The prince is fierce: Who dares to steal my woman?

Chapter 174 A tyrannical ruler, a tyrannical ruler indeed!

Seeing this, Xiao Jinyan dropped his joking tone and his expression became serious. He slowly spoke, saying, "Madam, you must hurry and inform your father that we are going to launch a coup next month."

Upon hearing this, Liu Lianyue's pupils contracted sharply; she could hardly believe her ears: "What? Next month? So suddenly?"

Xiao Jinyan nodded, her eyes firm and resolute: "Yes, next month. My father's war with Northern Wei is nearing its end. Once the war is over, he can immediately mobilize troops back to Jiankang. That will be the best time for us to act."

Liu Lianyue said softly but firmly, "Okay, I'll have someone inform my father immediately. This matter concerns our future and cannot be compromised."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Jinyan frowned slightly, his expression solemn. He knew that taking this step would lead to utter ruin or a glimmer of hope.

"You must find a trusted confidant," he whispered. "This matter is of utmost importance; the slightest mistake could lead to total defeat."

Upon hearing this, Liu Lianyue smiled gently yet firmly. She reached out and gently covered Xiao Jinyan's tightly clenched fist, which was unconsciously tightening due to tension.

"Don't worry, my husband, nothing will go wrong."

Looking at the woman who had stood by him through thick and thin, Xiao Jinyan felt an indescribable tenderness welling up in his heart. He slowly reached out and gently stroked Liu Lianyue's soft back, his movements full of tenderness and promise.

“Madam, once Liu Kun is deposed, we will be together forever, and we will no longer have to sneak around or endure the pain of separation.”

Upon hearing this, Liu Lianyue's eyes welled up with tears. She gently rested her head on Xiao Jinyan's strong shoulder. At that moment, all the waiting and torment seemed to transform into the sweetness and warmth before her.

"My husband, I never imagined that we would be together so soon."

Feeling the heavy trust and reliance on his shoulders, Xiao Jinyan felt an unprecedented sense of determination welling up in his heart.

“I said at the time that our separation was only temporary. No matter how difficult the road ahead may be, nothing can stop us.”

Liu Lianyue and Xiao Jinyan held hands tightly, their fingers intertwined, just like their inseparable fate.

“My husband, I have been waiting for this day for a long time. From the moment I met you, I knew that you were my destiny and the love of my life.”

Ten days later, at Qianyang Palace.

In recent days, Liu Kun has been absent from the morning court sessions. There are mountains of government affairs to be resolved, but he seems like a carefree emperor far removed from the hustle and bustle of the world. His body exudes a sense of weariness as he leans back on the dragon throne, listening with great interest to the sycophantic reports of the treacherous minister Yu Jin.

Yu Jin stood below the throne, his expression composed, and spoke earnestly: "Your Majesty, I dare to suggest that Your Majesty's conferment of the title of Consort Yin upon the Princess is a joyous occasion that should be celebrated throughout the land, with a general amnesty to demonstrate Your Majesty's virtue. Furthermore, a grand celebration should be prepared so that the Emperor and his subjects may rejoice together, drink fine wine, and sing joyfully for seven days and seven nights in a continuous stream, thus showcasing the grandeur of the imperial family."

Liu Kun stroked his beard and said slowly, "Granted."

A glint of light flashed in Yu Jin's eyes as he continued, "Furthermore, Your Majesty, both your palace and Consort Yin's residence need to be expanded. According to the blueprints I have carefully drawn, they should be expanded into four palaces in the east, south, west, and north, each occupying a different location and echoing each other, so as to fully demonstrate the majesty and grandeur of our royal family!"

Upon hearing this, Liu Kun nodded approvingly: "The Duke of Chu's move is excellent, well done."

Yu Jin, a smug look on his face, added, "There is one more thing, Your Majesty. According to the blueprint I designed, a 'Summer Palace' should also be built on the east side of the palace. A lake should be dug deep in the garden, named 'Longevity Lake,' with a small island in the middle, covered with lush greenery. Eighteen arched bridges should be built along the lake, each with a different shape, creating a beautiful scene and becoming a magnificent scenic spot within the palace."

Liu Kun gave a light praise: "Very good."

With excitement gleaming in his eyes, Yu Jin continued, "Not only that, on this isolated island overseas, and around the shimmering 'Longevity Lake,' we will plant rare plants and trees from all over the world, and bring in some exotic animals... Furthermore, we will hire skilled craftsmen to meticulously carve lifelike stone statues, which will be placed in a pleasing arrangement along the lakeside, adding a touch of dynamism and elegance to this place."

