In the backyard of the Jiang Mansion, lights flickered in the room.
On the table, spread out on rice paper, Lin Jiangnian stood before it, slowly putting pen to paper.
The brush strokes are powerful, the writing is done with ease and in one go.
After half an hour, he put down his pen.
"alright!"
Lin Jiang took a deep breath and looked up.
In front of the table, a graceful figure was standing quietly.
After hearing Lin Jiangnian's words, his eyes fell on the rice paper: "Are they all here?"
"The contents of the second and third volumes of Xuanyang Heart Technique are all here."
Lin Jiangnian said casually: "You can hand it over to your leader now!"
Liu Su stared at him for a moment, then raised her eyes and looked at him suspiciously: "Is this the complete Xuan Yang Heart Technique?"
Lin Jiangnian raised his eyebrows and smiled, "It doesn't matter whether it's complete or not."
"What's important is whether your leader believes it or not."
Liu Su frowned slightly: "Are you sure you can hide it from him?"
"He can't see."
Lin Jiangnian shook his head, his tone very confident: "The only people in the world who have seen the complete Xuanyang Heart Method are me and my father. Even if your leader is extremely powerful, there is no way he can detect any problems here..."
Liu Su was silent for a while, then nodded.
"Thanks."
"Why are you still telling me thank you?"
Lin Jiangnian looked at her, paused, and asked again: "Now, can you tell me?"
Liu Su raised her eyes: "What do you want to know?"
Lin Jiangnian reached out and tapped the table lightly without saying anything.
Liu Su was silent for a moment, then said, "The leader will not let you go... After you have fully explained the Xuanyang Heart Technique, it will be your death!"
Lin Jiangnian was not surprised by this. He didn't think that the leader of the Heavenly God Sect was a good person.
Last year, the Linwang Mansion eliminated many strongholds of the Tianshen Sect in Linzhou, causing heavy losses to the Tianshen Sect, and the account has not yet been settled.
"So, you want to pass on the Xuanyang Heart Technique to your leader for me?"
Liu Su did not deny it. She looked up at him and said, "You can't go see him again."
"Why?"
"The leader's goal has always been the Xuanyang Diagram!"
Liu Su said in a deep voice, "The Xuan Yang Heart Method is ultimately just a substitute, and... it's not very useful. The leader, what he ultimately wants is the Xuan Yang Diagram..."
Liu Su thought of what the leader had told her when they met that night before the New Year, and her heart sank slightly.
"Xuan Yang Diagram..."
Lin Jiangnian pondered silently. To this day, he still didn't know what the Xuanyang Diagram was. What was the purpose of this leader's relentless pursuit of the Xuanyang Diagram?
"The leader will definitely find a way to get the Xuanyang Diagram through you, even if it means using any means..."
Liu Su raised her eyes to glance at him and warned, "You have to be careful."
Lin Jiangnian narrowed his eyes slightly, as if thinking about something.
Liu Su was right. Even though the Lin Palace was not afraid of the Celestial God Cult, this mysterious leader was still a hidden danger. This leader was extremely skilled in martial arts, and if he targeted them, it would not be a good thing.
Lin Jiangnian didn't want to live in fear and vigilance all day long. There was no reason to guard against thieves for a thousand days.
This hidden danger must always be solved...
Liu Su's eyes fell on the rice paper on the table. The densely written words on it were all the mantras of Xuan Yang's Heart Method.
It's very complicated and mysterious.
Even though Liu Su found it difficult to understand in a short period of time, she didn't dare to look at it any longer.
She didn't know what tricks Lin Jiangnian had played in all this, but based on her understanding of Lin Jiangnian, there must be something wrong with this Xuanyang Heart Sutra.
After the ink on the rice paper dried, Liu Su carefully folded the rice paper and put it in his arms.
She looked up and saw Lin Jiangnian looking at her without blinking.
"Anything else?"
"You seem to have forgotten something?"
Lin Jiangnian glanced at her chest and reminded her, "I've done what I promised you."
Liu Su paused, as if realizing something. After a moment, she shook her head slightly.
"Actually, I didn't talk to her much..."
Liu Su raised the corner of her mouth slightly as if in self-mockery: "She actually told me that she doesn't mind me staying..."
"I can't tell, when did she become so broad-minded?"
Lin Jiangnian was a little surprised: "Then you..."
"I refuse!"
