Zhou Jing'an said calmly, "There are many similar people in the world. Besides, it is an indisputable fact that Empress Wende has already passed away. The imperial physician has also personally examined her. There is absolutely no way this matter could be faked."
Wei Cong said with a solemn expression, "But has Your Highness forgotten that after Empress Wende was buried, the Emperor rushed to the imperial mausoleum in the pouring rain on a stormy night? Doesn't Your Highness find this matter suspicious?"
Zhou Jing'an said with considerable confidence, "What's so strange about this? My younger brother is a great romantic, as you know. The Empress is clearly dead, but he's still like a madman, issuing notices and ordering people to search for her everywhere."
As he spoke, a mocking smile crept across his face.
Seeing Wei Cong's furrowed brows, Zhou Jing'an advised, "I know Mr. Wei is a man of great strategy, but this matter is certainly not as complicated as you think. Even if Empress Wende were still alive, it would not affect my plan in the slightest."
"What makes you say that, Your Highness?" Wei Cong asked.
Zhou Jing'an smiled and said, "If Empress Wende is still alive, it proves that she has broken with the Emperor. In this case, it will actually help us win over General Zhenbei. What do you think, Mr. Wei?"
Wei Cong hesitated for a moment, but ultimately remained silent.
Zhou Jing'an ignored him, as he was in a very good mood.
Since the fall of the Prince of Dingbian, he had kept a low profile, fearing that the emperor might one day settle scores with him.
Fortunately, the emperor, mindful of their brotherly bond, did not make things difficult for him.
So he lay low in the shadows, waiting for his chance to come.
As expected, he was blessed by heaven and received news that Jian Hong had abandoned his post and gone south.
Therefore, he deliberately arranged for an official to impeach Jian Hong, just to prepare for this action.
In his view, Jian Hong was not a blindly loyal person. He was loyal to the emperor because he had ideals and because his younger sister had become empress.
Now that his younger sister has died saving the emperor, he can use this to sow discord between Jian Hong and the emperor.
What the emperor can give, he can naturally give as well, and even more. As long as Jian Hong is loyal to him, he will become a wise and virtuous ruler and help him achieve his personal ideals.
Before Zhou Jing'an arrived in Baihua Town, there was news that Zhou Jing'an was coming soon.
Jian Hong's eyes twitched as he looked at the intelligence sent from the capital.
"What brings this fellow here?" Jian Hong asked bluntly, tossing the small note onto the table.
"Who is it?" Jian Yang picked up the small note, glanced at it quickly, and exclaimed in surprise, "Second Prince, how did he find Hundred Flowers Town?!"
Jian Hong patiently explained, "As a prince, he must have his own intelligence network. It's not surprising that he could find out where I am."
Jian Yang looked a little nervous: "Does he know I'm here? Maybe I should run away."
Jian Hong laughed and said, "You've disguised yourself. Don't worry, he won't recognize you. He must have come here for me."
Did you offend him?
“No,” Jian Hong shook his head. “This fellow has always been ambitious. Now, all the generals on the major borders have been replaced by the emperor’s confidants, but I have not been replaced. I suppose he wants to use me as a breakthrough point to help him achieve his great cause.”
"He's dreaming!" Jian Yang said angrily. "Brother, don't see him. Let's leave before he arrives, so you don't get into trouble."
Jian Hong laughed loudly and said, "Don't worry, A Yang, I would never betray the court. Since he's here, let's see him and make him give up."
Jian Yang shook his head and said, "This person is cunning and treacherous. He won't let it go just because you don't betray him. He'll find a reason to frame you."
Seeing that she couldn't persuade Jian Hong, Jian Yang sighed and said, "Since you insist on seeing him, you must take me with you. I'll help you keep an eye on him!"
Aren't you afraid of having your identity exposed?
"Don't worry," Jian Yang laughed, "my disguise skills have improved again!"
Three days later, the boat carrying Zhou Jing'an and his group docked at the pier in Baihua Town.
Jian Hong and Jian Yang were already waiting at the ferry.
It's just that Jian Yang has changed his "mask".
This time, she has set herself up as the beautiful and charming wife of a domineering general.
Although this face wasn't as stunning as her original features, it was still quite charming and attractive, drawing countless glances as soon as she stood on the dock.
Half of those people were looking at her, and the other half were looking at Jian Hong.
"Brother, don't give yourself away later," Jian Yang said with a mischievous smile.
Jian Hong nodded stiffly.
When Jian Hong learned yesterday that he and his sister were going to pretend to be husband and wife, he immediately refused. It was only after Jian Yang coaxed and pleaded with him for a long time that he reluctantly nodded.
Zhou Jing'an spotted the brother and sister from afar, and as soon as they came ashore, he went up to greet Jian Hong warmly.
"What a coincidence, to meet General Zhenbei in this southern town."
Jian Hong said with a forced smile, "Your Highness, let's stop acting. I have prepared wine and food at home and am waiting to drink three hundred cups with Your Highness."
Zhou Jing'an laughed and said, "General, you are indeed a straightforward person."
Then he turned his gaze to Jian Yang and asked curiously, "You haven't asked who this young lady is yet?"
Jian Hong said expressionlessly, "My wife is Liu."
Jian Yang gracefully bowed to Zhou Jing'an, never expecting her brother to be such a skilled actor.
Zhou Jing'an exclaimed in surprise, "So the rumors were true! The General really did travel far away for a woman."
Jian Hong twitched the corner of his mouth: "Your Highness misunderstands. It's not really a long journey. I'm just sending my wife back to her hometown to pay respects to our ancestors. We'll return to the Northern Border in a few days."
Zhou Jing'an smiled without saying a word, but gave Jian Yang a meaningful look.
That one glance sent chills down her spine.
The group went together to the small house that Jian Yang was currently renting.
As Jian Hong said, the table was already full of dishes and wine.
After several rounds of toasts, Zhou Jing'an sighed and said, "General, you may not know this, but many ministers in the court have submitted memorials impeaching you, saying that you have abandoned your post and intend to rebel. Therefore, the Emperor specially sent me here to investigate."
Jian Yang and Jian Hong both understood; the key point of the sentence was in the second half.
The fact that the emperor sent Zhou Jing'an shows that he already had doubts about Jian Hong.
Jian Hong bowed to Zhou Jing'an and said, "Thank you for informing me, Your Highness. My loyalty to the Emperor is as clear as day and night. Please convey this message to the Emperor upon your return to the capital. I, Jian Hong, would never betray my country. The Emperor can rest assured."
Zhou Jing'an's smile remained, but the smile in his eyes grew colder and colder.
Jian Hong made it very clear that he would only serve the emperor and would never have any disloyal intentions.
We are all intelligent people, and we understood each other's thoughts in just a few words.
Zhou Jing'an knew that his wish to win over Jian Hong during this trip had basically failed.
Suddenly, his gaze fell on Jian Yang, who was standing to the side.
"The general's wife's every move reminds me of an old friend."
Jian Yang was pouring wine for Jian Hong when she heard this and paused in her actions.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
