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

The following day, at the Imperial Palace, in the Xuanzheng Hall.

The sky was as dark as if it had been soaked in thick ink, with low-hanging dark clouds that seemed to foreshadow misfortune.

Liu Kun ended the long and dull morning court session and walked heavily into the depths of the magnificent palace, where he sat down before the dragon desk that symbolized supreme power.

On the dragon-shaped table, a delicate teacup lay quietly, emitting wisps of steam, a stark contrast to his current mood. He gently toyed with the teacup, his gaze piercing through the swirling steam, as if waiting for something—the final verdict in the trial of Wei Wuji's alleged rebellion, a crucial piece of information that would determine the direction of the court and the fate of the nation.

Just then, a series of hurried footsteps broke the silence in the hall. Yu Jin practically rushed into the hall, his face pale and his eyes flashing with undisguised panic.

"Your Majesty, something terrible has happened! The traitor Wei Wuji... has committed suicide out of fear of punishment!"

Liu Kun's teacup suddenly stopped, and the warm tea splashed onto the table, just like his current mood, which was turbulent and difficult to calm.

He jumped up in surprise, his usually calm and steady eyes wide with disbelief: "What? What happened? Didn't I strictly order the Ministry of Justice to keep a close watch on things and not allow the slightest mistake?"

Yu Jin lowered his head, his voice even softer: "Your Majesty, Wei Wuji did indeed commit suicide out of fear of punishment. This morning, the prison guards from the Ministry of Justice went to check as usual, only to find... find Wei Wuji in his cell, having ended his life with a rope. There were no signs of struggle at the scene, clearly, he had premeditated it."

Liu Kun's heart sank, a complex mix of emotions swirling within him.

In fact, ever since Wei Wuji was arrested and imprisoned, he had a vague feeling that something was wrong. How could Wei Wuji, a former pillar of the nation, suddenly embark on the path of rebellion? There was always an indescribable determination in his eyes, as if he had already made the worst possible plans.

Now, this sudden suicide has left Liu Kun with mixed feelings, including regret for losing a capable minister and regret for not being able to personally interrogate him to find out the truth.

Liu Kun slowly sat down, his gaze passing through the window to the sky obscured by dark clouds. He pondered to himself: Was Wei Wuji's death a simple suicide out of fear of punishment, or was there a more complex conspiracy behind it? How would this storm affect the future of the empire?

Furthermore, Wei Wuji and the Emperor of Wei were complete strangers, with no connection whatsoever between them. Why would he suddenly decide to embark on a path of rebellion?

Wei Wuji held a high position and wielded immense power. He resolutely betrayed his former lord, Liu Kun. Could it be that his true intention was to gain a more prestigious position and treatment under the Wei Emperor? This idea seems rather far-fetched.

Just as Wei Wuji had surmised deep in his heart, Liu Kun would one day awaken from the chaos, but the moment of awakening would still need time to brew.

However, life is unpredictable, and fate seems to love playing tricks on people. Just as Liu Kun made up his mind to unravel the layers of mystery, a shocking piece of news struck him like a bolt from the blue—Wei Wuji, the once powerful minister, had actually "committed suicide out of fear of punishment" in the Ministry of Justice prison!

This news was like a bolt of lightning in the dark night, instantly illuminating the astonishment and confusion on Liu Kun's face.

"But how could this be?" Liu Kun muttered to himself, his tone filled with both resentment and anger. He knew Wei Wuji was cunning and treacherous; how could he so easily choose to end his own life? There must be something fishy going on!

Just as Liu Kun was deep in thought, trying to find a clue in this chaos, a soft but firm response came from outside the hall.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Liu Kun snapped out of his reverie, his gaze hardening once more. He slowly spoke, saying, "I understand. You may leave."

After saying this, he gently waved his hand, signaling Yu Jin to step down.

Upon hearing this, Yu Jin bowed slightly, then turned and walked steadily toward the outside of the hall.

The following day, at the Duke of Qi's residence.