Liu Su's tone was relaxed and decisive.
“…”
"I'm different from her. I can't accept her charity...at least not yet."
"So, I'm leaving!"
Liu Su looked at Lin Jiangnian quietly and smiled at him gently: "You don't need to persuade me...you can't persuade me."
"Of course, I might come back someday."
"If there is still that opportunity..."
“…”
Liu Su's tone was always relaxed, as if she was saying goodbye in a very casual manner.
Just like the stunning woman in red who broke into his room every night when he was still in the Prince Lin's Mansion.
However, compared to her carefree attitude back then, Liu Su now looked relaxed, but there was a hint of indescribable emotion between her brows.
It seems a bit heavy!
Lin Jiangnian didn't say anything.
Once Liu Su made up her mind, no amount of persuasion from him would help.
She didn't want to stay, so even forcing her to stay wouldn't necessarily make sense. It might even backfire and provoke Saint Liu's rebelliousness.
Instead of doing that, it’s better to follow her wishes.
The two looked at each other, the lights flickered, and the room suddenly became quiet.
It was late at night and the cold wind was howling outside the window.
"Aren't you going to say anything?"
Liu Su spoke again, with a smile on her face.
Lin Jiangnian looked out the window at the night scene and said, "It's getting late, it's getting dark outside..."
"so what?"
"be safe."
“…”
"No more?"
Liu Su frowned slightly and stared at him.
"Of course, if you're not in a hurry to leave..."
Lin Jiangnian thought for a moment and said, "Or we can rest for another night and leave tomorrow?"
Liu Su: “…”
“No need!”
Liu Suqing refused coldly and turned to walk out the door.
Just as he reached the door and pushed it open, he suddenly stopped.
"It's quite late indeed..."
Liu Su looked up at the night outside the courtyard and seemed to mutter something to herself. After a moment's silence, she took a step forward to leave.
Just as she took a step, a hand suddenly pulled her back into the room.
"Bang!"
The door was closed again.
Liu Su turned her head and met Lin Jiangnian's deep eyes, which were staring at her intently.
"What are you doing?!"
Liu Su struggled.
"I'm leaving!"
Lin Jiangnian held the stubborn woman who was twisting and struggling in his arms and said, "It's getting late. Let's go tomorrow."
"No...let me go!"
"There's been unrest in the city lately. It's dark and unsafe."
Lin Jiangnian made a serious suggestion: "There's no rush...why not rest for one more night? It won't be too late to leave tomorrow morning."
Liu Su lowered her eyes and remained silent, as if thinking about this suggestion.
After a while, he said, "It's okay to rest for another night... But I have a condition!"
"you say!"
"You...don't touch me!"
Liu Su gave a stern warning with a cold face.
"Don't worry, I promise I won't touch you."
Lin Jiangnian made a solemn promise.
“…”
“Snap!”
Not long after.
The lights in the room suddenly went out and dimmed.
A cold wind was blowing in the yard, and occasionally a rustling sound could be heard in the room.
It sounded intermittently and then quickly died down.
Not long after.
"Mouth, not even..."
A slightly embarrassed and trembling voice came from the room.
Then, it soon evolved into another pleasant song.
It was played on a loop for most of the night late at night during the Spring Festival.
Until dawn.
…
Late at night, in the palace.
Inside Jingning Palace.
The Queen had already gone to bed.
The Queen Mother was not in good health. She had caught a cold recently, and after learning the outcome of the internal struggle between her two sons, she was extremely sad and her health deteriorated a lot.
A shadow shrouded Jingning Palace. It was late at night and the lights were dim.
Especially deserted.
The moonlight tonight is exceptionally bright, the moon is high in the sky, bright and clear.
In the east wing, Jinxiu was lazily lying on the windowsill, her figure was slender and curvy, with quite a bit of feminine charm.
She yawned, looking a little sleepier, and raised her eyes to look outside the yard in front of her.
"Why hasn't the princess come back yet?"
"Nothing... could have gone wrong?"
At the door of the wing room, he stood there quietly, with a cold look and expressionless face.
He completely ignored Jinxiu's question.
It seems like he is still angry about the afternoon!
However, her gaze was always fixed on the outside of the yard, mixed with a bit of worry.
"Could it be that the princess secretly left the palace without telling us?"
Jinxiu muttered to herself, the more she thought about it, the more likely it seemed.
