Chapter 762: Showdown

"Why?" a hint of curiosity appeared on Consort Bai's face.

"Actually, just think..." Zu'an originally intended to say "I," but immediately realized it would expose his identity, so he changed his words smoothly. "Just consider the actions of the Embroidered Uniform Guards after the incident, and you can infer a thing or two. If Xinrui had died, they would definitely focus on investigating her interactions within the palace: who she met before her death, and who had the motive and opportunity to kill her. In that scenario, even Consort Bai herself could have been suspected."

Consort Bai smiled faintly, "Precisely. Xinrui was my personal maid. If she had died, I would have become the primary suspect. However, even if she had left the palace, I would still be a major suspect, given our close relationship."

Zu'an continued, "The mastermind is very clever. She exploits human weakness by initially placing herself in the most suspicious position. However, people subconsciously react by thinking it's too simple, likely a trap set by someone else. With this mindset, plus other clues that quickly emerge, everyone naturally thinks, 'Aha, just as I thought!' and then proceeds to investigate other suspects, unaware that they are being led by the nose by the mastermind all along."

Consort Bai frowned, "From what you're saying, it sounds like you're implying I'm the mastermind?"

Zu'an did not answer, but continued, "What I just described was the scenario if Xinrui had died. But in reality, Xinrui is alive and has left the palace. In that case, the Embroidered Uniform Guards would certainly first check the palace gates for entry and exit records. If they couldn't find any relevant records, they would naturally suspect Ouyang Wu, the Supervisor of Xuanwu Gate."

"Coincidentally, just as the Embroidered Uniform Guards were about to investigate Ouyang Wu, he fled with his family. And the city gate was guarded by Young Master Murong. Both Ouyang Wu and Murong Luo are known allies of Prince Qi. Prince Qi has both the motive and the power to harm the Crown Princess. This makes everyone believe that Prince Qi is the hidden culprit, and even other officials loyal to Prince Qi would likely think so."

"Consequently, the Emperor would inevitably target Prince Qi. Prince Qi would perceive this as a trumped-up charge, a frame-up orchestrated by the Emperor's side, and would naturally retaliate. At that point, the two major power blocs would completely shatter the delicate balance maintained for years, plunging the entire nation into chaos. This would make it even easier for the person in the shadows to profit from the confusion."

At this moment, the Imperial Grandson suddenly woke up, crying loudly. While Consort Bai hurriedly comforted him, she said to Zu'an, "I don't understand what you mean by telling me all this. Do you think I'm the mastermind? I am the Crown Prince's consort and the Imperial Grandson's mother. What benefit would I gain if the country fell into chaos?"

By then, the maid had already prepared and brought over the hundred-flower tea. In addition, the nannies from a distance, hearing the Imperial Grandson's cries, also rushed over in a hurry.

The two implicitly understood each other and spoke no more. Zu'an quietly sipped the hundred-flower tea, its refreshing fragrance truly invigorating.

Consort Bai had the maid and nannies take the Imperial Grandson away. Once they were alone, she coldly stated, "What, you're not afraid of poison in the tea today?"

Zu'an smiled slightly, "I imagine Consort Bai is not such a despicable person. Besides, the Crown Princess isn't here this time. Would Your Ladyship personally step in to frame me after knocking me out?"

Consort Bai's breathing quickened. "Do you realize that just for that remark, I could have you beaten to death?"

Zu'an put down his teacup. "Your Ladyship is intelligent; you wouldn't do something so unwise."

"Do you truly think you have something on me?" Consort Bai sat back down on the swing. "I'd like to hear your insightful explanation: why am I the mastermind?"

"Let's return to Your Ladyship's previous question. This case frames Prince Qi as the culprit. Although Prince Qi has more supporters, the Emperor is, after all, the most powerful person in the world, and he has a greater chance of success against Prince Qi. That way, the Crown Prince would have no one left to contend with him for the throne. At the same time, the Crown Princess's reputation would be tarnished, allowing you to seize the opportunity to rise. You are the Imperial Grandson's birth mother; no other consort could compare to you."

