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

During this time, Wei Wuji had spared no effort in trying to pierce through the fog in Liu Kun's heart with his repeated calls, hoping to pull this lost emperor back from the edge of the precipice to safe land. He exhausted all strategies and means, seizing every precious opportunity to talk alone with Liu Kun, and in his exhaustion, he had almost opened his heart to Liu Kun, telling him everything. However, to Liu Kun, these words were like old, remnant dreams that had been chewed over and over again, lacking any new meaning.

To Liu Kun, Wei Wuji's incessant chatter was like an out-of-place rear end, constantly emitting loud and pungent fumes, the stench so intense it almost suffocated him, making it unbearable. Thus, amidst this endless stream of "advice," Liu Kun gradually distanced himself, building a high wall around his heart.

Three hours passed quietly. In this long and persistent wait, Wei Wuji stood firm like a rock outside the imposing threshold of the Xuanzheng Hall. His perseverance, like a gentle spring drizzle, was soft yet continuous, gradually eroding Liu Kun's defenses. Every time Liu Kun was about to step out of the hall, a symbol of power and authority, he would inevitably meet Wei Wuji's resolute gaze, as if fate had deliberately arranged it, making escape a vain hope.

For three hours, Wei Wuji's figure became a constant sight in front of the Xuanzheng Hall. His patience and determination transformed into invisible chains, tightly binding Liu Kun's steps. Liu Kun faced a dilemma: either confront Wei Wuji and endure his earnest but perhaps lengthy words, or continue pacing in the hall, letting the weight of time and his inner anxiety accompany him.

Finally, after much deliberation and weighing the internal and external torments and gains and losses, Liu Kun realized that even with immense power within the magnificent Xuanzheng Hall, one could not escape the shackles of the mind. Coupled with the almost suffocatingly oppressive air within the hall, he ultimately succumbed to this helplessness and reality. Thus, Liu Kun slowly exhaled a breath of stale air, decided to face everything, stepped out of the Xuanzheng Hall, and greeted the uninvited guest who had been waiting for him for a long time—Wei Wuji.

This decision, though tinged with reluctance, also revealed a sense of relief, as if telling oneself that some hurdles must ultimately be overcome personally.

In the short time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Wei Wuji stood tall before Liu Kun like a pine tree. His gestures were swift, and his words were earnest as he poured out his grand theories about "national prosperity and peace" to Liu Kun. His words flowed like a river, never ending. In contrast, Liu Kun felt as if he were in a fog, filled with disgust. He felt as if he were in a latrine that had not been cleaned for a long time, and the stench around him was almost swallowing his mind. His head was throbbing and he was in unbearable pain.

Just then, Zhu Guang arrived in a hurry, interrupting the long lecture. He reported, "Your Majesty, Consort Yin has been waiting outside the gate for a long time and requests an audience!"

Liu Kun's heart skipped a beat, as if he were in an unexpected dream. Since Liu Lianyue stepped into the depths of the palace, time had passed, and her attitude towards Liu Kun had remained unchanged, cold as frost, without the slightest sign of thawing. Now, this unprecedented scene—Liu Lianyue actually "taking the initiative" to request an audience—truly astonished him.

Liu Kun smiled and ordered, "Quickly, invite them in."

After speaking, his smile was like a spring breeze brushing across a lake, light yet carrying ripples that could not be ignored.

Seeing this, Wei Wuji shook his head slightly and let out a long sigh. The loyal advice that had been flowing like a tide, full of pearls of wisdom, was temporarily shelved in his heart.

Before long, Liu Lianyue stepped lightly into Xuanzheng Hall. She wore a dazzling pearl hairpin, which shone even brighter in the candlelight; her long dress trailed gently on the ground, and every step seemed to tell of endless elegance and composure.

Upon seeing this, Liu Kun abruptly stood up from his chair and rushed towards Liu Lianyue, almost running, saying, "My beloved concubine, what brings you to see me?"

Liu Lianyue looked at Liu Kun with a cold expression, her voice clear and firm, leaving no room for doubt: "Your Majesty, I humbly beg you to rescind the 'removal of clothing edict'. Every day, numerous palace maids walk past me almost naked. This scene is not only improper, but it also makes me uneasy and dizzy."