Upon hearing this, Liu Kun repeatedly exclaimed, "Wonderful! Absolutely wonderful!"

Yu Jin bowed respectfully and spoke earnestly: "Your Majesty, based on the blueprints and plans I have meticulously drawn, once the Summer Palace is completed, it will surely become a paradise rarely seen on earth. At that time, Your Majesty can stroll through the garden with Consort Yin, enjoying the flowers and music. Consort Yin will surely be overjoyed and smile like a flower."

Upon hearing this, Liu Kun's spirits lifted instantly. As if refreshed by a spring breeze, he leaped from his dragon throne, his eyes gleaming with barely suppressed excitement. He laughed loudly, "Hahaha, Duke of Chu is truly a pillar of the nation, possessing profound wisdom and extraordinary strategic acumen, a truly refreshing sight for me! Hmm, expanding the palace and building that 'Summer Palace'... what a brilliant plan! However... Duke of Chu, such a grand project will surely be incredibly expensive. How much silver will it cost?"

Upon hearing this, Yu Jin smiled calmly and confidently, and replied unhurriedly, "Hahaha... Your Majesty need not worry. The amount of silver required is only ten to twenty million taels."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Jinyan's heart skipped a beat, and he exclaimed inwardly: Ten million taels of silver! That's a mountain of gleaming silver! Yu Jin, this fellow, speaks of such an astronomical figure so casually; he's utterly cunning! The idea he gave Liu Kun is nothing short of undermining the Song Dynasty, a disastrous act that will surely empty the Song Dynasty's treasury!

Looking at Liu Kun again, his expression changed slightly, clearly showing his hesitation. He sighed and said helplessly, "Duke of Chu, my national treasury is currently stretched thin, making it difficult..."

His words revealed his predicament. Clearly, he had gone to great lengths to win Liu Lianyue's favor, even at the cost of the national treasury. But this was tantamount to treating the Song Dynasty's treasury as his own private coffers, squandering it at will.

Unexpectedly, Yu Jin's lips curled into a faint smile, and he said in a relaxed tone, "Your Majesty, raising funds is such a trivial matter as raising silver. It is nothing to me. You can rest assured to leave it to me."

Upon hearing this, Liu Kun was overjoyed, and a bright smile instantly bloomed on his face. His tone was full of excitement and anticipation: "Oh? The Duke of Chu actually has a good plan to solve the problem of the silver? This is a great thing! But... I am curious, how exactly does my dear minister intend to raise this silver?"

Yu Jin's lips curled into a gentle smile, and he slowly said, "Your Majesty, Yangzhou is truly a gem of the Song Dynasty, unparalleled in its wealth. The prefectures of Yuzhang and Kuaiji are even more abundant in resources, overflowing with riches. I humbly request that Your Majesty recommend a virtuous and capable man to assume the important responsibility of Governor of Yangzhou. Once this person takes office, within a few months to a year, he will surely raise twenty million taels of silver for Your Majesty, and it will only be more, certainly not less!"

Upon hearing this, Liu Kun was overjoyed and excited. He quickly asked, "Oh? My Great Song Dynasty actually has such a talent for governing the world? Duke of Chu, tell me quickly, who exactly is this person?"

Upon hearing this, Yu Jin smiled gently and said slowly, “Your Majesty, this man is named Yu Xin, and he currently serves as the Assistant Minister of Personnel Evaluation. Although he is my nephew, a close relative, he possesses exceptional talent, especially in governing prefectures and counties. His ability to manage finances and accumulate wealth is also superb, and he truly has the talent to govern the country and benefit the people. I dare to recommend him, regardless of kinship. Furthermore, I also wish to recommend Zhao Yanshen and He Changchun to serve as prefects of Yuzhang and Kuaiji, respectively, to work alongside Yu Xin to share Your Majesty's burdens and raise funds. I humbly request Your Majesty's gracious approval.”

Upon hearing this, Liu Kun smiled gently. His heart was stirred as if by a spring breeze, and a strange excitement quietly crept up his brow and eyes.

