Chapter 477: Taking A Step Back
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Su Bin remarked, “The emperor is surrounded by a network of spies, including individuals from our Dragon Phoenix Hall, the Public House, and the General Manor. His secrets are scarce.”
“It’s no longer a secret that the Emperor received an anonymous letter.”
“The Public House, the General Manor, and the Crown Prince are all actively searching for the anonymous letter’s author.”
“With so many parties on the hunt, it’s only a matter of time before they discover my identity.”
Qin Zhenzhen nodded in agreement. “Your assessment is accurate. What should our next steps be?”
Knowing that Su Bin had sensed the impending danger, she was confident that he had a well-thought-out plan.
Su Bin gazed at Qin Zhenzhen and asked for her cooperation. “I need your support. Will you agree to help?”
Qin Zhenzhen chuckled, “Why ask such a question? We are now husband and wife. Your concerns are my concerns. Of course, I will cooperate with you.”
It was only then that Su Bin whispered his request, “I need you to pretend to be pregnant, and the pregnancy symptoms should be quite severe.”
Qin Zhenzhen blushed and responded, “Didn’t you say we wouldn’t need to pretend to be pregnant?”
She wasn’t ready to have a child so soon and had taken precautions during her time with Su Bin.
Su Bin smiled and explained, “Times have changed.”
He hadn’t anticipated that their situation in the Imperial Court would become so unfavorable. He had initially assumed that Lin Yue and the Third Prince were rational actors, and that the Third Prince would easily triumph over the Crown Prince. However, he had miscalculated the General Manor’s anxiety.
With the Third Prince lacking power, he couldn’t command the full obedience of the General Manor.
With the General Manor causing potential trouble, it could expedite the Crown Prince’s ascension to the throne.
Su Bin’s initial strategy had been to eliminate the Crown Prince before his ascension. If the Crown Prince ascended prematurely, it would be a dire situation for him.
When the Crown Prince held that title, he had once tried to take Su Bin’s wife. If he became the Emperor, who knew if he might take more drastic actions? Qin Zhenzhen pulled on Su Bin’s sleeve, asking, “So, what’s the plan?”
Su Bin held her in his arms and proposed, “We can circulate news that we’re originally from the southern regions and that we’re struggling with the capital’s climate. Moreover, you’re pregnant and experiencing severe morning sickness every day. We can’t consume any food here, so we need to return to the south for recuperation.”
“In doing so, you can also take my sister back to the prefectural city sooner.”
He was aware that the Crown Prince had shown interest in his wife. If it became public knowledge that she was pregnant and leaving the capital, it might curb his desires. Otherwise, Su Bin feared that the Crown Prince might concoct an excuse to halt her journey when he discovered her departure, citing a supposed illness within the Crown Prince’s residence.
“That’s a good plan.”
Qin Zhenzhen was keen to leave the capital.
“What about you staying in the capital alone?”
Su Bin shared his scheme with her.
“I can use this opportunity to request a transfer from the Emperor to a smaller role in the southern region.”
“Before that, I’ll compose another anonymous letter to the Emperor, urging him to bide his time and feign alignment with His Highness the Crown Prince and the Public House.”
Qin Zhenzhen concurred with Su Bin’s strategy.
Qin Zhenzhen also perceived that, given the current circumstances, the emperor wouldn’t easily overpower the Public House.
As the male lead in the original narrative, the Third Prince had to endure trials before attaining a dominant position.
If they aimed to assist the Third Prince, they had to proceed methodically and amass influence over time.
In light of this, they decided to take a step back and refrain from becoming embroiled in the conflict between the Emperor and the Public House..