flstandardbreds Chapter 157 The Princess's Visit
Chapter 157 The Princess's Visit
Upon hearing this, Wei Wuji frowned, his tone tinged with displeasure and confusion: "What makes you say this, Duke of Chu? How can His Majesty and Xiao Jinyan be compared?"
Yu Jin smiled lightly: "The Duke of Qin is far too pedantic. Tell me, in matters of love between men and women, how is His Majesty any different from Xiao Jinyan? If His Majesty could treat her with genuine affection, coupled with the might of the Emperor, how could the Princess not submit? Furthermore, His Majesty is so dashing and spirited, how could a boor like Xiao Jinyan compare? Once the Princess has experienced His Majesty's charm, she will surely forget her past and wholeheartedly follow His Majesty."
Liu Kun spoke, his voice carrying a hint of agreement: "The Duke of Chu is absolutely right. I am the chosen one of Heaven, and I possess extraordinary charm. Although the Princess is of noble birth, she is, after all, a woman. How can she resist my divine beauty?"
Wei Wuji's voice was low and firm: "Your Majesty, please think twice before you act. This matter is absolutely inappropriate."
Liu Kun's brows furrowed with defiance and arrogance, a cold smile playing on his lips: "Duke of Qin need not say more. Is it possible that Xiao Jinyan can conquer a woman, but I, the ruler of a nation, cannot?"
Seeing this, Yu Jin quickly chimed in, "Indeed, Your Majesty is wise and mighty; you will surely conquer that proud princess. What woman in the world could resist Your Majesty's charm?"
Upon hearing this, Wei Wuji frowned, his tone becoming even more urgent: "Your Majesty must not forget that the Princess and Your Majesty are of the same clan. If this is done, it will not only violate ethics, but may also cause controversy in the court and among the people, and shake the foundation of the country!"
Yu Jin, however, did not take it seriously and smiled contemptuously: "What's so difficult about that? If His Majesty were to take the princess as a concubine, he could simply use a little trick to change her name and announce to the outside world that she is Consort Yin. Wouldn't that be the best of both worlds? It would fulfill His Majesty's wish and preserve the royal family's reputation at the same time."
Upon hearing this, Wei Wuji's expression darkened further. He knew that this matter was far more complex than simply changing one's name: "But what about the Prince of Jingling..."
His words were left unsaid, but the implication was clear: after all, the Prince of Jingling and the Princess were father and daughter, and this move was undoubtedly playing with fire.
Yu Jin seemed to have anticipated Wei Wuji's concerns. He confidently said, "Once His Majesty takes the princess as a concubine, Prince Jingling will not only not object, but will also become the emperor's brother-in-law, further solidifying his position. How could he possibly rebel so easily and destroy his own defenses?"
Wei Wuji wanted to speak again, but Liu Kun waved him off. Liu Kun's eyes flashed with determination and fanaticism, clearly blinded by the desire for power: "This matter is settled, there is no need to discuss it further. Duke of Qin, you have always put the big picture first, this time you should also think about my grand ambitions."
Wei Wuji spoke softly, his eyes gleaming with shrewdness, and said slowly, "This humble subject's actions are precisely for Your Majesty's great cause for a thousand years to come; every step must be carefully planned."
Upon hearing this, Liu Kun's expression changed slightly, a complex smile appearing on his lips. His gaze seemed to pierce through the night, returning to that night that still haunted him.
"Duke of Qin, oh Duke of Qin," he sighed softly, his tone tinged with helplessness and resentment, "If you hadn't blurted out that night that Xiao Jinyan's poetic talent surpassed mine, I would have already shared a passionate night with the legendary most beautiful woman in the Song Dynasty, letting her experience the true power of the emperor in bed. How could Xiao Jinyan have gotten away with it and won the heart of a beauty out of nowhere?"