The princess always kept to herself, but she rarely stayed out overnight. If she hadn't returned tonight, something must have happened to her.
Just as Jinxiu was thinking about it, a figure in white appeared silently in the yard.
"Princess?!"
An Ning, who was standing at the door, saw the princess first. Her tense and cold little face showed a hint of relief.
Jinxiu quickly got up, not even bothering to put on her shoes, and went to meet him while wearing her silk stockings and holding up her palace skirt.
"Princess, you're finally back!"
"Princess, where have you been?"
"Nothing unexpected happened, right?"
Jinxiu's face was filled with worry as she looked her princess up and down. Although she knew her princess's martial arts were unparalleled, she was still worried that something might go wrong.
"fine!"
Li Piaomiao's face was cold and he shook his head slightly.
Looking at the two people coming up from under the eaves, he said softly, "Let's go back to the room first."
…
In the room.
"Princess……"
Jinxiu sat upright, looking towards the center of the room, where a princess in a long white dress stood, looking extremely cool and beautiful.
He asked cautiously, "How is His Majesty?"
After the Crown Prince came in the afternoon, the princess went out and said she was going to see His Majesty.
The princess has just returned, so what is the situation on His Majesty's side?
Your Majesty, who has been in seclusion for more than half a year, is he going to come out?
Not only Jinxiu, but even An Ning, who always had a cold face, seemed to be concerned about this.
In the room.
Li Piaomiao looked at the twins Jinxiu and An Ning in front of her. She had brought them back to the palace from the sword path, and they were also her closest and most trusted maids.
At this moment, both of them were worried.
Li Piaomiao shook his head slightly: "Not very good."
“Not good?!”
Upon hearing this, Jinxiu and An Ning's expressions changed slightly. They looked at each other and had a bad feeling.
"Your Majesty..."
Jinxiu couldn't help but feel a little uneasy: "Could it be..."
"Father is still alive."
"return?"
Jinxiu keenly noticed something.
The princess is talking about...still alive?
Doesn’t that mean… it’s coming soon?
This thought made Jinxiu's heart skip a beat. Although she had anticipated this, she was still a little caught off guard when the day finally came.
"Then, Princess..."
Jinxiu asked with some concern, "What should we do next?"
silence.
Li Piaomiao did not speak, and there was a hint of confusion in her beautiful eyes, which had always been ethereal and cold.
"I have no idea."
She spoke calmly.
“…”
Jinxiu looked surprised.
She vaguely sensed that her princess's emotional state today seemed... wrong?
"Princess, what's wrong with you?"
"fine."
Li Piaomiao shook his head slightly, then suddenly stood up: "You should rest early."
After saying that, he left the room.
Only Jinxiu and An Ning were left in the room. You looked at me, I looked at you, and we were all in confusion.
"Princess, what's going on?"
Jinxiu couldn't help but ask in a low voice.
An Ning had a blank expression on her face, but there was a hint of worry in her eyes.
"have no idea."
Outside the door, in the yard.
Li Piaomiao walked into the courtyard, her face cold as she looked up at the night sky. She tapped the ground with her toes, leaped up, and landed on the eaves of the palace.
In the dark night, a long white dress rustled in the cold wind.
It was a cold winter day, but she didn't seem to feel the cold at all.
His gaze was fixed on the distant night sky. Looking far away, he seemed to be able to see somewhere outside the palace, west of the city.
My mind kept thinking about my father's last words not long ago.
“…”
"Piaomiao, you are smarter, calmer, and more outstanding than your brother. Father believes that you can do it..."
"The Lin family occupies the southern part of the dynasty, boasting a strong military and a high reputation among the people. The only way to dismantle them is to dismantle them from within..."
"And Piaomiao, you are the most suitable person..."
"Now, you are the only one who can save Daning! The future of our Li family is also pinned on you..."
“…”
The night is getting deeper!
On the roof.
This white dress is like a cold sculpture, and under the moonlight, it exudes a holy and lonely temperament.
Li Piaomiao's gaze remained fixed on the outside of the palace. From beginning to end, there was no disturbance.
…
early morning.
It wasn't quite daylight yet.
Xiao Zhu, who lived in the courtyard, woke up and quickly got up. She put on her clothes, made her bed, and after putting on her makeup, she pushed the door open and walked out.
Xiaozhu started his day's work!
Strictly speaking, Xiaozhu can no longer be considered a maid.
