Rebirth: The Journey of an Heiress novel Chapter 49

Chapter 49: 49章:Knowing Oneself_1

Eight delicacies and jade food, wine cups in close succession, amidst the pleasant sound of silk and bamboo, cups were exchanged. The hall resounded with music and dance, presenting a scene of peace and prosperity, a grand banquet that could hardly be found anywhere else in the world.

Bai Qingyan’s uncle, Dong Qingping, sat below, being mocked by his colleagues for the scratch marks at the corner of his eyes, calling him henpecked. They teased that if he continued to indulge his wife, she might end up controlling the Dong family just like the Empress of Yan did, bringing shame to Dong Qingping.

Xiao Rongyan paused slightly while pouring wine, then calmly filled the cup and lifted it, casting his gaze downward.

The moment Xiao Rongyan’s gaze fell on Dong Qingping, Bai Qingyan felt a chill. Xiao Rongyan was the youngest and most beloved son of the Empress of Yan.

She remembered in a past life, fifteen years later, the Jin Kingdom fell while the Yan rose to power. The Yan attacked the Jin from the north and south with Xiliang. While she fought with King Liang in Xiliang, the Jin Kingdom had no choice but to seek peace with the Yan. Xiao Rongyan agreed to cease the attack, demanding neither territory nor compensation but the surrender of those who had insulted the Empress of Yan. The fate of those people was predictable.

Dong Qingping, usually eloquent and graceful, remained calm, but once drunk, he became reckless and indulgent. At that moment, intoxicated, he spoke freely: “The ‘Comprehensive History of Yan’ records that Mrs. Ji was exceptionally alluring, surpassing even the charms of Daji or Liji. She served King Su with her beauty, first gaining the position of imperial consort to oversee the harem, then maneuvering among high officials to become the empress, commanding unparalleled power and strategy across the land. She was known as Empress Quan. My wife, Mrs. Song, straightforward and with a fiery temper, could never be compared to such a seductive and vicious woman!”

As he spoke, Dong Qingping burped and looked towards Bai Qingyan’s mother, Mrs. Dong: “Isn’t that right, sister?!”

Bai Qingyan felt a jolt from Dong Qingping’s words, instinctively glancing at Xiao Rongyan. She saw Xiao Rongyan sipping his wine with a cold smile that didn’t reach his eyes.

Before Mrs. Dong could respond, Bai Qingyan quickly said, “Reviled by thousands and constantly insulted, whether her heart was as venomous as a snake or her charm ensnared the ruler, at that time, the Empress of Yan was just a minor consort. With no power in the palace or influence in court, she survived amidst the fluctuating imperial intrigues and eventually ushered Yan to become a dominant power. How resilient was her wit?”

Xiao Rongyan’s deep and profound gaze lifted towards her. Bai Qingyan pretended not to notice, fixing her attention on Dong Qingping, her palms sweaty: “To be reviled by the masses is merely the victor’s privilege; how can you speak nonsense just because you drank too much today?!”

The Emperor leaned on the soft pillow beside him, his gaze falling on Bai Qingyan.

“The Empress of Yan usurped power, leading to the nation’s decline! That once formidable monarch… Aren’t they now confined to a small corner, even giving up their capital, Dadu City, to us and living under our patronage?! Isn’t that right!” someone shouted with a laugh.

As a woman, Bai Qingyan particularly loathed the phrase “a hen crowing at dawn,” originally defending the Empress of Yan from Xiao Rongyan’s resentment, she found herself speaking more sincerely now.

“Everyone says the Empress of Yan was domineering and ruthless. But it was precisely this venomous woman who transformed Yan from a poor, weak nation into a power comparable to our Jin and Xiliang. Back then, Yan’s government was clean and prosperous; the loyal officials died remonstrating, and the military officials fought to death. After the Emperor of Yan recovered from his madness and took control, he killed the Empress, and everyone in Yan rejoiced. Yet shortly after, Yan fell into rapid decline, becoming subservient to our Jin. What a tragedy!”