Chapter 618: Chapter 617: 617: Kidnapped by the Entire Clan

Jiang Ruobai smiled and said, “If everyone thought like you, there would be no one committing crimes. Remember, there is risk in pursuing wealth and honor but they are still worth pursuing.”

“So, what shall we do?”

“Could it be that you still want to keep the Empress?” Jiang Ruobai asked.

“Whether we keep her or not, it’s not up to me to decide. I’m wondering, should we tell the Emperor about this matter?” Jiang Ning contemplated, “The Emperor and the Empress are, after all, a married couple with many years of affection. If we don’t take down the Empress at once, she will become a nuisance to us in the future.”

“Then let’s take her down at once.”

“The Empress’s family has great influence.” Jiang Ning was somewhat worried, “It’s easy to evade the obvious attacks, but hard to guard against the hidden ones. It’s fine for us to take down the Empress, but will the Empress’s family seek trouble with our Jiang family? I know neither you nor our uncle are afraid of them, but when two tigers fight, there is bound to be injury.”

Jiang Ruobai just chuckled.

“Father, why are you laughing?”

“At your tender age, where does all this worry come from? You’re overly anxious.” Jiang Ruobai put down his tea cup, “Rest assured, if Empress Wei falls, the Wei Family behind her won’t fare well either.”

“How so?”

“Although the Wei family is a noble family with ancestors who made significant contributions, their descendants are incompetent and the family has declined. It was only because they had an empress that they gradually rose again. The entire Wei Family relies on Empress Wei.”

“So, Empress Wei is quite pitiful, being held hostage by her own family.”

“If it weren’t for the family, she probably wouldn’t need to harm Concubine Jin.” Jiang Ruobai sighed, “But there’s no choice, don’t people live for their families and clans?”

Jiang Ning joked, “Father, what if I turn out to be a traitor, unable to contribute to the family in the future?”

Jiang Ruobai laughed, “The Jiang family is not like the Wei family. The Wei family relies on women to survive. Our family is one that protects women.”

He stood up, patted his daughter’s shoulder, and said with deep meaning, “In the future, no matter what situation you encounter, protecting yourself is the most important thing. Remember your father’s words.”

“Don’t worry, father, I’m very careful with my life.”

“That’s good to know.”

Jiang Ruobai spoke affectionately, “As for the matter of the Empress, I will personally inform His Majesty. If the Crown Prince asks, you can tell him.”

“What about Mu Jian?”

“Mu Jian, can’t go back anymore.”

“Is he dead?”

“Not exactly.” Jiang Ruobai pondered, “It’s the end of the year. The tributes from various vassal states will be presented soon.”

“And then?”

“The prince and princess of the Silla Kingdom are already on their way. In a few days, they will arrive in Chang’an City. Perhaps the Emperor will ask the Crown Prince and you to receive them.”

Jiang Ning, sensing something amiss, quickly responded, “The prince and princess of the Silla Kingdom? Father, is Mu Jian somehow related to the Silla Kingdom? Did Mu Jian confess anything else?”

“Mu Jian didn’t confess anything else. However, last night, I received a letter. It was sent by a messenger from the Silla Kingdom.”

“What does it say?”

“The Silla Kingdom wants to make a deal with me.”

“What kind of deal?”

“They want to exchange a hostage from the Silla Kingdom for Mu Jian.”n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

“What?” Jiang Ning jumped to her feet, “Father, is Mu Jian a spy for the Silla Kingdom?”

“Calm down, sit down, sit down.” Jiang Ruobai was very calm, “Mu Jian is not a Silla.”

“Then why does Silla want to exchange him?”

“Although Silla is a vassal state of our Great Sheng, they certainly have spies in Chang’an.”