After being tricked into bed by her own prince, the little maid's status was upgraded. Under normal circumstances, Xiao Zhu should even be accompanied by two maids to take care of her.
But Xiaozhu still couldn't change her identity, and continued to take care of Sister Zhiyuan and her own prince's daily life as usual.
In the eyes of the little maid, Sister Zhiyuan is already the future Crown Prince's Consort and her mistress.
After finishing all the busy work, Xiao Zhu ran to the other side of the yard to visit "Sister Liu Ye"!
In Xiao Zhu's opinion, Sister Liu Ye might be his highness's concubine in the future... After all, she was the one who dared to flirt with his highness in front of Sister Zhiyuan.
Even Sister Zhiyuan agreed...isn't this obvious?
But when Xiao Zhu came to the courtyard, he found that the door was ajar, the room was empty, and Sister Liu Ye was no longer there.
"Where are the people?"
Seeing this scene, Xiao Zhu was stunned for a moment, then opened his eyes wide.
Sister Liu Ye is missing?!
"Your Highness, this is bad. Sister Liu Ye..."
Realizing that Sister Liuye was missing, Xiaozhu quickly turned around and trotted towards the next courtyard, wanting to quickly tell His Highness the news.
But just as he ran to the gate of the next courtyard, Xiao Zhu saw a figure not far away, leaning against the wall, limping out of his own prince's room...
"Well……"
When Xiao Zhu saw this scene, his eyes widened.
“…”
The third day of the Lunar New Year.
The gloomy weather that had shrouded the capital for several days finally gradually dissipated and the sky cleared up.
The temperature is gradually warming up and there is a hint of spring.
Jiang Mansion, backyard.
The two sisters, Jasmine and Fengling, are practicing martial arts seriously in the yard.
After this period of practice, the two have made significant changes and progress.
The two who had seemed a bit frail before now had become noticeably tougher. Compared to their skinny appearance when they first arrived at the Jiang residence, they were now noticeably plumper.
It seems that the food in Jiang Mansion is very good.
The two men's boxing skills also began to show. In the backyard, they were swinging their fists with great force, and they had already mastered some skills.
The sisters' martial arts talent was indeed remarkable, and they could grasp it quickly. However, their rapid progress in such a short period of time was due not only to their martial arts talent and Zhiyuan's personal training and guidance, but also to their hard work.
Under the eaves at the back of the courtyard, Zhiyuan, dressed in a green shirt, quietly watched the sisters in the courtyard practicing martial arts.
On the side, Lin Jiangnian also stood under the eaves, following Zhiyuan, watching the two sisters practicing martial arts in the yard.
The atmosphere is cozy.
"She's gone!"
After a moment, Lin Jiangnian suddenly spoke softly.
Upon hearing the news, Zhiyuan was slightly stunned. He didn't turn around or say anything, but nodded silently.
"She asked me to pass on a message to you."
Lin Jiangnian hesitated to speak, not knowing whether he should say it or not.
Zhiyuan looked ahead quietly, waiting for the next sentence for a long time, and glanced sideways at Lin Jiangnian.
Frowning slightly: "What?"
"She said..."
"She's the older sister, and she even said that she'll let you call her sister next time we meet..."
Zhiyuan glanced at Lin Jiangnian expressionlessly.
"She said..."
Lin Jiangnian immediately distanced himself from the matter to avoid any accidental injury.
Zhiyuan withdrew his gaze and looked back at the courtyard. After a while, he said, "Let's wait until she has the ability."
The tone was neither cold nor indifferent.
Lin Jiangnian felt both amused and confused. Why did he feel that the conversation between the two of them was a bit like... a fit of anger?
At this moment, Zhiyuan asked casually, "Why doesn't she stay?"
"She said she couldn't get over it..."
Lin Jiangnian paused and sighed inwardly. He knew Liu Su was being overly stubborn.
But, there is no way to change it.
Zhiyuan lowered her eyes slightly and didn't say anything else.
Lin Jiangnian suddenly asked, "Zhiyuan, then you..."
"Why would you let her stay?"
This is the question Lin Jiangnian has wanted to ask for a long time!
Logically speaking, the relationship between the two of them is not good and they are incompatible.
Given Lin Jiangnian's understanding of Zhiyuan, how could she allow Liu Su to appear under her nose?
Is this wrong?
It can't be that... Zhiyuan is trying to find sisters for herself?
