“His Highness won’t agree,” Fu Yixiao said firmly. “If he wanted to rebel, he would have done so long ago. Why wait until now? Moreover, once the rebellion starts, not only will the entire country be thrown into chaos and countless lives lost, but some neighboring countries that have long harbored ill intentions will surely seize the opportunity.” At this point, she poked Feng Suige with her finger. “Take Susha, for example. Can you guarantee that their ruler won’t attack Jinxiu?”

“What if I say I can?” Feng Suige raised an eyebrow and asked. “Xia Jingshi didn’t rebel before for his reasons, but this time it’s different. Since the Holy Emperor has already begun to plot against him, if he doesn’t rebel, he’s only heading towards his death.” Yixiao glared at him. “You can only guarantee one country, Susha. Tell me why His Highness must rebel!”

Feng Suige spoke slowly, “Have you heard of this incident? In the past, Xia Jingshi was the most outstanding and had the strongest support to be the crown prince. But one day, Xia Jingshi was summoned to the palace by imperial decree. Shortly after he returned, he announced his withdrawal from the succession race. After the news spread, the whole world was speculating whether the Emperor and Empress at that time had used some means to force him to step down. I also sent spies to investigate this matter but to no avail.”

“Spies again,” Yixiao pursed her lips. “If you found nothing, it means it didn’t happen. So it’s just a rumor.” “Wrong,” Feng Suige shook his head. “No matter how many baseless rumors there are in the streets, there’s always some trace to be found. But for such an influential event, to find absolutely nothing makes me more certain of the truth of this news.”

At this point, Feng Suige paused for a moment, then suddenly asked, “What do you think a person would do to make amends if they’ve wronged someone?” Yixiao blurted out without thinking, “Of course, apologize!” Xueying nodded and said, “And try to make up for it.”

“That’s what normal people would do,” Feng Suige smiled. “Some people, after wronging others, don’t think about apologizing or making amends. Instead, they worry about retaliation and become obsessed with eliminating the other party to feel at ease.”

Xueying suddenly realized, “You mean, if that rumor is true, the Holy Emperor would worry about the Prince of Nan reclaiming the throne, so he wants to deal with him?” Feng Suige nodded. “Xia Jingshi already had extremely high prestige in the military. Now that he’s married to Xi Yang, and Yixiao has married me, if he covets the throne, in a sense, Susha has become Xia Jingshi’s strongest backing. If I were the Holy Emperor, I’d be wary of him too.”

Yixiao suddenly slammed her fist on the low table. “His Highness has never had any intention of rebellion. Why won’t the Holy Emperor just let him live in peace? Besides, they’re brothers!” “Brothers fighting for the throne has always been common in royal families. Even my position as the legitimate heir was bought with the blood of thousands,” Feng Suige smiled helplessly. “Even if Xia Jingshi has no intention of rebelling if the Holy Emperor believes he does, then he does. Don’t you know? In this world, there’s a crime called ‘fabricated charges’.”

“So what should we do now?” Yixiao stood up irritably. “We might as well change course and return to Lu City together. I didn’t bring Taolang, but the silver bow I used to use should still be in the Commander’s mansion. Hmm, I’ll also send someone to inform His Highness’s former subordinates…” Feng Suige snorted, “Why don’t you raise a big flag with ‘I want to rebel’ written on it in large characters?”

Xueying secretly started laughing. Yixiao glared at her, “What are you laughing at? Anyway, don’t think about running away with the ball. If anyone’s going, it won’t be you.” Feng Suige pondered for a moment and said solemnly, “The current situation is unclear. We can’t be too hasty. There might be the Holy Emperor’s eyes and ears among Xia Jingshi’s former subordinates. In my opinion, we should first placate the Holy Emperor’s side and observe the situation.”

“If things change, it’ll be too late,” Yixiao stomped her foot anxiously. “You came up with the idea, but when it’s time to act, you’re changing your mind?” Feng Suige helplessly tried to comfort her, “We’re still discussing, aren’t we? Don’t you want to know why the Holy Emperor is so keen on luring you there?” Yixiao’s attention was immediately drawn. She sat back down beside Xueying and asked seriously, “Why?”

Feng Suige closed his eyes slightly, his fingers tapping on the table. He analyzed in a deep voice, “The Holy Emperor’s insistence on luring you back is nothing more than taking advantage of your current special status. If I were the Holy Emperor, I could fabricate evidence of you having a secret meeting with Xia Jingshi, causing resentment from Susha. This way, Xia Jingshi would lose Susha’s support, and I would have fewer concerns in dealing with him.”

“Or he could use this opportunity to frame you, saying that while you’re ostensibly visiting Xia Jingshi, you’re secretly planning to collaborate with him and use Susha’s military power to plot a rebellion,” Feng Suige paused, then smiled. “If I’m not mistaken, the military commanders of Jinxiu should still be gnashing their teeth at the mention of Susha. What could be more detestable than colluding with Susha to overthrow one’s royal power?”

Hearing this, Yixiao couldn’t help but jump up. “Stop it! It’s just a throne, aren’t you tired of all this scheming?” Xueying hurriedly held Yixiao back. “Don’t get angry, he’s trying to help us.” Yixiao was so angry she started to stutter, “I hate it when people are so full of twists and turns… Although he’s thinking on behalf of the Holy Emperor, it’s not okay coming from his mouth. Don’t you feel it? When he says those things… that look is hateful.” Feng Suige suddenly burst into laughter, “So in your heart, Fu Yixiao, I’m a good person?” Yixiao glared at him for a moment, then blushed uncontrollably and turned her head away.

Xueying’s gaze circled between the two of them, and she glumly withdrew her hand that was holding Yixiao’s sleeve. “The way you two express affection is really special. More fragile people simply couldn’t handle it.”

In the garden of the royal palace in the Holy City of Jinxiu.

Placing a white piece on the chessboard, Xi Yang carefully glanced at the Holy Emperor and asked seemingly casually, “Your Majesty said that Fu Yixiao would arrive soon. If we wait until she arrives to tell my husband, wouldn’t it be too late?” Hearing this, the Holy Emperor’s face changed, and he said angrily, “Did you tell Xia Jingshi?”

“No,” Xi Yang instinctively denied, “I didn’t say anything. It’s just that, thinking about Your Majesty saying it wasn’t time yet…” The Holy Emperor suddenly clenched the black jade chess piece in his hand. The jade pieces rubbed against each other, making a crisp sound. “If it leaks out in advance, there might be changes again. I dislike being one step behind in everything. So, I hope you haven’t said anything.”

Feng Xi Yang lowered her head to avoid his sharp gaze and said softly, “Your Majesty, it’s your turn.” The Holy Emperor grunted, picked up a black piece, and placed it in a corner of the board. “I’ve won,” he said, and without waiting for Xi Yang’s reaction, he stood up and walked out.