Shocking! Five men are in love with the same woman!

He Jingchuan's expression did not change at all upon hearing this.

His face remained cold and stern, a disdainful smile playing on his lips as he declared with overwhelming force, "If you want war, then let's fight! I'll fight to the bitter end! But right now, I'm afraid it's you Northern Desert people who dare not fight, after all, winter is just around the corner, and your days are probably going to be tough. You've come here for a marriage alliance because you need my Great Zhao to help you get through the winter safely. Since you've come to ask for help, then you should have the attitude of someone asking for help!"

Upon hearing this, Lingyan immediately clapped her hands happily.

That's so incredibly domineering!

Chu Xiyao glanced at her, and although he couldn't see anything through the hat, he could still feel her excitement and exhilaration.

Are all women in the Great Zhao Dynasty this lively?

The people from the northern desert opposite him turned pale and then red when they heard He Jingchuan's blunt and merciless words. Shame and anger were intertwined in their expressions.

They were originally eagles of the grasslands, accustomed to being unrestrained. Even after entering the capital, even though they were the weaker party on this trip, their wildness was not completely subdued.

However, He Jingchuan's words were like a sharp blade, precisely cutting through their pride and self-esteem.

They trampled their arrogance, dignity, and pride underfoot.

Chaoketu was furious and was about to launch another attack.

But Temur—his father—pressed his shoulder with a steady, powerful hand.

Temur knew that it was not the right time to confront him head-on, so he put on a warm smile and said to He Jingchuan, "General He is right. We were indeed presumptuous. We will leave now and promise not to do anything offensive again."

Just as they were about to turn and leave, Ling Yan's clear voice suddenly rang out: "Wait."

However, the men ignored her calls, considering her nothing more than an insignificant little girl, not worth their attention.

But the next moment they stopped.

Because He Jingchuan spoke up.

Lingyan wasn't angry about this; to them, bullying the weak and fearing the strong was quite normal!

Chu Xiyao, standing to the side, cast a probing glance at the two of them, looking at Ling Yan and then at He Jingchuan, sensing something strange between them.

Furthermore, the way He Jingchuan initially worried and was concerned about her didn't seem like the kind and benevolent attitude he showed towards ordinary people.

Interesting!

He held his folding fan open and watched the scene quietly, his eyes sparkling with curiosity and amusement.

At this moment, Ling Yan spoke calmly: "You have not only destroyed so many stalls along the way, causing the people's efforts and hard work to go to waste and their livelihoods to be ruined, but you have also injured several people. And you just left so easily without caring about anything?"

Lingyan knew they would all be attending the palace banquet tomorrow night, so she deliberately lowered her voice when she spoke in order to avoid revealing her identity.

Upon hearing this, although unwilling, the group could only reluctantly put down their money pouches and leave in a sorry state because of He Jingchuan standing nearby.

Before leaving, Chaoketu glared fiercely at Lingyan.

Lingyan was fearless and didn't take him seriously.

She knew he would definitely come for revenge, but she would consider it a loss if he could find her.

Lingyan then counted the silver they left behind, and it turned out to be a thousand taels!

Not bad.

He Jingchuan was mindful that Chu Xiyao was still nearby, so he didn't say much to Ling Yan.

He merely looked at her casually and asked, "Would you like me to escort you home, young lady?"

Ling Yan quickly pretended to be flattered and waved her hands repeatedly, saying, "No need, General He. My home is not far away, so there's no need to trouble you."

He Jingchuan looked at her and seemed to want to laugh, but he held it back.

Upon hearing this, he said in a serious tone, "In that case, be careful on the road."

After saying that, he bowed to Chu Xiyao again, then took the silver and left.

He was going to find the Prefect of the Capital and ask him to arrange for the silver to be fully compensated to these people.

At this moment, only Ling Yan and Chu Xiyao remained on the street, and the atmosphere became somewhat subtle.

Although Lingyan really wanted to get close to him, it was clearly inappropriate given their current status and circumstances.

There will always be time later.

Therefore, she had to immediately bow and take her leave.

Chu Xiyao suddenly spoke up: "Miss and General He seem to be quite familiar with each other?"

His voice was gentle and deep, with a hint of barely perceptible inquiry.

Lingyan looked at him, and although he had no expression on his face at this moment.

But she knew he was testing her.

That's incredibly perceptive!

He noticed the slightest hint that something was amiss when He Jingchuan gave off.

But Ling Yan is clearly a very good actress.

She excitedly waved her hands and said, "General He! Is there anyone in the capital or Dazhao who doesn't know General He? He has unparalleled military achievements and is a great hero in the hearts of all of us. He also loves the people like his own children. Of course I know him, but he doesn't know me!"