Facing Lin Jiangnian's puzzled eyes, Zhiyuan remained calm and unperturbed.
After a long silence, he finally spoke.
"Didn't you say that, after all, she is my blood-related sister..."
Zhiyuan looked towards the courtyard, her eyes deep, and said lightly: "She lost her parents when she was young and has no home..."
"It's neither moral nor logical for me to sit idly by. I also can't let her continue to wander around..."
"after all……"
"I'm her biological sister!"
“…”
Lin Jiangnian looked quietly at Zhiyuan's delicate and pretty profile. When she said these words, she seemed to be filled with an indescribable emotion.
It was very peaceful, so peaceful that Lin Jiangnian was somewhat moved.
Kite, finally softened her heart!
Perhaps it was because of his blood relationship with Liu Su, or perhaps there were other reasons... In the end, Zhiyuan chose to give in.
Or perhaps, she had already made her choice when Zhiyuan took the initiative to invite Liu Su to the Jiang Mansion when she left the palace that night a few days ago.
This also made Lin Jiangnian suddenly realize... perhaps the relationship between these two half-sisters was not as bad as she imagined?
…
"After leaving the Jiang residence this morning, Miss Liu went to the east of the city and met with someone. Afterwards, she returned to the inn secretly set up by the Heavenly God Cult in the capital and has not left since..."
"Two days ago, a ban was implemented at the city gate, and all people entering and leaving the city were strictly checked. Miss Liu originally planned to leave the city, but she didn't find the opportunity..."
"Miss Liu seems to have discovered that our people are secretly following her..."
“…”
In the courtyard.
The sky cleared up.
Lin Jiangnian was lying on a rocking chair under the eaves, his eyes half closed, looking lazy and relaxed.
Under the eaves of a nearby house, Lin Qingqing was reporting the intelligence coming from the capital.
Reporting all the whereabouts and activities of Saint Lady Liu since she left Jiang Mansion this morning.
Lin Jiangnian listened quietly, half-closed his eyes, and nodded slightly.
The capital city is filled with spies from the Prince Lin’s Mansion.
Even though Liu Su left the Jiang Mansion, her whereabouts are still under Lin Jiangnian's nose.
"Don't follow too closely!"
Lin Jiangnian shook his head slightly and warned, "You can't hide it from her. Just determine her whereabouts and location. Don't worry about anything else for now."
With Liu Su's strength, it is impossible for her not to notice that someone is following her.
She didn't do anything, so she naturally guessed that it was Lin Jiangnian's arrangement.
If nothing unexpected happens, she will soon find a way to get rid of Lin Jiangnian's spies.
However, Lin Jiangnian was not worried.
The Prince Lin’s Mansion has many secret agents in Beijing, so as long as she shows up, she will not be able to escape.
As for after she leaves the capital...
Lin Jiangnian had made preparations in advance. Although he couldn't immediately determine Liu Su's whereabouts, as long as she was still within the territory of the Daning Dynasty, as long as Liu Su showed up, Lin Jiangnian would have a way to find her.
"Where can you run to this time?"
Lin Jiangnian lay lazily in the rocking chair, half-closed his eyes, and muttered to himself.
…
"Lin Jiangnian?!"
A surprised, familiar and excited voice suddenly rang out.
"Um?"
Lin Jiangnian glanced over.
In front of the sight, at the gate of the courtyard.
A familiar figure appeared at the entrance of the yard after not seeing it for some time.
Xu Lan!
Miss Xu!
Xu Lan, who has not been seen for a long time, is wearing a light blue double-breasted waist-length skirt with a long jacket on the outside, revealing the girl's youthful and beautiful temperament.
At the same time, this light blue outfit gave her an inexplicably more heroic aura. She lost her usual delicate masculine look and gained a bit of girlish charm.
The specific description is... a bit like a woman!
You know what, it’s quite amazing!
This Miss Xu had obviously dressed up carefully. Her black, straight hair was slightly tied up, adorned with an exquisite hairpin. Her face, with slightly delicate features, was filled with a bit of excitement.
She ran in hurriedly with cheerful steps.
When he saw Lin Jiangnian under the eaves, he paused, then quickened his pace.
"Happy New Year!"
Xu Lan excitedly trotted under the eaves and came in front of Lin Jiangnian. Her face flushed slightly from the excitement of running.
Greeting with excitement!
