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

Seeing this, Xiao Jinyan quickly bowed and explained, "Your Majesty, please calm your anger. My intention is... why not throw Wei Wuji and this messenger into the Ministry of Justice's death row cell together..."

At this moment, He Songzhi, the Minister of Justice, was a trusted advisor of Yu Jin, and his power was like an extension of Yu Jin's arm. If Wei Wuji fell into He Songzhi's hands, it would be tantamount to stepping directly into Yu Jin's death trap, with no hope of survival.

Yu Jin suddenly realized, as if waking from a dream, that the messenger was actually a spy under Xiao Jinyan's command. Xiao Jinyan's actions were intended to protect his hidden sword... This Xiao Jinyan is too merciful. Doesn't he know the value of a spy? Wouldn't it be easier to eliminate the threat completely? Now, instead, he has to go through all the trouble of using He Songzhi, the Minister of Justice, to quietly remove Wei Wuji...

Liu Kun pondered for a moment, then pointed sharply at Zhang Changxin and said slowly to Xiao Jinyan, "What you say is very pertinent. In that case, immediately order Wei Wuji and these petty villains to be imprisoned in the death row and handed over to the Ministry of Justice. They must be severely interrogated to find out the truth!"

Before he could finish speaking, two burly, menacing guards carrying swords rushed into the hall. With iron hands like pincers, they firmly grabbed Zhang Changxin's arms and dragged him out of the hall without giving him a chance to explain.

Zhang Changxin's desperate cries for help echoed in the empty hall: "Your Majesty, have mercy and spare my life!"

However, his wails, accompanied by his staggering figure, were gradually silenced by the heavy palace doors, until they completely dissipated in the empty palace. Seeing this, Xiao Jinyan quickly turned around, his expression complex, seemingly filled with mixed emotions.

The following day, in the Ministry of Justice prison.

Deep within the dark and damp dungeon, occasional wisps of cold wind cunningly slipped through the cracks in the walls, bringing a chill that shouldn't belong to this underground place. A persistent stench of blood, a mixture of sourness and decay, lingered in the air, assaulting every sense and involuntarily sending waves of nausea through one's body.

Wei Wuji, once a prominent figure, now resembled a withered tree, his hair disheveled, his clothes tattered, as if carelessly discarded by fate before the prison gates. His eyes were empty and complex, a mixture of anger, loss, and resentment, like the surface of a storm-ravaged sea, turbulent yet unable to find release. He slowly exhaled a breath of stale air, and those unbearable memories surged back like a tidal wave, each scene so vivid it was heartbreaking.

The day before, without any sign of impending storm, Yu Jin had already quietly laid a trap, leading his soldiers to surround Wei Wuji's residence like an iron barrel. A sudden storm swept Wei Wuji's entire family, young and old, into this dark abyss, imprisoning them in this sunless cage. In Wei Wuji's heart, besides endless shock, there was even more anger and resentment towards the capriciousness of fate; his world seemed to have collapsed and crumbled overnight.

Wei Wuji understood perfectly well that this turn of events was definitely orchestrated by Yu Jin. For some time now, he had been secretly plotting to eliminate Yu Jin, this corrupt official, and had already incurred Yu Jin's wrath. Yu Jin, harboring resentment, would surely go to Liu Kun and sow discord, perhaps even fabricating charges to frame him.

However, Wei Wuji never expected that Yu Jin would be so capable as to persuade Liu Kun to order his arrest. He secretly wondered what kind of trick Yu Jin had used behind the scenes to so easily move this mountain...

Therefore, Wei Wuji felt a deep sense of regret, regretting his momentary blind confidence, which had made him so careless about his opponent's cunning and strength. He had thought that with his power and his long-standing friendship with Liu Kun, it would be a piece of cake to bring down Yu Jin, but unexpectedly, not only did he fail to eliminate the traitor, but he was also injured by the traitor, ending up in a situation where he could not even protect himself.

At this moment, Wei Wuji's only hope was that Liu Kun had merely been momentarily confused, blinded by Yu Jin's sweet words and cunning schemes, which led him to commit such a foolish act that "hurts his loved ones and delights his enemies." He secretly hoped that after the storm passed, Liu Kun would finally awaken from his dream, distinguish between loyalty and treachery, and know who truly cared for him...

