Who Is Behind It All
Alexander Hayes looked at Lily Evans's expression and said to the constable, "Wait outside. I have something to discuss with the Princess Consort."
The constable wiped his sweat and went outside to wait.
Lily Evans's face was grave. She tugged at Alexander Hayes's sleeve and said, "Your Highness, the person framing me previously targeted the village children to stir up resentment against me. Now, they're harming the children of officials and nobles, trying to pressure the Prince of Qin's Manor through the court and turn all the officials against me! That person wants to utterly ruin me, leaving me with nowhere to stand!"
As Lily spoke, a shiver of dread ran through her. She gripped the back of the chair tightly: "Who could hate me so deeply, enough to sacrifice so many innocent children's lives just to destroy me!?"
"Don't worry, my dear. I'll investigate right away!" Alexander Hayes said solemnly, comforting Lily before immediately gathering his men and the constable from the Capital Constabulary to pursue the real culprit.
As soon as Alexander Hayes stepped out of the Prince of Qin's Manor, he saw Sophie White arriving in a carriage, stopping right in front of him.
Sophie White got out of the carriage, looking panicked. "General, I heard something happened at the Prince of Qin's Manor, so I came to help."
Alexander Hayes was troubled and paid Sophie White little mind, replying offhandedly, "You can't help with matters in the capital, Sophie. It's best if you go back to your residence and stay put. This is the capital, not the frontier—there are many eyes here. Be mindful of your status."
Alexander meant well, wanting to prevent Sophie White from wandering about. If she happened to run into someone from the past who recognized the White Family, and realized Sophie was the last survivor of a family branded as traitors, it would spell trouble.
But Sophie White lowered her head, a shadow flickering in her eyes: If you hadn't stubbornly refused to clear the White Family's name, I, as the descendant of loyal heroes, wouldn't be forced to live such a stifling, hidden life!
By the time Sophie White looked up again, Alexander Hayes and the Capital Constabulary were already galloping away, vanishing at the end of the street.
Sophie White turned to gaze at the sign above the Prince of Qin's Manor, lifted her skirt, and walked inside, a strange smile curling at her lips: Lily Evans, since my White Family bears the infamy of traitors and all of Jin looks down on us, now I’ll make you taste what it’s like to be hated as a monster. I’ll make you and your little brat objects of everyone’s hatred, wishing to skin you alive and curse your name throughout the nation!
Thinking of the rumors flying through the capital, Sophie White's mood instantly brightened.
Recently she had begun targeting the families of prominent officials in the capital. These officials were hardly easy to deal with—if their children were harmed by the Princess Consort of Qin, they would never let it rest.
Alexander Hayes is protecting Lily Evans now, but when all the officials in court demand he kill the witch, could he really stand against the entire court?
Thinking this, Sophie White felt immensely proud. Gu Liangzhe truly lived up to his name—this strategy of undermining the foundation was brilliant!
Feeling delighted, Sophie White walked through the main gate of the Prince of Qin's Manor. The gatekeeper immediately went to inform the lady of the house.
"Sophie White, why is she here again? With all the rumors outside, she can’t be up to any good—she’s probably come just to provoke the Princess Consort! The Princess Consort mustn’t let her in!" Hearing Sophie White’s name made Bai Lu feel sick; she always thought Sophie was like a snake—sinister, cunning, and chilling to the bone.