Under the eaves, Lin Qingqing, who had been standing quietly by the side, saw this scene, retreated calmly, and disappeared quietly.
"Happy New Year."
Lin Jiangnian was still lying on his back in the rocking chair. He straightened the blanket covering his body and glanced at her: "Did your grandfather let you out?"
"Yes, yes!" Xu Lan's tone was excited, like a little girl who had been depressed for a long time and was about to suffocate.
"Congratulations."
Lin Jiangnian was a little perfunctory, but then he thought of something and wondered, "That shouldn't be the case. The capital is in such chaos right now, would your grandfather allow you to escape?"
"Humph, I have my own way!"
Xu Lan's tone was a little smug, and then she puffed her cheeks and snorted, "Actually... my grandpa and his family have been very busy these days and haven't been home. They didn't have time to pay attention to me, so I ran out!"
Lin Jiangnian keenly caught something: "Your grandfather and your brother, what are they busy with?"
"Who knows?"
Xu Lan curled her lips: "They talk nonsense all day long, busy and never come home. I asked them, but they didn't want to say anything..."
Xu Lan muttered softly.
Lin Jiangnian seemed to be lost in thought.
"By the way, how have you been lately?"
Xu Lan didn't dwell on these things and quickly changed the subject, asking about Lin Jiangnian's recent situation.
"It's fine. I eat well and sleep well."
"No more?"
"What else?"
"Have you done anything else during this period?" Xu Lan's eyes were burning with curiosity.
"What should I do?"
Xu Lan said, "You can't possibly be like me, staying at home all day, eating and sleeping, sleeping and eating, right?"
"No."
Lin Jiangnian shook his head, "I can't eat as much as you can."
“…”
"I finally came here, and you're mad at me as soon as you see me, right?"
Xu Lan glared and said angrily.
"Calm down, you are a lady now, a rich lady...don't be so irritable."
Lin Jiangnian reminded.
Xu Lan glared at him lightly: "You are the one who deliberately provoked me?!"
As she spoke, she hummed twice, her pair of dark eyes looking around.
"What are you looking at?"
"Where's Miss Kite?"
Xu Lan asked, glancing at the room next to her from time to time.
"She's not here."
"That's good."
"Um?"
"Ahem, nothing..."
Xu Lan felt a little guilty, but quickly concealed it.
Lin Jiangnian glanced at Miss Xu again. It's no wonder that she has changed a lot after not seeing her for some time.
After I stopped dressing as a man, I did look more like a girl.
A nice girl, but she had to dress like a man before. Although she looks pretty, she is still not very pleasing to the eye.
Now, it’s much better!
...Of course, some congenital defects cannot be compensated for for the time being.
I can only hope for growth later in life...
"Come here and rub my shoulders."
Seeing Xu Lan's sneaky look, Lin Jiangnian spoke again slowly.
"Um?"
Xu Lan came back to her senses: "What?"
"Come here and rub my shoulders!"
Xu Lan opened her eyes wide: "You order me around? ...Why?!"
Lin Jiangnian raised his eyebrows: "Have you forgotten that you promised to be my maid for a month?"
Xu Lan's expression quickly froze... She almost forgot about this.
The two of them made a bet at the Prince Lin's Mansion, but when they met last time, the confident Xu Lan lost miserably.
This guy who couldn't even beat her in the past has now become...very powerful!
Thinking of this, Xu Lan felt angry.
"Are you an incompetent maid?"
Lin Jiangnian sighed: "Not only does he not keep his word, he even talks back at the master!"
"Who said I don't keep my word?!"
Xu Lan glared and spoke angrily.
"Then why are you still standing there?"
"snort!"
Xu Lan snorted heavily and reluctantly moved behind Lin Jiangnian. After hesitating for a moment, she took a deep breath, stretched out her jade hand, placed it on Lin Jiangnian's shoulder, and gently kneaded it.
"That's not how you rub it, use a little more force...are you touching me?"
"…taking advantage of me, huh?"
Xu Lan's face flushed, and she gritted her teeth: "I, I can't..."
She was the eldest daughter of the Xu family, and not only did she rub his shoulders, but he was also picky and sarcastic.
She was so angry!
Xu Lan glared angrily and began to use force with her hands in anger.
"Ouch...you want to murder me, don't you?"
“…”
The temperature warmed up in the afternoon and the yard was calm.
