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

The next day, at Mianyue Tower.

In the early morning, the lazy sunlight spilled onto the exquisitely carved window frames of Mianyue Tower, casting a soft golden glow over the antique building. Inside Yang Rong's boudoir, sheer curtains fluttered, and a sweet fragrance filled the air. Occasionally, the clear chirping of birds drifted in from outside the window, creating a stark contrast with the tranquil atmosphere inside.

Yang Rong, dressed in an elegant, plain-colored long dress, sat by the window, gently waving a round fan painted with peach blossoms in her hand, her brows furrowed in thought.

Just then, a girl with delicate features, fair skin, and a tall figure, dressed in a lake-green fairy-like dress, slowly walked over.

"Princess, a few days ago Zixuan sent word that Xiao Jinyan brazenly broke into the residence of Attendant-in-Ordinary Yu Jin under the pretext of demanding betrothal gifts and forcibly seized a lot of valuables!"

The girl's name was Green Pearl, nicknamed "Poisonous Spider." She was skilled in using poison to cure poison and ranked third among the four beauties of the capital.

Upon hearing this, Yang Rong gently put down the fan in her hand, a playful smile appearing on her lips: "It seems that Yu Jin has indeed suffered a considerable loss this time. Xiao Jinyan's move was truly audacious."

Her eyes held both surprise and a hint of something deeper.

Green Pearl sneered and said, "I never expected that Xiao Jinyan, this playboy who only knows how to indulge in debauchery, would dare to be so outrageous as to openly rob the Prime Minister's family of their property. Isn't this just provoking the emperor?"

Yang Rong shook her head gently, her gaze deep: "Green Pearl, if you really think of Xiao Jinyan as a playboy, then you are very wrong. His seemingly unrestrained behavior is just a cover. In reality, he is extremely cunning and his methods are even more formidable."

Upon hearing this, Green Pearl was taken aback and asked doubtfully, "What tricks could he possibly have? Could he possibly turn the world upside down?"

Yang Rong smiled slightly, her eyes gleaming with wisdom: "It seems that Xiao Jinyan has already discovered some unknown secret, or perhaps there is something in Yu Jin's mansion that he is determined to obtain. That's why he's willing to go to any lengths, using the pretext of demanding betrothal gifts to forcibly seize it from Yu Jin's mansion. Xiao Jinyan's actions may seem reckless, but in reality, they are meticulously planned and exquisitely executed. Let's see what he does next. This show has probably only just begun."

Green Pearl asked with some doubt, "What secret is the princess referring to?"

Yang Rong parted her lips slightly, her eyes flashing with a complex light, and whispered, "That old fox Yu Jin is extremely cunning. He plays both sides with ease, enjoying the benefits of both, like a dancer walking on a knife's edge, each step fraught with danger yet he never tires of it. I suspect that Xiao Jinyan has already seen through all this filth and is secretly plotting how to strike decisively. So, that day, he led his servants and guards, storming into Yu Jin's mansion in a grand manner. On the surface, it was a robbery, an act of arrogance and domineering behavior, but in reality, it was a meticulously planned search, all to find the key evidence that could bring down Yu Jin."

Upon hearing this, Green Pearl frowned and exclaimed in amazement, "Xiao Jinyan has such a deep and shrewd mind. You really can't judge a book by its cover."

Yang Rong sighed softly, her gaze deep, as if she could see into people's hearts: "Xiao Jinyan is no ordinary person. His meticulousness and ruthlessness are rare among the people I have met over the years. Otherwise, I would not have gone to such lengths to place Zixuan, that pawn, by his side, trying to catch clues from his every move."

Upon hearing this, Green Pearl's face flashed with regret. She said bitterly, "If I had known that Xiao Jinyan was so troublesome, I shouldn't have sent that good-for-nothing Zixuan to assassinate him. Zixuan is just pretty; when she encounters a tough opponent, she's still too inexperienced. If I, Green Pearl, had acted myself, a single dose of colorless and odorless poison would have been enough to make Xiao Jinyan die silently in his sleep. Why would the princess have to suffer his humiliation and remain disgraced to this day!"

Yang Rong gently patted Green Pearl's hand to comfort her: "It's too late for regrets now. Although Zi Xuan's abilities are not as good as yours sisters, she would be more than capable of killing an ordinary playboy. It's just that I didn't expect Xiao Jin Yan to be such a powerful figure. But it's alright, Xiao Jin Yan's life is not meant to end. We can use him to fight against the various factions and stir up a storm in Jiankang City!"

Yang Rong thought to herself, "Xiao Jinyan, back then, your father Xiao Cheng's iron cavalry trampled across the borders of Qiuchi, nearly wiping out the royal bloodline. That deep-seated hatred is etched in my heart to this day, and I have never forgotten it. However, for now, you still have something I can use. For this reason, I will spare your life for now. But on that day, when you are no longer of any use, I will personally take your life to avenge our past grievances."

Green Pearl gently picked up the teapot, her eyes filled with admiration and praise, and slowly said, "The princess is truly far-sighted and has a meticulous plan. She is truly admirable."

After speaking, she gracefully poured Yang Rong a cup of steaming hot tea. The aroma of the tea rose and filled the exquisite boudoir, adding a touch of tranquility to the tense atmosphere.

Yang Rong gently raised her jade-like hand and took the exquisite teacup. Her fingertips touched the warm porcelain, and a playful smile appeared on her lips. Her eyes held a hint of mockery as she said softly, "Green Pearl, why do I always feel like there's poison in the tea you pour for me?"

Yang Rong deeply understood Green Pearl's skill in using poison; it was truly stealthy and deadly, killing without a trace. The title "Poisonous Spider" was well-deserved. Over time, she even found it difficult to swallow the tea Green Pearl poured for her.

Upon hearing this, Green Pearl blinked, feigning grievance, but couldn't help but smile slightly as she retorted, "Is the princess praising my unique skills, or implying that I have ulterior motives? My little heart can't bear such an injustice."

Her tone carried a hint of coquetry, instantly softening the tense atmosphere.

Seeing this, Yang Rong laughed even harder, her laughter as clear and melodious as silver bells. She gently patted the back of Green Pearl's hand and said with a smile, "Do I even need to ask? Of course, I'm praising you for being so thoughtful and meticulous in everything you do."

The two smiled at each other, their tacit understanding and trust flowing in silence, as if any words would be superfluous.

Just then, a series of hurried footsteps came from outside the door, followed by a maid's slightly flustered voice: "Madam, Wei Kui, the son of the Right Minister, requests an audience, saying he has important matters to discuss."

Yang Rong's expression instantly turned cold, a hint of impatience flashing in her eyes. To her, Wei Kui was now like a discarded pawn, utterly useless. She waved her hand dismissively, her tone resolute and unwavering: "If you're not seeing him, just say I'm unwell and unable to receive guests."

At this moment, Yang Rong was already plotting a far more far-reaching scheme. To completely control the situation and utilize Xiao Jinyan, this rising star, she had to appear utterly loyal to him, free from any other entanglements or emotions. Wei Kui's request to see her was undoubtedly a disruption to this plan, and she absolutely could not allow any variables to ruin her meticulously crafted scheme.