Witnessing this scene, Xiao Jinyan was enraged. He thought to himself: No wonder Yu Jin had been so eager to encourage Liu Kun to squander money. It turns out that this guy's plan was to place his confidants in the position of governor of Yangzhou, so that they could exploit the people in that prosperous place and engage in rampant corruption... all while grandly calling it "recommending virtuous and capable people." In reality, it was nothing more than forming cliques and lining their own pockets. Yu Jin's so-called "recommendation of virtuous and capable people" was always "recommending relatives without regard to virtue," but in reality, it was all based on favoritism and self-interest.

Thinking of this, Xiao Jinyan unconsciously took a few steps to the side, a surge of righteous indignation welling up in her heart, wanting to stand up and properly refute Yu Jin's hypocrisy...

At that very moment, Chu Liangchen, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, standing to one side, cast a sharp glance at Xiao Jinyan. His gaze was full of unspoken meaning, as if silently warning: The overall situation is paramount; do not act rashly. Let Yu Jin do as he pleases; as for Liu Kun, if he insists on following Yu Jin's path and plunging headlong into that self-dug abyss, then let him perish—no need to concern ourselves with him!

Upon receiving that look, Xiao Jinyan felt a sudden sense of clarity. He recalled Chu Liangchen's earnest teachings, which still echoed in his ears: "Currently, the most dangerous enemy is none other than Yu Jin, but Liu Kun and Wei Wuji are even more troublesome. Although Yu Jin is not a loyal and virtuous man, he can be used by us in critical moments. As an expedient measure, we should prioritize the overall situation."

Thinking of this, Xiao Jinyan stood there, silent...

Just then, Duke Wei Wuji of Qin stepped forward, a cold smile playing on his lips, his words sharp and incisive: "Duke of Chu, your game of chess is truly exquisite!"

Upon hearing this, Yu Jin was furious, his brows furrowing as if fire were about to spit out. He said urgently, "Wei Wuji, what do you mean by this?"

Upon hearing this, Wei Wuji was enraged. He waved his sleeve and spoke with unwavering indignation: "Your Majesty, Yu Jin, taking advantage of Your Majesty's marriage to Consort Yin, has been urging Your Majesty to construct palaces, causing the people to be exhausted and the national treasury to be empty. Even worse, he is attempting to use this opportunity to place his cronies in important positions in the court. Such acts of forming cliques for personal gain and disrupting the order of the court are those of a truly wicked and treacherous person! I beg Your Majesty to investigate this thoroughly!"

Upon witnessing this scene, Liu Kun's face instantly darkened, his lips moved slightly but he remained silent, as if he were in a dilemma, caught between a rock and a hard place.

Xiao Jinyan thought to himself, no wonder Chu Liangchen had signaled to him with his eyes not to act rashly. It turned out that even if he didn't confront Yu Jin directly, someone else would be happy to jump out and cause trouble. And this person was none other than Wei Wuji... Ha, this must be what they call "sitting quietly on the mountaintop watching the dragon and tiger fight, leisurely watching two dogs bark at each other."

Seeing the increasingly tense atmosphere, Yu Jin put on an innocent and aggrieved expression and appealed to the emperor on the high throne: "Your Majesty, please be wise! Wei Wuji's words are utter nonsense! My loyalty is as clear as the sun and moon, and all my actions have been to share Your Majesty's burdens. As for recommending Yu Xin to serve as the governor of Yangzhou, it was entirely out of public interest, aimed at selecting virtuous and capable officials for the court..."

Liu Kun sighed softly, a hint of hesitation showing between his brows.

Wei Wuji's lips curled into a cold smile as he pointed a finger at Yu Jin, his tone filled with indignation: "What do you mean by acting out of public interest? Hmph, go fool the devil! You old fox, you actually brazenly recommended your own nephew as governor without batting an eye, and you call that acting out of public interest? Yu Jin, have you no shame? Bah!"

Upon hearing this, Yu Jin's eyes flashed with a sharp glint. He glanced at Wei Wuji without any politeness, then said solemnly to the emperor, "Your Majesty, you are wise enough to see that my heart is as clear as heaven and earth, truly loyal to the country! Although Yu Xin is indeed my nephew, this does not diminish his talent in governing the prefectures and counties. Just imagine, the world is full of talented people. If we were to keep quiet and not recommend them all because of our kinship, wouldn't Your Majesty be missing out on many pillars of society? This would not be a blessing for the country, nor would it be what Your Majesty desires in seeking out talented people."

Upon hearing this, Liu Kun nodded slightly and said, "That makes some sense."