After being reborn, I went on a killing spree in the imperial court.

Cao Yuan seemed to sense something floating before her eyes. The thing was indistinct, like wisps of mist or soft rays of light.

She gradually regained consciousness, but her body was not yet fully under her control.

She blinked hard, trying to see more clearly, but her vision was blurry, and she could only vaguely make out a figure moving in front of her.

Cao Yuan's lips trembled slightly as she uttered a weak call, "Chu Yan..."

Upon hearing those two words, Cao Ji's expression turned extremely serious, his hands froze, and he stared at Cao Yuan, his eyes revealing a complex emotion.

Bai Lu glanced at Cao Ji and then at Cao Yuan, seemingly realizing that their relationship was different from what she usually thought.

When Cao Yuan saw the person in front of her clearly, she lowered her eyes, not wanting to look at him.

"Did you come to see if I'm dead?"

Then, she looked at the hand that was extended to her side, paused for a few seconds, and then Cao Ji put the hand back and resumed his usual demeanor.

"Royal sister, come and have something to eat! I specially asked someone to make porridge."

Cao Ji opened the food box and took out a bowl of steaming hot porridge.

"Royal sister, eat!"

Cao Ji held the spoon to her lips, but Cao Yuan turned her head away, showing no appreciation whatsoever.

"Eat!" Cao Ji's spoon drew closer and closer to her.

Cao Yuan, impatient, forcefully raised her hand and knocked the spoon away, overturning the bowl as well.

"Second brother, are you really that kind-hearted? You're even pleading with Father Emperor because you feel guilty, aren't you?"

Cao Ji looked at her calmly, without the slightest anger, and even smiled sweetly.

“Royal sister, your brother came to see you out of kindness, why don’t you appreciate it? You’ve misunderstood your brother. If you hadn’t always offended Cao Shang, no one would have taken the opportunity to kick you when you’re down.”

"If it weren't for my brother's timely arrival, your face would really be a mess!"

"So I should thank you, right?" Cao Yuan sneered, looking at Cao Ji with icy eyes.

Cao Ji shook his head helplessly, then slowly stood up. "My dear sister, why are you so stubborn? You were the one who let Chu Yan go, yet you're pushing all the blame onto me! Now the Shu army is almost at the city gates, while Chu Yan can comfortably return to Shu and continue being the crown prince without a care in the world. He has no idea how much pain and grievance you've endured here. The only person who truly cares about you is your elder brother."

"You should stay here by yourself." Cao Ji looked at his sister, his heart filled with disappointment.

"Cao Yuan, can you live without a man?" Cao Ji said this and left without waiting for Cao Yuan's reply.

-

Within the territory of the Shu Kingdom.

The sunlight shone brightly and intensely.

Inside the palace, the rooftops of the majestic palaces shone with dazzling golden light under the sunlight.

Upon closer inspection, it was discovered that the tiles were meticulously crafted from pure gold. Each golden tile was exquisitely carved, shimmering with a luxurious and noble light, as if telling the story of the former glory and honor of the Shu Kingdom. The golden palace roof and the azure sky complemented each other, creating a breathtaking and magnificent scene.

I just finished the morning court session.

Chu Yan and a group of court officials walked out of the hall.

Several ministers spoke in hushed tones.

"Another war is about to break out!"

"After we defeat Chen, we'll reach Wei! Unification is just around the corner!"

“Our country is growing stronger day by day, and is naturally a hundred times stronger than the Shu Kingdom, which used to have to send hostages to sue for peace. But the Wei Kingdom has not been stagnant in recent years either,” Chu Yan interjected.

"Your Highness, you've been recuperating from illness for so many years and haven't attended court, yet you seem to know quite a bit about the State of Wei!"

"Not attending court is not simply a waste of time in the palace."

"So, the Crown Prince has been away from court for so many years to observe the people's conditions! What are your thoughts on this war?"

"I wouldn't call it an opinion, but what the Imperial Uncle means is not to go to war with Chen or Wei, but to take that city on the border of Wei—Liucheng! Wei is located in the Central Plains, and Liucheng's high terrain makes it more convenient to attack other countries."

"So if we want to take it down, attacking Chen will certainly serve as a warning to others!" Chu Yan analyzed carefully.

"As expected of His Highness the Crown Prince, we admire you."

Chu Yan left this place.

The remaining two ministers whispered among themselves.

"His Highness the Crown Prince has suddenly recovered from his illness, so it must be because no one supports the Fifth Prince anymore."

"I feel so too."

Chu Yan returned to the Eastern Palace.

Liu Xueqing was sitting in the pavilion. She glanced at Chu Yan and complained to the palace maid, "What's wrong? This tea isn't sweet at all!"

"Your Highness, this is the morning dew that I collected as you instructed!" the palace maid explained.

"You dare talk back! You're asking for it!" Liu Xueqing snapped.

Chu Yan knew she was trying to get his attention and wanted to talk to him, so he walked over.

Since returning, Chu Yan has been recuperating in his own palace, and has been turned away every time he has tried to come to the palace.

The palace maid knelt on the ground, "This servant greets the Crown Prince!"

Liu Xueqing raised her head, "Your Majesty, I pay my respects!"

"Get up!"

Chu Yan spoke up, "Crown Princess, are you dissatisfied with the tea in my palace?"

"Your Highness, what are you saying? This is not only your palace, but also my palace!"

"My palace is desolate, unlike other palaces where you can be happy and lively!"

Liu Xueqing's expression froze instantly.

"By the way, I prefer quiet, so please don't beat or scold the palace maids in the future!"

Liu Xueqing turned her head away defiantly.

Seeing Chu Yan enter the palace, Liu Xueqing's expression of disgust was clearly visible.

"A crown prince with no real power, does he really think everyone would want to marry you!" Liu Xueqing turned and left.

Chu Yan entered the palace gate, and Xuan Feng quickly closed the door. Inside, besides the two of them, there was also a personal eunuch, Eunuch Li.

"Son!"

"No, Your Highness, come quickly and apply the medicine!"

Eunuch Li helped Chu Yan undress. His injuries had not yet healed, and he still needed to apply medicine every day.

"Is there any news from the Great Wei?"

“Don’t act impulsively after reading the letter from the hostage!” Xuanfeng said.

"Give it to me quickly!"

Chu Yan said urgently.

Xuanfeng took out the letter.

After reading the letter, Chu Yan clenched it tightly in his hand, his face showing anxiety and worry. "A-Yuan has been imprisoned!"

Seeing Chu Yan's reaction, Xuan Feng calmly advised, "Your Highness, you can't go back! If you go back, the princess will have sent you out of the city for nothing."

Chu Yan felt conflicted after hearing Xuan Feng's words.

Chu Yan took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down. "I'm not going back! I still have things to do!"

The most urgent task is to prevent the two countries from going to war; only in this way can more innocent civilians be spared. This is also the only thing he can do for Cao Yuan.