He can already imagine the Empress’s collapse after being exposed.
Xiao Zhanping’s excitement, naturally, would not be shown.
At this moment, he even expressed some surprise, "Why would it be the Crown Princess Consort? She seems to have little to do with General Bai; how could there be any conflict between the two? To my knowledge, General Bai has always been gentle and amiable. It’s unlikely that there would be a disagreement severe enough to make the Crown Princess Consort want to murder and silence someone."
Xiao Zhanping’s seemingly puzzled words.
In fact, he was just giving Xiao Jinxing a chance to offer a reasonable excuse, so he could righteously take down Gao Jingyi.
He didn’t care whether it was Gao Jingyi’s doing or not.
What he wanted now was a scapegoat, to rescue Xiao Jinsen and then slap the Empress hard.
"Some matters, your son knows, once spoken, will seem like stirring up discord, and be disrespectful to the deceased Crown Prince. Your son dares not to speak them," said Xiao Jinxing, bowing with a troubled expression.
"Xing’er." At this moment, Xiao Zhanping obviously was eager for Xiao Jinxing to identify Gao Jingyi as the murderer. His attitude softened a lot, calling him by his nickname, exhibiting the deep affection for his child, "Today, your father is speaking to you heart-to-heart. You can speak frankly before me. No matter if it’s disrespectful to anyone, even to me, I will absolutely not pursue it."
"Since Father Emperor wants your son to speak frankly, then I shall speak my mind," Xiao Jinxing said, appearing troubled.
"Speak frankly then."
"I never denied my personal feelings for General Bai, which my wife is also aware of," Xiao Jinxing said, turning his gaze to Ye Qichi.
Ye Qichi caught Xiao Jinxing’s glance.
At this time, of course, she had to play along with Xiao Jinxing’s act.
She quickly said, "Yes, your humble daughter-in-law knows."
"I know as well. Alas... the fates were lacking," said Xiao Zhanping, seemingly helplessly.
Xiao Jinxing continued, "Because of my sentiments for General Bai, I paid attention to her every move, wanting to protect her at every turn. It was in the process of paying attention to General Bai that I noticed the Crown Prince also harbored feelings for her."
Xiao Zhanping’s eyes tightened.
It was as if he had an epiphany at that moment.
Although the Crown Prince was foolish, it didn’t mean he was void of thoughts.
Moreover, there was the Empress behind him.
They naturally understood that if Xiao Jinsen and Bai Mowan were to marry, the likelihood of the Crown Prince being deposed would increase, and they would definitely prevent that from happening.
The best way to prevent this was to let the Crown Prince obtain Bai Mowan.
"And as the closest person to the Crown Prince, the Crown Princess Consort would surely know the Crown Prince’s thoughts better than anyone else. And should the Crown Prince truly wish to be with General Bai, coupled with the fact that the Crown Princess Consort has not borne any children over the years, she could easily be replaced. It’s quite possible that to maintain her position, the Crown Princess Consort would resort to murdering General Bai."
"Indeed!" Xiao Zhanping agreed, righteously adding, "Because of how poorly the Crown Prince has treated the Crown Princess Consort, now that he harbors thoughts of replacing her, she, in a fit of rage, not only wants to kill General Bai but also wants to vent her anger by killing the Crown Prince."
Xiao Jinxing pursed his lips.
Everything was as he expected.
Today was indeed about finding someone to take the blame for Xiao Jinsen.
Since Father Emperor was determined to save Xiao Jinsen, he could only play along.
Ye Qichi and Bai Mowan both clearly understood.
Hence, at this moment, they could only remain silent.
But no matter what, even if the Emperor pulled Xiao Jinsen out of this situation, there would now be a rift between the Emperor and Xiao Jinsen. However, Xiao Jinxing’s performance at this moment would make the Emperor treat him even better. Although it didn’t reach the goal of getting Xiao Jinsen killed, it was still like a roundabout way of saving the country, securing another place for Xiao Jinxing in the Emperor’s heart.
"What does King Chen think?" After Xiao Jinxing finished speaking, he asked Xiao Jinsen.
Clearly, he wanted Xiao Jinxing to side with him, acknowledging that the death of the Crown Prince was due to Gao Jingyi.
"Father Emperor is perceptive and wise, indeed as Father Emperor said, both the death of the Crown Prince and the assassination attempt on General Bai were done by the Crown Princess Consort," Xiao Jinxing quickly concurred.
Xiao Zhanping rarely showed a smile on his face.
Finally, the matter of the Crown Prince’s death was settled.
He ordered authoritatively, "Summon the attendants."
"Your servant is here," Mu Gonggong quickly stepped forward.
"Proceed to Kunde Palace!"
Kunde Palace is naturally the Empress’s chambers.