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

"Wait here for me, don't move."

Xiao Jinyan gently leaned Guan Lingxuan's body against a large, sturdy rock. Then, he flashed to the side of the black-clad man's corpse, pulled the blood-stained dagger from the body, and wiped the blade with the corner of his clothes.

"Husband, what are you doing?"

"Silly girl, watch closely, I'm going to show you a magic trick."

"Husband, what is magic?"

"You'll find out later."

Xiao Jinyan's gaze swept quickly around before settling on a protruding rock. He strode forward, bent down to pick it up, then bent down again to gather the scattered hay and gently placed it at Guan Lingxuan's trembling feet.

Then, Xiao Jinyan gripped the dagger tightly and rubbed it forcefully against the rock, sparks flying everywhere. A few sparks landed on the haystack, and instantly, a small flame rose into the air, quickly spreading and turning into a roaring campfire.

A hint of surprise flashed in Guan Lingxuan's eyes: "My husband is really amazing, he can even start a fire with this."

Xiao Jinyan's gaze softened as he looked at Guan Lingxuan with deep affection: "Madam is injured and must feel cold. Let's light a fire to warm you up."

Guan Lingxuan smiled slightly: "I feel warm, not because of this fire, but because my husband is by my side. No matter when or where, my heart is always warm."

Xiao Jinyan felt a warmth in his heart and said, "Madam, you must hold on and not fall asleep. We will treat your injuries as soon as we get home."

Guan Lingxuan nodded vigorously, her eyes glistening with tears of emotion.

Xiao Jinyan then took out the list of the Crown Prince's remaining supporters that Tan Lin had sent him. He carefully browsed through it, trying to memorize all the information. Then, he crumpled the paper into a ball and threw it into the fire.

In his previous life, Xiao Jinyan possessed the qualities of a special forces soldier, having a photographic memory. Naturally, keeping such a thing in his possession might cause unnecessary trouble.

After a while, the sound of hurried but orderly footsteps came from afar. Accompanied by the neighing of horses, Luo Chuan and Wang Xuanyu led a mighty army that surged in like a tide, raising dust and displaying an imposing momentum.

Wang Xuanyu spurred his horse forward, his eyes flashing with anxiety and anger: "Commander, I have heard that someone dared to assassinate you. Who is it that has the audacity to do such a thing?"

Xiao Jinyan's expression was calm and profound: "Xuanyu, there's no need to ask any more questions. Now is not the time to pursue this matter. The most urgent task is to escort my wife and me back to the city as soon as possible to avoid any further complications."

"Yes, Commander." Wang Xuanyu nodded.

Xiao Jinyan's gaze involuntarily turned to the depths of the dense forest beside him, where Tanlin was hidden among the lush trees, quietly watching over them.

Seeing that Xiao Jinyan had reinforcements to meet him, Tan Lin silently wished him well. He then spurred his horse and galloped away from Jiankang.

Two hours later, at the Duke of Qi's residence.

In the quiet boudoir, Guan Lingxuan's wounds had been carefully treated by the doctor and meticulously bandaged with layers of fine cloth. She lay weakly on the soft brocade quilt, her breathing, though slightly rapid, gradually becoming steady. The doctor had just left, leaving behind the room filled with the scent of herbs and a lingering sense of tension.

Cherry and Peach, two clever maids, one carrying Guan Lingxuan's blood-stained clothes, tiptoed out of the room, afraid of disturbing their mistress's rest; the other carefully carried away a basin of scarlet water, which had just been used to treat the wound.

Xiao Jinyan stood by the bed, a lingering fear still visible on his handsome face: "That was close. The doctor just said that if the wound had been just an inch deeper, I'm afraid..."

Yu Xin'er gently held Guan Lingxuan's hand and comforted her, "Sister, you survived this ordeal. It must be the blessing of heaven. You will surely have good fortune in the future."

Guan Lingxuan laboriously reached out her other hand and gently grasped Xiao Jinyan's sleeve, her eyes filled with dependence: "Husband, could you... sleep in my room these next few days?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Jinyan turned to look at Yu Xiner.

Upon seeing this, Yu Xin'er nodded slightly, giving her an approving look.

So Xiao Jinyan nodded, stroked Guan Lingxuan's smooth shoulder, and said softly, "Okay, silly girl, I'll stay with you these days."

“That’s wonderful,” Guan Lingxuan said, a faint blush appearing on her pale face. “If I had known that this would bring me my husband’s company, I would have preferred to endure more cuts.”

"Silly girl, you're talking nonsense." Xiao Jinyan scolded softly, his tone full of affection. He reached out and gently stroked Guan Lingxuan's soft hair, then gently tucked the blanket around her. "Rest well. I'm going out for a bit, I'll be back soon."

Xiao Jinyan turned around, gazing intently towards the door, and gently gestured for Yu Xin'er to follow. The two walked one after the other, their steps steady.

Upon reaching the door, Xiao Jinyan stopped, turned to look at Yu Xin'er, his eyes sharp as an eagle: "Madam, who do you think this assassin is?"

Yu Xin'er bit her lower lip lightly, her brows furrowed: "I can't say for sure, but for some reason, I always feel that Yang Rong is highly suspicious."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Jinyan's eyes flashed with surprise: "Yang Rong? Would she send someone to assassinate me at this time? Wouldn't that be courting death?"

Yu Xin'er's gaze was complicated: "Yang Rong is a woman with a deep mind and unpredictable actions. This time, her husband just released her from house arrest, and this assassination attempt happened right afterward. It's hard not to be suspicious."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Jinyan's eyes instantly sharpened.

An hour later, at the Moonlit Pavilion.

At this moment, the Moonlit Pavilion was filled with the sounds of birds singing and dancing, and the music of string and wind instruments never stopped.

Xiao Jinyan, wielding the Xuanming Sword, led Luo Chuan and Wang Xuanyu in a fierce attack. Behind them was a well-trained and imposing elite force that completely surrounded Mianyue Pavilion.

At a command, soldiers surged into the usually decadent and extravagant pavilion like a tidal wave, their firm and powerful steps shattering the previous clamor. The scholars, poets, and prostitutes inside were thrown into panic; some tried to find hiding places, while others scattered and fled, their screams and cries creating a chaotic scene.

Wearing a long emerald green dress, Green Pearl's eyes were filled with panic and confusion. In her haste, she accidentally bumped into Xiao Jinyan, who was walking briskly towards her.

"Your Highness, what...what exactly is going on?"

Xiao Jinyan's expression was solemn, his gaze sharp as he stared directly at Lüzhu, his tone carrying an unquestionable authority: "Where is Yang Rong? Take me to see her."

Upon hearing this, Green Pearl's expression changed, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes: "My lady is in the upstairs room, but... what exactly happened?"

Xiao Jinyan's eyes instantly turned sharp: "I was assassinated, and I suspect that the assassin was sent by Yang Rong."

Upon hearing this, Green Pearl was struck dumb, her eyes widening in disbelief, her voice trembling even more violently: "What? You were assassinated? Then... are you alright?"