The weather was indeed lovely, with a refreshing air that was invigorating. On this fine day, Xiao Jinyan finished his lengthy affairs at court and returned to his residence with light steps.

As soon as the gate was gently pushed open, a clear and melodious voice drifted in like a spring breeze: "Husband, you're back."

Guan Lingxuan, dressed in an elegant embroidered long dress, greeted us with a gentle smile.

Xiao Jinyan nodded gently and responded with an "Mm," her voice soft but revealing a hint of weariness.

Guan Lingxuan, being extremely observant, immediately noticed the unusual expression on her husband's face and asked with concern, "Husband, you seem a little melancholy. Is something not going well with matters at court?"

Xiao Jinyan shook his head slightly, a bitter smile playing on his lips. An indescribable sense of loss welled up within him. In truth, his low spirits stemmed not from the political turmoil, but from the loss of a formidable rival he had long considered a worthy adversary. This rival's sudden death left him with a strange emptiness and loneliness amidst the joy of victory, as if a brilliant game of chess had been abruptly ended, leaving only endless reminiscence and melancholy.

"It's nothing, just some feelings," Xiao Jinyan replied casually, trying to bury her emotions deep inside.

Seeing this, Guan Lingxuan, being intelligent, did not continue to ask questions. Instead, she changed the subject and said with a smile, "By the way, husband, Green Pearl has arrived."

Green Pearl, a frequent visitor to the mansion, always brings life and fun to the residence with her lively and clever personality and the novel news she brings from time to time.

"Oh? So what if she's here? Doesn't she come here often?" Xiao Jinyan replied casually.

Guan Lingxuan smiled mysteriously, a sly glint in her eyes: "This time, Green Pearl is different. She brought good news, saying it will make her husband very happy."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Jinyan raised an eyebrow, her curiosity instantly piqued: "What good news? Tell me quickly."

Guan Lingxuan, however, kept everyone in suspense, gently wrapping her arms around Xiao Jinyan's neck and saying coquettishly, "Husband, why don't you ask her yourself? That way, you'll be more surprised."

Xiao Jinyan was amused by Guan Lingxuan's sudden affectionate gesture, and the gloom in his heart seemed to dissipate a bit.

"Hey, it's pretty mysterious."

He chuckled softly, then strode towards the main hall, secretly wondering about the unknown good news, hoping it would be a ray of sunshine in today's gloom, illuminating his dejected mood.

Bathed in the warm glow, Xiao Jinyan strode steadily toward the main hall, her heart filled with curiosity and anticipation. Today, the mansion seemed to be permeated with an unusual atmosphere, even the air itself seemed to carry a hint of sweetness and joy.

The moment he stepped into the main hall, his gaze was immediately drawn to the gentle figure in the center—Yu Xin'er, sitting gracefully on an exquisite pearwood chair, wearing an elegant embroidered long dress, her hair styled in a high bun, adorned with pearls and jade, exuding both nobility and gentleness. A soft smile graced her face as she quietly awaited him.

Beside Yu Xin'er, Green Pearl, that lively, adorable, and quick-witted girl, was playfully tilting her head, her bright eyes sparkling with cunning.

Upon seeing Xiao Jinyan enter, Lüzhu immediately rose gracefully, appearing before him in an instant like a spring breeze. A sweet smile graced her lips as she softly said, "Husband, you've finally returned."

Looking at Lüzhu, Xiao Jinyan felt a warm current welling up in his heart. He gently replied, "Madam, I heard you brought me good news. What is this joyous occasion?"

Green Pearl wasn't in a hurry to reveal the answer. Instead, she winked mischievously and said mysteriously, "Husband, why don't you guess? Maybe you can guess it right."

At this moment, Yu Xin'er could no longer hold back. She slowly stood up, her figure swaying gracefully, her voice full of tenderness and urging: "Green Pearl, stop keeping me in suspense and tell your husband quickly, look how anxious he is."

Seeing this, Green Pearl finally couldn't help but giggle. Her laughter was clear and melodious, like a mountain stream.

