But it seems that Long Xiyuan’s arrangements have been in place for a long time.

It’s clear that he has never relaxed his vigilance against Prince Li Zheng.

First, he started to dismantle Prince Li Zheng’s faction bit by bit.

Even a meritorious Minister like Duke Huan couldn’t escape a reduction in power.

Prince Li Zheng was isolated like an island by Long Xiyuan, making him particularly prominent among the ministers.

Naturally, Bai Zhi’er would not believe that Long Xiyuan really wanted to show mercy to Prince Li Zheng.

Instead, the hardest stone requires the sharpest weapon.

When the late Empress was mentioned, Long Xiyuan’s expression briefly changed.

Although it was fast, Bai Zhi’er still caught it.

That emotion didn’t seem like the sorrow of missing a deceased wife.

Rather, it was a kind of desolate emptiness or perhaps, guilt?

Could it be that there is another hidden story behind the late Empress’s death?

Long Xiyuan’s smile faded a bit, his cold, handsome face shrouded in what looked like a layer of mist.

Making it difficult to discern his emotions.

"This matter, once the chaos caused by Prince Li Zheng is settled, I will tell you."

"For now, you just need to tell me whether you are willing to be my accomplice or not."

As he said this, he extended his hand, presenting an imperial personal token.

"As long as you are willing, Miss Jing, on the land of Great Qin, you will stand above all but one."

Bai Zhi’er let out a long "Hmm," as if pondering.

Just when Long Xiyuan thought she was about to agree,

Bai Zhi’er said, "Let me think about it."

Long Xiyuan laughed helplessly.

"Are the conditions I offer not generous enough? How about this, if you agree, I will also grant you the title of Commandery Princess!"

Bai Zhi’er shook her head repeatedly.

She wasn’t interested.

Seeing her reaction, Long Xiyuan intriguingly said, "Even though you don’t accept it now, you will eventually agree."

"Because you will find out that after certain things happen, only I can protect you."

He used "you" in the plural, not singular.

Bai Zhi’er guessed that Long Xiyuan was likely referring to Guoguo’s matter.

As the Emperor, he certainly knew a thing or two.

However, Bai Zhi’er was never afraid of this matter either.

There was nothing that could stump her.

Except for merit!

It was already autumn, and if she didn’t hurry, she wouldn’t be able to accumulate enough merit.

Bai Zhi’er smiled brightly, "I said I’d think about it, so I’ll think about it."

Long Xiyuan looked at her intently.

After a moment, he nodded, "Fine, I’ll give you three days."

Bai Zhi’er pouted, "Forcing me like this, it doesn’t seem like cooperation, it seems like you’re pressuring me."

This time, Long Xiyuan genuinely laughed out of exasperation.

"Pressuring you? I’m almost lowering myself to plead with you, Miss Jing."

Bai Zhi’er chuckled playfully, "If you really want to beg, save it for next time. I’m off!"

With that, she turned around, merrily preparing to leave the pavilion.

But Long Xiyuan’s voice followed her, saying, "Stop."

Bai Zhi’er looked back.

Long Xiyuan pointed to a plate, "Seeing how much you enjoy grapes, there’s none on the table outside, take mine and eat!"

Bai Zhi’er blinked, "Alright."

She picked up the grapes and asked, "Should I now say thank you for Your Majesty’s gracious gift?"

Long Xiyuan couldn’t help but be both amused and exasperated by her remark.

"You don’t have to say it, just agree to my previous request."

"Then I’d better say it, thank you for the Emperor’s grapes." With that, Bai Zhi’er happily walked away with the grapes.

Long Xiyuan shook his head, laughing, "Truly a child."

Seeing food, her eyes lit up.

Looking at his personal token, it was as if she saw a stone.

He couldn’t understand what this little girl was thinking.