Yu Jin, standing to the side with a fawning expression, chimed in, “Indeed, Your Majesty, how can we let such a golden opportunity slip by? Since Your Majesty was unable to have your way that night, why not take her into the harem before she steps out of her chambers and becomes another man’s wife, thus creating a beautiful story? In this way, you will not only gain the beauty but also demonstrate Your Majesty’s great talent and ambition. Why not do it?”
Upon hearing this, a fervent glint flashed in Liu Kun's eyes, as if he could already foresee the scene of the princess nestled obediently in his arms, and the corners of his mouth unconsciously turned up.
"Princess, the most beautiful woman in the Song Dynasty, her name is known far and wide, her beauty is so stunning that it could topple cities and kingdoms. I have long coveted her, how can I let someone else easily possess her? Everything in this world should belong to me, including her."
Seeing this, Wei Wuji was secretly anxious, but he remained calm and respectful, and wanted to speak up to dissuade him: "Your Majesty, this matter concerns the dignity of the nation. Shouldn't we consider it more carefully..."
"Alright, Duke of Qin." Liu Kun waved his hand, interrupting Wei Wuji's words, his tone leaving no room for doubt, "My mind is made up. Tomorrow morning, I will summon the princess to the palace. I want to personally examine her and see if she is truly as the rumors say, capable of captivating my heart."
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The following day, at the Duke of Qi's residence.
Liu Lianyue walked hurriedly through the magnificent corridors of the Duke of Qi's mansion, her heart burning as if on fire.
Sunlight filtered through the latticed window frames, dappling her face but unable to conceal her anxiety and urgency. Just as she was about to step into the back garden, a gentle voice suddenly rang out, like a spring breeze, yet tinged with a hint of confusion.
"Princess Yiyang, why are you in such a hurry? Is there something urgent?"
Guan Lingxuan wore an elegant long dress, her hair was lightly tied up, and a faint concern was revealed in her eyes.
Liu Lianyue stopped and looked directly at Guan Lingxuan, her tone urgent and demanding: "Sister Xuan'er, where is Xiao Jinyan? I have something important to discuss with him."
Upon hearing this, Guan Lingxuan frowned slightly and replied softly, "My husband went to the Imperial Guard camp early this morning and hasn't returned yet. Is the Princess looking for him because…?"
"I have something extremely urgent to discuss with him!" Liu Lianyue interrupted her, her tone revealing a resolute determination that brooked no delay.
Seeing this, Guan Lingxuan was filled with curiosity, but she knew that this was not the time to ask questions, so she gently suggested, "Princess, why don't you wait here in the mansion for a while? I'll have someone prepare some fragrant tea so we can wait patiently for your husband to return."
Liu Lianyue shook her head, her expression resolute: "I can't wait any longer, I must see him immediately. Sister Xuan'er, do you have any horses at your residence?"
Upon hearing this, Guan Lingxuan was slightly taken aback, then nodded and pointed towards the backyard: "Yes, if the princess needs it, she can go to the backyard to choose one herself."
Upon hearing this, Liu Lianyue glanced gratefully at Guan Lingxuan, then turned and ran towards the backyard, her speed so fast it was as if she had swept past like the wind.
A moment later, she had mounted a magnificent black horse, her sleek and spirited figure a stark contrast to her usual gentle demeanor. With a sharp crack of the whip, the horse shot off like an arrow towards the Imperial Guard camp.
At this moment, Xiao Jinyan was sitting in the central military tent with Huan Rongzu, Wang Xuanyu, and Luo Chuan. The flickering candlelight inside the tent reflected the solemn expressions of the four men, as if there was an urgent military situation, and the atmosphere was tense and serious.
Suddenly, the tent flap was violently flung open by a powerful force, and a figure rushed in like the wind—it was Liu Lianyue.
Her appearance startled everyone in the tent.
Xiao Jinyan looked up and met Liu Lianyue's gaze. A hint of surprise and confusion flashed in his usually calm and composed eyes. Liu Lianyue, however, paid no heed to this. She walked straight to Xiao Jinyan, her tone urgent and firm: "Jinyan, I must speak with you immediately. It's a matter of national security!"