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

Upon hearing this, Li Yuerui's cheeks instantly flushed crimson, her eyes gleaming with the same fervor and anticipation. Almost without hesitation, she followed Xiao Jinyan's steps, as if drawn by an invisible thread, to a quiet, deserted room. The gentle turning of the door hinges sounded exceptionally clear in the tranquil space, like the resonance of their heartbeats.

As soon as the door closed, Li Yuerui could no longer contain her excitement. She rushed into Xiao Jinyan's arms, her voice trembling slightly: "Husband, I've missed you so much I'm going crazy."

Her hands were wrapped tightly around Xiao Jinyan's waist, as if she wanted to completely merge herself into his body heat.

Feeling the warmth and affection of the person in his arms, Xiao Jinyan felt an unprecedented surge of tenderness and emotion. He gently embraced Li Yuerui, his voice low and firm: "I missed you too, baby."

Li Yuerui's eyes reddened slightly. She looked up at Xiao Jinyan, her eyes glistening with tears, yet full of love: "Husband, I love you so much."

These words were like a release of long-suppressed emotions; each word weighed heavily, landing on Xiao Jinyan's heart and stirring up waves of emotion.

Before she could finish speaking, Li Yuerui had already wrapped her arms around Xiao Jinyan's neck, stood on tiptoe, and pressed her lips to his. It was a passionate and deep kiss, as if they wanted to melt their souls together in that moment.

Xiao Jinyan held Li Yuerui tightly, responding to the kiss. Their breathing gradually became rapid and heavy, and an indescribable sweetness and passion filled the air.

As the kiss deepened, their clothes slipped away unnoticed, like petals falling in spring, silently carpeting every corner of the room. As if drawn by an invisible force, they moved step by step toward the bed, finally collapsing together onto the soft mattress like weary birds returning to their nest.

At that moment, only the resonance of two heartbeats and the deep love between them remained. In this small and cozy space, excitement and romance filled the air, making it intoxicating.

The following day, outside Jiankang City, at the Imperial Guard camp.

Sunlight streamed down, weaving across the vast military camp and bathing every inch of land in a dazzling golden glow. The sky that day was as clear as a washed porcelain vase, without a single impurity, as if even the heavens were watching over the historical turning point that was about to unfold.

The Imperial Guards, clad in iron armor, stood in impeccable formation, resembling a moving steel forest. Their military flags fluttered in the wind, each one carrying the soldiers' loyalty and faith, waving solemnly and dignifiedly against the azure sky.

Inside the central command tent, the atmosphere was heavy and tense, with flickering candlelight illuminating the resolute faces of everyone present.

Xiao Jinyan sat upright in the center of the tent, his eyes deep and penetrating, as if he could see into people's hearts, and also as if he had boundless determination and courage.

Around him stood a group of generals, including Huan Rongzu, Luo Chuan, Wang Xuanyu, Xie Dun, and Wu Qi. Their eyes reflected a mixture of apprehension about the unknown, unwavering commitment to justice, and boundless anticipation for the future.

"Generals," Xiao Jinyan's voice was steady and powerful, as unshakable as a mountain, "my mind is made up. I intend to storm the palace, kill the licentious and tyrannical Emperor Liu Kun, and establish a wise and virtuous ruler, Liu Huan, the Prince of Xiangyang, as the new emperor, to restore the nation and save the people from suffering. Are you willing to follow me on this perilous journey?"

Upon hearing this, a resolute glint flashed in Wang Xuanyu's eyes. He straightened his chest and spoke in a firm and powerful voice: "I swear to follow the Protector General to the death, even if it means going through fire and water!"

Luo Chuan followed closely behind. Although his voice was not as impassioned as Wang Xuanyu's, it was equally firm: "Hear the orders of the Imperial Guard, kill the tyrant, and restore a bright and just world!"

Upon hearing this, Xie Dun laughed heartily, slammed his hand on the table, and stood up: "Commander, just tell us what to do! We've risked our lives, we've long since disregarded death, we'll do whatever you say!"

