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

The candlelight flickered, illuminating Liu Kun's thoughtful face. He paused, then slowly said, "In your opinion, Right Minister, who is the most crucial piece on this chessboard?"

Wei Wuji's gaze was deep, and he said with unwavering determination, "The most crucial place on the chessboard is naturally the place closest to the center of power."

Upon hearing this, Liu Kun frowned, a mixture of doubt and curiosity flashing in his eyes.

"The center of power? The Right Minister means the imperial palace? The most crucial person is... Father Emperor?"

Wei Wuji gently shook his head: "His Majesty is old and ill, and his health is deteriorating. Sometimes he is even delirious. Under such circumstances, he can barely handle government affairs, so how can he have the energy and mind to depose and establish an heir apparent?"

Wei Wuji pointed out incisively that if Liu Kun wanted to become emperor, it was clearly unlikely that he could do so through the proper channels.

"Then who exactly is this most crucial person?" Liu Kun finally couldn't contain his curiosity and asked eagerly, his tone pleading. "Right Minister, stop keeping me in suspense and tell me quickly."

Wei Wuji slowly raised his eyes, his gaze sharp, and said, word by word, "Commander General, Jiang Zhan."

"Jiang Zhan?"

Liu Kun's pupils contracted sharply; the name pierced the fog in his mind like a lightning bolt.

The position of Commander-in-Chief not only commanded the imperial guards within Jiankang's inner city but also directly protected the palace, its importance self-evident. Jiang Zhan, Emperor Liu Yilong's childhood friend, had commanded the personal guards of the Prince's residence since Liu Yilong was a prince, serving him for over twenty years. It was this deep bond with the emperor that allowed him to remain a powerful figure in the court, a force to be reckoned with.

"His Majesty is already an old man in his twilight years, and the world could collapse at any moment. Jiang Zhan has been favored by His Majesty for a time. Once the Crown Prince ascends the throne, will he still be favored like His Majesty is? How can he not consider his own future?"

Wei Wuji sneered and continued, "As the saying goes, a new emperor brings a new court. Once the crown prince ascends the throne, Jiang Zhan will not only gain no benefits, but will also fall out of favor with the new emperor, and may even have to change his name!"

The crown prince's name was Liu Zhan. Once he became emperor, Jiang Zhan would have to change his name to avoid using the same character as his own.

Liu Kun's tense face finally broke into a meaningful smile: "What the Right Minister said is absolutely right, every word is precious and hits the nail on the head, truly clearing the fog for me."

Wei Wuji's lips curled into a barely perceptible sneer: "Therefore, Your Majesty's most urgent task right now is to do everything in your power to win over Jiang Zhan. If this man can be used by us, he will surely help Your Majesty ascend to the throne!"

A hint of approval flashed in Liu Kun's eyes. He left his seat and bowed deeply to Wei Wuji: "Thank you for your guidance, Right Minister. If my wish is fulfilled, I will never forget your great kindness!"

----------

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

In the early morning, sunlight, like fine gold dust, filtered through the carved window lattices, dappling the bluestone-paved courtyard and bathing the luxurious mansion in a warm and bright glow. Servants and maids moved about busily and orderly, creating a scene of peace and tranquility.

In an exquisitely decorated room deep within the mansion, Xiao Jinyan stood before a bronze mirror, dressed in a pristine white undergarment. His handsome face and refined features exuded an extraordinary air of heroism. Beside him, Guan Lingxuan was carefully adjusting the armor he was about to don. The armor was crafted from the finest refined iron, each plate gleaming with a cold light, seemingly containing boundless majesty and power.

As Guan Lingxuan's nimble fingers moved deftly through the intricate armor, Xiao Jinyan gradually felt the pressure of its weight. The armor felt heavy on his body, as if every inch of his skin was tightly bound, making even breathing difficult.

Xiao Jinyan frowned slightly, inwardly sighing that ancient armor must be incredibly uncomfortable to wear. "You'd think someone could move freely while wearing something so heavy," he thought, "they'd have to be a man as strong as an ox!"

That's understandable, though. While these armors are uncomfortable to wear, they can truly save your life in crucial moments on the battlefield. Moreover, the higher quality and more durable the armor, the heavier and more expensive it is.

Among them, the most expensive Mingguang Armor weighs forty kilograms, which is practically like a skinny girl who is only 1.6 meters tall wearing it. Therefore, only strong and powerful generals can wear this Mingguang Armor. Those who are weak would probably not be able to walk if they wore this armor.

So, is there a type of armor that can withstand swords, spears, and halberds, is cheap to make, and is lightweight to wear?

Got it, a bulletproof vest...

A hint of worry flashed in Guan Lingxuan's clear eyes as she softly asked, "Husband, why do you suddenly want to wear this armor today?"

His words were full of concern and incomprehension.

Xiao Jinyan smiled slightly, his gaze firm: "I am going to take up my post in the Tiger Guard Camp. From now on, I am not only the heir of the Duke of Qi's mansion, but also the Tiger Guard General who protects Jiankang."

"But isn't staying at home perfectly fine? Why spend every day surrounded by swords and shadows?"

Guan Lingxuan's words carried a hint of reluctance and dissuasion.

Xiao Jinyan shook his head slightly, his tone carrying a hint of magnanimity: "Only by being mindful of potential dangers in times of peace can we achieve lasting stability. If one indulges in comfort, one is like scrap iron, destined to rust and decay sooner or later."

Upon hearing this, Guan Lingxuan's eyes flashed with admiration, and she murmured softly, "My husband has thought things through very far ahead."

Then, a mischievous smile appeared on her face, and she said coquettishly, "Then my husband must promise me that he won't get himself all injured and make me worry."

Xiao Jinyan felt a warmth in his heart, reached out and gently flicked Guan Lingxuan's nose, teasingly saying, "Don't worry, silly girl, you stay home and be good, I'll come back... and pamper you."

Upon hearing this, Guan Lingxuan blushed and said coquettishly, "Hmph, you're being indecent again."

Just then, Xiao Jinyan's gentle yet sudden kiss tinged her forehead with a blush, like the most beautiful flower in the morning light. Guan Lingxuan's cheeks instantly flushed, her eyes sparkling with surprise and shyness, yet also carrying a subtle glimmer of happiness.

Immediately, Xiao Jinyan turned and walked into the courtyard, looking tenderly at Yu Xin'er standing to the side. This gentle and virtuous woman was looking at him with a complex expression, a mixture of reluctance and encouragement.

Xiao Jinyan nodded slightly to Yu Xin'er as a farewell, then strode to the gate of the mansion, where he met up with Luo Chuan and Huan Rongzu, who were already waiting outside.

The three rode side by side out of the mansion, through the bustling market, and finally arrived at the Tiger Guard camp on the outskirts of Jiankang. Outside the camp, banners fluttered, morale was high, and a chilling atmosphere permeated the air, causing Xiao Jinyan's heart to race and his blood to boil. He knew that from this point onward, his fate would be inextricably linked to this camp and the soldiers within it.

The three dismounted, their steps firm, and strode towards the Tiger Warrior Camp.

On the drill ground, dust danced gently in the morning breeze.