Under the eaves, Lin Jiangnian half-closed his eyes, dozed off, and enjoyed the 'gentle' shoulder massage service from Miss Xu.
At first, he was very unfamiliar with the technique, clumsy, and even made trouble out of anger. However, under Lin Jiangnian's guidance, he gradually became proficient and began to perform well.
"You have good skills and talent. If you practice hard in the future, you will definitely become an excellent craftsman."
Lin Jiangnian began to praise.
"You are so beautiful!"
Behind him, Xu Lan's face flushed slightly, he was a little breathless from exhaustion, and spoke in a bad mood.
She also needs to study hard?
You'll give him a massage every day from now on, right?
Um?
day by day?
For some reason, Xu Lan seemed to recall some other scenes.
His eyes became a little strange and his expression a little unnatural.
"That's right."
Lin Jiangnian suddenly asked, "Have you heard about what happened in the city these past two days?"
"ah?"
Xu Lan came back to his senses in shock.
"Are you talking about... the Third Prince's rebellion?"
"right!"
"Of course I heard about it a long time ago. It's been spreading all over the city."
Speaking of this, Xu Lan became interested, his eyes slightly lit up: "I heard that the Third Prince was defeated and captured, and is now imprisoned in the Sky Prison. Is it true?!"
"Hasn't the news spread outside?"
“But it hasn’t been confirmed yet!”
Xu Lan sighed: "The Crown Prince has ordered that no one be allowed to enter the palace. No one knows what is going on in the palace..."
Xu Lan looked at Lin Jiangnian and said, "Don't you have spies in the palace? Do you know what's going on in the palace right now?"
"How come I have spies in the palace?"
"How could you, the dignified Crown Prince of Lin, not have one?"
Xu Lan looked unconvinced.
"Don't talk nonsense."
Lin Jiangnian glanced at her and said, "This is a capital crime!"
"cut!"
Xu Lan didn't believe it and rolled her eyes: "I don't believe you don't have it."
Naturally, Lin Jiangnian would not admit to such a thing.
He changed the subject: "Where's your father? Is he still in Linjiang City?"
"Yeah!"
"Are you still figuring out how to backstab my Lin family?"
Xu Lan: “…”
Her face immediately fell.
"I don't know... I don't understand what my dad and the others are thinking."
At this point, Xu Lan looked a little nervous. He glanced at Lin Jiangnian cautiously and asked worriedly, "You, won't attack my father and the others, right?"
"That's hard to say." Lin Jiangnian shook his head.
"Ah?" Xu Lan suddenly became nervous.
"It depends on your performance."
Lin Jiangnian looked at her with a half-smile and said meaningfully, "Miss Xu, you don't want anything to happen to your grandfather and your father, do you?"
Xu Lan: “…”
It was obviously a very serious matter, but for some reason, when these words came out of Lin Jiangnian's mouth, Xu Lan felt an inexplicable sense of weirdness.
Why does it sound a little wrong?!
"How do you want me to behave?"
Xu Lan was a little nervous and a little wary.
"Give this prince a good massage first."
"Still pressing?"
"Change place."
Lin Jiangnian patted his thigh and motioned her to come over.
Xu Lan glanced at him subconsciously, her face flushed instantly, and she said in panic: "You, you..."
"What's that look?"
Lin Jiangnian looked suspiciously: "I just asked you to massage my thighs, why are you blushing... Are you thinking the wrong thing?"
"No, no!"
Xu Lan blushed and denied it with gritted teeth.
"Then why don't you come over?"
"snort!"
She snorted softly and turned her head away.
She hesitated for a moment, biting her lower lip, her delicate gaze fixed on Lin Jiangnian's handsome profile. His eyes were slightly narrowed, and his posture and expression were lazy.
After staring blankly for a few seconds, he seemed to have made up his mind and walked up to Lin Jiangnian.
Then, he slowly squatted down and lowered his head...
Blushing, not daring to look up, she shyly stretched out her hands and placed them on Lin Jiangnian's thighs. Her movements were clumsy, yet serious.
…
Enjoying the massage service provided by the dignified Miss Xu, Lin Jiangnian closed his eyes comfortably.
Needless to say, although her movements were unfamiliar and unskilled, Miss Xu's hands were different from those of the maids in the mansion.
More exciting!
After enjoying some of Miss Xu's 'intimate service', Lin Jiangnian finally spoke slowly: "For the sake of our relationship, I can give your grandfather and your father a chance..."
