Chu Heng still didnât respond, and instead continued writing some content.
Clearly it was some testimony, and all Chunqin needed to do was look at it and nod or shake her head.
Chunqinâs gaze seemed to pierce through him to see others: "Lord Chu, you are unwilling to admit it verbally, but your actions are more for the people than others."
"Those who talk about the hardships of the people and protecting them, behind their backs, you donât know how much they exploit the people." Resentment flashed in Chunqinâs eyes, "These officials are really disgusting."
Chu Heng still didnât answer her.
Chunqin continued speaking to herself, not feeling bored at all: "You and the Prince are the same, both are good officials who love the people."
"If it wasnât for the Prince back then, my life would have been long gone. The Prince saved me from the bandits, allowing me to escape humiliation and harm, and gave me a good life. He is a great person."
"Not just me, but so many people in the Northern Region have benefited from the Princeâs grace. With the Prince, we can live our days in peace."
"Lord Chu, the Prince definitely does not have a heart of rebellion. He just wants to protect the people, just like you." Chunqin tried hard to persuade him.
Chu Heng finished the last stroke and put it away, gently shaking his head, "No, I am selfish too, only with national peace can there be peace for the people, one must fulfill their role."
"If I really cannot save others, I will give up."
Chunqin seemed very dissatisfied with him saying this about himself: "Lord Chu, you are a good official, far better than those corrupt bureaucrats."
Chu Heng did not argue with her on this topic any further. He couldnât make a conclusion about King of Huainanâs loyalty or otherwise. The existence of the former Sacred Girl of Southern Border made the matter even more complicated.
He even already knew that Emperor Xuanming had sent secret orders, summoning the King of Huainan to the capital to report on his duties, while simultaneously escorting the Beirong Prince to the capital for discussions on bilateral trade relations.
"Just look and nod or shake your head." Chu Heng laid the paper flat, allowing Chunqin to see it clearly.
Chunqin cooperated fairly well, providing clear answers to most of the questions.
Only when it came to special ones, such as how many people Bai Yao had under her, who she interacted with normally, did she neither nod nor shake her head.
"Where is the Lover Gu given to you by the Southern Border Saintess this time?" Chu Heng suddenly asked.
Chunqin subconsciously shook her head.
"No, this time we didnât trade anything, and itâs the first time meeting the Southern Border Saintess."
"Is there still Lover Gu in the capital?" Chu Heng didnât directly ask, but the underlying meaning was clear, he wanted to know if Bai Yao had it.
Chunqin hesitated for a moment, "I donât know."
She really didnât know, as Bai Yao normally wouldnât tell her these things.
"Okay, I understand, the information you provided is excellent."
"Take a rest for now."
Chu Heng left with the testimony.
This interrogation yielded a lot of useful information, like Bai Yao might really have entered the palace, and the likelihood that she has Lover Gu at hand is very high. Besides, several names associated with Prince Huainanâs Mansion as Bai Yaoâs confidants were obtained.
With these names, it becomes easier to confirm more details about Bai Yaoâs information.
Chu Heng sent people to monitor Prince Huainanâs Mansion.
In the palace.
Xiao Tianhao hastily ran to the Imperial Study, and after waiting for quite a while, he didnât receive an audience with the Emperor, causing him some unease.
Worried but unable to barge in, he could only hope that the Emperor had received the news and would be on guard for something.