I turned around in astonishment, and Xiao Run pointed to the chair. After I sat down, he began to speak slowly.

When he mentioned that Princess Zhaoping had ambitions of rebellion and wanted to become emperor, I was shocked and blurted out involuntarily, "Is she crazy?"

There has never been a woman who became emperor in this world!

Xiao Run shook his head, "She's not crazy. Back then, when the emperor was conquering the world, she was always by his side."

"At that time, His Majesty and the late Empress had a deep affection for each other, and with her being the only daughter, it was indeed mentioned that she would be titled as the Crown Princess in the future." Xiao Run paused, "Later, after the late Empress passed away, and the emperor had new heirs, this matter was never brought up again. She was only asked to engage in some shady dealings."

I squinted, "Wait, are you saying that the mastermind behind the scenes back then was the current emperor?"

Xiao Run nodded, confirming my guess.

I suddenly stood up, "How is this possible! Back then, she didn't have any ill intentions towards you because of your beauty..."

Seeing Xiao Run's bitter smile, I couldn't continue with the rest of my words. I felt a bitter taste in my mouth, "Could it be that it ends like this?"

If the events back then were solely the actions of Princess Zhaoping, I could sacrifice my life to exchange with her.

But if it was the emperor, I feared that before I could even draw my dagger, I would be restrained by the guards.

A sickly flush appeared on Xiao Run's face, "End? No, she and the late emperor killed my wife, harmed my whole family, it's impossible to let it go."

Xiao Run smirked, a hint of madness gleaming in his pitch-black eyes, "Since Zhaoping wants to be emperor, then I will help her. The old emperor must be eager to experience being killed by his own daughter."

I looked at him in shock, a chill creeping up my spine.

Just as I was about to speak, Cuihua suddenly grabbed my shoulder and gently shook her head.

I wisely closed my mouth.

Xiao Run was clearly consumed by hatred, "An'er, do you know? Your mother took the poison willingly for the sake of the people of Qinghe and the Shen family."

"But that despicable woman, that despicable woman deceived her!" Xiao Run looked pained, pounding his head with his hand, "I promised your mother that I wouldn't seek revenge for her, that I wouldn't incite chaos. That's why I chose the Crown Prince!"

He let out a strange laugh from his throat, "Once that despicable woman kills the emperor, I will take the Crown Prince and, along with the officials, charge her with treason."

"Patricide and regicide, with such charges, she will forever be nailed to the pillar of shame."

Looking at Xiao Run's crazed expression, I swallowed hard, "Gulp," and asked, "Does the Crown Prince know about this?"

Xiao Run stopped laughing, "The Crown Prince is kind-hearted and has not yet been informed of these matters. He only thinks that I sincerely treat him well. In reality, I have been using him."

I made a sound of understanding, realizing that when the time comes, the Crown Prince will have no choice but to act, either risking his life or killing Zhaoping.

Thinking this way, the figure I saw that night should have been the Crown Prince.

"An'er, you must leave the capital as soon as possible." Xiao Run's tone changed, his face returning to normal, "This matter is extremely dangerous. If I fail, you may not survive either."

I was about to refuse, but then he added, "When the time comes, avenging your mother will be up to you."

I was stunned, then I understood. I clenched my fist tightly and agreed.