Looking back, Liu Kun once issued a peculiar decree called the "Clothing Removal Order." Under this order, regardless of day or night, heat or cold, all concubines and palace maids in the palace were required to remove their clothes; disobedience was punishable by death. Therefore, groups of naked women could often be seen wandering within the palace, as if transported back to a primitive era, creating a bizarre yet undeniable spectacle in the harem.

Since Liu Kun issued his harsh "removal of clothing edict," everyone in the harem, from high-ranking concubines to lowly palace maids, trembled with fear under his oppressive power, obeying his orders without daring to defy him. However, there was one extraordinary woman, Liu Lianyue, who, upon entering the palace, was like a breath of fresh air, refusing to conform to the prevailing customs. She held a resolute determination to resist the "removal of clothing edict" and refused to comply.

Liu Kun doted on Liu Lianyue, showering her with affection and indulgence. Therefore, even when she openly defied the imperial decree, he couldn't bring himself to execute her according to the cold, hard imperial command. However, this leniency and exception were like a mirage, shining only upon Liu Lianyue. The palace maids around her knew perfectly well that they were not Liu Lianyue and therefore had no right to enjoy her exclusive protection and privileges. Thus, for these palace maids, the "removal of clothing order" remained an inviolable ironclad rule; they could only silently endure and strictly abide by it, daring not to slacken in the slightest.

Thus, a strange scene was formed in the harem: on one side was Liu Lianyue's stubbornness and persistence, and on the other side was the helplessness and obedience of the palace maids. The stark contrast between the two added to the twists and turns and charm of the harem story.

Despite her own lofty ideals of "remaining untainted by the mud," Liu Lianyue felt an indescribable shame and self-loathing as she was imprisoned day after day in this environment that resembled a primeval forest overrun by wild beasts.

Everything around her was like an endless nightmare, constantly reminding her of her awkwardness and helplessness. Finally, the relentless visual shocks overwhelmed her inner dam like a tidal wave, and she resolutely decided to no longer remain silent and to voice her opinions to Liu Kun, the source of the "removal order."

Liu Lianyue moved gracefully, facing Liu Kun's slightly puzzled question: "Oh? Why does my beloved consort feel that my 'removal order' is inappropriate?"

Liu Lianyue was agitated and said, "Your Majesty, in my opinion, this 'removal of clothing order' is not only inappropriate, but it is outrageous, disgraceful to the nation, and utterly shameless! Does Your Majesty know that humans evolved from apes to primitive humans, and then from primitive humans to the civilized humans we are today?"

Liu Kun parted his thin lips slightly, his voice gentle: "My beloved consort is right, her insight is indeed profound."

Liu Lianyue gently stroked her sleeve, her eyes sparkling, and slowly began to speak: "Going back to the distant ancient times, even the primitive ancestors who ate raw meat and drank blood knew how to use leaves as clothing and animal skins as coverings to cleverly conceal their private parts. As time went by, the wheels of human civilization rolled forward, and clothing and accessories gradually evolved from their initial practical needs into the colorful and diverse forms we see today. They are not only things to cover the body, but also expressions of culture and individuality. However, Your Majesty suddenly had a strange idea, ordering all the beauties of the harem, whether noble concubines or gentle palace maids, to walk naked within the palace walls. This is truly perplexing."

At this point, Liu Lianyue's expression suddenly became subtle, as if she were hiding an unspeakable secret. She paused slightly involuntarily, then turned to Liu Kun and said softly but firmly, "Your Majesty, if this method is followed, wouldn't the ladies and maids in the harem regress to a state of ignorance, even falling short of the most basic human form? Furthermore, does Your Majesty prefer the pure beauty of plain white, without any embellishment, or do you lean more towards the vibrant colors and diverse styles of gorgeous clothing?"

Unexpectedly, Liu Kun was not angered by Liu Lianyue's passionate words. Instead, he calmed down and pondered for a moment. After a while, he smiled faintly and slowly said, "My beloved consort is right. I will immediately issue an edict to abolish the 'removal of clothing order' from this day forward."

