Help! The cunning and treacherous minister and I were reborn together!

A cold wind blew overnight, and the maple leaves in the palace were scattered all over the steps.

With the recent loss of a concubine and the serious injury of a trusted minister, Li Kai was dispirited, and the morning court session ended shortly afterward.

Xu Dahai, being astute, praised Prince Jin for changing his old bad habits and spending all his time at his desk. He suggested that Prince Jin take advantage of his free time to visit his residence. This would not only help him relax but also provide an opportunity to mend their relationship.

Li Kai glared at him, "The proper order of ruler and subject, father and son. I am the ruler, he is the subject; I am the father, he is the son. How could this brat dare to defy heaven and hold a grudge against his ruler and father?"

Xu Dahai slapped his own mouth, "This old servant is clumsy with words! Your teachings to His Highness are all out of love for your son. His Highness Prince Jin is filial and respectful, and he will surely understand your good intentions!"

Li Kai sighed, "I hope so!"

He gently raised the hand holding the prayer beads. "Let's go. If we go this time, we might be able to make it in time for lunch at the Prince of Jin's residence."

"Eh."

Since he was traveling incognito from the palace, Li Kai did not bring many people with him. When he arrived at the gate of the Prince's Mansion, he saw that the black gate was tightly closed and asked Xu Dahai to go and knock on the door.

The doorman, seeing that the visitor's clothes were unremarkable, was about to shoo him away when he caught a glimpse of the dark pattern on the black clothes and stopped himself in time.

"May I ask your Excellency?"

Xu Dahai's plan failed, and his eyelids immediately drooped.

"From the palace."

The doorman paused for a moment, then grinned so wide his eyes disappeared.

"So it is... Your Excellency, please come in!"

"The important person is behind you, don't speak recklessly!"

The doorman responded and pushed open the door. Xu Dahai warned him a few times, then went down the steps to invite His Majesty into the mansion.

Li Kai stopped in front of the door and asked, "What is the Prince of Jin doing? Why are the doors and windows closed in broad daylight?"

A man's imposing presence, coupled with his form of address and tone, makes it easy to discern his status.

The doorman prostrated himself on the ground, trembling as he said, "...I don't know."

"That's it, get up."

Li Kai stepped across the threshold and led the group straight inside.

There was more than one gatekeeper at the Prince's mansion. Upon receiving the news, Li Xin ran back to his study without even changing his clothes.

The servants led Li Kai into the room. Li Xin stood up and bowed, the sweat on his forehead still damp.

"What month is it? You're sweating so much. Are you feeling unwell?"

Li Xin wiped his face with his sleeve and smiled guiltily, "I've seen a doctor. He said it's yin deficiency with excessive internal heat. Just drink more water and get more rest."

"Father, please sit down."

He helped Li Kai sit down and instructed the servants to make tea.

Li Kai patted his hand, "No need to rush, I just came to see you. Sit down, let's have a chat, father and son."

These words were spoken so intimately that Li Xincheng, feeling both apprehensive and respectful, sat down at the lower seat. The two discussed everything from classics and historical texts to state affairs until dusk fell.

After leaving the Prince of Jin's residence, Li Kai got into his carriage and ordered two guards to keep an eye on Li Xin and report any unusual activity immediately.

A glint of light flashed in Xu Dahai's eyes. His Majesty was indeed not easily fooled. Fortunately, he hadn't made a move openly. Although there had been some twists and turns, the goal had been achieved.

The next day, Li Kai received news that Prince Jin was staying indoors all day, not to bury himself in his studies, but to secretly dalliance with male prostitutes.

The Prince of Jin bought the house next to the Prince's Palace, broke through the courtyard wall, and stuffed all the actors who had been ordered to be expelled into the house to keep as mistresses, a complete case of outwardly complying but inwardly defying orders.

Li Kai was furious and ordered the Imperial Guards to raid the brothel and kill everyone inside.

