The Ming Dynasty: The most ruthless imperial grandson, Old Zhu begged me not to kill him.

Chapter 705 Calming the Storm in His Heart
The man in black robes approached Zhu Xiong Ying step by step, a cruel smile on his face. "That's right, you will die today!"

Just then, a clear voice suddenly rang out.

"stop!"

Everyone looked in the direction of the sound and saw a woman in white riding a white horse galloping from a distance.

The woman was stunningly beautiful, with a cool and aloof demeanor, like a celestial maiden descended to earth.

"Who are you?" the man in black asked, frowning.

"I am... Lianxing," the woman in white dismounted and walked to Zhu Xiong Ying's side, gently helping him up. "Your Majesty, are you alright?"

Zhu Xiong Ying stared at the woman who had suddenly appeared before her, her heart filled with questions. Who was she? Why was she here?
The man in black robes looked at Lianxing, a greedy glint in his eyes. "What a beauty! Since you've come to me, don't blame me for being impolite!"

As the man in black robes spoke, he was about to attack Lianxing.

Lianxing smiled coldly, waved her jade hand, and a white light flashed.

The man in black robes screamed, clutching his chest as he collapsed to the ground, his fate unknown...

Lianxing's attack was as fast as lightning. The man in black robes didn't even see how she moved before he was struck. He stared wide-eyed in disbelief, making a "hoarse" sound as he twitched a few times like a dying fish before falling completely still.

Zhu Xiong Ying struggled to sit up, stunned by the unbelievable scene before him. Just who was this woman? How could she have so easily defeated this formidable enemy who had left him helpless!

"Your Majesty, are you alright?" Lianxing asked with concern, her voice gentle as water, as if it could soothe the turbulent waves in his heart.

Zhu Xiong Ying then came to his senses and shook his head. "I...I'm fine." He paused, then asked, "And you are...?"

Lianxing smiled slightly, "This humble woman, Lianxing, is a wandering swordswoman. I happened to be passing by today and saw Your Majesty in danger, so I offered my help."

"A wandering martial artist?" Zhu Xiong Ying was somewhat puzzled. This woman's martial arts skills were so high, yet she called herself a wandering martial artist. Wasn't that a bit too modest?
Jiang Huan also struggled to crawl over, clutching his chest and saying with a pained expression, "Your Majesty, this woman's origins are unknown; we must be wary!"

Upon hearing this, Lianxing simply smiled faintly and offered no explanation.

Zhu Xiong Ying waved his hand, "Jiang Huan, don't be rude! Miss Lianxing saved my life, how can I judge a gentleman with the mind of a petty person?"

Although Jiang Huan still had doubts, he dared not say anything more and could only silently step aside.

Zhu Xiong Ying looked at Lian Xing with gratitude in his heart, "Thank you for saving my life today, Miss. I wonder if you have any requests? I will do my best to fulfill them."

Lianxing shook her head. "It was nothing, Your Majesty. You need not take it to heart."

Seeing Lianxing's indifference to fame and fortune, Zhu Xiong Ying admired her even more, saying, "I really don't know how to repay such a noble lady."

Lianxing smiled slightly, "If Your Majesty truly wishes to repay me, why not allow me to stay by Your Majesty's side and serve you faithfully?"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Xiong Ying was overjoyed and was about to agree, but then he suddenly thought of something and hesitated, "This... I'm afraid it's a bit inappropriate, isn't it? The young lady is a person of the martial world, used to being free and unrestrained. Keeping her in the palace, wouldn't that be..."

Before Zhu Xiong Ying could finish speaking, Lian Xing interrupted him, "Your Majesty is overthinking it. I am already tired of the life of wandering the world and only want to find a place to settle down. If I could stay by Your Majesty's side and share your burdens, I would be more than willing to do so."

Seeing that Lianxing was so determined, Zhu Xiong Ying could no longer refuse, so he nodded and agreed, "Since that's the case, then I will respectfully comply."

Lianxing smiled faintly and gently helped Zhu Xiong Ying up. "Your Majesty, let's return to the palace."

Zhu Xiong Ying nodded and, with Lian Xing's help, slowly stood up. Jiang Huan watched this scene, his heart filled with unease. He felt that Lian Xing's appearance was too strange, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it.

Upon returning to the palace, Zhu Xiong Ying immediately issued an edict, bestowing upon Lian Xing the title of Imperial Concubine, a rank second only to the Empress.

This news caused an uproar throughout the court.

No one expected that the Emperor would favor a woman of unknown origin from the martial arts world so much, even going so far as to bestow upon her the title of Imperial Concubine.

The court officials submitted memorials one after another, advising the emperor to reconsider, but Zhu Xiong Ying rejected them all.

He knew in his heart that Lianxing's appearance was not accidental; she harbored many secrets. And he couldn't wait to uncover these secrets.

In the days that followed, Zhu Xiong Ying stayed at Lianxing Palace almost every night.

Lianxing was gentle, considerate, and understanding, and quickly won Zhu Xiong Ying's complete trust.

Zhu Xiong Ying entrusted all important state affairs to Lian Xing, while he himself became hopelessly addicted to the pleasures of love.

Lianxing also demonstrated remarkable political talent. She handled government affairs in an orderly and efficient manner, and quickly won praise from both the court and the public.

For a time, Lianxing even overshadowed the Empress.

The Empress was naturally dissatisfied, but there was nothing she could do about it.

Because she knew that Zhu Xiong Ying was now completely infatuated with Lian Xing and wouldn't listen to anything she said.

On a dark and windy night, Lianxing quietly arrived at the Empress's palace.

"Your Majesty, I have something important to discuss with you." Lianxing's voice was cold and devoid of any emotion.

The Empress was startled; she had a vague feeling that something bad was going to happen tonight…

The Empress forced herself to remain calm and smiled casually. "Your Highness, what brings you here so late at night?"

Lianxing ignored the Empress's polite words and walked straight up to her, her eyes as cold as knives. "Your Majesty, I know that you harbor resentment towards me."

The Empress's expression changed slightly, but she quickly regained her composure. "Your Highness is too kind. How could I possibly be dissatisfied with Your Highness?"

Lianxing sneered, "Your Majesty, there's no need to pretend. I know exactly what you're thinking. You hate me for stealing the Emperor's favor, you hate me for overshadowing you, and you wish I would disappear immediately, don't you?"

The Empress was stung by Lianxing's words, and her face turned somewhat ugly, but she still forced herself to say, "Your Highness, you misunderstand. I have never had such thoughts."

Lianxing stopped wasting words with the Empress. She took out a dagger from her sleeve and held it to the Empress's neck. "Your Majesty, I don't want to be your enemy, but if you dare to oppose me again, don't blame me for being impolite."

The queen felt the cold touch on her neck and was filled with fear. She trembled as she said, "What...what do you want to do?"

Lianxing's lips curled into a cruel smile. "Your Majesty, I don't want to do anything. I just want to ask you for a small favor."

The Empress dared not resist and could only let Lianxing do as she pleased.

(End of this chapter)