In the early morning, the cold wind suddenly stopped.
It has been cloudy for several days in a row, and today the sun finally came out.
In the early morning, the sky in the east was turning pale, and a warm light fell on the courtyard. The weather was still cold, but this ray of sunshine seemed to dispel much of the chill.
The warm winter sun is peaceful and beautiful.
The room was silent.
The bed behind the screen and inside the gauze curtains were a little messy.
Lin Jiangnian was lying on the bed, with nothing beside him. The lingering fragrance of the beautiful woman still lingered on the pillow and in the bedding.
And a little bit of the scent from last night's lovemaking.
When Lin Jiangnian woke up, Zhiyuan was no longer in the room. He slowly sat up and glanced around.
The bed seemed to have been made, and looked normal. Even Lin Jiangnian's scattered clothes from last night were neatly arranged beside the bed.
Obviously, it should be the work of Zhiyuan.
Lin Jiangnian gradually recalled what happened last night in his mind, clearly and vividly.
Last night, Zhiyuan's resistance was still fierce, but under Lin Jiangnian's gradual and methodical attack, he finally succeeded...
However, the only drawback is that the little kite is still very tough and is determined to fight to the death.
I would rather die than obey!
Very bad attitude!
Also very uncooperative!
…
Lin Jiangnian was very satisfied with this result.
He believed that as long as he continued to work hard, he would be able to completely influence Zhiyuan one day.
Make her gentle, well-behaved, obedient and submissive!
While I was making plans in my mind, I suddenly heard the sound of jogging footsteps outside the door.
Immediately following.
"Your Highness?"
Xiaozhu's voice came from outside the door.
"Um?"
Lin Jiangnian raised his eyes and looked outside the door: "Come in."
"yes."
The door was gently pushed open, and Xiaozhu, dressed in a skirt, tiptoed in.
She walked very carefully, her pink and delicate face looking around furtively with a bit of curiosity.
Um.
It looks normal now!
So...
Xiao Zhu looked behind the screen stealthily.
She soon saw His Highness sitting on the bed.
"Your Highness."
Xiao Zhu approached cautiously like a thief. As soon as he passed through the screen, he subconsciously touched his lower nose lightly, and a blush quickly appeared on his face.
I didn't smell anything, but...
Xiaozhu knew what was going on.
His Highness had just taken that step with Sister Zhiyuan...and last night His Highness slept in Sister Zhiyuan's room again, how could nothing have happened?
Having just tasted the essence of the flavor, how could His Highness let Sister Zhiyuan go?
Xiaozhu feels this deeply.
Wasn’t that what Your Highness did when you were on your way to the capital?
For several nights in a row...or even not just at night.
Not necessarily in bed...
When Xiaozhu thought of the prince's ridiculous behavior at that time, his face couldn't help but get hot.
The older maids and sisters in Prince Lin’s Mansion were right. His Highness’s reputation in Linjiang City... was really not wrong.
Xiao Zhu blushed and looked around carefully, trying to find clues of what happened last night.
"What are you looking at?"
Lin Jiangnian looked at Xiaozhu's sneaky look, how could he not know what she was thinking?
"ah?"
Xiao Zhu was startled and shook his head hurriedly: "No, I didn't see anything."
"come over."
Lin Jiangnian sat on the bed and waved at her.
Xiao Zhu lowered his head slightly and approached cautiously: "Your Highness, I... Oops..."
Before Xiaozhu could finish her words, Lin Jiangnian hugged her in his arms, with one hand around the little maid's waist.
"You little maid are not honest. What are you trying to do secretly to see your prince?" Lin Jiangnian asked with a sneer.
“No, no…”
Xiao Zhu hurriedly argued in panic, her face flushed.
She, she didn't.
Just curious...
"Hey, you still won't tell the truth? Looks like I have to teach you a lesson!"
Seeing this, Lin Jiangnian directly carried Xiaozhu to the bed.
Xiao Zhu's eyes suddenly widened in panic.
etc……
What is your highness going to do?
But, but, this is Sister Zhiyuan’s room, Sister Zhiyuan’s bed!
"Your Highness, wait a minute... I have something important to tell you..."
Xiao Zhu hurriedly tried to stop his prince from doing anything rash.
"We can talk about important things later."
"Wait... Your Highness, the girl from yesterday is here again... She's waiting for you at the mansion..."
Yesterday's girl?
Lin Jiangnian paused.
Beautiful?
Coming so early?
Or is it that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is so eager to see him?