Wu Qi, unusually, spoke up at this moment. Although his voice was low, every word was firm and resolute: "That's right, Protector General, we swear to follow you! You tell us what to do, and we'll do it without hesitation!"

Xiao Jinyan's eyes were sharp as an eagle's as he slowly turned his gaze to Zhang Jing and Zhang Bao, who were standing to the side with complicated expressions.

These two were once brave generals under the Crown Prince, but due to the changing times, they failed to be included in Xiao Jinyan's inner circle. At this moment, they remained silent, as if weighing the storm that was about to break out in their hearts.

"Zhang Jing, Zhang Bao, what are your thoughts on the current situation, Generals?"

Xiao Jinyan's voice was deep and powerful, each word like a heavy hammer, echoing endlessly.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Jing frowned, seemingly unable to believe his ears. He took a step forward, his voice trembling with disbelief: "Commander, aren't you...aren't you plotting a rebellion?"

Xiao Jinyan's lips curled into a cold smile, a smile tinged with both tragedy and resolve: "Yes, it is rebellion, so what? In this world, if you don't rebel, are you just waiting to be preyed upon?"

Zhang Jing's face turned even paler, and he almost pleaded, "Guardian, this is a crime punishable by the extermination of nine generations of your family! You should reconsider! If you fail, not only you, but your entire family will be doomed!"

However, Xiao Jinyan seemed to be driven by an invisible force, his eyes showing no sign of backing down: "Think it over? Think it over my ass! This general has already thought it over countless times! On this road, there is no turning back!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Jing swayed slightly, a flicker of despair crossing his eyes. He spoke again, his voice tinged with pleading: "Commander, if this fails, it truly means the extermination of nine generations of my family! I still have my eighty-year-old mother at home. She has toiled her whole life; how can I let her suffer such a devastating calamity in her old age? Commander, please consider this..."

Xiao Jinyan's eyes were sharp as an eagle's, and his voice was deep and powerful: "Zhang Jing, how old are you this year?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Jing's body trembled slightly, and a hint of panic flashed in his eyes. He quickly composed himself and respectfully replied, "Lord Protector, I am twenty-eight years old this year."

Xiao Jinyan's lips curled into a cold smile, a smile that concealed unspoken sarcasm and suspicion: "Oh? You're twenty-eight this year, while your mother is already eighty. Could it be that she gave birth to you when she was over fifty?"

After he finished speaking, the tent fell into a deathly silence, with only the crackling of the campfire and the faint neighing of warhorses in the distance.

Zhang Jing's face turned deathly pale instantly, and fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead. He swallowed hard and explained in a trembling voice, "Lord Protector, that...that's my foster mother."

"fart!"

Xiao Jinyan roared, his voice like thunder, causing the candlelight in the command tent to flicker. His eyes burned with rage, as if he wanted to devour Zhang Jing. "Zhang Jing, you cowardly bastard, you think you can deceive this general with such a clumsy lie?"

Zhang Jing knelt on the ground, his body trembling slightly with fear. He kowtowed repeatedly, his voice trembling with sobs: "My lord, I didn't do it! Everything I said is true, please investigate!"

Xiao Jinyan snorted coldly, a resolute and ruthless glint in his eyes: "You dog, if you ruin this general's important affairs, I will not let you off easily! Guards!"

Before he finished speaking, two heavily armored soldiers entered the tent. They carried thick ropes, their faces grim, and quickly bound Zhang Jing tightly.

Zhang Jing struggled, his eyes filled with resentment and despair. He shouted hoarsely, "Lord Protector, what do you mean by this?"

Xiao Jinyan's gaze was like a cold, sharp sword, piercing straight into Zhang Jing's heart: "Zhang Jing, you have violated military law and colluded with the enemy. The evidence is conclusive. Considering that you once served our army, this general will grant you a quick death. Take him out and execute him!"

As Xiao Jinyan's cold words fell, two soldiers ruthlessly lifted Zhang Jing up and dragged him out of the command tent.

Zhang Jing's face was pale, sweat mixed with dirt, streaming down his resolute face. His eyes were fixed on Xiao Jinyan, his voice filled with despair and resentment as he hysterically cried out, "Guardian, spare my life!"

