The Reborn Princess Has Turned Evil

Jing Anle tossed Abi into the carriage and then headed to the Zhenguo General's Mansion. There should be some progress on the matter he had asked his uncle Qin Xu for help last time.

The study room of the General's Mansion.

After paying her respects to her maternal grandmother, Jing Anle noticed that because her arrival was so sudden, everyone except her grandmother and Qin Xu was not at the General's Mansion. Jing Anle went to Qin Xu's study again, while A Fang waited outside the door. Looking at the ordinary-looking cabinet, she wondered who would have thought that it contained a secret room.

Qin Xu sat next to Jing Anle and was pouring tea for her.

"Uncle, is there any news about the matter of Murong Peifeng and Prince Qing that I asked you to investigate last time?" Jing Anle asked Qin Xu.

Qin Xu handed the tea to Jing Anle and said, "The person I sent came back and told me that Murong Peifeng hasn't left the house for nearly a month, and there's been no movement from Prince Qing's side either. Until the night of the fifteenth of this month, a servant from the Pingchang Marquis's residence went to Prince Qing's residence and came out in less than half an hour."

Jing Anle listened attentively while sipping his tea, his mind occasionally wandering. He then asked, "Servant?"

“Exactly. I guess it’s to pass messages between Murong Peifeng and Prince Qing, and only once a month, which shows how extremely careful they are,” Qin Xu replied.

Qin Xu also found this matter strange. In the court, the Pingchang Marquis's Mansion and the Qing Prince's Mansion had little contact, and the old Marquis was in poor health and had retired from court a few years ago to recuperate at home. If there were any private interactions, they would not happen at night. There must be something strange about this matter.

Jing Anle knew that Murong Peifeng was always meticulous and cautious in his actions, so he said, "Uncle, we can't alert him now. We still need to observe him secretly."

Qin Xu nodded and continued, "I also received some news from the Qi Kingdom."

“Uncle, please speak,” Jing Anle said.

"It's strange, the Emperor of Qi is nearly sixty years old and has not yet established a crown prince. The civil and military officials have repeatedly submitted memorials, earnestly requesting that a crown prince be established first to stabilize the court. I don't know why?" Qin Xu asked in confusion.

"Naturally, it's left to Murong Peifeng," Jing Anle thought to herself. She hadn't expected the Emperor of Qi to actually keep his word and intend to pass the throne to Murong Peifeng. She wondered if his other sons would agree. If… Thinking this, Jing Anle whispered something to Qin Xu.

About an hour later, Jing Anle came out of Qin Xu's study and ran into Mu Ping, who had come looking for her, as soon as she left the courtyard.

"Princess," Mu Ping said respectfully, clasping her hands in a fist salute.

Jing Anle found it amusing and laughed, "Mu Ping, you mustn't bow like that next time in the palace. Anyone who sees it will know you're a martial artist." Afang, standing nearby, couldn't help but chuckle quietly.

Mu Ping scratched her head somewhat embarrassedly, then whispered, "Abi is dead."

Jing Anle felt it was expected and his expression didn't change much, but Afang's eyes widened.

"Let's talk about it when we get back to the palace," Jing Anle said solemnly, not daring to discuss these matters in the General's Mansion.

Prince Qing's Mansion

Meanwhile, Jing Rou, upon learning that the plan had failed once again, looked somewhat annoyed.

Just a few days ago, her father was asking about her progress, but now that the plan has failed, how is she going to explain it to him?

As for Murong Peifeng, she only wanted to marry him as the legitimate princess of Jing Kingdom and become his empress, possessing supreme power. At this moment, she couldn't help but feel that Murong Peifeng was incompetent. Thinking of this, Jing Rou threw the teacup on the table far away, which unfortunately hit the feet of Prince Qing, who had just entered.

"Who has offended my Rou'er?" Prince Qing asked as he entered. Prince Qing was only one year younger than Emperor Jing. Although he was middle-aged, he still had a dignified bearing and was strong and powerful. Moreover, the royal genes were undoubtedly excellent, and he was exceptionally handsome.

In the Jing Kingdom, black is revered and considered the highest color. Only members of the royal family are allowed to wear black. In addition to differences in clothing, the patterns worn by princes and emperors also differ. One is embroidered with dragon patterns, while the other is embroidered with giant python patterns.

However, the Prince Qing who entered was wearing a dragon-patterned robe. He swaggered around the palace wearing a dragon robe, showing his wolfish ambition. The servants in the palace looked perfectly normal and were not surprised at all, as if they were used to it.

"Father," Jing Rou quickly stood up and said. Although Prince Qing was ruthless and vicious, he still loved Jing Rou quite a bit, so there was a hint of coquetry in Jing Rou's voice.

The father and daughter sat in Jingrou's room discussing matters.

“Today, Murong Peifeng’s plan failed.” Jing Rou said in a low voice, her tone somewhat unwilling. “Ever since she was injured last time, her behavior has been completely different from before. I even suspect that she has been possessed by something.”

Possession! Just as Jing Rou said those words, another thought suddenly popped into her head: Jing Anle, you just wait!

Prince Qing listened quietly. After all, he was an old hand in the world and had no interest in personal feelings. He only cared about the city map. He said without revealing his expression, "Jing Anle is a very crucial move. You and Murong Peifeng must think of another way."

"I have secretly won over important officials of the court and gained their support. Success is just around the corner!" Prince Qing continued.

The map of Jing Kingdom was divided into six parts. One part was in the hands of Prince Qing, and the rest were in the hands of Emperor Jing. Only princes and princesses could obtain one part after they got married.

As the most favored legitimate princess, Jing Anle was arranged to marry Murong Peifeng for two reasons: first, to obtain a map, and second, to use her to gain access to other maps.

"I know, daughter." Jing Rou said obediently.

Looking at Jing Rou before him, Prince Qing gazed at her with affection. "Once this succeeds, you will be the only legitimate princess of Jing Kingdom! As for Murong Peifeng, he is nothing but a stepping stone for us. Qi Kingdom only wants the borders of Jing Kingdom. Once I sit on the throne, I will take them back!" Prince Qing's eyes gleamed with excitement, as if the matter had already been accomplished.

Jing Rou was greatly encouraged and longed for the day when her father would ascend the throne. Once she became the legitimate princess, she would definitely trample Jing Anle underfoot and torture her severely!

The State of Qi is adjacent to the State of Jing, and the two countries share a border. The State of Qi has always been eyeing the border of the State of Jing with covetous intent.

Firstly, it has a geographical advantage, being both offensive and defensive. Secondly, there is a large gold mine there. If Qi Kingdom gains control of the border, Jing Kingdom will be its for the taking, provided Qi Kingdom is willing. Therefore, the two countries are deadlocked and could easily turn into arms.

How could Prince Qing not know the pros and cons? But the temptation of the throne was too great. He was willing to take great risks to make this deal with Qi State, and even naively thought that he could take back the border in the future.

What he was thinking was exactly what Jing Anle was thinking. Over the past month, she had analyzed the situation and seen through it all. The two countries of Jing and Qi were only calm on the surface, but there were turbulent waves behind the scenes.