Lin Jiangnian looked down at the little maidservant in his arms, whose delicate body was soft, her face flushed, and she was filled with shame and anger. Then he half-closed his eyes again and said, "Do you know you are wrong?"
"I understand..."
Xiao Zhu spoke weakly.
Although she didn't know where she had gone wrong, if she said she didn't know, His Highness might really kill her right here...
Thinking of this, Xiao Zhu became obedient.
"It's good to know you're wrong."
Of course, Lin Jiangnian wouldn't really do anything to Xiaozhu here, he just wanted to scare her.
Bullying Xiaozhu in Zhiyuan's room, on Zhiyuan's bed, sounds exciting. But if Zhiyuan finds out, the consequences won't be so good.
Based on his understanding of Zhiyuan, he would most likely turn against him. He might even be so angry and embarrassed that he would ignore him for at least two weeks.
However, since he was provoked by the little maid in front of him early in the morning, his anger naturally would not subside so quickly.
Lin Jiangnian stared at the rosy-cheeked little maid in front of him, half-closed his eyes, lowered his head and leaned close to Xiaozhu's ear and spoke softly.
After hearing this, Xiao Zhu's face turned red.
Those big, watery eyes seemed to be painted with a layer of blush, burning with shame. She bit her lip lightly, her face puffed up, and looked at her own prince with a slightly resentful look.
Then he blushed and slowly squatted down.
“…”
A quarter of an hour later.
Lin Jiangnian pushed open the door and stood in the yard, feeling refreshed.
Jinxiu has arrived.
But what’s interesting is that although it was His Royal Highness the Crown Prince who wanted to see him, it was Jinxiu who came to inform him yesterday, and it was also Jinxiu who came to pick up Lin Jiangnian today.
What is the eldest princess planning behind this?
Lin Jiangnian did not go to find her immediately. He went to his aunt's house first, said hello to her, and as expected, he met Zhiyuan.
In the room.
Zhiyuan was sitting obediently beside her, whispering softly, while Jiang Yuxiang was whispering with concern.
Zhiyuan stayed in the room all day yesterday. Jiang Yuxiang was very worried and especially concerned about her physical condition.
Zhiyuan explained in a very soft voice that she was fine. Her cool and well-behaved appearance made her look extremely pitiful.
Lin Jiangnian's arrival did not break this harmony.
However, Zhiyuan turned his head away and didn't look at him, seeming a little angry.
As for the reason for his anger, Lin Jiangnian knew it very well, but he didn't dare to say anything more despite feeling guilty.
"To see His Royal Highness the Crown Prince?"
After hearing about Lin Jiangnian's background, Jiang Yuxiang also took it very seriously.
"Why does His Royal Highness the Crown Prince suddenly want to see you?"
"I'm not sure." Lin Jiangnian shook his head. He guessed it had something to do with the eldest princess.
Of course, there are other reasons.
Jiang Yuxiang pondered for a moment and looked at Lin Jiangnian: "No matter what, since His Royal Highness the Crown Prince wants to see you, you should go. However, you must be careful and don't get into trouble..."
Jiang Yuxiang reminded Lin Jiangnian: "After all, he is the Crown Prince."
"Don't worry, auntie, I never cause trouble." Lin Jiangnian promised.
Jiang Yuxiang rolled her eyes.
Still not causing trouble?
This brat has caused quite a bit of trouble since coming to Beijing.
"No matter what, you'd better be careful. Be careful with your words and actions..."
After Jiang Yuxiang gave some instructions, she added, "When you come back, remember to report to me... No matter what happens, don't hide it from Auntie, understand?"
"yes."
Lin Jiangnian nodded helplessly.
Only then did Jiang Yuxiang let Lin Jiangnian leave with satisfaction.
Before Lin Jiangnian turned around, he looked at Zhiyuan, who had been sitting there without saying a word, and blinked: "Zhiyuan, I'll be going first, okay?"
The kite didn't move, as if it didn't hear anything.
No response.
Lin Jiangnian smiled, turned and left.
After Lin Jiangnian left, Jiang Yuxiang looked at his departing figure, then looked at Zhiyuan beside him, and asked doubtfully, "Zhiyuan, did you have a fight?"
"without……"
"Really?"
Jiang Yuxiang narrowed her eyes and stared at Zhiyuan, her expression becoming increasingly suspicious.
She clearly felt that Zhiyuan was somewhat indifferent to Jiang Nian.
"Did that kid bully you again?"
Jiang Yuxiang came up to Zhiyuan and said, "Don't worry, your aunt will definitely make the decision for you!"
