Li Zhijie's deep almond-shaped eyes gazed at Bai Qingyan. Lowering his eyes, he said, "I, Li Zhijie, swear by the God of Xiliang, that I have never seen... nor have I ever detained the second young master of the Bai family. The thumb ring sent to the Princess of Zhen's residence was taken from the hand of the deceased Lu Tianzhuo! If there is any falsehood... my entire clan shall not meet a good end."
Hearing Li Zhijie's vow, Bai Jinzhi's pupils trembled. The hope in her heart was shattered, and the hand holding the longsword weakly fell down.
"So..." Bai Qingyan revealed the unspoken intention behind this setup, "King Yan used a thumb ring to deceive me this time, making me think my second brother was in your hands. It was meant to... make me personally deliver my fourth sister, my weakness, into your hands. If Xiliang ever invades Jin again, you Xiliang will have my weakness, making me afraid to win against Xiliang..."