Chapter 239: Kill With A Borrowed Knife (1/2)

Qi Chen was excited to be granted the power, but he knew this was a double-edged sword. He must not make any mistakes now, or the emperor would deem him unfit for the throne. He dealt with state affairs with fastidious care and made sure to consult the emperor when a tricky problem arose.

The emperor relaxed when he saw that Qi Chen was doing a decent job. He reminded his son to be patient and take things slow. Qi Chen took his advice and told him to not worry too much. What he had to do now was to rest and recover.

Qi Chen was steadily building his foundation. As a result, Prince Duan had gained a strong voice in the court before anyone realized it. Qi Chen often consulted Prince Duan, and during meetings, no one dared argue against the decisions Qi Chen and Prince Duan made together. Even though a few pure-hearted officials refused to abandon their principles, they couldn't possibly go against Prince Duan openly. Qi Yun told them to focus on their duty. The rest was out of their hands.

The officials understood him. Qi Chen was the one the emperor put in charge of the state affairs. It would only do them harm to go against him and Prince Duan. They could could do nothing but complain to Qi Yun every once in a while, who listened quietly and offer comforts.

The climate in the court was ever-changing. While Qi Chen and Prince Duan were expanding their influence, it was time for Jun Huang to take the next step.

The third prince, who was imprisoned, couldn't have admitted defeat yet. Jun Huang had been suspecting that Qi Chen was actually Prince Duan's son. She decided to take care of the two princes in one swift attempt.

Jun Huang sat in the garden with Qi Yun and Nan Xun. Qi Yun had been staying at the emperor's side lately, which touched the emperor's heart. Nan Xun had gone back to training with his soldiers every day. Life had been simple for him.

“There's something I've never told you,” said Jun Huang. She came to the conclusion that she should open up to them and discuss with them how the information should be spread.

“What is it?” Qi Yun asked.

Nan Xun waited for her to continue with rapt attention.

She paused before telling them her suspicion and what led her to her speculation. She expressed herself clearly and logically. Her words prompted Qi Yun and Nan Xun to contemplate the validity of her theory.

Qi Yun agreed with Jun Huang. Given the circ.u.mstances, there was a good possibility that Qi Chen was Prince Duan's son.

Qi Chen was now in power. If they did nothing, he'd become the emperor in no time. Then it'd be too late for them. “We should tell the emperor about it and turn things to our advantage.”

Jun Huang shook her head with a half smile. “That said, Your Highness must not forget that it'll be difficult to get any of their blood for paternity testing. If we tell the emperor without evidence, he won't believe us. Then Qi Chen may turn things against us and destroy our chance to make a comeback. We must be patient. A lot of factors are involved..”

Qi Yun wanted to say something, but it was as Jun Huang had said, Qi Chen was the crown prince. If they told the emperor about the speculation themselves, the emperor would come to suspect them.

Nan Xun broke his silence. “What do you think we should do?”

Jun Huang curved her lips and narrowed her eyes. “We direct the suspicion to someone else and kill with a borrowed knife.”

Nan Xun frowned. “You're going to expose the secret through other people.”

“Yes,” she said confidently. “We should stay clear of the matter as much as possible, but we can't just do nothing. It's time that we spread the news. Don't worry. I have a plan.”

Qi Yun looked at Nan Xun, then at Jun Huang. It was better to let Jun Huang take care of it. He nodded. “Since the gentleman has a plan already, I'll leave the matter in your hands. If there's anything you need from me, let me know.”

“Of course,” Jun Huang said without hesitation.

After Qi Yun had left, Nan Xun stopped Jun Huang from walking away with a frown. He led her to the garden. There was no one around to listen in on them.

She had an idea what he wanted to talk about. She took a deep breath and smiled faintly. “What is it?”

“Do you plan to use the banished empress?” Nan Xun asked bluntly.