Zhiyuan seemed to have thought of something, her face flushed slightly, and she looked a little unnatural: "Really, really not..."
"Really?"
Jiang Yuxiang looked at Zhiyuan's strange expression and felt more and more that something was wrong.
Zhiyuan doesn't look like she's okay.
What is going on?
"Zhiyuan, are you hiding something from your aunt?"
Jiang Yuxiang looked suspicious.
Zhiyuan lowered her eyes slightly and bit her lower lip, as if she was thinking of something and hesitated to speak.
Jiang Yuxiang took a look at this reaction and thought...there must be something wrong!
"What's going on? Tell your aunt quickly, and I'll definitely help you... Did Jiang Nian really bully you?!"
Faced with her aunt's questioning, Zhiyuan's face became even redder.
Her face was flushed and her head was lowered even lower.
After a while, he said in a weak voice, "Hmm."
"Did I really bully you?"
Jiang Yuxiang was furious when she heard this: "That brat is so bold! I've warned him several times, and he still bullies you?! This is too much!"
Jiang Yuxiang angrily said, "Zhiyuan, tell me how he bullied you? Tell me, and I'll help you get revenge!"
"Whatever he bullied you, I will pay him back tenfold!"
"I promise to help you get revenge!"
Kite: “…”
“…”
Lin Jiangnian had just left his aunt's place and was about to go see Jinxiu.
After walking a few steps, I encountered a sneaky figure.
"Jiang Shaoan?"
Lin Jiangnian quickly recognized the sneaky figure. Wasn't it Young Master Jiang whom he hadn't seen for a while?
Speaking of which, this Young Master Jiang, as the young master of the Jiang family, has had a relatively low presence recently.
Lin Jiangnian hasn't seen him for several days.
"Lin, Lin Jiangnian?!"
When Jiang Shaoan saw Lin Jiangnian, fear immediately appeared in his eyes. He subconsciously took a few steps back and looked at him in surprise and doubt: "You, what do you want to do?!"
Seeing his reaction, Lin Jiangnian laughed: "Are you afraid of me?"
"Who, who is afraid of you?"
When Jiang Shaoan heard this, he immediately lost his courage and snorted coldly: "Why should I be afraid? Afraid of you?!"
Of course he is afraid!
The last time Jiang Shaoan learned that Lin Jiangnian had offended the third prince and became the murderer of Zhou Huiguang, and that everyone in the capital was calling for his death, he was so happy!
Before he could be happy for long, the truth came out. Not only was Lin Jiangnian safe and sound, but Jiang Shaoan also learned from his friends in Beijing that Lin Jiangnian was the mastermind behind all this.
I heard that even Gao Wenyang's death was orchestrated by Lin Jiangnian.
Jiang Shaoan was almost scared to death when he heard the news!
He, he even dared to kill the son of the Minister of Personnel?
And he was still safe and sound after killing him? !
This, this is too horrible!
Jiang Shaoan was frightened by the sudden collision, but he remained calm on his face.
Although he was afraid, Jiang Shaoan still felt somewhat confident... After all, he was related to him, so he couldn't possibly kill him, right?
Thinking of this, Jiang Shaoan felt a little more at ease.
"I'm glad you're not afraid... I thought you were afraid I would hit you, so you were hiding from me." Lin Jiang said with a young smile.
Jiang Shaoan was furious when his scars were suddenly exposed: "You, don't go too far... I haven't settled the score with you yet for what happened before!"
"Things are different now. I am no longer the same as before!"
"oh?"
Lin Jiangnian was a little surprised and asked happily, "How is Young Master Jiang different from before?"
"Humph, you wouldn't understand even if I told you!"
Jiang Shaoan snorted coldly: "This young master is now considered a well-known figure in the capital."
Hearing him say this, Lin Jiangnian quickly realized something.
Could it be that this kid has made some bad friends in Beijing again?
As expected, before Lin Jiangnian could even ask, Young Master Jiang had already started boasting, "I'm in the capital now, and everyone who sees me calls me Young Master Jiang! Even the Eighth Prince considers me a close friend and treats me as a guest of honor..."
"So powerful?" Lin Jiangnian was amused. The Eighth Prince treated him as a guest of honor?
Is he worthy?
"Of course not!"
Jiang Shaoan snorted complacently: "The Eighth Prince even invited me to the palace to meet him. Do you know what this means?"
"What does it mean?" Lin Jiangnian asked with interest.
"Not everyone can enter the palace at will. The palace is the emperor's royal residence. The Eighth Prince invited me into the palace. What does this mean? It means that the Eighth Prince and I have always been on the same side!"
