The prince is fierce: Who dares to steal my woman?

Yu Jin held a handful of bait and gently scattered it. As if summoned, the koi carp instantly stirred, leaping out of the water one after another, vying for the precious bait. The lake surface shimmered and splashed with water, creating a scene of jubilation.

Just then, a figure broke the silence. It was a young man in his twenties, He Songzhi. His face was sleazy, but his eyes gleamed with calculation as he hurried toward Yu Jin.

He Songzhi, dressed in simple student attire, approached and respectfully bowed, his voice tinged with flattery: "Student He Songzhi greets teacher."

Yu Jin slightly turned his head, his gaze shifting from the lake surface to He Songzhi, a barely perceptible smile playing on his lips. He scattered the remaining bait into the lake, igniting a frenzy among the koi, making the lake surface seem to ignite, a dazzling spectacle.

Then, he said casually, "Oh, it's Matsuno."

Seeing this, He Songzhi secretly made a decision. He slowly took out a neatly folded silver note from his pocket, presented it with both hands, and put on a flattering smile: "I have come here to thank you for your recommendation. This is a small token of my appreciation. I hope you will accept it."

Yu Jin took the silver note and gently unfolded it, revealing the words "100,000 taels" written on it. However, his expression did not brighten; instead, his brows furrowed slightly, as if he were quite dissatisfied with the amount.

Yu Jin shook his head slightly, his tone carrying a hint of reproach and dissatisfaction: "How can it be so little? I used all my persuasive skills to secure a position as Minister for you, a mere Vice Minister of Revenue. Is this all you're worth? You think too highly of me!"

After speaking, Yu Jin gently tossed the silver note back to He Songzhi. The note drew a silver arc in the air, as if it were a silent warning to He Songzhi.

He Songzhi appeared exceptionally sincere and humble. His hands trembled slightly as he handed the silver note back to Yu Jin, his eyes flashing with complex emotions.

“My dear teacher, I did not mean to neglect your kindness in nurturing me. It is only because my official position was lowly and my pockets were extremely empty. This mere 100,000 taels of silver is all the money I could scrape together after exhausting all my resources. I hope you can understand my predicament and accept this humble token of my appreciation.”

Yu Jin's gaze lingered on the silver note for a moment before he slowly raised it. He took the note, gently stroking the fine paper, and said in a softened tone, "In that case, I was wrong to blame you. I was worried that after you achieved great success, you would forget your roots and neglect the bond between us, master and disciple."

Upon hearing this, He Songzhi's face immediately broke into a fawning yet sincere smile: "My dear teacher, your kindness to me is as heavy as a mountain, and I am utterly loyal to you without reservation. No matter where I am or what position I hold, I will always remember your teachings and guidance."

After saying that, he deftly walked behind Yu Jin and began to massage Yu Jin's shoulders and back with skillful technique. The pressure was just right, which not only relieved Yu Jin's tense muscles, but also seemed to be silently expressing his awe and dependence on Yu Jin.

Feeling the warmth and comfort emanating from his back, Yu Jin's gaze softened. He turned his head slightly, his tone earnest: "Now that you hold the position of Minister of Justice, wielding immense judicial power, you bear a heavy responsibility. Do you know how to act?"

He Songzhi continued his work, but his smile became even more respectful: "This student is new to this position and is not yet familiar with many matters. I hope that my esteemed teacher can provide me with more guidance."

Yu Jin slowly began to speak: “Songzhi, you will shoulder the arduous mission of governing the various vassal kings. Those vassal kings who possess fiefdoms and wield immense power will be like ants on a hot pan upon hearing the news, eager to seek protection and sparing no expense to safeguard themselves.”

Upon hearing this, He Songzhi respectfully replied, "I understand. When I open this door to wealth, I will give my all to show my filial piety and let my teacher enjoy wealth and honor."

Upon hearing this, Yu Jin's lips curled into a meaningful smile: "However, Songzhi, this is far from enough. Within the court, there are countless officials, and among them are many with selfish motives. Some will try to protect themselves, while others will try to curry favor with the powerful. Some will inevitably extend olive branches to you, tempting you with gold and silver. You must learn to weigh the pros and cons. For those who offer more money, go with the flow and help them eliminate their political enemies, thus consolidating their positions; while those who offer less money or are unwilling to bribe you, you must deal with them vigorously to establish your authority and let everyone know that the position of Minister of Justice is not just for show."

He Songzhi quickly replied, "I understand!"

Yu Jin's gaze sharpened further: "But remember, there are always exceptions in this world. Liu Huan, the Prince of Xiangyang, and Liu Jing, the Prince of Jiangdu, both command large armies, plot treason, and are at odds with His Majesty. His Majesty is wary of them. No matter how much silver they offer you, you must show impartiality and deal with them ruthlessly to demonstrate your loyalty to His Majesty. Do you understand?"

"The student understands and will certainly live up to the teacher's high expectations."

Meanwhile, on that vibrant spring afternoon, Liu Kun was wandering aimlessly through the inner palace, his heart filled with a sense of curiosity and longing for the unknown.

Liu Kun's footsteps inadvertently trod across the cobblestones when a delicate yet elegant fragrance wafted into his nostrils, drawing him involuntarily to follow its scent. Turning past a carved wooden door, a breathtakingly manicured flowerbed came into view. And amidst this vibrant sea of ​​flowers stood a graceful woman—Liu Kun's aunt, Princess Liu Yingmei of Xincai.

Liu Yingmei, though over thirty, shows no signs of aging. Her figure remains as slender and curvaceous as a young girl's, her skin as white as snow, so delicate it seems one could squeeze water from it, and her eyes reveal a mature charm and noble air that transcends her years. For her, time seems more like a sculptor's chisel, refining her into a more refined and elegant beauty, unparalleled in her elegance. Her hair is gently pulled back, a few stray strands swaying in the wind, adding a touch of effortless charm.

Liu Yingmei's husband, Chu Liangchen, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, was a renowned handsome man in the Song Dynasty. Not only was he good-looking, but he was also exceptionally talented, of noble character, and possessed an admirable gentlemanly demeanor. Their marriage was a story that many people envied.

At this moment, Liu Yingmei stood quietly beside the flower bushes, her gaze tenderly fixed on a butterfly fluttering in the distance, a faint smile on her face. She had just returned from visiting the late Emperor's widow, Consort Lu, and perhaps still carried with her feelings of nostalgia and reflection on the past.

Standing not far away, Liu Kun was completely captivated by his stunningly beautiful aunt, and for a moment he forgot to step forward and pay his respects. He felt that Liu Yingmei's beauty was different from that of those youthful girls; it was a beauty that had been refined by time, a blend of wisdom and gentleness, which made him infatuated and filled him with awe.