Chapter 896: Did You Betray Me Back Then?!

　　Not only did Shangguan Jing promise to give the throne to Chu Liuyue, but he was even giving it to someone who wasn’t a part of the royal lineage and bloodline. This was practically unheard of and was unlikely to happen again as this was all because Chu Liuyue made the Ancestor reappear and had his protection and support. Any one of the above terms was enough to stabilize her position as the Tianling Dynasty’s ruler.

　　Thunder-struck, Shangguan Wan’s last strand of hope died out. How did things turn out like this? How did things get into this situation?! Shangguan Yue should’ve died two years ago, but why is she still alive?! How did she get everyone’s support after destroying all my efforts? Even the Ancestor is on her side! Who would dare to go against him? Had I known this outcome earlier… I thought I was the winner, but I turned out to be the biggest loser and the butt of the joke in the end! There’s no way I can turn things around now!

　　Knowing that her last bargaining chip had been rendered useless, Shangguan Wan fell into despair. She slowly lifted her head and stared at Chu Liuyue blankly for a long time. Then, she couldn’t help but laugh in hopelessness and self-mockery. “Ha… That explains your boldness… It turns out that you still had a trump card up your sleeve… You win, Shangguan Yue! Who could possibly be your match? Who can?!”

　　Ever since Shangguan Jing appeared, Jiang Yucheng’s eyebrows were tightly knitted together. This situation is far worse than I initially expected!

　　…

　　“Ancestor, you—” Even Chu Liuyue herself was taken aback by what Shangguan Jing said, as evident by the slight widening of her eyes. She knew that he was speaking up for her, but she had never expected him to give such a huge promise.

　　“This is what you deserve,” affirmed Shangguan Jing with a light shake of his head. “Be it your talent, strength, or character… They’re all impeccable! It’s the Tianling Dynasty’s fortune to have you as its ruler!”

　　He was truly sincere about this. If it weren’t for her, I would still be trapped in the Tianling God Realm, unable to see the light of day. It’s also very likely that my last wisp of consciousness would vanish just like that after some time.

　　“Since both the Long Yuan Sword and the Tianling Power Staff have acknowledged you, nobody else is more suitable to stand here than you!” Many people had the chance to receive an acknowledgment from the Tianling Power Staff, but Chu Liuyue was the only person—aside from Shangguan Jing himself—to become the Long Yuan Sword’s owner. “Since you have pretty much inherited my legacy, there’s nothing wrong with you becoming the Tianling Dynasty’s ruler right away.”

　　Chu Liuyue let out an awkward cough as she glanced at her father, only to see him showing the same approving expression.

　　“You’re right, Ancestor! Yue’er has always been an intelligent child, and she manages court affairs really well! It was my plan to pass her the throne on her wedding day two years ago, but I didn’t expect…” Shangguan You’s face dimmed a little at the mention of the past, but it soon brightened up again. “But now that she’s safely returned, everything can go back on track! Yue’er, I’m still in a weak condition since I haven’t fully recovered yet. There are some matters that I really can’t handle! Why don’t you just ascend the throne today?”

　　How could they push me to the throne with just a few mere sentences? Chu Liuyue’s eyes twitched. “I don’t think this is… appropriate…”

　　“What’s so inappropriate?! Today is a day filled with many joyous events, so it’ll even be better if we have another reason for celebration!” said Shangguan Jing with a wave of his hand.

　　Everyone couldn’t believe their ears when they heard that. Many joyous events? Ancestor, can you open your eyes wide and take a look at the mess on the ground?! The Third Princess and her Prince Consort are currently covered in blood! Only you would say such things when the royal family’s internal strife ended up in this manner!

　　While Chu Liuyue was at a loss on what to do, Shangguan You put a fist against his lips and coughed. “Yue’er, look at me… I’m in serious need of proper recuperation! Can you really bear to see me overwork myself?”

　　Haven’t you been resting in bed for two years?! Chu Liuyue looked at Shangguan Jing and Shangguan You inquiringly. “Why don’t we… settle this mess first?”

　　She was talking about Jiang Yucheng and Shangguan Wan. They weren’t done dealing with them yet.

　　“Oh, I nearly forgot about this.” Shangguan Jing—who was known to be a man of action and resolution—clapped his hand and looked down at the masses. “Aside from these two and Xiahou Rong, is there anyone else who harmed or betrayed you back then? Let’s gather all of them here and punish them together!”

　　An imperceptible frown appeared on Chu Liuyue’s forehead. She had basically investigated what happened back then, but she still had a few questions that were yet to be answered.

　　Firstly, she couldn’t figure out what Jiang Yucheng’s motive was because it was clear that he didn’t like Shangguan Wan—or rather, who he liked wouldn’t affect his decision at all since the only person he cared about was himself. Still, it didn’t explain why he had gone to such lengths to kill her. Secondly, some people had held onto their positions or led the lives of fugitives for her sake, so she wondered if it was true that the others had completely betrayed her.

　　Her gaze unconsciously roamed in a certain direction.

　　In his black armor, Mu Qinghe looked especially conspicuous since he was standing outside the crowd. He looked over upon seemingly sensing her line of sight.

　　“Mu Qinghe.” Chu Liuyu called his name all of a sudden.

　　Hushed silence instantly descended upon the crowd as they looked curiously and uneasily at the two. Everyone knew that it was Shangguan Yue who had groomed Mu Qinghe to become the Black Guard’s lieutenant and that something was fishy about how the Black Guards didn’t go to her rescue when she was in trouble.

　　With deep and serious eyes, Chu Liuyue looked at Mu Qinghe and asked, “You say it yourself. Did you betray me back then?!”