However, Wei Wuji still harbored an unyielding optimism, viewing this glimmer of hope amidst his dire predicament as a blessing from heaven. Though imprisoned and deprived of his freedom, he secretly rejoiced that he was still alive, believing that "where there's life, there's hope." In his heart, as long as he lived, there would always be a time to rise again. Once Liu Kun's dull mind gradually cleared its fog and he came to his senses, he would orchestrate a stunning reversal, launching a counterattack from the brink of despair, not only turning the tide but also personally severing Yu Jin's path to ambition…

Unfortunately, life is unpredictable, and the rapid deterioration of the situation, like a flickering candle in a cold wind, swiftly and mercilessly extinguished the flame of hope in Wei Wuji's heart. This optimism ultimately became a tree without roots and water without a source, appearing so blind and futile.

In the world of Wei Wuji, a figure of great influence, misfortune seemed to carry a heavy, inky darkness, allowing no light to penetrate, and there was no room for "luck." Whether it was the cunning Yu Jin or the unparalleled Xiao Jinyan, they pressed on relentlessly, giving Liu Kun no moment's respite, let alone paving a path for Wei Wuji to return to his peak.

Just as Wei Wuji was mired in regret and unable to extricate himself, a series of light and hurried footsteps quietly sounded outside the cell, like whispers in the dark night, breaking the surrounding silence.

Wei Wuji's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly looked up, his gaze piercing through the gaps in the iron bars, trying to catch a glimpse of the figure behind the footsteps. However, what met his eyes was neither Liu Kun's anxious face nor Yu Jin's sinister gaze, but Xiao Jinyan. His arrival was like an unexpected gust of wind, carrying with it unknown variables…

Xiao Jinyan, dressed in a flowing brocade robe, held a flask of aged wine in his hand, its surface adorned with dragons and phoenixes, exuding an air of nobility. A strange light flickered in his eyes, and a meaningful smile played on his lips as he addressed the two valiant guards beside him in iron armor: "You two, immediately go and guard the gate strictly. Without my personal orders, not even the Heavenly King himself is to be allowed to step inside!"

Upon hearing this, the two guards exchanged a glance, a hint of surprise flashing in their eyes, but they dared not be negligent in the slightest. In a flash, they moved to the heavy iron door at the end of the cell, standing ready for battle. As their footsteps faded into the distance, the atmosphere inside the cell suddenly became oppressive and tense, as if even the air itself had frozen.

At this moment, only Xiao Jinyan and Wei Wuji remained in the cell.

Wei Wuji, dressed in rags and shackled, sat at a dilapidated wooden table, his eyes filled with both resentment and helplessness. As he watched Xiao Jinyan approach step by step, an indescribable sense of foreboding arose in his heart, and a hint of wariness and fear flashed in his deep-set eyes.

"Xiao Jinyan, what do you mean by this?" Wei Wuji's voice was low and hoarse. "Could it be that you really intend to end my life with a pot of wine in this dark and gloomy place?"

Xiao Jin remained silent, only offering a gentle smile that held both resolve and acceptance. He slowly walked to the opposite side of Wei Wuji, sat down on the ground, his movements elegant and composed. He gently placed the pot of precious wine he was holding on the table, followed closely by two exquisite jade cups, arranged neatly as if performing a sacred ritual.

In the candlelight, Xiao Jinyan's face appeared exceptionally resolute. He slowly spoke, saying, "Wei Wuji, you and I were once close friends, and also formidable rivals. Today, it's not about grudges, but about the past. This pot of wine is a tribute to those bygone years."

After speaking, Xiao Jinyan slowly filled two cups of wine, pushing one towards Wei Wuji and picking up the other for herself.

Inside the cell, the candlelight flickered, casting dappled shadows of the two figures on the wall. The air was thick with the aroma of alcohol and an atmosphere of unknown tension.

Xiao Jinyan gently picked up the antique wine pot on the table. Its glaze shone with a warm luster under the candlelight. With leisurely movements, he slowly poured the clear wine into the two jade cups placed side by side in front of him until the cups were full but not overflowing, with every drop just right.

His voice pierced the heavy atmosphere in the room: "Duke Qin, you are overthinking this. This wine is as pure as fresh snow, without any poison or impurity. Jin Yan's purpose in coming here is not for anything else, but simply to have a heart-to-heart talk with you. After all, in this chaotic world, it is truly Jin Yan's good fortune to meet an opponent as wise and courageous as you."