"Um?"
Xu Lan subconsciously looked up and met Lin Jiangnian's gaze.
"When you go back, tell your grandfather that if I have time, I will visit him in the near future!"
Hearing this news, Xu Lan felt inexplicably nervous: "You, you want to see my grandfather?!"
"Can't I see you?"
"No, no..."
Xu Lan shook her head, feeling a strange feeling in her heart.
Just as he was about to say something, Lin Jiangnian spoke again: "You can tell your grandfather that for your sake, and because of the long-standing friendship between the Lin and Xu families, the Lin family can forgive them for what they did in the past."
"If your grandfather is willing, the Lin and Xu families will still be old friends, and that won't change."
"However, what happens next depends on their sincerity!"
Hearing this, Xu Lan's body trembled slightly, and she looked at Lin Jiangnian in disbelief.
She originally thought that since the Xu family had betrayed the Lin family behind the scenes, it would be a great thing if the Lin family did not pursue the matter.
Unexpectedly, he was not only willing to let bygones be bygones, but also...
Thinking of this, Xu Lan felt a surge of emotion in her heart, her eyes became moist, and the look she gave Lin Jiangnian gradually changed.
"Stop, don't be so moved that you want to marry me." Lin Jiangnian interrupted her spell.
"you……"
Xu Lan was so moved that she was about to burst into tears, but was suddenly interrupted.
The crystals that filled the eye sockets were forcibly blocked back.
"I, I didn't!"
She said stubbornly.
Turn your head.
I was furious.
Who, who is willing to pledge herself to me?
Beautiful him!
snort!
But then, Xu Lan wiped his eyes again and asked, "Then, should I go back and tell Grandpa about this?"
"Go ahead."
Lin Jiangnian waved his hand, then added, "By the way, when you go back, take a closer look at who your grandfather has been hanging out with lately."
Xu Lan was stunned: "What, what do you mean?"
"It's nothing...just remember to be more careful."
"oh!"
“…”
Shortly after Xu Lan left, Lin Qingqing, who had disappeared silently before, reappeared under the eaves a short while later.
"Your Highness? You're looking for me!"
"Go check who the old man from the Xu family has been close to recently."
Lin Jiangnian said, "Let's check again to see if they had any dealings with the Third Prince before."
Hearing this news, Lin Qingqing was a little surprised: "Your Highness, do you suspect that the Xu family was involved in the Third Prince's mutiny and rebellion?"
"Don't rule out this possibility, let's check it out first."
Lin Jiangnian nodded, his expression slightly serious.
I hope this is just his illusion, otherwise the Xu family might be in big trouble.
Lin Jiangnian didn't care about the Xu family's life or death, but this girl Xu Lan...
If you can save them, you have to save them!
Just as Lin Jiangnian was thinking, footsteps were heard outside the yard again.
"Your Highness, there is a girl outside the palace looking for you!"
"who?"
"The other party said that he was from the palace and his name was Jinxiu!"
“…”
Sky Prison.
The dark and gloomy prison was filled with a bloody and oppressive atmosphere.
Those who can be imprisoned here are either people of high status and power, or people who have committed heinous crimes.
The dim underground passage was shrouded in shadow.
It was in a cell at the innermost part of the heavily guarded prison.
A disheveled, distraught figure sat slumped in the corner. Thick iron shackles clad his hands and feet, his hair disheveled, and he looked completely devoid of energy.
This is also the current situation of most prisoners imprisoned in the prison.
Being locked up here basically means death.
“Dangdangdang!”
Footsteps sounded in the empty and silent prison, gradually approaching.
“Snap!”
There was a sound of the door lock being unlocked.
"You guys go down first."
A familiar voice sounded.
As the other footsteps left, a figure walked into the cell and came to the man who was chained.
Stop.
It was quiet all around!
There was no sound.
After a long silence, a voice rang out.
"I have seen the Emperor!"
It was these words that made the Third Prince, who was originally slumped on the ground in a state of embarrassment and confusion, finally slowly raise his head.
His disheveled hair revealed a disheveled face. He no longer had the high spirits he had two nights ago, nor did he have the aura of a prince at all.
However, his deep, sunken eyes seemed to be filled with a hint of sneer as he stared at Li Ci Ning in front of him with a cold gaze.
"so what?"
"Are you here to show off your glorious victory to this king?"
“…”
