At this moment, snowflakes began to fall from the sky, and Xiao Ling actually ordered his men to drape a cloak over Shen Yun's shoulders.

However, as soon as she put it on, the Qingyu Guard threw it to the ground.

Shen Yun was already trembling uncontrollably from the fifty lashes he had received, coupled with the rampant debauchery.

He had finally acquired a cloak, only to have it thrown on the ground by this fellow, and he cursed him inwardly.

"Your Highness has openly brought an army here. Could it be that you're just here to deliver a cloak to General Shen? Anyone who didn't know better would think you were plotting a rebellion!"

Xiao Ling knew perfectly well the meaning behind Xiao Xuan's words.

Do you really think that just because he's the crown prince, he can disregard me and not consider who will ultimately control the world?

The more powerful he is now, the more miserable his death will be later.

Thinking about it, Xiao Ling's brows furrowed slightly, but he still had a warm smile on his face.

He was good at putting on an act; even if he was unhappy inside, he never showed it on his face.

"Your Majesty, I just happened to be passing by the gate today when I heard the sounds of fighting coming from inside. I thought I'd come in and take a look, but I never expected to find Your Majesty here."

"Your Majesty, I am truly curious: what crime has General Shen committed that warrants Your Majesty deploying the Azure Feather Guard?"

Xiao Ling smiled slightly at Xiao Xuan, her expression calm and composed.

"Your Majesty holds the power of life and death, but you cannot humiliate the meritorious officials of Great Qi like this, don't you think?"

Xiao Ling deliberately emphasized the word "meritorious official," but this was only meant for Shen Yun's ears.

Shen Yun is now in a desperate situation with no way out, so his arrival is undoubtedly a timely help.

Give him a little favor, and this brainless idiot will do anything for you, even die for you.

He knew perfectly well the crimes Shen Yun had committed today, but these crimes were not enough to cost him his life.

Moreover, he has people in the Ministry of Justice. Even if Xiao Xuan's family is sent to prison, he can find a way to get them out.

The reason for staging this whole thing is to make that fool Shen Yun loyal to me.

His imposing manner was simply due to the fact that his mother, Consort Chen, was the emperor's most favored concubine.

Consort Chen's father worked in the Ministry of Justice. Although he was not a high-ranking official, he still had influence within the Ministry.

Xiao Ling's smugness was written all over his face. He even bent down to help Wang Shi up and patted the dust off her body.

"Madam, please take care of your health."

Xiao Xuan watched his actions indifferently, then suddenly sneered. His handsome face changed slightly, and a chilling aura of killing intent arose.

How could he not know Xiao Ling's intentions? He simply wanted to bring a shameless scoundrel like Shen Yun into his camp and add another powerful general to his ranks.

But he knew better than anyone that Shen Yun's title of God of War was earned through the blood of the soldiers of the Great Banner.

Such a person is utterly unworthy to be the Protector General of the Great Qi.

Didn't Xiao Ling consider Shen Yun a treasure? Didn't he want to take him away?

Then we'll exchange it for fiefdoms!

Xiao Xuan suddenly approached him. He was a head taller than Xiao Ling, and the man's powerful aura forced Xiao Ling to take two steps back.

His downcast eyes were sinister and ruthless, showing no trace of his usual gentleness.

Just by being face to face, Xiao Ling couldn't help but feel a chill run through his bones, making him feel somewhat uneasy.

Xiao Xuan leaned down and whispered in his ear, a cold smile playing on his lips. "A son of a concubine is a son of a concubine. When have I ever needed to explain my actions to you? You want Shen Yun? I'll give him to you! But in exchange, I'll trade your fiefdom!"