aback by her son. It was unlike him to rush about things like this. ”Why are you so impatient?”

”Mother, the Emperor is sending funds to Jiangsu! He's most likely sending funds to Jiangsu's military. It will complicate things with Hanjian.”

Duchess Wang Qixing's expression darkened. ”Why would he support Jiangsu? To take down Hanjian together?”

Li Chenyang nodded.

Duchess Wang Qixing scowled. ”We still have Hanjian's candidate with us, and Hanjian has our Princesses. What shall happen to them?”

”It seems the candidates were nothing but a mere distraction to make Hanjian think everything is fine between us,” Li Chenyang gritted out.

Duchess Wang Qixing frowned. ”We need to prevent all of this at all costs. A betrayal mustn't happen, or else—”

”What if we inform Hanjian?” Li Chenyang suddenly proposed.

”Are you crazy?! Why would you do that?” Duchess Wang Qixing asked.

”The other countries will frown upon our leadership if we conduct a military coup. However, if we have Hanjian's support for the Li family, then the other countries will follow.”

Duchess Wang Qixing's lips parted. So it was inevitable now. Her beloved brother's death was finalized.

There was no turning back now.

Once upon a time, Duchess Wang Qixing loved no one but her brother. And now, that love had come to bite her. The Emperor had all of the opportunities to keep his niece safe but didn't.

”We'll have to discuss this with your father first,” Duchess Wang Qixing finally said. ”Afterwards, we'll come to a conclusion on our next course of action.”

”Let's inform him as soon as he returns home. We mustn't waste any time now,” Li Chenyang said.