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

Xiao Jinyan smiled slightly and said, "You flatter me, Commander."

He Jian stepped forward, his eyes gleaming with admiration. He patted Xiao Jinyan on the shoulder, his voice booming like a bell: "Jinyan, since you came to the Tiger Warrior Camp, the morale of the camp has been so high and the atmosphere so completely renewed, it is truly unprecedented. I am relieved to have the Tiger Warrior Camp in your hands."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Jinyan smiled modestly and said, "Fighting for the country and sharing the emperor's burdens is our duty."

Just as everyone was immersed in this rare harmony and excitement, a series of hurried and solemn footsteps broke the silence, followed by a loud, lifeless shout...

"The imperial edict has arrived!"

Chief eunuch Liu Teng, dressed in magnificent palace robes, was followed closely by a menacing guard, like a dark cloud pressing down on the enemy, instantly plunging the entire Tiger Guard Camp into a solemn atmosphere.

Holding the imperial edict with yellow silk in hand, Liu Teng loudly proclaimed, "He Jian, Commander of the Central Guard, receive this decree!"

Upon hearing this, He Jian's expression turned solemn. He quickly straightened his clothes, knelt down on both knees, and moved swiftly and respectfully.

Upon seeing this, Xiao Jin and the other generals also knelt on the ground to listen to Liu Teng read the imperial edict. The whole scene was solemn and dignified, and the air seemed to freeze.

Liu Teng's high-pitched and clear voice echoed in the empty camp: "By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: He Jian, the Commander of the Central Guard, is brave and skilled in battle, and has made outstanding contributions. He is hereby promoted to Commander-in-Chief and shall guard the Imperial Palace from this day forward without fail. The position of Commander-in-Chief shall be succeeded by General Han Xiu of Ning Shuo. So be it!"

After the imperial edict was read, everyone was shocked.

He Jian immediately kowtowed to Liu Teng: "Your humble servant He Jian thanks Your Majesty for your great kindness!"

Han Xiu was a trusted general of the Crown Prince. He was highly skilled in martial arts and brave in battle. His tiger-headed golden spear once made many fierce generals of the Northern Wei Dynasty tremble with fear, earning him the nickname "Spear King of the Northern Border".

Xiao Jinyan couldn't help but think that the position of the General in charge of guarding the palace was no small matter, and was usually held by a trusted military officer of the emperor. Now, the emperor had given this crucial position to He Jian, and even the position of the Guard General was being held by a confidant of the crown prince. This meant that the imperial guards of both the inner and outer cities of Jiankang were essentially controlled by the crown prince's men. Could it be... that the emperor was about to pass away and was making preparations for the crown prince's succession?

As the imperial edict was read aloud, Liu Teng slowly put it away, walked to He Jian, helped him up, and said respectfully, "General He, the former Commander-in-Chief Jiang Zhan has been enfeoffed by His Majesty as the Duke of Anxi and is now retired to enjoy his old age. From now on, the palace guards will all depend on General He. I hope that you will not fail His Majesty's trust."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Jinyan couldn't help but think, "Wasn't the former General Jiang Zhan the emperor's childhood friend and confidant? He's just been given the title of Duke and sent home to retire? It seems the emperor is definitely going to pass away soon, and the throne will be passed to the crown prince."

He Jian's tone was filled with barely concealed excitement and awe: "Eunuch Liu, this humble subject will certainly do his utmost to serve Your Majesty, even at the cost of his life."

Liu Teng nodded slightly, a barely perceptible hint of approval flashing in his eyes, which had seen the vicissitudes of life. He slowly handed the imperial edict to He Jian, the edict seeming to bear an immense weight.

He Jian received the imperial edict with trembling hands. He unfolded it and read the words. The words revealed the emperor's boundless grace, and his heart was filled with surging emotions.

