Chapter 354 - 354 351 Those Who Dare to Die Triumph_1

Chapter 354: Chapter 351: Those Who Dare to Die Triumph_1 Chapter 354: Chapter 351: Those Who Dare to Die Triumph_1 Bai Qingyan’s carriage slowly approached from behind Bai Jinzhi and stopped beside Li Mao’s carriage.

A slender, fair hand lifted the carriage curtain, coinciding perfectly with the window of Li Mao’s carriage.

Seeing Bai Qingyan’s delicate face with a subtle smile, Li Mao, who was sitting inside his carriage, also smiled, “Since the Commandery Princess has something to say, why not come to my residence for a chat?”

“Today, I wish to speak with the Left Prime Minister about Wen Zhenkang’s wife going to see you. It will only take a few words. There is no need to disturb you at your residence, lest we unsettle your wife.”

Li Mao did not believe that Bai Qingyan was the kind of ignorant woman who gossiped before others. Since she mentioned Wen Zhenkang’s wife, there must be a deeper meaning.

He gazed at Bai Qingyan’s calm and indifferent eyes, his fingers gently stroking the embroidered patterns on his court attire, and chuckled, “What do you mean by that, Commandery Princess? I don’t quite understand…”

“The day Wen Zhenkang’s wife went to see you, she probably gave you a letter…” Bai Qingyan said slowly, looking at Li Mao’s composed face. “But it was not the only letter. I have quite a few here as well! Only after reading them did I realize what an extraordinary relationship the Second Prince had with you!”

The sudden threat brought a strong sense of fear that climbed up Li Mao’s spine, causing stormy waves in his heart.

How did Bai Qingyan know?!

Could it be that Wen Zhenkang’s wife also went to see Bai Qingyan?!

Li Mao’s palm tightened, pretending ignorance, “I really don’t understand what you’re saying, Commandery Princess.”

“It’s fine if you don’t understand…” She looked at Li Mao with the same smiling expression. “It’s just to let the Left Prime Minister know what I have in my hand that can be used to intimidate you.”

“What do you mean by that, Commandery Princess?” Li Mao’s smile became a bit more reserved.

“No other meaning. I just hope the Left Prime Minister behaves and doesn’t cause trouble for the Bai family. If my family is not pleased, I will naturally make you unhappy too! Mutual peace is what I wish for. Is it not what you wish as well?” Bai Qingyan’s blatant threat hung in the air.

Li Mao pursed his lip, laughed low, and then said, “Although I’m still not clear on what the Commandery Princess is saying, the Bai family has been loyal for generations. Of course I hope to establish goodwill with your family and maintain peace. There’s no doubt about that.”

“Since the Left Prime Minister says so, I am relieved.” Her deep, quiet eyes gazed at Li Mao. “I also kindly remind you not to send people to probe or steal letters from me. I am someone who cannot tolerate sand in her eyes. It’s hard to say what I might do. The Left Prime Minister should understand!”

Li Mao’s hand, resting on his knee, tightened, grasping his clothes as he smiled, “Of course I understand.”

Since the Bai family’s crisis began, Bai Qingyan’s every move was Earth-shattering. She exposed those things that were supposed to be buried in the dark, showing a righteous, unyielding spirit, undaunted by death.

She struck the drum of grievances, forced the Emperor to punish King Xin. These actions seemed reckless and desperate but often yielded stunning results.

This made cunning people like Li Mao, who harbored secrets, feel wary and fearful.

Cunning people were shadowy, afraid of the light, and feared those unafraid to die.

In a narrow encounter, it was always the fearless who prevailed.

Bai Qingyan nodded at the Left Prime Minister with a smile, lowered the carriage curtain, and instructed the coachman, “Move on…”

Bai Jinzhi nudged her horse to follow Bai Qingyan’s carriage, catching up to her.

Li Mao lowered the curtain, closed his eyes, trying to calm the panic in his heart. It was difficult for anyone to remain calm when their biggest secret was known by others.

Could it be as Bai Qingyan said, that she had those letters?

How much did Bai Qingyan know?

Li Mao’s mind was in turmoil. He pinched his palm, forcing himself to calm down.

Looking at Bai Qingyan’s words today, it seemed she did not want to make things difficult for him, just wanting peace…

But why would Bai Qingyan suddenly tell him to behave?

Li Mao pursed his lips. Could Bai Qingyan already know that Chu Zhongxing, the Minister of Revenue, was his man?

Li Mao’s hand tightened on his clothes.

After Bai Weiting’s death, Li Mao originally didn’t plan to make trouble for the Bai family. But for some reason, King Liang wanted Bai Qingyan, forcing him to go to great lengths to acquire Bai Qingyan’s close maid for future use.

But who knew…

Li Mao thought of the deceased King of Zhen, Bai Weiting. Although he and Bai Weiting were adversaries, he sincerely admired Bai Weiting’s character. The man’s integrity was filled with noble spirit and righteousness!

Bai Qingyan was his most beloved eldest granddaughter. Even if she couldn’t fully inherit Bai Weiting’s spirit, she wouldn’t be a sinister person. If she really had those letters between him and King Xin, would she hold onto them without exposing him to the Crown Prince?

Li Mao gritted his teeth. This matter still needed discussion with his family advisors.

·

After Bai Jinzhi helped Bai Qingyan down from the carriage, she followed beside her and asked softly, “Eldest Young Lady, it seems you told Li Mao today you have leverage against him? Why did you tell him? To threaten him?”

Bai Jinzhi seemed to disagree with letting Li Mao know about the leverage. Holding her dress, Bai Qingyan walked into the mansion, saying to Bai Jinzhi, “It is a threat and to make him test us. After all, Li Mao is not someone to believe whatever he is told.”

She explained to Bai Jinzhi bit by bit, “Li Mao is cautious. After today’s meeting, he will definitely test whether I really have leverage against him. If it’s just a test, Li Mao won’t make it ugly…”

Bai Jinzhi nodded, listening intently.

“Now, since we don’t plan to remove Li Mao from his position, we must stabilize him, making sure he doesn’t dare to trouble the Bai family or the Bai family army, causing himself trouble. Therefore, it is necessary for him to understand… the Bai family has evidence to intimidate him and the means to deal with him. But we don’t want to actively become his enemy.”

Bai Jinzhi understood, “So Eldest Young Lady’s words today are to force him to test us and then show him the Bai family’s capabilities?”

Bai Qingyan nodded, “First courtesy, then force. After warning him, if he takes action first, and we react, it will prevent Li Mao from seeking a destructive end and thinking twice about targeting the Bai family. At that time, the Bai family will hold the initiative, making Li Mao come begging for peace.”

The Bai family now needed to stay vigilant and strive to be stronger, and Bai Qingyan needed to hold Li Mao in check for at least three years.

If Li Mao dared to test them, she could cripple his claws with a thunderous hand.