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

Her words were soft yet firm, as if carrying an undeniable power.

Tan Lin had no choice but to obediently open his mouth and take the spoonful of warm porridge. The aroma of the porridge warmed his stomach and seemed to warm his heart as well. After a few sips, he finally couldn't help but say, "I'll do it myself. How could I trouble you, Madam, to go to such lengths?"

Guan Lingxuan smiled slightly, her smile full of tenderness and encouragement: "It's alright, it's what I should do."

After Tan Lin finished his porridge, Guan Lingxuan, who was sitting next to him, said softly, "I'll go and call my husband right now. He's been so worried about you these past few days, he hasn't been able to eat or drink, he must be so anxious."

Upon hearing this, Tan Lin's eyes reddened slightly, and he said in a low voice, "I'm sorry to have troubled you, Your Highness."

Guan Lingxuan shook her head gently, a bitter smile playing on her lips: "Do you know that your husband would do almost anything for you, even risk his life to save you?"

Upon hearing this, Tan Lin felt a surge of warmth in his heart and firmly said, "I, Tan Lin, will forever remember the great kindness and virtue of the Prince and his wife, and I will repay this kindness in the future, no matter what difficulties I face."

Upon hearing this, Guan Lingxuan smiled gently: "Why mention the words 'repaying kindness'? I only hope that you will not betray my husband's sincere heart in the future, and that will be the greatest reward for us."

Upon hearing this, Tan Lin was startled and quickly said, "Madam, what are you saying? The young master and madam saved my life. If I, Tan Lin, were to ever betray them, I would be worse than a pig or a dog, and be struck by lightning! I, Tan Lin, swear this oath..."

However, before the vow could be fulfilled, Tan Lin's body finally gave way, and a sudden, violent cough struck, as if he were coughing up his internal organs.

Seeing this, Guan Lingxuan quickly stepped forward, gently patting his back with one hand and handing him warm water with the other, saying softly, "Alright, alright, I believe you, okay?"

Just then, Xiao Jinyan strode into the house.

Upon seeing him, Guan Lingxuan rushed forward to report the good news: "Husband, he has woken up."

"Sir..."

Tan Lin's face was as pale as paper. He struggled to sit up in bed and gave Xiao Jin a bow with his hands clasped.

Upon seeing this, Xiao Jinyan quickly stepped forward and gently pressed Tan Lin's shoulder: "General Tan, there's no need for formalities, just listen to what I have to say."

Tan Lin nodded. Although he couldn't move his body, his eyes revealed his gratitude and trust in Xiao Jinyan.

“The general is now seriously injured, and Liu Kun has issued a warrant for your arrest throughout the city. The situation is critical.” Xiao Jinyan’s words were calm and powerful. “The general can only stay at my residence to recuperate. Once you have fully recovered, I will personally escort you out of the city.”

Upon hearing this, Tan Lin felt a surge of warmth in his heart, but then his brows furrowed: "Under the whole heaven, all land belongs to the king; where can I go?"

“Once the general recovers from his injuries, you can go to Pengcheng to seek refuge with my father.” Xiao Jinyan’s tone was full of determination and confidence. “He will take you in and give you a new beginning.”

As Xiao Jinyan spoke, she was calculating in her mind that Han Xiu should already be in Pengcheng by now.

Upon hearing this, a hint of surprise flashed in Tan Lin's eyes, which quickly turned into deep gratitude: "Young Master, why did you save me?"

Xiao Jin said righteously, "For the country and the people, for the sake of the Song Dynasty. General Tan, you are a pillar of the Song Dynasty. I cannot stand by and watch a loyal and virtuous man like you die unjustly."

Tan Lin's voice was deep and firm: "Your Highness, your sincere heart shines as brightly as the sun and moon. My lowly life was saved by Your Highness, and from this day forward, my life belongs to Your Highness!"

Xiao Jinyan shook his head slightly, his brows revealing an undeniable air of authority: "General Tan, you are mistaken. Your life does not belong to me, Xiao Jinyan, but to the Song Dynasty and its people. On this journey to Pengcheng, you must follow my father, fight the enemy, serve your country, and protect the peace of this land."

Tan Lin's eyes reddened slightly. He hugged Xiao Jin Yan tightly, his voice choked with emotion: "Your Highness, I, Tan Lin, will remember this! In this life, I will never fail you!"

Just then, the door opened slightly, and a cool fragrance wafted in on the breeze.

Guan Lingxuan looked up, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes: "Sister, what brings you here?"

Yu Xin'er, dressed in an elegant long dress, slowly entered the room, a half-smile playing on her lips. Her eyes lingered between Xiao Jinyan and Guan Lingxuan: "When did you two learn to do things behind my back? Am I now an outsider?"

Seeing this, Tan Lin became curious and asked Xiao Jinyan, "Who is this lady?"

Xiao Jinyan smiled and introduced, "This is my wife, Yu Xin'er, daughter of Yu Jin, the Chamberlain."

Tan Lin quickly bowed and said, "So you are Madam. My apologies for not recognizing you."

Yu Xin'er smiled slightly and said casually, "I was wondering why my husband had been going to Xuan'er's room so often these days. I was even thinking that Xuan'er had recently mastered some special skill that had bewitched my husband. It turns out that it is General Tan who can bewitch him."

Tan Lin seemed a little uneasy. He coughed lightly and laughed awkwardly, "Madam really loves to joke."

Yu Xin'er's lips curled into a playful smile: "Oh dear, General Tan, our Qi State Duke's Mansion has been lacking in etiquette. Perhaps you could take a look..."

Tan Lin could easily understand Yu Xin'er's unspoken meaning, and said knowingly, "Well... there is a difference between men and women, and etiquette cannot be disregarded. It would be more appropriate for me to find another residence in the mansion. Staying here with Madam Guan is really not suitable."

Upon hearing this, Guan Lingxuan frowned slightly, thinking, "How can this be? Once Tan Lin leaves, Xiao Jinyan naturally can't come to sleep here every night anymore..."

So, with some worry, she said, "How can that be? General Tan's identity is sensitive, and this is a time of great turmoil. If his whereabouts are exposed, not only will the general himself be in danger, but the entire Qi State Duke's mansion will probably be in trouble. This matter is absolutely not to be taken lightly."

Tan Lin smiled slightly and said, "Madam Guan is overthinking it. As long as you are in the Duke of Qi's mansion, there is nothing unsafe. Besides, Madam Guan is so beautiful, so stunning. How could the young master feel at ease having a rough man like me living in your courtyard? No wonder he comes here every day. Who could feel at ease having such a beautiful lady by his side?"

Guan Lingxuan was both amused and exasperated, while Xiao Jinyan pretended not to hear.

Yu Xin'er, who was listening from the side, covered her mouth and chuckled, and interjected, "How about this, General Tan can move to the courtyard of those two maids, Cherry and Peach. They are both loyal to the young master, clever, and considerate.

Upon hearing this, Tan Lin quickly replied, "That would be excellent."

In truth, Tan Lin was also eager to move out. No matter how beautiful Guan Lingxuan was, she was still Xiao Jinyan's concubine, and living with her would feel awkward. It would be much better to go to the two maids' quarters, where she could feel more free and comfortable.