"The Eighth Prince treats me as one of his own!"
Jiang Shaoan was very proud.
Being appreciated by the Eighth Prince means that he will be very successful in the future and will be able to hold his head high in the capital... Let's see if his parents will still say that he is not doing his job properly!
Who said that he, Young Master Jiang, couldn't achieve something in Beijing?
The eighth prince invited him into the palace?
Lin Jiangnian narrowed his eyes. If he remembered correctly, the Eighth Prince had a good relationship with the Third Prince...
"Is it difficult to enter the palace?"
Lin Jiangnian asked back.
"Isn't that right?!"
Jiang Shaoan seemed to have found a way to strike Lin Jiangnian down. He glanced at him arrogantly and said smugly, "A prince of a vassal state like you is not qualified to enter the palace without His Majesty's summons!"
"Just be envious!"
Jiang Shaoan was very proud.
"That makes sense."
Lin Jiangnian nodded. The Eighth Prince would naturally not become close friends with Jiang Shaoan for no reason. There must be something he didn't know.
Seeing Jiang Shaoan's smug look, Lin Jiangnian suddenly felt itchy for some reason.
"Come, come here!"
Lin Jiangnian waved at him.
"What do you want to do?"
Jiang Shaoan, who was originally complacent, immediately became alert: "You, don't do anything rash... I'm telling you, I, I'll complain to my mother later... Ouch..."
Jiang Shaoan sensed something was wrong and turned around to run, but was caught by Lin Jiangnian, who kicked him accurately in the butt.
Jiang Shaoan screamed, covered his butt and ran away.
"Mr. Lin, this Young Master is not done with you... Just wait, I will definitely take revenge!"
“…”
In the cold front hall.
Jinxiu, dressed in a long brocade dress, was standing in the front yard, pulling leaves from the branches out of boredom.
There seemed to be a hint of annoyance on her pretty and sweet face.
There were already quite a few scattered, messy leaves on the ground in front of her, and it was obvious that she had been waiting for a long time.
"Miss Jinxiu, do you have a grudge against the tree?"
A voice sounded from behind Jinxiu.
Jinxiu subconsciously turned around and saw Lin Jiangnian standing under the eaves, looking at her with a smile.
Jinxiu's face showed a trace of resentment, and she snorted softly: "Your Highness is so arrogant, making me wait for you for so long?"
"Miss Jinxiu, are you getting impatient?"
Lin Jiang walked over with a young smile.
"I dare not."
Jinxiu's eyes were dim and she looked afraid, but her emotions were almost written on her face.
"Miss Jinxiu came too early!"
Lin Jiangnian shook his head slightly.
"That's right. It's normal for His Royal Highness to be unable to get up since he has a soft and fragrant body in his arms..."
Jinxiu spoke softly, with a hint of meaning.
"Is Miss Jinxiu jealous?"
Lin Jiangnian suddenly came up to her.
Jinxiu stepped back subconsciously and said unhappily, "Your Highness is overthinking. How could this slave be jealous?"
Feeling angry.
Why would she be jealous?
This prince... is so annoying!
"It's okay, it's okay to be jealous!"
Lin Jiangnian smiled and waved his hands: "Anyway, this prince won't change."
beautiful:"……"
"Your Highness, I am here to pick you up on the orders of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."
Jinxiu spoke with a stern face.
Hearing her change in tone, Lin Jiangnian raised his eyebrows: "Are you really angry?"
"I dare not."
He claimed that he had changed everything.
It seems that he is really emotional.
"It has personality, this prince likes it."
Lin Jiangnian stared at Jinxiu's pretty face. It should have been sweet, but with such a stern expression, it was quite funny.
"Okay, it's getting late, let's go."
Lin Jiangnian stopped teasing her and waved his hand.
"snort."
Jinxiu turned her head, snorted slightly with some dissatisfaction, and led the way outside.
Outside the Jiang Mansion, a carriage had been waiting for a long time.
Lin Jiangnian got on the carriage and saw Jinxiu still standing outside.
"Why don't you come up?"
"I can't."
"Why not?"
"How dare this servant ride in the same carriage with His Highness!"
"If I say you can do it, then you can do it...I'm bored on the road, come up and chat with me!"
beautiful:"……"
Jinxiu blushed slightly.
I don't know why, but I always feel that this carriage is a den of dragons and tigers.
She was a little afraid to go up.
But seeing that Prince Lin in front of her had an attitude of "I won't leave unless you come up", Jinxiu felt a little embarrassed and annoyed.
He gritted his teeth, snorted softly, and got on the carriage reluctantly.
