I died tragically in my previous life, and I want to be an empress in my next life

As night fell, the moonlight was blocked by thick dark clouds, and the small mountain village fell into silence. The villagers had long been accustomed to this kind of tranquility and turned off the lights and went to bed. However, this night's tranquility concealed an atmosphere of uneasiness.

Suddenly, a black shadow cut through the night sky and landed at the entrance of the village. A group of men in black quietly appeared, and the leader had a fierce look in his eyes, revealing a murderous aura. He glanced around like a cheetah looking for prey. His eyes flashed coldly in the darkness, as if he could see through everything.

"Don't leave any one alive!" the leader ordered grimly.

The men in black quickly dispersed and entered the village silently. They moved swiftly, like a black whirlwind, sweeping through every corner. They approached the house quietly, and every move was full of murderous intent.

The villagers were awakened from their sleep, but found that it was too late. The sharp blade in the hands of the man in black flashed coldly in the moonlight, and screams cut through the night sky, echoing in the quiet mountain village. The smell of blood filled the air, making people shudder.

Fortune House

Xiao Lin took two people and quietly entered Fuyun Building through the back door and went straight to the secret room.

In the secret room, Pei Zhiyan sat upright on a chair. She had a beautiful face, but a stern expression and a majestic look. Seeing her like this, the two of them couldn't help but feel respect in their hearts. They stood there nervously, not daring to speak.

"Greetings, Princess." Xiao Lin whispered, with a hint of awe in his tone.

Pei Zhiyan nodded slightly, her eyes swept over the two people, a hint of scrutiny in her eyes.

Xiao Lin said to the two people behind him, "This is Princess Jing, why don't you go and greet Princess Jing."

The two men knelt down trembling, their eyes full of fear and helplessness, "Greetings to Princess Jing."

Pei Zhiyan said calmly, "No need to be polite."

The two men stood up and stood beside her in fear, not daring to look up at her.

Xiao Lin lowered his head and said in a sad tone, "Princess, these two are the survivors of Lujia Village. When I arrived, I was still a step too late. Apart from these two, no one else in Lujia Village survived."

Pei Zhiyan tightly grasped the teacup in her hand, and the tea in the cup rippled. Her fingers were pale, with distinct joints, and she almost crushed the teacup. She bit her lips hard, her heart filled with anger and grief. She didn't expect Xuanyuan Zheng to be so cruel!

Pei Zhiyan was well aware of Xuanyuan Zheng's cruelty, and guessed that he would send someone to silence her.

Ever since the child was brought into the palace, Pei Zhiyan sent Xiao Lin to hide the two of them to prevent them from being silenced by Xuanyuan Zheng, but she never expected that he would be so cruel as to commit such a brutal crime against innocent villagers.

She took a deep breath, trying to calm her inner turmoil, and said in a cold voice, "This princess will make him pay the price!"

The two men knelt on the ground, "Please bless me, Princess!"

Pei Zhiyan looked down at the two people kneeling on the ground with a sharp gaze, and said in a cold voice, "If you want to live, do as I say."

"Everything is subject to the princess's instructions!" The man nodded heavily, with a flash of determination in his eyes.

The two men trembled all over. They knew that the woman in front of them was the Princess of Jing, and the only one who could save their lives. They were just ordinary people, while the other party was the powerful prince.

It would be easy for the prince to kill them as it would for an ant, and the only one who could save them was the Princess of Jing.

Pei Zhiyan nodded slightly, picked up the teacup, took a sip, the aroma of tea lingered in the air, and a detailed plan emerged in her mind.

She put down the teacup and said firmly, "Don't worry, I will do my best to save your lives. You just need to follow my plan step by step, and I will send people to protect you secretly."

The two of them couldn't help but burst into tears when they heard this. They were filled with gratitude and kowtowed repeatedly, saying in trembling voices, "Princess, your kindness is so great, I will never forget it!"

Pei Zhiyan sighed, helped the two of them up, and said softly: "No need to do this, this princess just can't bear to see someone take human life so lightly!"

She ordered Xiao Lin to settle the two of them down, and sat alone in the secret room, thinking. This time, she must make a careful plan so that Xuanyuan Zheng cannot turn over.

After returning to Prince Jing's Mansion, she went straight to Xuanyuan Ping's study and sent everyone away.

"Your Highness, this plan needs to be carried out carefully." Pei Zhiyan looked at Xuanyuan Ping, her eyes flashing with a sharp light, and said softly, "We must thoroughly expose the crimes of Crown Prince Xuanyuan Zheng and not give him any chance to turn things around."

Xuanyuan Ping took a deep breath and said in a deep voice, "I understand. I will collect evidence as soon as possible and report it to my father."

Pei Zhiyan said softly, "No one can match the wisdom of the prince. But in this matter, the prince needs to retreat in order to advance."

Xuanyuan Ping raised his eyebrows and motioned for her to continue.

Pei Zhiyan smiled slightly, "The prince and the crown prince are of the same origin, and the emperor has always valued friendship. If the prince reveals this matter himself, it may arouse the emperor's suspicion and think that the prince has the intention to seize the throne and wants to use this to attack the crown prince."

After hearing this, Xuanyuan Ping couldn't help but sigh at Pei Zhiyan's far-sightedness. He understood her plan and also understood his role in it.

Pei Zhiyan explained her plan in detail, and then said, "Your Majesty, when the time comes, you only need to plead for the prince in the court."

"Is the king pleading for the prince?" Xuanyuan Ping frowned, with a puzzled look in his eyes.

"The prince committed a serious crime, and the prince pleaded for him. In the eyes of the emperor, it means that the prince cares about the relationship between brothers, so the emperor will look at the prince differently." Pei Zhiyan went on to explain.

"Then who is more suitable to reveal this matter?" Xuanyuan Ping asked.

"I think we must find someone who has weight in the court but is neutral," said Pei Zhiyan.

"Someone whose words carry weight in the court but who is also neutral?" Xuanyuan Ping asked.

At this time, Pei Zhiyan pursed her red lips and said, "I already have a suitable candidate in mind."

Xuanyuan Ping's eyes lit up after hearing this, "Oh? Who is it?"

"Your Highness!" she said softly, "If the princess were to unravel this matter bit by bit, coupled with the pressure of public opinion inside and outside the court, it would be difficult for the crown prince to turn things around."

The eldest princess is the emperor's biological sister and has always been respected by the emperor. Although she does not interfere in state affairs, all matters in the court are under her control.

"Yan'er, your plan is indeed ingenious." Xuanyuan Ping said slowly, "However, the princess is not someone who can be easily persuaded. She has always been fair and selfless, and it may not be easy to get her to take action."

"Don't worry about this, Your Majesty. I have my own plan to involve the Princess."

"This matter involves the Crown Prince, the Queen, and the Loyalty Marquis' Mansion. If we can catch them all, the situation in the court can be reshuffled."

Xuanyuan Ping nodded, with a hint of appreciation in his eyes, "This is a great plan. I will follow your plan."