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

Liu Kun's voice sounded particularly low and urgent in the dark chamber, as if he were struggling against the torrent of fate, uttering each word with deliberation: "That assassin was secretly dispatched by Yang Rong. Given the relationship between Yang Rong and Wei Kui, it's only a matter of time before she traces the clues back to you, Right Minister. And once your name is revealed, wouldn't I be the obvious mastermind behind it all?"

Upon hearing this, Wei Wuji smirked and slowly said, "Since the assassin was sent by Yang Rong, let Yang Rong take the blame. If Xiao Jinyan really manages to trace it back to me and the King, we just need to grit our teeth and deny everything to the death."

Upon hearing this, Liu Kun frowned and hesitated, saying, "But how could Xiao Jinyan let this go so easily?"

Wei Wuji gently shook his head, his gaze deep, as if he could see into the darkest corners of people's hearts: "Your Majesty, what do you think of Xiao Jinyan?"

Upon hearing this, Liu Kun's disdain was evident: "Hmph, Xiao Jinyan? He's nothing but a good-looking playboy who only knows how to loaf around all day, indulging in wine, women, wealth, and power, and frequenting brothels and theaters."

Wei Wuji smiled slightly, a smile that held a deeper meaning: "Your Majesty is absolutely right. As far as I know, Xiao Jinyan's reaction to the assassination was surprisingly calm, as if the matter had nothing to do with him. What's even more unexpected is that, because the dowry was not generous enough, he personally went to the Chamberlain Yu Jin and made a scene. He even relied on the Crown Prince's support to plunder Yu Jin's family's property."

Liu Kun's eyes gleamed with disbelief as he said, "So that's how it is. The world is truly full of wonders."

Wei Wuji gently stroked his graying beard, his eyes revealing a deep meaning: "That's right. Your Majesty, in my years of experience judging people, Xiao Jinyan is greedy and lustful, bordering on madness. Do you know that the female assassin went to take Xiao Jinyan's life with a heart full of resentment, but unexpectedly..."

At this point, Wei Wuji deliberately kept everyone in suspense, a sly glint in his eyes.

Liu Kun's curiosity was completely piqued, and he couldn't wait to ask, "But what happened?"

"Unexpectedly, the situation changed drastically that night. The female assassin was bewitched by Xiao Jinyan in some way. Not only did she fail to take his life, but she was also... taken advantage of by him."

Wei Wuji's words carried a hint of mockery and surprise: "They worked all night, and probably even ruined the place... What's even more astonishing is that the female assassin not only didn't seek revenge afterward, but instead became Xiao Jinyan's concubine, spending all her time by his side, as if all the previous grudges had vanished with the wind. This is precisely why Xiao Jinyan didn't care about that assassination attempt at all."

Upon hearing this, Liu Kun's lips twitched involuntarily, and after a long while, he managed to squeeze out a sentence: "Such a strange thing exists in the world. It is truly unheard of and unseen."

Wei Wuji smiled slightly, seemingly having anticipated Liu Kun's reaction, and continued, "There's something even more bizarre, Your Majesty, please allow me to tell you in detail. Not only did Xiao Jinyan kill that female assassin, but he also brazenly went to Mianyue Tower and conquered the courtesan Yang Rong, making her his plaything. Moreover, this happened right under the noses of the entire city's residents. He is truly audacious to the extreme."

Upon hearing this, Liu Kun nearly dropped his teacup. His eyes widened in disbelief: "I have never seen such a shameless person. Xiao Jinyan's actions are utterly devoid of propriety and morality, treating human ethics as worthless."

Wei Wuji shook his head slightly, his expression growing increasingly solemn: "There's something even more shocking, Your Majesty probably doesn't know yet. Xiao Jinyan married Yu Jin's illegitimate daughter as his wife, but he was still not satisfied and wanted to take Yu Jin's legitimate daughter as a concubine. How could Yu Jin agree? When Xiao Jinyan couldn't take the concubine, he extorted money from Yu Jin, demanding an exorbitant dowry. Relying on the Crown Prince's backing, he almost had Yu Jin's entire family's property confiscated."

Liu Kun's eyes held a hint of amusement as he said sharply, "Xiao Jinyan, this man can truly be called the most lewd person in all of history."

As he spoke, a barely perceptible smile appeared on his lips, a smile that concealed a hint of disdain for worldly rules and a secret admiration for Xiao Jinyan's style of doing things. Yet, a warm current involuntarily welled up in his heart, as if he had found a kindred spirit.

Well, you're really showing off your skills, kid!

Liu Kun silently thought to himself that this sincere appreciation made him feel unprecedentedly excited and expectant, as if he had found a partner who could fight side by side and explore the unknown world together, a true "birds of a feather flock together".

It is said that Liu Kun was not only sinister and ruthless, but also a womanizer. He could go a day without food, but if he didn't touch a woman for a day, he would rather die. Wei Wuji had repeatedly advised Liu Kun to do something serious and prioritize the overall situation because of his lewdness, but Liu Kun ignored him and even argued that dragons are lewd by nature, and that he was a true dragon.

Wei Wuji sat upright at the table. Seeing Liu Kun looking somewhat dazed, he said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, what do you think should be done about Xiao Jinyan?"

Liu Kun smiled meaningfully: "Right Minister, I believe that Xiao Jinyan is a rare talent. We should try to win him over and entrust him with important responsibilities."

Upon hearing this, Wei Wuji was stunned. His eyes widened as if he had heard the most unbelievable thing in the world, and he said incredulously, "What? How could Your Majesty think such a thing?"

Liu Kun waved his hand slightly, his tone tinged with admiration, even worship: "Right Minister, that Xiao Jinyan actually managed to turn the tables on the assassin who tried to kill him, pinning him down and playing with him at will. After their lovemaking, the assassin even willingly became his concubine. Furthermore, he publicly slept with the most beautiful courtesan in front of the entire city, even stealing her away from Wei Kui. How impressive he was in the world of romance! And yet, he wasn't satisfied with marrying Yu Jin's daughter; he also took another daughter as a concubine, forcing Yu Jin to squander his entire fortune to protect her. Such methods are beyond the reach of ordinary people; isn't he truly a paragon among men?"

Upon hearing this, Wei Wuji could only smile wryly. He shook his head, his tone full of helplessness: "Your Majesty is mistaken. That Xiao Jinyan is unruly and dissolute, merely skilled in matters of love and pleasure, not a man of extraordinary talent. What ability does he possess? He's nothing but a spoiled brat. Moreover, he acts recklessly and causes trouble everywhere, making a scene throughout the city. Furthermore, he is sharp-tongued, mean, and vindictive—he's practically a devil incarnate. If we approach him, we'll likely be drawn into endless trouble. It's best to stay away from him and not provoke him lightly."

Seeing this, Liu Kun had no choice but to put on a smile and explain, "Right Minister, even if Xiao Jinyan is not very capable, the Duke of Qi has an army of 300,000. If I can get his help, why should I worry about not succeeding?"

Upon hearing this, Wei Wuji was startled and retorted, "Your Majesty, as I just said, although the Duke of Qi commands a large army, he is far away in the northern frontier and has little influence over the political situation in Jiankang. He is not a key piece on this chessboard. Furthermore, the Duke of Qi has likely already sided with the Crown Prince because of the marriage arranged by the Crown Prince. How can Your Majesty win him over? Does Your Majesty possess a more suitable bargaining chip than the Crown Prince to sway the Duke of Qi?"