Inside the carriage.
"Why do you look like I'm forcing myself on you?"
Lin Jiangnian looked at Jinxiu, who was sitting in the carriage with an unwilling look, and said happily.
Jinxiu curled her lips and rolled her eyes: "Your Highness is just 'robbing' me, isn't he?"
"Is there?"
Lin Jiangnian smiled and said, "Did this prince force you?"
"Isn't Your Highness forcing me?"
"Um?"
Lin Jiangnian blinked and suddenly moved closer meaningfully.
There was a hint of panic in Jinxiu's eyes, and she leaned back subconsciously: "Your Highness, please respect yourself..."
Lin Jiangnian was very interested: "What if I don't respect myself?"
beautiful:"……"
"If Your Highness does not respect himself...there is nothing I can do."
Jinxiu spoke in a gloomy tone, looking at Lin Jiangnian with a look of infinite grievance: "After all, Your Highness is the Crown Prince. Even if he doesn't respect himself, what can a mere servant like me do?"
"Hey!"
Lin Jiangnian was even more amused: "When you give me a cold look, you don't act like a little maid, do you?"
"How dare this servant give you a cold shoulder, Your Highness?"
"Then can you please give me a smile now?"
“…”
"Look, with that resentful look in your eyes, aren't you giving me a cold shoulder?"
beautiful:"……"
The two stared at each other for a moment. Lin Jiangnian finally stopped teasing her and sat back down across from her. "Where's your princess?"
Jinxiu breathed a sigh of relief, sat up straight, and replied, "The princess is of course in the palace."
"Then why did you come to pick me up?"
"It's the princess's order."
"Your princess has such a good relationship with His Royal Highness the Crown Prince?"
Lin Jiangnian meant something.
Jinxiu said: "The princess and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince are siblings, and they have had a good relationship since childhood."
"Isn't the Third Prince also your princess's biological brother? Why don't they seem to have a good relationship?"
beautiful:"……"
She pursed her lips and said nothing.
His Royal Highness asked knowingly.
"If the Third Prince competes with the Crown Prince for the throne one day, which side will your princess stand on?" Lin Jiangnian asked again.
"I don't know."
"I don't know whether you are unwilling to tell me?"
Jinxiu was silent for a moment, then sighed softly, "Your Highness, as the prince of a vassal king, you should be careful with your words and actions... If this gets out, it will be dangerous."
The Prince of Lin's reckless discussion of the crown prince dispute was interpreted by the court officials as a sign of overly ambitious and sinister intentions...
"Can't this be spread out? This prince will only tell you this. Could it be that Miss Jinxiu will betray me?" Lin Jiangnian winked at her.
Jinxiu's heart skipped a beat for some unknown reason, and she blushed as she looked away: "This servant will naturally not betray His Highness the Crown Prince."
"That's it, isn't it?"
Lin Jiangnian smiled and said, "I have great trust in Miss Jinxiu!"
Jinxiu glanced at him with a hint of anger and sighed softly, "Your Highness, you are really good at sweet talk!"
"Miss Jinxiu has been charmed by this prince's sweet talk?"
"Of course not." Jinxiu denied it flatly.
"Then why are you blushing, Miss Jinxiu?"
“…”
"I'm hot!"
Jinxiu gritted her teeth, blushed, and turned her head away in embarrassment.
He must have done it on purpose.
Deliberately bullying him? !
You clearly know what's going on, but you insist on saying it...
How come you have no sense of humor?
Just as I was thinking angrily, I saw Lin Jiangnian lifting the car curtain.
"Since it's hot, why don't you open the car curtains to get some fresh air?"
beautiful:"……"
Lin Jiangnian's gaze followed the curtain to the outside of the car, and the next second, he was slightly startled.
"Isn't this the way to the East Palace?"
Lin Jiangnian glanced at the street scenery outside the car curtain, then looked back at Jinxiu in the car in confusion.
The East Palace was located east of the Imperial Palace. Although Lin Jiangnian had never been there, he knew its location. But the carriage wasn't heading towards the East Palace.
Inside the carriage, Jinxiu hummed softly, seeming a little proud: "Yes!"
"Who said I should take Your Highness to the East Palace?"
"Um?"
Seeing Lin Jiangnian's suspicious expression, Jinxiu was in a good mood as she had gained the upper hand for a rare time.
She blinked at Lin Jiangnian and said, "You don't have to go to the East Palace to see His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, okay?"
"Where to go then?"
"The Imperial Palace!"
“…”
Inside the capital, outside the imperial city.