Xiao Jinyan stood tall and straight, with a cold and stern face and deep, sharp eyes. He raised his hand slightly and said in a deep and powerful voice, "Drag him out and behead him."

Two fully armed soldiers moved at the sound, approaching Zhang Jing with ghostly speed, their large, iron-like hands gripping his arms tightly. Zhang Jing's body trembled involuntarily, the shadow of death looming over his heart, but the light in his eyes did not go out—it was the desire to live.

At this critical moment of life and death, Zhang Jing suddenly burst forth with unprecedented courage, shouting with all his might: "This humble general is willing to follow the Protector General to kill the tyrannical emperor and restore the nation! Protector General, do not kill me, let me die on the battlefield, not under this cold blade!"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Jinyan frowned slightly. He remained silent for a moment before slowly saying, "Pull it back."

Upon hearing this, the two soldiers swiftly pulled Zhang Jing back from the brink of being dragged away.

Zhang Jing knelt on the ground, panting heavily, his eyes gleaming with the relief of surviving a disaster.

Xiao Jinyan stepped forward slowly, his gaze sharp as he looked directly into Zhang Jing's eyes and asked, "Zhang Jing, are you willing to follow this general and storm the palace?"

Upon hearing this, a resolute and fervent glint flashed in Zhang Jing's eyes. He abruptly raised his head, his voice firm and resounding: "Of course I'm willing! The Protector-General is wise and mighty, and will surely achieve great things! This humble general swears to follow the Protector-General to the death, even at the cost of his life!"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Jinyan's lips curled into a barely perceptible smile. He slowly nodded and said, "Very well, then this general will spare your life and allow you to atone for your crimes through meritorious service. Remember, from this moment on, your life belongs to the battlefield, and to my great cause!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Jing felt a surge of warmth in his heart. He kowtowed heavily, his voice choked with emotion, "This humble general thanks Protector General for sparing my life. I will repay this kindness with my life and live up to your trust!"

Xiao Jinyan stared directly at the crowd before him, his voice low and firm: "Zhang Bao, are you willing to follow this general and storm the palace together to seek justice for the people?"

Zhang Bao's heart was still pounding from witnessing Zhang Jing nearly lose his life to the enemy, and fine beads of sweat glistened on his forehead in the dim firelight.

He swallowed hard, knowing full well that any retreat at this moment would mean certain death. So he immediately knelt on one knee, his voice filled with unwavering resolve: "This humble general Zhang Bao swears to follow the Protector General to the death, even if it means going through fire and water!"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Jinyan's lips curled into a satisfied smile. He knew that at this moment, they had formed a force that could not be underestimated.

"Good! Now that we are united in purpose, thinking and working together, we will surely overcome all obstacles, storm into the palace, kill that tyrannical Liu Kun, and accomplish our great cause!"

Luo Chuan, standing to the side, had an unprecedented gleam in his eyes. He stood up, patted his chest proudly, and said to Xiao Jinyan, "Lord Protector, just tell us what to do! We'll do whatever you say!"

Xiao Jinyan nodded, his gaze sweeping over everyone before finally settling on Zhang Jing.

"Zhang Jing, listen to my command!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Jing's body stiffened, and he strode forward, knelt on one knee, and said firmly, "Your subordinate is here!"

"Zhang Jing," Xiao Jinyan's eyes revealed an unquestionable trust and expectation, "I hereby order you to immediately lead your troops to attack Yong'an Gate. Remember, as long as you can capture Yong'an Gate and hold it firmly, you will have rendered a great service. Once the mission is accomplished, I will reward you handsomely!"

A flicker of excitement and determination flashed in Zhang Jing's eyes. "This subordinate obeys!"

Xiao Jinyan, with a cold and stern face and piercing eyes, shouted in a deep voice, "Zhang Bao, listen to my command!"

Upon hearing the voice, Zhang Bao quickly stepped forward, knelt on one knee, and said in a firm and powerful voice, "Your subordinate is here!"