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

Just then, Pan Jieyu suddenly leaned closer and placed a gentle yet passionate kiss on Xiao Jinyan's cheek. The kiss was like the first ray of sunshine on a summer morning, warm and bright, causing ripples to spread across Xiao Jinyan's heart.

However, good times are always fleeting. Xiao Jinyan suddenly remembered something, her brows furrowed slightly, and her tone carried a hint of reluctance and urgency: "Right, I have to hurry up and go. It should have been more than two incense sticks' worth of time by now, right?"

Although Pan Jieyu was unwilling, she understood Xiao Jinyan's difficulties. She nodded gently, her eyes full of understanding and reluctance: "It seems so, my husband. Please be careful in everything you do."

Xiao Jinyan took a deep breath, trying to calm the turmoil in his heart. He looked at Pan Jieyu again with deep affection, then resolutely sat up from the bed, saying while tidying his clothes, "No, I really have to go right away."

Pan Jieyu's slender fingers gently moved through Xiao Jinyan's clothes, carefully adjusting his collar. Every movement revealed endless tenderness and reluctance.

Her eyes sparkled with longing and anticipation as she whispered, "My lord, once you've finished dealing with matters at court, don't forget to come back and favor me."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Jinyan felt a surge of warmth in his heart. He lowered his head and planted a kiss on Pan Jieyu's fair cheek. The kiss was passionate and affectionate, as if he wanted to concentrate all his love in this moment.

"Don't worry, my darling, I will definitely come and pamper you."

After speaking, he slowly stood up and gracefully put on his carved boots, each step exuding composure yet dignity.

"I'm leaving now, baby. Wait for me to come back."

Xiao Jinyan said softly, her eyes filled with tenderness and reluctance.

Seeing this, Pan Jieyu felt a mix of emotions. She suddenly stepped forward, wrapped her arms tightly around Xiao Jinyan's waist, buried her head in his chest, and said in a slightly choked voice, "Husband, I really can't bear to part with you."

Xiao Jinyan gently stroked Pan Jieyu's soft hand and comforted her tenderly, "It's alright, baby, I know how you feel. But we are people with heavy responsibilities, and this temporary separation is for a longer reunion. Next time, we'll do what we haven't finished."

Upon hearing this, Consort Pan's eyes reddened slightly, but she understood the heavy burden on Xiao Jinyan's shoulders. She slowly loosened her arms and watched him leave, her eyes filled with reluctance and anticipation. Only when his tall and upright figure disappeared at the palace gate did she finally turn around, tears silently sliding down her cheeks and dripping onto the floor with a soft, crisp sound.

Meanwhile, after leaving the palace, Xiao Jinyan strode resolutely toward Qianyang Palace.

At this moment, a tense atmosphere filled the area outside Qianyang Palace. Liu Kun was firmly pinned to the ground by soldiers, looking disheveled.

Yu Jin, Jiang Zhan, and other high-ranking officials of the court stood solemnly outside the main hall. Their eyes reflected both worry about what was about to happen and support for Xiao Jinyan's decision. All around, Xiao Jinyan's troops stood ready, their armor gleaming coldly in the sunlight, and the air was filled with a tense yet expectant atmosphere.

Xiao Jinyan stepped into the main hall, each step demonstrating an unquestionable resolve.

Wang Xuanyu's eyes gleamed with urgency in the dim candlelight. He turned abruptly, pointed outside the hall, and said in an undeniable tone of urgency, "Look, Commander Xiao is here!"

Huan Rongzu's face was solemn and dignified. He slowly stood up and said in a deep and powerful voice, "Commander Xiao, please take charge of this grand plan to abolish the incompetent and establish the wise. At this critical moment for the nation, we are all willing to follow you to the death."

Upon hearing this, Luo Chuan's eyes flashed with excitement. He clenched his fists and said in a booming voice, "Yes, Commander Xiao, quickly lead us to depose that tyrant, restore order to the country, and return a bright and clear world to the land!"

Under the expectant gazes of the crowd, Xiao Jinyan slowly walked into the center of the hall, his figure appearing exceptionally tall and upright. He surveyed his surroundings, his gaze deep and resolute.

"Ministers," his voice was steady and powerful, "I have a decision to announce. Liu Kun is licentious and tyrannical, neglecting the people's suffering and disregarding their plight. He is a great scourge to the nation and should be deposed!"

These words immediately caused an uproar in the hall.

Upon hearing this, Liu Kun's expression changed drastically, his eyes widened in anger, and he cursed, "Traitors! How dare you!"

However, before he could finish speaking, he was suddenly pressed down by the soldiers who were already poised behind him, and his mouth was tightly covered, leaving him only able to make muffled struggling sounds.

Upon seeing this, Yu Jin frowned. Although his heart was in turmoil, he remained calm and rational on the surface: "Commander Xiao, after we depose Liu Kun, who should we install as the new emperor?"