"Eighth Prince!"
A carriage slowly stopped not far from the imperial city. Jiang Shaoan got off the carriage and walked quickly to the outside of the imperial city.
Just outside the imperial city, several figures were gathering.
The leader among them was the eighth prince of the current dynasty.
Li Ping!
The Eighth Prince was not yet an adult and had not yet been crowned. Normally, he should have lived in the palace, but he had a lively personality and often sneaked out of the palace.
Today, that's the case.
The Eighth Prince had gathered a bunch of friends from the capital, including children from various prominent families. He spent the whole day chatting with his friends, having a great time.
Jiang Shaoan is one of them.
Jiang Shaoan walked up to him quickly, with a servile and fawning look on his face.
The eighth prince Li Ping glanced at him and nodded lightly, neither cold nor indifferent.
"Your Highness the Eighth Prince, where are we going today?"
Jiang Shaoan was not annoyed at all, and his face was cautious and flattering.
He did not act like a close friend or confidant of the Eighth Prince as he had boasted to Lin Jiangnian not long ago.
Instead, he looks like... a licking dog? !
"Tianxiang Tower!"
The eighth prince nodded lightly, and prepared to get on the carriage and leave, surrounded by his entourage.
At this moment, another carriage slowly appeared outside the imperial city.
"Huh?"
Jiang Shaoan originally planned to keep up with the eighth prince, but when he saw the carriage out of the corner of his eye, he was slightly stunned. It looked familiar.
"Why does this carriage look like the one outside my house?"
Jiang Shaoan quickly remembered that he had seen him outside his home not long ago this morning.
"Yours?"
The Eighth Prince, who was about to get on the carriage, seemed to remember something when he heard Jiang Shaoan's words and glanced subconsciously.
The carriage was unremarkable.
But judging from the direction, it seems like he is going to...enter the palace?
"It should be my aunt, right?"
Jiang Shaoan remembered that his younger sister often went to the palace to see the Empress, so he didn't think much of it. Just as he was about to turn around, he suddenly saw a carriage stop outside the palace gate not far away, and then a figure appeared.
Jiang Shaoan just took a glance and suddenly his eyes widened.
"Lin, Lin Jiangnian?!"
At the same time, the people around heard the name and looked over.
The eighth prince Li Ping suddenly raised his head and looked outside the palace gate not far away.
Sure enough, a young figure appeared outside the palace gate and was saying something to the imperial guards at the door.
Soon, the carriage entered the palace smoothly.
"He is Lin Jiangnian?"
The eighth prince turned his head and looked at Jiang Shaoan.
"Yes, that's right!"
At this time, Jiang Shaoan opened his eyes wide, his face full of disbelief.
Is it Lin Jiangnian?
He, how did he get into the palace?
How is he qualified to enter the palace?
No, something's wrong!
"Are you sure it's him?" The Eighth Prince asked again with a serious expression.
"Absolutely not, absolutely not wrong, I, I just saw him this morning!"
Jiang Shaoan gritted his teeth.
He had just met Lin Jiangnian and had been kicked, so his butt was still hurting. How could he possibly remember it wrong?!
But he was shocked!
Not long ago, he mocked Lin Jiangnian for being unqualified to enter the palace, but now he saw him enter the palace with his own eyes.
This, this is wrong?!
How could he enter the palace?
How could he be worthy of entering the palace?
What, what is going on?
Jiang Shaoan suddenly felt a burning pain on his face!
It was my butt that was kicked, so why is my face starting to hurt...
The Eighth Prince stared at the carriage that was slowly driving into the palace not far away and was silent for a moment.
"I'm not going to Tianxiang Tower anymore!"
The Eighth Prince waved his hand and got on the carriage: "Your Highness has something else to do, let's go!"
The eighth prince left in a hurry.
Seeing that the Eighth Prince looked uneasy, the others dispersed. Jiang Shaoan was left standing there, ignored, staring out the palace gate, muttering to himself in disbelief.
“That shouldn’t be the case…”
“…”
Inside the palace.
A carriage went through layers of interrogation and search and slowly entered the palace.
Inside the carriage.
Lin Jiangnian lifted the car curtain and looked outside.
What comes into view is this strange yet familiar imperial city.
The towering and majestic vermilion walls, the endless and magnificent palace not far away, and the imperial guards patrolling around the palace.
A solemn atmosphere enveloped the place.
"This imperial city is really strict!"
Lin Jiangnian couldn't help but sigh.
The whole way into the palace, after layers of searches and interrogations, if it were anyone else, I'm afraid not even a fly would be able to get in.