He sighed, "There's a principle in solving cases: the person with the strongest motive and the biggest beneficiary after the incident is often the culprit. Unfortunately, we were all misled by your red herring and overlooked you, the greatest beneficiary."

Consort Bai calmly said, "Does Sir Zu know what crime it is to falsely accuse a consort? Your claims are entirely baseless. I'll just ask you one question: If I truly were the mastermind, why would I have saved you two back then? Wouldn't letting you and the Crown Princess be discovered naked have achieved my goal even more effectively?"

Zu'an looked impressed. "That is precisely Your Ladyship's genius. If the Crown Princess had been discovered in that state from the start, she would have been ruined, but you, as the biggest beneficiary, would have been too obvious, and everyone would have suspected you. Instead, by letting her live, the Crown Princess drew everyone's attention, allowing you to remain safely hidden behind the scenes."

"Of course, there's another reason: compared to Prince Qi, the Crown Prince's faction was already in a weaker position. If their leader, the Crown Princess, had been compromised from the beginning, the Crown Prince's faction likely wouldn't have been able to contend with Prince Qi's party. In that scenario, you would have merely cleared the path for Prince Qi."

Consort Bai scoffed, "Then wouldn't this current situation be doing the Crown Princess a favor? By helping her eliminate Prince Qi, she would become the empress in the future. Why would I take such a huge risk for that?"

Zu'an stared into her eyes, which were usually gentle and timid, and sighed, "That's why I say you're brilliant. It's precisely because of the things you just mentioned that no one suspected you. However, I've largely guessed your plan now. You most likely possess evidence of the Crown Princess's 'loss of chastity.' You are currently still using her influence to deal with Prince Qi. Once the situation is settled, you can have someone discreetly spread that evidence at any time. In doing so, the Crown Princess would naturally be too ashamed to remain in her position, and might not even keep her life."

"The Crown Princess may be clever, but from beginning to end, she has merely been a pawn in your hands. She is the one clearing the path for you."

Zu'an couldn't help but marvel at Bi Linglong's keenness. At first, when she asked him to find an opportunity to secretly kill Consort Bai, he thought she was too vicious, executing a seemingly gentle and kind woman for what appeared to be no reason at all.

Only now did he realize that she possessed great wisdom. She might not have known that Consort Bai was the mastermind, but her political shrewdness immediately made her realize that Consort Bai's existence would sooner or later pose a tremendous threat to her, so she didn't hesitate to eliminate her.

Alas, on the surface, these two women appeared to share a deep sisterly bond and affection, yet behind each other's backs, they were more ruthless than the last.

Are beautiful women truly more deceptive?

The faces of his female confidantes kept appearing in his mind, and for a moment, he fell into deep self-doubt.

"Hmph, that's because the Crown Prince is too weak and can't control the women in his harem. My situation will definitely be different," Zu'an finally consoled himself.

At this moment, Consort Bai clapped her hands softly. "A very good deduction. Unfortunately, these are just your wishful conjectures, without any evidence."

"Actually, finding evidence isn't difficult; we just need to find Ouyang Wu," Zu'an said.

"Then wait until you find him," Consort Bai chuckled softly. Her face, which had originally seemed as pure and delicate as a white flower, now seemed to hold a hint of captivating danger.

Zu'an sighed. "Judging by Your Ladyship's tone, it seems Ouyang Wu is in grave danger. In fact, I've always suspected that Ouyang Wu didn't flee voluntarily but was 'made to flee.' Your people killed him and simultaneously fabricated the illusion that he absconded out of guilt, all to frame Prince Qi."

"What you're saying would probably sound ridiculous to others," Consort Bai said, gesturing around with a slender finger. "As everyone knows, I have no power or background. I have lived alone in the depths of the palace for years, barely stepping outside its gates. How could I possibly have the ability to kill a Supervisor of the imperial palace gates and also abduct his family?"

"Although you may be weak on your own, you have allies," Zu'an chuckled. "For instance, Prince Wu?"