Chapter 392: Have You Had Any Real Suspects

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

Liu Fuyun was somewhat surprised and turned to her, asking, “Why are you suddenly bringing this up?”

The bond between father and daughter had eroded over time through numerous conflicts. Liu Fuyun was not foolish; he could see that his daughter intended to distance herself from him.

But he wouldn’t allow it!

After this extended period of reflection, Liu Fuyun had also come to terms with the situation. Even though Liu Shimei was a stain on the Liu family’s reputation, she would eventually marry into the royal family and be recorded in the royal genealogy.

Because King Dun Yu was a fool, the position of King Dun Yu’s consort might not be too prestigious, but it still held the title of a royal consort. Who knew when this might bring some benefits to the Liu family?

Furthermore, Liu Shimei was intelligent; she had value!

“Father, answer me first. Did you ever have suspicions?” Liu Shimei did not respond to his question.

Liu Fuyun frowned and said, “Indeed, I had suspicions, but they were only suspicions. Even Lord Wang from the Ministry of Justice couldn’t find any substantial evidence. What’s the use of suspicions?”

Liu Shimei turned and met Liu Fuyun’s deep gaze. “Did Father ever have a specific person in mind when you had those suspicions?”

Her unexpected question left Liu Fuyun dumbfounded.

Liu Shimei had her reasons for asking like this. When the original host was still young, an 11-year-old girl who had lost her mother, she had always been accompanied by her older brother. How much could she understand about the complexities of human relationships?

No one had ever taught her the tricks of the inner palace conflicts. If one had to talk about conflicts, it would only be the five years after Liu Quan’s death when Liu Fuyun deliberately groomed her to be betrothed to the Crown Prince. Only then did he begin to explain many courtly intrigues to her.

So, Liu Shimei wanted to find out what Liu Fuyun’s views were on the unexpected death of Liu Quan!

Seeing her seriousness, although Liu Fuyun had some doubts about her questioning this issue, perhaps because the pain of losing his most promising son hadn’t faded yet, and his mood was somewhat low on the anniversary of his son’s death, he answered Liu Shimei’s question. “Back then, when I had just taken the position of Grand Chancellor, your older brother had just passed the imperial examination. This matter might have been the work of political rivals, as your older brother’s scholarly abilities were astounding and naturally aroused jealousy. If he had been given a few more years to grow, passed the imperial examination, and entered the top ranks, he would have undoubtedly been a great asset to me. Others didn’t want to see the Liu family rise to prominence, so it’s reasonable to assume they targeted your older brother.”

“So, Father never considered that this might not have been the work of external enemies but rather internal betrayal?”

Liu Shimei arched an eyebrow and said, “Father, during your time in politics, you were at the pinnacle of the civil service, and you certainly had your skills. But one has to admit, when it comes to matters like the backyard catching fire, Father really wasn’t adept at handling them, right?”

Otherwise, how could he have been confused by a concubine?

Elevating a lowly concubine to the main wife position, that was because she had given birth to two sons. It was understandable that a mother’s status was elevated due to her children’s nobility.

But this kind of individual who did not have the standing to be presented publicly, surprisingly, received a special title, and it was all thanks to Liu Fuyun’s accomplishments. It had to be said that Madam Zhang’s skills in this aspect of managing pillow talk were truly formidable!

Having spoken of serious matters, she then made a sarcastic remark, leaving Liu Fuyun with a less-than-pleasant expression on his face.

His expression darkened as he said, “Liu Shimei, Father knows you have grievances against the Liu family, but… no matter how many grievances you have, I am still your biological father!”

“Oh, a biological father who used me as a pawn, tolerated my stepmother and half-sister’s plot to take my life,” Liu Shimei said with a sardonic smile, not mincing her words. “Such a close, loving family, isn’t it?”

“You!”

Liu Fuyun was choked by her words, and he almost could not catch his breath!

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