She took a deep breath, as if to absorb all her joy, and then solemnly said to Xiao Jinyan, "Husband, to tell you the truth, you are going to be a father!"

These words struck Xiao Jinyan like a thunderclap from a clear sky, instantly resounding in her heart.

He froze, a look of disbelief flashing in his eyes, quickly replaced by ecstasy. His hands clenched into fists involuntarily, as if to confirm that this was not a dream.

Xiao Jinyan's voice trembled slightly, filled with disbelief and excitement: "What did you say? I'm going to...become a father?"

Yu Xin'er and Lü Zhu exchanged a smile, their eyes filled with anticipation and happiness for the future. At that moment, the entire hall seemed to be enveloped by an invisible warmth, and the air was filled with a strong sense of joy and expectation.

Green Pearl's eyes sparkled with a gentle yet mysterious light. She leaned lightly against the door frame, a sly smile playing on her lips, and said to Xiao Jinyan, who was hurrying into the room, "Yes, husband, you heard right, you're going to be a father! This sudden good news, aren't you surprised and delighted?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Jinyan paused, a look of unbelievable surprise flashing in his eyes. He then strode towards Lüzhu, carefully placing his hands on her shoulders. His gaze gently fell on her flat stomach, and his voice trembled slightly: "Madam, when did you get pregnant? How many months? Why...why aren't you showing?"

Seeing this, Green Pearl's smile widened. She gently shook her head, her voice tinged with a hint of teasing: "Husband, it's not that I'm pregnant."

Xiao Jinyan's expression instantly became complicated. His brows furrowed slightly, and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes: "What? Madam, you mean...you're not pregnant? Then who...is pregnant with my child?"

Seeing his expression, Green Pearl couldn't help but chuckle, her eyes sparkling with mischief: "Why don't you try to guess, my husband? It's quite an interesting riddle."

Xiao Jinyan was extremely anxious, but he was helpless against Green Pearl's suspense, so he could only urge her anxiously, "Madam, please tell me quickly, don't make me so anxious."

Seeing his anxiety, Green Pearl smiled even more brightly and deliberately drew out her words: "What, does your husband have so many women that you can't even recognize your own child?"

Xiao Jinyan pondered to himself, Green Pearl and Yang Rong were inseparable in the Sleeping Moon Pavilion, could it be...? Images flashed through his mind: in the Sleeping Moon Pavilion, Green Pearl and Yang Rong would either drink tea and chat, or admire flowers and the moon, their friendship was deep, just like sisters.

Could this sudden good news be related to Yang Rong? At this thought, Xiao Jinyan's heart raced, and an indescribable excitement and anticipation welled up inside her.

Xiao Jinyan's eyes held a hint of urgency and anticipation, as if a major secret was about to be revealed.

"Green Pearl," he called softly, his voice trembling slightly, "You said, Yang Rong... is she pregnant?"

Upon hearing this, Green Pearl smiled gently, her eyes sparkling with a playful light.

"It seems that my husband has not been blinded by the troubles of the world and is still clear-headed."

Xiao Jinyan's heart tightened suddenly, followed by an indescribable joy and sense of responsibility.

Where is Rong'er now?

Green Pearl took a few steps closer with light, lotus-like steps, and whispered, "She's in the Moonlit Pavilion. It's quiet and elegant there, perfect for a woman's pregnancy. What, is my husband so eager to see her?"

However, Xiao Jinyan shook her head, her eyes flashing with even more determination.

"No, I want to formally marry her, and also you, Green Pearl. Together, you will become an indispensable part of my life, Xiao Jinyan."

A radiant smile bloomed on Green Pearl's lips, a smile that held both surprise and relief.

"My husband, I have been waiting for this day for a very, very long time."

Her voice was slightly choked up, but also full of happiness and anticipation.

Xiao Jinyan clenched his fists, his eyes flashing with an unprecedented determination.

"This time, I'm going to have a grand celebration, so that everyone in the city knows that this is my first child, and the most important moment in my life. I want to give Rong'er, and you all, the grandest wedding, so that everyone can witness our happiness."

