Chapter 984: Chapter 984 Intimidation and Temptation_1 Chapter 984: Chapter 984 Intimidation and Temptation_1 The Empress and Li You share a glance, she then slowly turns around and returns to the Crystal Frost Hall.

Jiang Ning, standing outside the crowd, calls out, “At this time, forging a document can’t be done so quickly, can it?”

Li You glances at her, showing his usual gentle smile.

Jiang Ning simply walks over, stopping beside Jiang Ruobai and Li Hongyuan, standing side by side with them.

“Father, the Empress and Li You now control all the troops in the Imperial City, can we ask Uncle to help?” she asks.

Jiang Ruobai looks worried, “Your uncle couldn’t possibly bring a large army back to the city, most would return to their own guard posts along the route, some stationed outside the city, the amount he could bring back would be no more than several hundred personal guards at most. Moreover, the soldiers from the Five Armies Command are guarding the city gates, to enter the city, one must pass through them.”

Jiang Ning nods her head, having anticipated this, and whispers, “The Five Armies Command is under the control of the Prince of Wutong. Why would he help the Prince of Zhao?”

“Certainly, the Prince of Zhao has offered him some benefit.” Jiang Ruobai asserts with worry, “This is strange though, the Prince of Zhao has been fighting abroad; I am well aware of the situation in the city and there has not been such commotion from the people supporting the Prince of Zhao. When did he form an alliance with the Prince of Wutong?”

Li Hongyuan remains composed throughout, after listening to their conversation for awhile, he speaks, “To bring someone like the Prince of Wutong to serve, there are only two methods: coercion and enticement.”

Jiang Ning responds, “I feel like the Prince of Wutong wouldn’t stoop so low as to rebel just for some benefits.”

“Technically it’s not exactly rebelling as Li You is rightfully the heir appointed by the Empress.” Jiang Ruobai reminds her, “Moreover, he has the Empress’s endorsement.”

Jiang Ning chuckles, “Well, Li Hongyuan is the rightful Crown Prince, isn’t he? Even if Li You isn’t conspiring rebellion, he has to claim so. Otherwise, how could he morally justify their actions?”

At this moment, Jin Lie, the commander of the Right Imperial Guards, rushes over and whispers something into Li Hongyuan’s ear.

Li Hongyuan nods slightly.

Jiang Ning asks, “Did something else happen?”

“We just found out the reason for Prince of Wutong’s allegiance to the Prince of Zhao.”

“What’s the reason?”

“Li You took Princess Ling’an and her marital family as hostages.”

Jiang Ruobai frowns, “Princess Ling’an is the only weakness of the Prince of Wutong. However, I still don’t understand. When did the Prince of Zhao manage to do this?”

He has been fighting abroad with Jiang Mubai, and doesn’t have much power in Chang’an.

Jiang Ning quietly replies, “Some things don’t necessarily need the person himself to be present to accomplish.”

Jiang Ruobai laughs, “Those wine barrels who support the Prince of Zhao are incapable of doing anything.”

“Father, you underestimate others. To resolve the situation here, we first need to help the Prince of Wutong rescue his daughter and son-in-law,” Jiang Ning replies after a moment of silence ”
Another message follows shortly after: “The guards of the Five Armies Command outside Chang’an City gate have clashed with Jiang Mubai’s personal guards!”

The bad news keeps flooding in, yet it doesn’t seem to stop.

Finally, the Empress presents and publicly reads the so-called decree to depose the Crown Prince.

Upon hearing it, Jiang Ning couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

The Empress glares at her in rage, “How can the Princess Consort dare to laugh at this sacred moment when I, the Empress, am reading the late Emperor’s decree? This is utterly unforgivable!”

Jiang Ning laughs back, “Empress, do you really believe that you can cover up the truth single-handedly? You weren’t the only one serving the Emperor in the Crystal Frost Hall before his demise. If you are truly innocent, summon all those present back then, Concubine Yu, Concubine Xian, Concubine Shu and Concubines Ya and Zhu, to confront each other.”