After speaking, Xiao Jinyan picked up one of the glasses of wine without hesitation, his eyes resolute. He tilted his head back slightly, the wine sliding down his throat like silk, leaving a barely perceptible smile.

Wei Wuji's face was cold and stern, his eyes flashing with resentment and anger. He glared at Xiao Jinyan, his voice slightly hoarse with agitation: "Xiao Jinyan, you actually colluded with that treacherous Yu Jin to frame me, and now you dare to claim that I am your match? How utterly laughable!"

Xiao Jinyan gently put down his wine glass, a faint smile playing on his lips: "All's fair in war; it's a common practice among military strategists. On the battlefield, victory or defeat often hinges on a single thought; methods are merely means to achieve one's goals. Lord Wei is exceptionally wise, and I'm sure you understand this well. As for whether you are worthy or not, history will judge. In my heart, being able to contend with an opponent like you, even if the methods aren't entirely honorable, is still a great pleasure in life."

Upon hearing this, Wei Wuji's body trembled slightly. He seemed to have caught an unusual aura in Xiao Jinyan's words—a kind of thinking that transcended victory and defeat, almost philosophical.

He stared at Xiao Jinyan, his eyes filled with complex emotions, which finally turned into a helpless sigh: "I truly never expected that you, Xiao Jinyan, who prides yourself on being aloof and arrogant, would actually collude with such an ambitious person as Yu Jin. The world is unpredictable, and the human heart is unfathomable..."

Wei Wuji's lips curled into a carefree smile. Without another word, he suddenly reached out and grabbed the carved jade cup on the table. Without hesitation, Wei Wuji tilted his head back, and the wine slid down his throat like a trickle, not a drop left, displaying his bold and unrestrained nature.

Just then, Xiao Jinyan slowly spoke, his voice low and firm: "Between me, Xiao Jinyan, and Yu Jin, we are merely evenly matched, each taking what we need and using each other. There has never been any suspicion of collusion between us. As for you, Wei Wuji, you keep questioning others, but have you ever been a loyal and righteous person yourself?"

Upon hearing this, Wei Wuji raised an eyebrow, a cold smile playing on his lips, and retorted, "I'm not a loyal and virtuous person? Hmph, then you, Xiao Jinyan, are a loyal and virtuous person? How can you define loyalty and treachery, good and evil in this world with just your words!"

Xiao Jinyan's gaze suddenly sharpened, as if it could pierce through the gloom in people's hearts: "What I want to do is overthrow this corrupt tyranny, personally kill that incompetent and tyrannical king, and restore a bright and clear world to the world. But you, Wei Wuji, have been aiding and abetting evil, acting as a henchman for the wicked. Tell me, who in this world is truly loyal and virtuous?"

Upon hearing this, Wei Wuji's expression changed slightly, but he quickly regained his composure. He stared coldly at Xiao Jinyan, as if trying to see through the other's thoughts: "Xiao Jinyan, I have long anticipated that you harbor disloyal intentions. Now that you have brought it up, let's be frank. Who exactly do you intend to support as the new emperor?"

Xiao Jinyan took a deep breath, his gaze firm, and said, word by word, "Liu Huan, the Prince of Xiangyang, is the true Son of Heaven who can lead our Great Wei to prosperity!"

"What?!" Wei Wuji exclaimed in shock, a look of disbelief flashing in his eyes. He never expected that Xiao Jinyan would choose to support the Prince of Xiangyang, who was always low-key and rarely appeared in public.

Xiao Jinyan's voice was deep and firm: "Wei Wuji, you may not know, but the one I, Xiao Jinyan, support is the legitimate bloodline of the late emperor, Liu Huan, the Prince of Xiangyang."

Upon hearing this, Wei Wuji couldn't help but sneer. His face was deeply lined with wrinkles, showing the vicissitudes of time and the traces of political maneuvering.

"Liu Huan? Hmph, that down-on-his-luck prince who was demoted to a commoner and imprisoned in a pigsty by the Emperor on trumped-up charges? What a joke. I never thought he would become the 'centipede that is dead but does not fall down' you mentioned."

Xiao Jinyan shook his head slightly, his gaze deep.

"Wei Wuji, to be honest, since the day the late emperor passed away, I have silently chosen the Prince of Xiangyang as the hope for the new dynasty. Now, the reason I am using Yu Jin as a pawn and proceeding step by step is all to remove you, the huge rock blocking my way."