After Liu Teng and his group left the Tiger Guard Camp, He Jian took a deep breath, turned to Xiao Jinyan beside him and said, "Jinyan, come with me to the headquarters. I have important matters to discuss."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Jinyan nodded slightly and followed He Jian through the winding official road to the Protectorate Headquarters. Inside the headquarters, the desks were filled with ancient military books, a precious sword hung behind the desks, and a set of bright armor shimmering with dark gold light hung to the side.

“Jinyan,” He Jian’s voice was deep and powerful, “His Majesty appointed me as the Commander-in-Chief General and then appointed Han Xiu as the Protector-General. Do you know the deeper meaning behind this?” His gaze was fixed on Xiao Jinyan, as if searching for an answer, or as if confirming some kind of tacit understanding.

Xiao Jinyan's gaze was deep, as if he could see into people's hearts: "Your Majesty's days are probably numbered, and the Crown Prince will soon ascend the throne. This personnel change is Your Majesty's plan to stabilize the court and pave the way for the new emperor."

Upon hearing this, He Jian smiled knowingly: "Jin Yan, although we have not known each other for long, I have already deeply witnessed your talent and ability. Once the Crown Prince ascends the throne, I will do my utmost to recommend you and make sure the Crown Prince values ​​you. Together, we will assist the new emperor and create a prosperous era."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Jinyan's eyes flashed with emotion, feeling that happiness had come somewhat suddenly. He then bowed deeply and said, "Thank you for your kindness, General. I will certainly live up to your expectations, swear to serve the country to the death, and protect the new emperor."

He Jian then selected two military books from the desk and handed them to Xiao Jinyan, saying, "Jinyan, one of these two military books is about the art of commanding an army, and the other is about marching formations. Take them back and study them carefully."

Xiao Jinyan quickly cupped his hands in thanks and said, "This humble general thanks the general for his guidance."

He Jian patted Xiao Jinyan on the shoulder and smiled, "Jinyan, there's no need for formalities between us brothers."

Xiao Jinyan couldn't help but smile slightly, thinking to himself, whether the Crown Prince will value me after he ascends the throne is secondary; the key is that once he's on the throne, there won't be any more messy power struggles. That way, I won't become the focus of the power struggles, and I can finally enjoy a few days of peace…

---------

The following day, at the residence of the Right Minister.

Prince Liu Kun of Guangling appeared flustered, his eyes gleaming with unease. Like a lost wolf in the night, he hurriedly traversed the streets and alleys under the protection of his soldiers, heading straight for the residence of the Right Minister. The night wind blew, causing his robes to flutter, but it could not dispel the gloom in his heart.

Upon hearing the news, Wei Wuji came out and, seeing Liu Kun's appearance, had already guessed what was going on. He quickly stepped forward and said in a low but urgent voice, "Your Majesty, the situation is urgent. It would be best if we went to a private room to discuss this in detail."

After saying that, the two of them flashed and quietly entered the depths of the mansion. The hidden door to the secret room slowly closed behind them, as if isolating them from the noise and danger of the outside world.

Inside the secret room, the flickering candlelight illuminated two worried faces.

Liu Kun could no longer contain his panic, and his voice trembled as he said, "Right Minister, now that Father has suddenly appointed He Jian as Commander-in-Chief and Han Xiu as Protector-General, the power of the Imperial Guards in Jiankang's inner and outer cities has fallen entirely into the hands of the Crown Prince. What... what should I do?"

Upon hearing this, Wei Wuji frowned, a complex light flashing in his eyes. He spoke slowly, his voice low and powerful: "Does Your Majesty know that former General Jiang Zhan has been granted the title of Duke of Anxi by His Majesty, but in reality, he has been dismissed and is now retired at home. This is no accident. I fear His Majesty's health is declining day by day, and a cataclysmic event could occur in an instant. His Majesty is paving the way for the Crown Prince's smooth succession. The severity of the situation is evident."

Upon hearing this, Liu Kun's face turned deathly pale. His hands clenched into fists, and his voice was filled with despair: "Right Minister, I have been openly and covertly fighting with the Crown Prince, and we are like oil and water. Once the Crown Prince ascends the throne, do you think he will let me go? I... I cannot sit idly by and wait for my death!"