Xiao Jinyan nodded slightly, his eyes revealing an unquestionable determination: "Liu Huan, the Prince of Xiangyang, is of noble character, possesses both talent and virtue, and is deeply loved by the people. He is capable of shouldering this great responsibility and can be established as the new emperor."

At this moment, the atmosphere in the hall was extremely tense, and everyone seemed to hold their breath.

Yu Jin slowly rose to his feet, his expression unusually firm: "Since that's the case, I, this old minister, have no objection to this decision that concerns the safety of the nation. The country cannot be without a ruler for a day, and the establishment of a new emperor is imminent."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Jinyan's lips curled into an undeniable smile: "The Duke of Chu has already agreed to depose the incompetent and tyrannical Liu Kun and install the wise and mighty Prince of Xiangyang, Liu Huan, as the new emperor. This is in accordance with the will of Heaven and the will of the people. Do any of you gentlemen have any objections?"

Jiang Zhan frowned, seemingly burdened with a thousand concerns and deep thoughts: "After deposing Liu Kun, what are your thoughts on his placement, Commander Xiao?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Jinyan's eyes flickered slightly, as if he had already made up his mind: "Liu Kun should be deposed and demoted to the Prince of Cangwu, and ordered to set off immediately to his remote fiefdom as punishment, and also to ensure his future safety. As for the Duke of Han, do you have any other questions?"

Jiang Zhan looked around and saw a dense forest of soldiers standing tall, their armor reflecting a cold light, and a tense atmosphere like an impending storm permeating the air. He knew all too well that the imperial court was no longer the place where dissent could be easily expressed as it once was.

He sighed softly, as if bidding farewell to an old era, and finally nodded: "This old minister has no objection. I entrust all authority to Protector-General Xiao. May our Great Song Dynasty, under Protector-General Xiao's leadership, usher in a new dawn."

As Jiang Zhan finished speaking, the atmosphere in the court seemed to subtly change, with an unprecedented mix of anticipation and tension.

The statements from Yu Jin and Jiang Zhan, two important ministers in the court, acted like a shot in the arm, making everyone present realize that a momentous coup was about to unfold. Liu Kun, the former emperor, was about to fade from the annals of history, becoming a shadow on the eve of the new emperor's ascension.

Seeing this, Xiao Jinyan nodded in satisfaction. His gaze pierced through the crowd, as if he could already see a glorious future: "Since both Prime Ministers Jiang Zhan and Yu Jin have no objections, then the matter of deposing Liu Kun is settled. Let us all look forward to Prince Liu Huan of Xiangyang leading our Great Song Dynasty to an unprecedented golden age!"

Wang Xuanyu's gaze was sharp, and his voice carried an undeniable determination: "Since the Protector General has no objections, then we should act without delay and immediately send Liu Kun to his fiefdom to avoid any unforeseen complications. Afterward, we will bring out the true descendant of the dragon, Liu Huan, from that filthy pigsty, so that he may once again ascend to the throne and restore the legitimacy of our dynasty."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Jinyan's lips curled into a deep and complex smile. He nodded slowly, his voice low and powerful: "General Wang is absolutely right. Our primary task is to ensure that Liu Kun leaves the capital smoothly, so as not to cause any unforeseen complications. As for the new emperor's enthronement ceremony, it should be prepared in a grand and meticulous manner, so that all the people of the world know that the legitimacy of our dynasty can continue."

Just as the two were discussing the matter, an unexpected event occurred.

As if driven by a sudden surge of rage, Liu Kun broke free of his restraints, his eyes bloodshot, and roared like a trapped beast: "Xiao Jinyan, you treacherous traitor! How dare you plot to usurp the throne! What place do you place for my royal family!"

Before he could finish speaking, Liu Kun swayed as if to rush towards Xiao Jinyan, but a swift-thinking soldier struck him from behind with such force that he staggered several steps and fell heavily to the ground. Amidst the rising dust, Liu Kun struggled to get up, but could only lie helplessly on the ground, his face filled with resentment and anger.

"Xiao Jinyan, you traitor! How can my Liu family's empire be destroyed by your hands!" Liu Kun lay on the ground, his voice weak but each word resounding, as if he were using his last bit of strength to protest against this unjust fate.

Xiao Jinyan's face was as cold as frost. He gently raised his hand, signaling the surrounding soldiers to quiet down. Then, his voice echoed in the hall, carrying an undeniable authority: "From this day forward, Liu Kun shall immediately leave the capital to take up his fief. Anyone who obstructs him shall be regarded as a traitor and executed without exception. You must ensure that he arrives safely at his fief, without fail."

As Xiao Jinyan gave the order, several soldiers quickly stepped forward and lifted Liu Kun from the ground. His struggles seemed so futile; he could only watch helplessly as he drifted further and further away from the center of power. Outside the hall, the afterglow of the setting sun cast long shadows on their backs, seemingly telling a poignant story of dynastic change.