God!

Lingyan found it so exaggerated and pretentious that she couldn't bear to look at it.

At the same time, she felt a pain in her lower back, wondering if she had twisted it when she rescued the woman.

Whether Chu Xiyao believed him or not, he said casually, "I see, I understand."

His words were concise yet profound, leaving people unable to fathom his true thoughts.

Ling Yan's back pain was getting worse, so before he could speak again, she asked, "Then, Ninth Prince, may I leave now?"

Chu Xiyao smiled and nodded in agreement.

Lingyan reluctantly bowed and then hurriedly left.

Chu Xiyao watched her departing figure, wondering why her walking posture seemed a little off.

Recalling everything that had just happened, He Jingchuan's reaction was clearly off.

And this woman is equally strange.

In short, both of them are highly suspicious.

He couldn't immediately figure out what was suspicious.

This Da Zhao is really interesting!

He just happened to be out for a stroll today on a whim and stumbled upon something so interesting; it was truly a worthwhile trip.

With a flick of his folding fan, he gracefully departed, a captivating smile playing on his lips.

………………

Upon returning to Prince Rui's residence, Lingyan immediately asked Yunmeng to check on her waist injury.

At this time, Xiao Muyao was still busy with matters concerning the envoy and had not yet returned home.

Yunmeng had studied medicine with her since childhood and had achieved some success.

Looking at Ling Yan's fair and translucent waist, no injuries could be seen with the naked eye.

She could only examine it by feeling around with her hands.

At the same time, Lingyan also took her own pulse.

After the examination, both of them felt that there was no major problem.

He just needs to rest for a few days.

So Lingyan lay down and rested quietly.

Yunmeng prepared a blood-activating and stasis-removing herbal decoction for her and served it to her.

The effects won't be immediate; it might hurt for a few more days.

Ling Yan sighed.

Despite this, she does not regret her decision to save the person.

She would do the same thing again if given the chance.

She might have just tripped or twisted her waist, but the woman could have lost her child.

It's all those damned northerners' fault!

When the moonlight streamed into the room through the window, Xiao Muyao returned.

He learned of Lingyan's back injury as soon as he returned to the manor.

He hurried into the bedroom, each step feeling rushed and heavy.

Finally, he pushed open the bedroom door, and a faint fragrance and soft candlelight intertwined to create a warm atmosphere.

What comes into view is Ling Yan lying leisurely on the large bed, holding a book in her hand and reading, revealing a tranquility that transcends worldly affairs.

He rushed to Lingyan's side, his eyes filled with concern and anxiety: "Have you called the imperial physician? How is her injury? Is it very painful?"

A barrage of questions came out of his mouth like a machine gun, revealing his inner panic and unease.

Seeing this, Lingyan gently put down the book in her hand, and a gentle smile appeared on her lips. She said, "There's no need to make such a fuss. I'm fine. I just twisted my ankle slightly. I'll be fine in a few days. I'm a doctor myself. Do you think I don't know how serious it is?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Muyao's worry did not completely disappear.

He carefully examined Lingyan's expression, seemingly trying to find the answer in every subtle detail: "Is it really not serious? You're not lying to me to avoid making me worry, are you?"

Lingyan said helplessly, "It's really not serious. I'm not the kind of person who would lie to you on purpose. Besides, would I really want to hurt my own body? I'll be fine after a few days of rest."

After hearing this, Xiao Muyao finally believed her completely.

He immediately asked her how she got injured.

Lingyan briefly recounted what had happened that morning.

After hearing this, Xiao Muyao felt an urge to tear those northern desert people to pieces.

But he also knew it was impossible.

They were all royal families from the northern deserts.

But adding a little trouble is still acceptable.

He was already thinking about how to teach them a lesson.

Lingyan could tell what he was thinking at a glance, so she didn't stop him.

Instead, she said with concern, "You've had a long day, hurry up and finish your meal and rest."

Xiao Muyao nodded upon hearing this.

Then he asked her, "Have you had dinner? Have you taken your medicine?"

Lingyan raised her hand and played with his hair, then smiled and said, "Don't worry, I've finished my meal and taken my medicine."

Xiao Muyao felt a little relieved.

Then she said softly, "I'll go have my meal and wash up first. Wait for me."

After saying that, he bent down, gently kissed her, and left with a smile.

Lingyan then picked up the book and started reading.

Upon closer inspection of the book's title, it boldly proclaims: "Seven husbands and eight servants all love me, keeping me in bed every night."