Turning traitor and becoming a rebel—that was indeed the ultimate plan. But in truth, Qing Xue saw it more as his very last resort. If it ever came to that, he would be risking far too many lives, including Bai Ruyi’s.
That was why the backup plan he had proposed to Hong Chen had been more palatable to him despite how objectively terrible it was. That was also why he only admitted to freeing the rebels and trying to meet with the shamaness when he confessed his plans to his friend.
After all, simply associating with and giving aid to the rebels was already a crime worse than treason. What more joining the rebellion outright? Emperor’s son or no, he would definitely be executed.
But that wasn’t what was important at the moment. For now, all he needed was for the rebel leader to believe
