"By then, we will already have made our preparations."
"Right now, Zhuang Mohan's role is to let the Crown Prince see that lifesaving straw. During their meeting, Zhuang Mohan will promise him Northern Qi's support. Later, in his desperation, do you think the Crown Prince will clutch at that straw? Will he rebel?"
The corners of his lips curled into another smile.
"If he still refuses to rebel, Northern Qi's hidden forces in the Capital will rise under his banner. Then, Aunt, you and I will work together to produce evidence of his dealings with Northern Qi, of his collusion with them to plot rebellion. At that point, even if he hasn't rebelled, he will have. As long as you and I stand together, Aunt, the Crown Prince's elimination is a foregone conclusion."
He outlined his plan, but made no mention whatsoever of Emperor Qing also needing the Crown Prince to rebel.
After hearing him out, Li Yunrui felt waves suddenly stir in her heart and began calculating rapidly.
Given her relationship with Zhou Cheng and the evidence he held, they truly had become grasshoppers tied to the same vine, sharing glory and ruin alike.
If Northern Qi's support for Zhou Cheng was truly as substantial as he claimed, then by working together, they might actually be able to depose the Crown Prince.
Depose the Crown Prince and help Zhou Cheng take his place?
For a moment, she hesitated.
Then she asked the most crucial question:
"What do I gain from deposing the Crown Prince?"
"If I rise to power, your position will be secure, Aunt. Not only will you never need to consider handing over the Imperial Treasury, you will receive even more."
Li Yunrui abruptly turned her head away, her gaze noncommittal.
"What? You don't believe me? Even