Three days later, as dawn broke and a faint bluish-purple hue appeared on the horizon, a richly decorated carriage slowly made its way south along a winding path on the outskirts of Jiankang. The sound of its wheels rolling over the bluestone slabs was particularly clear in the quiet air.

Around the carriage, a troop of armored soldiers stood ready, their horses' hooves kicking up dust, adding to the solemnity and grandeur of the journey. Inside, Liu Kun, dressed in a brocade robe, sat with a calm expression, his eyes closed, seemingly filled with anticipation for their upcoming destination.

However, just as this tranquility was about to extend indefinitely, the carriage suddenly stopped. Liu Kun abruptly opened his eyes, a hint of surprise flashing in them. He quickly straightened his clothes and stepped out of the carriage.

The scene before him took him by surprise—the soldiers who had been guarding the area had vanished without a trace, leaving only empty fields and sparse trees in the distance, a deathly silence tinged with an ominous air.

Just then, three slender figures slowly entered their field of vision, as if stepping out of a painting. They were Yang Rong, Lü Zhu, and Li Yue Rui, all three of whom were famous beauties. But at this moment, their faces were no longer gentle, but covered with frost, and their eyes flashed with the flames of revenge. They blocked the carriage, forming an insurmountable barrier.

"Liu Kun, did you ever imagine this day would come?" Yang Rong's voice was low and powerful, filled with deep-seated hatred.

Liu Kun forced himself to remain calm, a cold smile playing on his lips: "Yang Rong, what are you playing at? I, Liu Kun, am an upright and honest person. When have I ever harmed your sister?"

Upon hearing this, Yang Rong's anger intensified, and her voice trembled as she said, "Liu Kun, don't try to deny it! My sister, Yang Xi'er, was forcibly taken by you because of your selfish desires, and ultimately committed suicide, her life cut short. Today, I, Yang Rong, will seek justice for her and take your dog's life!"

Liu Kun's expression changed slightly, but he quickly regained his composure. He sneered, "Yang Rong, you bitch, spouting nonsense. I, Liu Kun, have always acted with a clear conscience. How would I know who your sister is?"

Yang Rong laughed in fury, a gleaming dagger now in her hand. She approached Liu Kun step by step, her voice icy cold: "Liu Kun, you won't leave here alive today. I've waited so long for this day. I'll show you that debts must be repaid!"

Liu Kun's voice trembled slightly, yet he still maintained his usual authority: "You, Yang Rong, don't do anything reckless! I, Liu Kun, am no longer the emperor, but I am still a prince of the Song Dynasty, a prince who has his own territory! How dare you act recklessly and kill innocent people in broad daylight?"

Upon hearing this, Yang Rong's lips curled into a cold smile. She slowly stepped forward, each step seemingly treading on Liu Kun's gradually crumbling psychological defenses.

"Liu Kun, who do you think you are? In this chaotic world, strength is king. Taking your life now would be as easy as turning my hand, as easy as crushing an ant. What difficulty would that be?"

Liu Kun's face turned deathly pale instantly. He never imagined he would end up like this. He emphasized again, his voice tinged with pleading: "I am a prince of the Great Song Dynasty, a true member of the royal family! If you dare to touch me, you will be making an enemy of the entire Great Song Dynasty. In this vast world, there will be no place for you to hide!"

However, Yang Rong merely smiled contemptuously, then winked at Li Yuerui, who remained silent to the side, her eyes filled with determination and ruthlessness.

"Yinrui, do it. Let him taste the pain of losing his most precious thing, so that he can understand what true fear is."

Li Yuerui, the renowned female swordswoman known for her swift blades, gripped her gleaming twin swords tightly and steadily approached Liu Kun upon hearing this. Each step she took seemed to herald the end of Liu Kun's fate; the light reflecting off her swords in the sunlight was like the scythe of death, sending chills down one's spine.

"Liu Kun, because of your arrest warrant, I, Li Yuerui, had to live in hiding, hiding here and there, and dared not show my face in Jiankang for half a year! Today, let me use this knife to end all the suffering you have brought me."

Upon seeing this, a genuine fear finally flashed in Liu Kun's eyes. He instinctively reached up to cover his crotch, his body involuntarily retreating, his voice trembling so much it was almost inaudible: "No, no! You traitors, how dare you do this! I am a prince of the Great Song Dynasty, a prince of the Great Song Dynasty..."

In that tense moment when the air seemed to vibrate, Green Pearl's voice, like a spring breeze brushing against ice, carried a hint of playfulness and elusiveness: "Silver Bud, wait a moment."

Liu Kun's heart skipped a beat, as if he had grasped at the last straw. He shouted with all his might, "Heroine, save me!"

However, Green Pearl's next words were like a bucket of cold water, instantly extinguishing the faint flame in his heart.

"Yinrui, don't kill him yet," a meaningful smile appeared on her lips, "Let me play with him for a bit first."

As she spoke, Green Pearl slowly stepped forward, her steps light and graceful, like a forest sprite leaping through the trees, each step seemingly weaving an unknown destiny.