Chapter 295
No one knew where these rumors originated, but within just a few days, they had swept across the entire city, spreading wider and wider, and many common people were secretly discussing them.
On the construction site, someone lowered their voice, “Hey, have you heard? The attack on the Imperial City was a conspiracy p>
“Explain, what exactly happened? Who would intentionally plan a war? What benefit would they gain p>
“You’re not getting it. Throughout history, the struggle among heirs has always been overt and covert. To successfully ascend to that position requires various methods behind the scenes. I never expected that Princess Shen Tang was the mastermind behind this p>
“Don’t speak recklessly! Spreading false rumors about the monarch can get you beheaded p>
“Who said I’m talking nonsense? I have evidence. Shen Tang colluded with the rebel army’s commander to plan the mutiny, all to create a situation where she could win the people’s hearts and gain the right to succession p>
“Speaking of which, don’t you find it suspicious how easily the Imperial City fell? No matter how strong the rebel army was, that was the Imperial City! Stationed with layers of officers and soldiers, it’s the most heavily defended place in the Empire p>
“In past years, the rebel army attacked numerous times, never successfully breaching the Imperial Defense Line. But this time, during Princess Qingli’s wedding ceremony, when defenses were even tighter, they managed to breach it unnoticed. It’s unbelievable! If there was no inside help, I wouldn’t believe it p>
“The key is that it happened during the wedding of Princess Qingli and Young Master Yun. Who doesn’t know that Princess Shen Tang was once madly in love with Young Master Yun p>
Someone analyzed confidently, “Choosing this timing not only allows her to win the people’s hearts but also stops the marriage. From Princess Shen Tang’s perspective, it’s a perfect two-in-one strategy p>
“When you put it like that, it does seem very suspicious and makes a lot of sense p>
“But how could the rebel army honestly work for her? Could there be some agreement between them p>
“Heh, isn’t it obvious? Shen Tang gains public favor to ascend to the throne with the rebel army’s help, and they use this to control her as a puppet emperor. Both sides benefit, getting what they want p>
“No wonder an unpopular princess gained the people’s favor so quickly, even winning more votes than the true princess with royal blood… Without that huge battle in the Imperial City, she wouldn’t have such widespread support p>
“No, it’s impossible! Princess Shen Tang is not that kind of person p>
“Fool, you can know someone’s face but not their heart. Throughout history, those who rise to power are never simple characters. You don’t know how many crooked paths are taken behind the scenes p>
“Besides, didn’t you notice? Even though so many died in the Imperial City battle, she and her five beast husbands were said to be fighting on the front lines but came out unscathed. If there’s nothing dubious here, I don’t believe it p>
Someone was filled with anger, “If this is true, it’s too despicable, using so many citizens’ lives just to pave her way to the throne, and we become stepping stones for her ascent p>
“How violent and selfish must she be at her core, sparing no means p>
“God, this is too terrifying p>
“By doing this, she deceives the entire Empire’s citizens, treating our lives as playthings p>
“Such a person can never be the monarch of a nation p>
The public opinion seemed to be driven by some force, fermenting more and more out of control.
In the end, many citizens collectively marched in protest, demanding the cancellation of next month’s coronation ceremony and asking Shen Tang for an explanation to the Empire’s citizens.
The Empire’s high officials were also extremely anxious these days, seeing that the momentum was getting out of control, and they had to hold discussions overnight.
When Shen Tang arrived, she only said one sentence, “The innocent are self-evident. I do not need to explain what I have not done p>
But from behind came a chuckle, “What you haven’t done? Oh, Shen Tang, your lies really come without changing your expression p>
Shen Tang turned to see Shen Qingli approaching, with Yun Han following, looking incredibly pleased, showing none of the embarrassment from the previous defeat.
The Bear Clan leader sternly warned, “Princess Qingli, what do you mean by this? You shouldn’t speak carelessly p>
Seeing her supporters completely turn to Shen Tang, Shen Qingli was furious but remembering today’s matters, she smiled coldly and sarcastically said, “Shen Tang, you’re truly impressive, fooling so many unsuspecting people, even I have to admire you p>
Another Family Head stood up, angrily admonishing, “Princess wouldn’t also believe those rumors, right? We are gathered today to resolve this matter, so please refrain from hurtful words p>
“This is not a rumor; I saw it with my own eyes p>
Under the gaze of the astonished crowd, Shen Qingli’s smile grew brighter, speaking with assurance, “I was captured and taken to the rebel army’s enemy camp. To survive, I endured humiliation and overheard Zaxxis using a light computer to contact someone, an insider from the Imperial City. Although they used a voice changer, I can confirm it was a woman’s voice p>
“Someone able to collude with the rebel army to breach defenses has a very high status or power in the Imperial City, at least noble, if not royal p>
With that, Shen Qingli looked at the grim-faced Shen Tang, raising an eyebrow to question, “Everyone knows, back then, Shen Tang colluded with the rebel army for selfish reasons, causing countless civilian casualties. You must still have the code for secret communication with the rebel army, making you the most suspicious p>
“Otherwise, given your previous timid nature, how could you dare to defend the city at all costs? Because those on the other side are your people, they wouldn’t kill you, so you were fearless p>
“Now, both sides have achieved their goals, which is why the rebel army withdrew from the Imperial City p>
“All of this is a grand performance you orchestrated with the rebel army p>
“A show to elevate your position p>
As soon as these words were spoken, the whole room was shocked, falling into a peculiar silence.
The people present felt that Shen Qingli’s speculation was too far-fetched, yet it carried some logic, especially since Shen Tang’s past collusion with the rebel army was an indisputable fact, long since settled as a fact.
Even though Shen Tang had become so admirable now, this issue remained a stain on her record, leaving people with lingering suspicions.
Some people present were already wavering.
Furthermore, several beastmen frequently glanced at Shen Tang, hesitating whether to speak, suggesting she take off her light computer for examination, to see if there were records of contact with the rebel army via the dark web.
Shen Qingli naturally knew Shen Tang didn’t have such records, but ’Three men talking makes a tiger,’ the power of rumors is frightening.
For her to prove her innocence, she must do this.
Once she does, she falls into the trap of proving herself. Even if her light computer is clean, Shen Qingli could still accuse her of hiding another one, prompting a search.
This back-and-forth would lead to increasing turmoil in public opinion.
By then, Shen Tang’s prestige would collapse, and the loss of public trust could be irreversible, invalidating her claim to being the Empire’s successor.
Hearing these unfounded accusations, Shen Tang almost laughed.
Where does Shen Qingli get the gall to shout “stop thief p>
If only the system wasn’t in rest mode, she wished she could use [Truth Revealed] on the spot to unmask her hypocritical, laughable façade.
Shen Tang wouldn’t accept being wronged; she was about to retort when a deep and restrained voice suddenly boomed,
“Enough p>
Shen Tang froze, her words caught in her throat, turning in surprise to look at the enraged Yun Han.
This sentence wasn’t directed at her but at… Shen Qingli?