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

To be honest, Li Yuerui really wanted to curse. She used to be a captain in the Imperial Guard, holding a secure job in the Song Dynasty, living a prestigious and worry-free life. But how did she end up like this?

Back then, when the Crown Prince and the Prince of Guangling were locked in a fierce battle, Li Yuerui reported to Yang Rong and first proposed the first plan, which was also the plan that Li Yuerui most wanted to implement. That was to protect the Crown Prince and break out of Xuanwu Gate, then call in reinforcements to concentrate fire and kill the Prince of Guangling.

In this way, once the Crown Prince has secured the throne, Li Yuerui will be credited for protecting the emperor and helping him rise to power. At the very least, she could become a Wuwei General. Wouldn't that be wonderful?

However, Yang Rong ruthlessly rejected this plan, on the grounds that she did not want the Song Dynasty to be stable.

Even so, even if Li Yuerui only offered minor encouragement or support during the Prince of Guangling's plot to murder the Crown Prince, or even did nothing but cheer him on, she could still be promoted three ranks once the Prince of Guangling secured his throne—a win without lifting a finger…

However, this plan was ruthlessly rejected by Yang Rong, who argued that the Prince of Guangling would also have to die, otherwise the Song Dynasty would not be able to maintain its stability.

Thus, Yang Rong's obsession with revenge led Li Yuerui to devise a near-suicidal plan, pushing her to her doom. After the Crown Prince's death, she planned to open the Xuanwu Gate and let He Jian's imperial guards storm in…

As a result, Li Yuerui was transformed from a military officer into a wanted criminal of the Prince of Guangling because of this rebellious act, and she had to hide everywhere, living in constant fear.

Li Yuerui couldn't help but sneer, thinking to herself, "Princess, I, Yinrui, have done right by you. To hell with the revenge!"

Not far away, in the shadow of the city gate, a notice was posted on the wall. The image drawn on it bore an uncanny resemblance to Li Yuerui—a slender yet beautiful woman. Soldiers, long spears in hand and stern-faced, checked every passerby, the atmosphere so tense it was almost suffocating.

Just then, a group of soldiers approached in orderly steps, holding notices and with piercing eyes, heading towards Li Yuerui.

Li Yuerui's heart tightened, and she instinctively buried her head deep in her arms, hugging her knees tightly, trying to find some solace in this last refuge.

But fate seemed determined not to let her off so easily. A soldier rudely ordered, "You, lift your head!"

At that moment, Li Yuerui's fingers unconsciously slid towards her waist, where a sharp dagger was hidden. It seemed she had no other choice but to resist arrest; her silver hair was too easily recognizable, making it impossible to escape the soldiers' search.

Just as Li Yuerui was about to make a desperate gamble and draw her knife in retaliation, a gentle yet firm voice suddenly rang out...

“These are people from the Duke of Qi’s mansion; you must not be rude to them.”

As the voice faded, a swordsman wearing a felt hat walked slowly towards them. The heroic spirit and composure he exuded seemed to dispel the surrounding gloom.

It was Luo Chuan. His appearance undoubtedly brought a glimmer of hope to this extremely tense atmosphere.

"So it was Commandant Luo himself who came."

Upon seeing Luo Chuan, the soldiers stopped what they were doing, a hint of awe flashing in their eyes. They whispered, "In that case, let's not delay any longer and go take a look over there."

After saying that, they left like a tide, their hurried steps leaving behind a trail of dust.

Li Yuerui witnessed this scene and secretly rejoiced that she had escaped a disaster.

After the soldiers had gone, she looked at Luo Chuan with a complicated expression, her voice trembling slightly: "You...you're Xiao Jinyan's man? Why did you help him?"

Luo Chuan's gaze was deep, as if he could see into people's hearts: "Don't ask so many questions, just come with me."

As he spoke, he pulled the brim of Li Yuerui's tattered hat down even further and whispered, "Remember, keep your hat down so no one recognizes you. This is no place to stay for long; we must leave as soon as possible."

At this point, Li Yuerui was at her wit's end and had few other options. She also felt that if Xiao Jinyan really wanted to harm her, there was no need for him to go to such lengths. So she followed Luo Chuan.

Luo Chuan quietly led Li Yuerui out of the city. They mounted the horses that had been prepared and galloped northwards. After traveling about thirty miles, a magnificent manor came into view. Nestled against the mountains and beside the water, it was imposing and grand, as if it were a work of art sculpted by nature and skilled craftsmen. The beauty of the scenery was breathtaking.

Passing through the ornately decorated gate, the two entered the manor, where a lush garden awaited their arrival. Within the garden, flowers of every color vied for attention, their fragrance intoxicating, as if each blossom were telling its own story. Luo Chuan led Li Yue Rui through the sea of ​​flowers, finally stopping before an exquisite little pavilion.

Inside the pavilion, Xiao Jinyan stood with his hands behind his back, his robes fluttering, his eyes filled with a mixture of expectation and gentleness. Beside him, Wang Xuanyu leisurely wiped a knife with a cloth, occasionally glancing into the distance. Two maids, Cherry and Peach, dressed in brightly colored clothes, were busily preparing tea and snacks, their movements light and elegant.

Upon seeing Li Yuerui's arrival, a barely perceptible hint of surprise flashed in Xiao Jinyan's eyes: "Luo Chuan, is this Yinrui?"

Luo Chuan nodded and said, "Indeed, Your Highness."

Immediately, Xiao Jinyan noticed that Li Yuerui was dressed in tattered clothes, filthy and smelling foul, which was completely out of place with the luxury of the manor. He frowned slightly and ordered, "Cherry, Peach, quickly go and let her take a bath and change into clean clothes."

So, Li Yuerui, with faltering steps, was led by her two maids, Cherry and Peach, to a fragrant side room. Inside, an exquisitely carved bathtub stood quietly, hot water bubbling within, a few delicate flower petals floating leisurely, like the gentlest touch of springtime scenery.

Cherry and Peach, their eyes filled with smiles, skillfully removed Li Yuerui's dirty clothes. As each garment gently slid off, Li Yuerui's jade-like, smooth skin was gradually revealed, especially her long, slender, and fair legs, which appeared even more translucent, as if a fairy had descended to earth.

The moment she stepped into the bathtub, the warm water instantly enveloped every inch of Li Yuerui's skin. She couldn't help but let out a soft cry. It was a comfort that came from the inside out, as if the fatigue of the past few days had been completely dissolved by the warm water.

The fragrance of petals mingled with the moisture, filling the entire space with a delightful aroma. Li Yue Rui closed her eyes, enjoying this rare tranquility and comfort. Her skin, moisturized by the hot water, appeared even whiter and smoother, as if she had been reborn.

After her bath, Cherry and Peach carefully dried Li Yuerui's body and then quickly helped her change into a clean and exquisite set of clothes. The clothes were embroidered with delicate patterns, which made Li Yuerui even more radiant, restoring her stunning beauty. A faint smile played between her brows, like the most beautiful flower in spring.

After taking a bath, Li Yuerui felt hungry, so she frowned slightly and asked softly, "Is there anything to eat?"