Upon hearing the news, Li Xin's legs went weak with fear. He immediately ordered his men to prepare a carriage so he could meet the Emperor. However, he was stopped by the Imperial Guards as soon as he reached the gate, and only then did he realize that he had no chance.

The Prince of Jin's residence became his prison.

The heavens and earth were shrouded in mist, and the moonlight was dim and obscure.

The solemn and spacious garrison gate was adorned with only two yellow lanterns. Below, two guards yawned incessantly, closing their eyes every now and then, leaning on their swords and standing precariously.

From either side of the corner, two masked men in black leaped out, rolled behind the two men, and used handkerchiefs soaked in sleeping potion to knock them unconscious. Then, they waved behind them and led two groups of men inside.

The open space in front of the hall was deserted, and the lights inside the house were off. The leader on the right looked at his companion and asked if there was a trap.

"With Xiao Zong on the verge of death and his superior absent, it's normal for the Leopard Guards to slack off and become negligent."

The man on the left patted him on the shoulder and explained.

The leader on the right nodded and said, "You're right, but to avoid any unforeseen complications, we need to find a doctor quickly and evacuate as soon as possible!"

"Let's go to the jail!"

The group walked along the wall until they found the prison, then broke in with knives in hand.

The last two men were responsible for guarding the gate. As soon as they sheathed their swords, they were captured by the Leopard Guards who were lying in wait, and dragged away with their mouths covered.

Next, the Leopard Guards poured oil and set it on fire at the prison entrance. The thick smoke was just about to rise into the air when it was blown into the prison by a specially made bellows.

Xiao Zong and Su Zhi emerged from the shadows, both covering their mouths and noses with handkerchiefs, their faces pale.

Dou Zhao brought a chair for each of them. After they sat down, Xiao Zong said with a hint of helplessness, "You're not feeling well, why did you have to make this trip?"

What if something bad happens to him? Do you want him to regret it for the rest of his life?

Su Zhi coughed a few times and said in a hoarse voice, "I came up with the plan, so I'm not allowed to come and see it?"

She pursed her lips. In truth, Pu Hong was cunning by nature and always managed to pull off a miraculous escape from a deadly situation. If she couldn't extinguish his last glimmer of hope and watch him be caught and brought to justice, she wouldn't be at peace.

The man saw through her thoughts and laughed, "If you're really worried, I'll have someone break his legs, how about that?"

The woman turned her head, looking at him with a mixture of amusement and exasperation. "It seems Pu Hong's poison not only penetrates the intestines but also seeps into the bones, even infecting Commander Xiao, who is usually so impartial in enforcing the law. Quickly go and roast yourself over the fire to get rid of the poison!"

Xiao Zong laughed and pinched her cheek. "We've only been married a short time, and you're already tired of your husband. What, if I were heartless and cruel, would you be planning to divorce me and remarry?"

Su Zhi looked up, "Why not?"

"you……"

Before Xiao Zong could finish speaking, the man in black rushed out from inside, and the Leopard Guards rushed forward and quickly subdued him.

The leader was pinned to the ground, his thick, dark eyebrows twitching, his eyes fierce.

"Xiao Zong? Aren't you about to die?"

Why are you here?

Xiao Zong glanced at him, ignored him, and said to Dou Zhao in a low voice, "Interrogate him on the spot."

"I know, this is all your scheme to lure us into a trap!"

Another leader roared.

Xiao Zong curled his lips, too lazy to explain to them, and cut straight to the point.

"Who sent you?"

The two leaders gave a tacit hum, looking like they would rather die than confess.

Xiao Zong raised his chin, and the two men were immediately bound hand and foot by the Leopard Guards and thrown into a smoke-filled cell. Coughs and curses echoed through the passageway, but after only a short while, the two began to beg for mercy.

Xiao Zong didn't rush to release them. His gaze swept over the two trembling subordinates, and his tone, though tinged with laughter, revealed a hint of nonchalant laziness.

"We are all born of parents, and it would be undignified to force a confession through torture. Those who confess can live; those who remain stubborn will be given a proper burial."