Even with the Crown Prince's imperial edict, it would still be of no avail.
"Of course not!"
Jinxiu sat opposite and blinked: "You are the prince of Lin Wang. If you want to enter the palace, you must be strictly checked."
"Can I enter the palace without His Majesty's order?" Lin Jiangnian looked at her.
"Of course. Now the Crown Prince is the regent. Even without the emperor's oral order, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince can summon you." Jinxiu nodded.
"Then why did His Royal Highness the Crown Prince want to see me in the palace?"
Lin Jiangnian asked.
I originally thought I was going to the Eastern Palace to meet His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, but I didn't expect to enter the palace.
Why bother?
Or...is His Royal Highness the Crown Prince planning to give him a warning?
Use the majesty of this imperial palace to intimidate the son of this small vassal king who came from this wild land?
"I don't know about this servant."
Jinxiu shook her head, she didn't know either.
When I came yesterday, I did say that I wanted to take the Crown Prince to the Eastern Palace.
But when she returned yesterday to report, Her Royal Highness the Princess suddenly announced that she wanted to bring His Royal Highness the Crown Prince into the palace...
Jinxiu wasn't quite sure what exactly happened.
However, I heard that Her Royal Highness the Princess went out for a while. Who did she meet?
Unable to get any information out of Jinxiu, Lin Jiangnian didn't ask any more questions and continued to look at the scene outside through the car curtain.
This ancient and majestic imperial city has a dull atmosphere.
There seemed to be an indescribable aura suppressing my chest.
It has to be said that this is different from the imperial city that Lin Jiangnian knows.
The imperial city before him was even colder, with a heavy atmosphere and an inexplicable sense of majesty and oppression.
Indescribable!
The patrolling imperial guards everywhere also made the palace airtight.
Under such strict guards, I wonder what kind of expert would be able to force his way in here?
While Lin Jiangnian was daydreaming, the carriage slowly stopped.
"Your Highness, it's time to get off the car!"
Jinxiu got off the carriage first, lifted the curtain, and said, "The carriage can't go any further. Your Highness needs to get off and walk."
Lin Jiangnian jumped off the carriage, looked ahead, and nodded: "Let's go."
He wanted to see what the Crown Prince was up to.
…
Imperial Palace.
Hall of Mental Cultivation.
The air was filled with curling smoke.
"Phantom."
In front of the desk, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, dressed in a brocade robe, sighed softly, "Why did you ask me to invite that Crown Prince into the palace?"
"What does this mean?"
Not far away, under the eaves of the door, Li Piaomiao, dressed in white, stood there quietly.
She glanced outside the door and shook her head faintly: "I don't know."
"Um?"
The Crown Prince was puzzled: "Then you..."
"That's it."
Li Piaomiao spoke in a sullen tone without explaining too much.
Upon hearing this, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince only gave a wry smile, "Alright, alright, whatever you say. I know you're not a reckless person... You must have a deeper meaning behind this, right?"
"Deeper meaning?"
Li Piaomiao lowered her eyes slightly, not knowing what she was thinking.
“Ahem…”
His Royal Highness the Crown Prince coughed lightly, and his face seemed to become even more haggard.
"I am actually looking forward to meeting this legendary Prince Lin."
A few smiles appeared on his face, and his eyes softened: "If he is really worthy of you, Piaomiao, then it's not..."
As he was speaking, something suddenly disappeared from his sight.
Li Ci Ning looked up and the figure in white at the door had already disappeared.
Coming without a trace, going without a trace.
It seems like it never appeared.
"Piaomiao..."
Seeing this, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince could only sigh helplessly.
His sister has always been so cold.
Just as I was sighing, footsteps were suddenly heard outside the door.
Then, a duck-like voice sounded.
"Your Highness, the Crown Prince Lin is outside the door."
"Coming?"
His Royal Highness the Crown Prince raised his eyes, looking a little radiant.
He slowly stood up and waved his sleeves: "Let's go and see my future brother-in-law, haha..."
“…”
"Your Highness, we're here!"
Jinxiu led Lin Jiangnian through the imperial palace and came to the Hall of Mental Cultivation.
"This is where His Royal Highness the Crown Prince supervises the country."
Jinxiu introduced.
Lin Jiangnian looked up and took in the tall and majestic palace in front of him. He couldn't help but sigh that it was indeed much more magnificent than the Prince Lin's Palace.
Of course, this was also done intentionally by Lin Hengzhong.