Green Pearl nodded in agreement, her eyes sparkling with the same light.

"Yes, my husband, Yang Rong has been waiting for you to marry her in a grand and glorious way. She always says that becoming a member of the Xiao family is her greatest wish in this life."

Yu Xin'er gently stroked her delicate waist, a hint of worry showing between her brows. She whispered, "Husband, I really never expected that Xuan'er and I, as the first people to step into the Xiao family, would not have the honor of continuing the Xiao family's bloodline. On the contrary, Yang Rong, who came later, is now quietly carrying a new life in her womb."

Upon hearing this, Guan Lingxuan parted her lips slightly, her tone tinged with helplessness and resentment: "Yes, my husband, if I think about it carefully, the time I've spent with you day and night is far longer than Yang Rong's. Moreover, you've always treated me with gentleness and pampered me, so why is my wretched belly still showing no signs of pregnancy?"

Green Pearl couldn't help but join the slightly melancholic conversation. She moved closer to the two of them with delicate steps, a bitter smile on her face: "And me, my husband. I gave you my whole heart and soul before Yang Rong did. I remember those nights, your tenderness and affection made me think that happiness was overflowing. But why, even so, is it that my belly seems to be a forgotten corner of fate, with no sign of life for so long?"

Faced with the anxiety and expectations of the three ladies, Xiao Jinyan gently held their hands, his eyes full of tenderness and determination.

He spoke slowly, his voice deep and magnetic: "My three ladies, please do not be impatient. Everything in this world has its time. Pregnancy is a matter of fate and destiny. Each of you is a treasure in my heart. It is important to continue the bloodline of my Xiao family, but your happiness and health are even more precious to me. Rest assured, as long as we have hope and take it slowly, sooner or later this mansion will be filled with the silvery laughter of children."

With a hint of doubt and resentment in her eyes, Guan Lingxuan asked softly, "Tell me, what exactly is going on? Why did Yang Rong get pregnant so easily, while we haven't had any progress yet?"

Upon hearing this, Green Pearl frowned slightly, as if trying to recall something. After a moment, she suddenly clapped her hands and exclaimed, "That's right! I remember Yang Rong mentioned in private last time that before having sex with her husband, she secretly gave him the Nine-Flower Jade Dew Pill that Hongxiu had given him."

Upon hearing this, Yu Xin'er's beautiful eyes widened in astonishment: "What? Nine-Flower Jade Dew Pill? How could my husband take such a rare medicine when he was intimate with Yang Rong? Could it be that he... he is so greedy that he would even try such unorthodox methods?"

Upon hearing this, Guan Lingxuan smiled knowingly: "It seems that the Nine-Flower Jade Dew Pill really does have some merit, allowing Yang Rong to achieve her wish. Husband, next time we make love, you should also try the taste of this pill. Perhaps I will soon bring you good news."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Jinyan's face fell. He clasped his hands together and bowed repeatedly, saying, "Ladies, please spare me! How can such a miraculous medicine be taken so casually? Besides, the matter of offspring is a matter of fate, and cannot be forced."

Guan Lingxuan, however, persisted, clinging to Xiao Jinyan's arm and pleading, "Husband, you can't be so heartless. You have to get me pregnant quickly, our Xiao family line can't end. Just give it a try, maybe it will really work."

As Xiao Jinyan spoke and laughed, a thoughtful look suddenly flashed in his eyes. He parted his thin lips slightly and said in a mysterious tone, "Ladies, what I have said today may reveal a secret that no one knows. I seem to have some understanding about Yang Rong's pregnancy."

Upon hearing this, Guan Lingxuan frowned slightly, her eyes sparkling with curiosity and confusion: "Oh? Husband, what exactly is this rule you're referring to?"

Xiao Jinyan smiled slightly, his gaze sweeping over the ladies before finally settling on Green Pearl's pretty face. He slowly said, "I remember those intimate moments with Yang Rong. Before that, I had been intimate with other women. It seems to have become a subtle pattern, and it's always the same."