Liu Lianyue nodded slightly, her eyes gleaming with respect, and said softly, "Your Majesty is wise beyond compare. I shall take my leave."

After speaking, she turned around lightly, her steps hurried, like a gentle breeze, and instantly swept across the threshold of Xuanzheng Hall.

As Liu Kun watched her departing figure, a faint sense of loss welled up in his heart, and he murmured softly, "Ah, my beloved concubine, is she leaving already?"

However, Liu Lianyue seemed not to hear his words, continuing her steps without even glancing back, leaving only a resolute and elegant silhouette as she walked further and further away in the empty hall until she completely merged into the vast sea of ​​people outside the hall. Only Liu Kun remained, still gazing intently at the gradually blurring direction, filled with reluctance and longing.

Witnessing this scene, Wei Wuji was deeply surprised. He had never expected that despite his years of unwavering loyalty and tireless efforts in following Liu Kun, even his heartfelt advice had failed to stir the slightest ripple in Liu Kun's heart. In contrast, Liu Lianyue, who rarely dabbled in worldly affairs, offered a single piece of advice that, like a gentle spring breeze, was readily adopted by Liu Kun.

At that moment, Wei Wuji seemed to be struck by a flash of inspiration, instantly grasping the incredible power of love. He seemed to understand, as if he had glimpsed a simple yet profound truth: Liu Lianyue might just be the key that could completely unlock Liu Kun's heart; with a gentle turn, it could open the door to the depths of his soul.

The following day, Liu Lianyue went to her palace.

In the palace bathed in the first rays of dawn, birdsong and the fragrance of flowers intertwined to create a vivid picture. Ancient trees with lush foliage seemed to guard this tranquil world, swaying gently as if whispering untold secrets. A small bridge spanned a clear, babbling brook, its surface occasionally adorned with fallen petals, adding to the picturesque scene and bringing a sense of peace and tranquility.

Wei Wuji, dressed in luxurious official robes, frowned deeply, as if carrying a heavy burden. His steps were heavy and slow, each step making a dull thud on the bluestone slabs, a stark contrast to the surrounding tranquility.

Meanwhile, in a corner of the palace, Liu Lianyue was carefully doing her makeup in front of a bronze mirror. In the mirror, she had a stunningly beautiful face, with eyebrows like distant mountains shrouded in mist, and eyes like autumn water. Her jet-black hair was cleverly styled into an intricate bun, adorned with a few delicate pearl flowers, which made her look even more noble and extraordinary.

A palace maid stepped forward lightly and whispered, "Your Majesty, Duke Wei Wuji of Qin is requesting an audience outside the gate."

Liu Lianyue's hand paused slightly, and the light in her eyes in the mirror instantly turned cold. She uttered a flat sentence: "I will not see anyone today."

His words exuded an undeniable authority.

However, things often don't go as planned. Before she could finish speaking, Wei Wuji disregarded everything and strode through the palace gates, heading straight for her.

"Wei Wuji! How dare you!"

Liu Lianyue turned around abruptly, glaring angrily.

"Did I let you in? Get out of here!"

Wei Wuji faced Consort Yin, his words tinged with apology yet barely concealing his urgency: "In front of Consort Yin, I should have been cautious in my words and actions, but the situation is urgent, concerning the safety of our Great Song Dynasty, which compels me to take this risk and presumptuously request an audience."

Upon hearing this, Liu Lianyue's brows furrowed in confusion, and she asked softly, "What do you mean by this, Duke of Qin? What does the rise and fall of my Great Song have to do with me?"

Upon hearing this, Wei Wuji couldn't help but sigh deeply, his eyes revealing deep worry: "Does Your Majesty know that His Majesty has recently become addicted to sensual pleasures and has almost neglected state affairs? His life is extravagant and unrestrained. What's worse, he listens to the slander of treacherous officials and entrusts important responsibilities to greedy people who levy exorbitant taxes, causing the people to suffer. Given this situation, I am deeply worried and have no choice but to dare to plead my case with Your Majesty."