The Prince Lin's Mansion is equally large and imposing, but it is deliberately made weaker than the imperial palace in the capital, in order to silence the gossips of the ministers in the palace.
"A few days ago, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince suddenly fell ill and has been recuperating in the Eastern Palace. He only recently returned to the palace..."
"When His Majesty is in seclusion, His Highness is busy with government affairs, sometimes not sleeping for days at a time..."
As Jinxiu spoke, she led Lin Jiangnian into the Yangxin Palace.
The palace was very quiet. Apart from the occasional maids and eunuchs, there was no one else. Jinxiu led Lin Jiangnian to the backyard, a place where birds sang and flowers bloomed.
Not far away, there was a pavilion and a front hall. There was a tea table, and in front of the table, a figure was sitting.
Seems to be waiting.
Behind the figure, there was a eunuch who looked like an old slave.
Close your eyes and relax.
Lin Jiangnian's gaze fell on this figure.
He was wearing a brocade dragon robe, about thirty years old, with a sharp gaze, extraordinary bearing, and outstanding temperament, especially his eyes, which were full of spirit.
However, it can be seen that the other person seems a little weak and his face is a little pale.
With such a description of the characteristics, it is obvious that the person in front of us is His Royal Highness the Crown Prince!
Li Ci Ning!
Just as Lin Jiangnian was looking at the young man, the other party happened to fall on Lin Jiangnian.
The two looked into each other's eyes.
"Brother-in-law, hello!"
The young man sitting behind the tea table suddenly spoke softly.
His face was full of warm smiles, as if bathed in spring sunshine.
The word "brother-in-law" made Lin Jiangnian stunned for a moment.
Caught off guard.
Totally unexpected.
Looking at the smile on the young man's face, he quickly reacted.
"Your Highness the Crown Prince!"
Lin Jiangnian bowed.
"Brother-in-law, no need to be so polite!"
Li Ci Ning stood up and walked quickly towards Lin Jiangnian. He enthusiastically grabbed Lin Jiangnian's shoulders, his tone slightly excited.
"I've wanted to meet you, my brother-in-law, for a long time. It's been on my mind, but unfortunately I never had the chance. Today I finally get to meet you... You are truly a handsome man with an extraordinary demeanor!"
Li Ci Ning spoke enthusiastically.
Lin Jiangnian stood there in a daze.
Wait, something's wrong...
Is His Royal Highness the Crown Prince a little too enthusiastic?
The enthusiasm seemed a little...off?
"Your Highness..."
Lin Jiangnian said: "I have not yet married Her Royal Highness the Princess, so it is not counted yet..."
"Isn't it just a matter of time?"
His Royal Highness the Crown Prince waved his hand to interrupt Lin Jiangnian and said with a smile, "Brother-in-law, you are handsome and a perfect match for Piaomiao. You are a perfect match made in heaven. Plus, your marriage was arranged by our father, so it's a match made in heaven. It's only a matter of time before you get married. Sooner or later, you and I will all be family, right?"
"I called you brother-in-law, didn't I?"
Lin Jiangnian: “…”
You know what, I was right.
But why does it always feel so awkward?
Before Lin Jiangnian came, he had anticipated many situations.
I felt like I was old friends with the Crown Prince at first sight and they drank and chatted happily.
There were also cases where two people had different political views and drew their swords against each other.
Lin Jiangnian had even anticipated the plot of the five hundred axemen...
He just didn't expect that when His Royal Highness the Crown Prince met him, he would call him brother-in-law, which made Lin Jiangnian stunned!
I didn't come back to my senses for a long time.
...He comes with bad intentions!
Even Jinxiu was stunned.
I never expected that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince would be so... enthusiastic?
Brother-in-law?
Are you yelling right now?!
Jinxiu opened her eyes wide in surprise, and when she saw the slightly confused expression on Lin Jiangnian's face, she seemed to remember something and blinked.
"Your Highness!"
Jinxiu said from the side: "This servant has brought His Royal Highness the Crown Prince here."
"Thank you for your help, Miss Jinxiu."
Li Qining looked at Jinxiu and said with a smile, "Thank you for your hard work!"
"This is the duty of a servant."
Jinxiu nodded and stole a glance at Lin Jiangnian: "Then, shall I go back and report to Her Royal Highness the Princess?"
"Go ahead."
His Royal Highness the Crown Prince waved his hand, his eyes fell on Lin Jiangnian again, and he excitedly pulled him inside.
"Come on, brother-in-law, it's our first meeting, come inside and sit down!"
"Come on, serve tea!"
"Today I want to have a good chat with my brother-in-law!"
“…”
