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

However, the wheel of fate always turns unexpectedly. One day, Huan Rongzu inadvertently sold a meticulously copied Wang Xizhi painting to Xiao Cheng, a man with a deep passion for calligraphy and painting, mistaking it for a priceless original. Although the work was by Huan Rongzu, it was almost indistinguishable from the original. If it weren't for the hidden talents and discerning experts within the Duke of Qi's mansion, this misunderstanding would likely have remained forever buried.

When the truth came to light, Xiao Cheng's anger erupted like a volcano, uncontrollable. Feeling that he had been played, he ordered Huan Rongzu to be arrested immediately and to be torn to pieces to vent his hatred.

However, once the magnanimous and wise Duke Xiao Cheng of Qi's anger dissipated, he was as clear-headed as if the morning mist had just cleared, and he realized that Huan Rongzu was indeed a promising talent. Therefore, his expression changed instantly. The next day, instead of pursuing the matter further, he ordered Huan Rongzu's release and treated him with great courtesy and sincerity. He offered Huan Rongzu a generous invitation, promising him a high salary and excellent treatment as a distinguished guest of the Duke of Qi's household.

Huan Rongzu was filled with remorse. He was deeply moved and convinced by Xiao Cheng's magnanimous and forgiving actions. From that moment on, he was completely convinced and vowed to follow Xiao Cheng to the death, to weather any storm together, and to never abandon him.

However, after Xiao Cheng took office as the governor of four prefectures and was stationed in the northern frontier, talents like Huan Rongzu naturally became mere decorative objects in the hands of the original owner, a good-for-nothing. It was only when Xiao Jinyan possessed his body and traveled through time that this piece of gold was able to shine again.

The study was filled with treasures looted from Yu Jin's mansion—calligraphy, paintings, letters, famous works and ancient books, a dazzling array that almost filled the entire room.

Xiao Jinyan entered the study, his gaze sweeping over the precious collection. A surge of pride welled up within him. He turned to Huan Rongzu and asked, "Rongzu, have you discovered anything special?"

Huan Rongzu's eyes gleamed as he excitedly pointed to a pile of ancient books, saying, "Your Highness, look at these ancient books. Many of them are rare and unique copies, each one priceless. If they can be properly preserved and passed down to future generations, what a great achievement that would be!"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Jinyan's heart stirred. He slowly walked to a beautiful calligraphy piece, which was none other than Wang Xizhi's authentic work that Yu Jin cherished most. He gently stroked the calligraphy and said happily, "Rongzu, what do you think of Wang Youjun's calligraphy?"

Huan Rongzu's gaze, sharp as a hawk's, swept lightly over the calligraphy hanging on the table, and he slowly uttered a startling statement: "Wang Xizhi's calligraphy is nothing but a forgery."

Upon hearing this, the atmosphere in the entire study suddenly froze, as if even the air itself had stopped.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Jinyan frowned sharply, a look of disbelief flashing in his eyes: "How is this possible? Rong Zu, could you be mistaken?"

Huan Rongzu shook his head slightly, his eyes revealing an undeniable firmness: "There is absolutely no mistake. I, Huan Rongzu, was once a well-known counterfeiter in the martial arts world. I naturally have a unique eye for distinguishing between genuine and fake. Although this calligraphy resembles Wang Xizhi's style, it lacks that innate transcendence and has more traces of deliberate crafting."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Jinyan's doubts gradually dissipated, replaced by an indescribable astonishment: "So that's how it is! To be able to imitate it so perfectly, besides a master like Rong Zu, who else could have such ability? Could it be that this fake was actually made by Rong Zu himself?"

Upon hearing this, Huan Rongzu couldn't help but chuckle, a hint of mockery flashing in his eyes: "Your Highness is mistaken. Although I, Huan Rongzu, once dabbled in this art, I have long since retired from it. Moreover, how could I not recognize something I made myself? This character is definitely not from my hand."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Jinyan's doubts deepened, and he pressed on, "Then who exactly is this person who possesses such skills?"

Huan Rongzu's gaze deepened, as if piercing through the mists of time and space, and he slowly uttered a name: "Right Minister Wei Wuji, this man is also a master of calligraphy imitation, and has a deep understanding of Wang Xizhi's style. Nine times out of ten, these forgeries are his work."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Jinyan suddenly realized, a look of understanding flashing in his eyes: "Wei Wuji? It's him!"

Luo Chuan's voice was deep and powerful as he spoke slowly, each word precious: "It is common knowledge in the court and among the people that Wei Wuji is a close ally of the Prince of Guangling. How could his calligraphy appear in Yu Jin's residence? Is this merely a coincidence? Or has Yu Jin secretly sided with the Prince of Guangling?"

Although Yu Xin'er's voice was gentle, it carried an undeniable firmness: "Can you determine my father's stance based on just one piece of calligraphy? Everyone knows that Wei Wuji's calligraphy is exquisite. My father has always enjoyed collecting works by famous artists. Perhaps this is just a simple exchange of calligraphy and painting between them. How can you so easily conclude that my father has sided with the Prince of Guangling?"

Xiao Jinyan recalled the scene from yesterday, her heart filled with turmoil: "Yesterday, I intended to acquire that calligraphy, but Yu Jin's expression suddenly changed, his nervousness was palpable, and he even tried to stop me at all costs. There must be something fishy about that reaction."

Upon hearing this, Luo Chuan frowned, pondered for a moment, and then said, "Perhaps the reason why Yu Jin is nervous is that he is afraid that we will follow the clues from this calligraphy and find out the unknown connection between him and Wei Wuji. After all, in this turbulent court, any connection could become a fatal handle."

Huan Rongzu spoke slowly, his voice steady and powerful: "There is another possibility. Perhaps the calligraphy was given to Yu Jin by Wei Wuji or the Prince of Guangling, with the aim of winning him over. Yu Jin did not know that the calligraphy was written by Wei Wuji, and thought it was the authentic work of Wang Xizhi, which is why he did not want the Crown Prince to obtain it."

Xiao Jinyan thought for a moment and slowly said, "No matter what the situation, Yu Jin is inextricably linked to the Prince of Guangling."

Yu Xin'er lowered her head, thought for a moment, and slowly said, "Although there is no substantial evidence yet, and I am unwilling to believe it, all the current signs indicate that my father does seem to have a close connection with the Prince of Guangling."

Substantial evidence? Letters? Absolutely none?

Therefore, Xiao Jin's tone was firm and unwavering: "Luo Chuan, have you searched thoroughly? Are you sure you haven't found any letters between Yu Jin and officials of various departments in the court?"

Upon hearing this, Luo Chuan gently shook his head, clutching a thin stack of papers in his hand. These were the only finds from Yu Jin's residence—a few innocuous family letters, filled with warmth and longing for their families, showing no trace of the undercurrents of power struggles in the court.

“Your Highness, we only found some family letters. These letters made no mention of court disputes, only everyday trivial matters.”

Xiao Jinyan's brows furrowed even more. He paced slowly, each step seemingly weighing the delicate situation: "Really not at all? How is that possible?"

Luo Chuan confirmed again, his tone firm: "Your Highness, there really isn't any."

Xiao Jinyan stopped in his tracks, his gaze sharp as lightning, fixed on Luo Chuan: "This actually explains the problem. How could the current prime minister, who holds great power, not have any correspondence with officials from various departments? This is not normal."