In the tense and intense grand hall, Ye Qichi held Qingyuan hostage.
Qingyuan did not take it seriously. For a person who had lost her son, life or death had long become trivial; all she wanted was revenge.
She fiercely said, "Even if it leads to mutual destruction, I will absolutely not let Xiao Zhanping off!"
Her tone was resolute beyond any doubt!
Ye Qichi’s eyes tightened.
She had considered that Qingyuan, with a determined mind to perish together, might try to kill Xiao Zhanping.
Therefore, holding Qingyuan hostage might not be effective.
However, given the current situation, other than taking a hostage, she could find no better plan.
But she always felt, buying time was definitely not wrong.
Ye Qichi said coldly, "Since the Empress is so decided, then let’s all die together!"
The hidden weapon Ye Qichi pressed against Qingyuan’s neck was about to slit Qingyuan’s throat.
Qingyuan naturally felt Ye Qichi’s move.
Actually intended to kill her.
Knowing full well that by killing her, she would die herself.
She might still have a chance to live.
"Ye Qichi!" In that moment, Qingyuan still called out Ye Qichi’s name in panic.
Everyone fears death.
Even those with shattered hearts, when truly faced with death, are not that calm.
Moreover, Qingyuan hadn’t reached that point completely.
She still had unfulfilled deep-seated wishes.
Even having lost her only son, drowning in sorrow, she had still planned for her future.
This was enough to show, Qingyuan did not want to die.
For someone who does not want to die, using their life as a threat is somewhat effective.
"Do you think it’s worth it? To die for someone insignificant, do you think it’s worth it?" Qingyuan asked Ye Qichi angrily, "Out of the people in front of you, who is worth your life to rescue?! Xiao Zhanping? Or Xiao Jinxing? Or Bai Mowan?! Have any of them truly treated you well?!"
Ye Qichi bit her lip tightly, the hidden weapon having already scratched Qingyuan’s neck.
But at that moment, she did not press any further to slit her throat.
It was as if Qingyuan’s words had made her hesitate.
"Ye Qichi, you are not foolish. Now everyone knows; you are not just not stupid, you are very clever. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be able to threaten me so easily in such a situation. And by challenging my authority, you’ve shown me your capability. I need talent, as long as you let me go, I will surely make good use of you," Qingyuan began to promise Ye Qichi.
Ye Qichi naturally did not agree.
Qingyuan continued, "If I were you, I definitely wouldn’t try to rescue them. Firstly, you can’t save them. I’ve made it very clear that even at the risk of mutual destruction, I will absolutely not spare them. You would die too, and all your actions now will not change anything; instead, you’re putting your own life on the line! Secondly, is it worth risking your life to save them?! To sacrifice yourself for a man who doesn’t love you, why bother?! Anyone with eyes can see that Xiao Jinxing is fond of Bai Mowan. Sooner or later, Xiao Jinxing will divorce you and replace you with Bai Mowan. No matter how clever you are, the million-strong Bai Family army can override everything. Xiao Jinxing will not abandon his beloved Bai Mowan and the powerful Bai Family army for you. By saving them now, you’re also indirectly sealing your own doom!"
Ye Qichi fell somewhat silent.
Indeed, what Qingyuan said made sense.
Saving them might not necessarily be good for herself.
Originally, she thought she could work with Xiao Jinxing to ensure the safety of the Minister Mansion, but after the wolf pack incident, she realized profoundly that Xiao Jinxing would betray their cooperation whenever it involved his own interests. Was it worth placing all bets on Xiao Jinxing?!
Just because he is the male protagonist, does assisting him lead to a natural success?!
What if she didn’t help?!
If she rewrote the script, what would happen then?!
Helping Qingyuan overthrow the court politics, changing dynasties, and starting anew, could it really work?!
Ye Qichi’s hesitation.
Qingyuan could also feel it.
Xiao Jinxing too could see it.
Because Qingyuan was held hostage by Ye Qichi, all the guards were only circling around them with watchful eyes, not daring to attack
Naturally, they were also fully alert, not daring to let their guard down.
But because Ye Qichi now represented all their hopes, they still focused their attention on Ye Qichi.