Come to my house quickly, Zhi'an.
"The only problem is, Yin Yin." Xiao Zhi'an sat up straight, looking troubled. "The only problem is that you may not be able to kill Ping Yang, or we need to save Ping Yang's life first."
Lin Huaiyin was confused and slowly turned her eyes downwards.
What does it mean to be unable to kill someone physically, or to need to save their life? It means you can't kill them, but you still need to save them?
“Father might secretly execute Pingyang.” Xiao Zhi’an further explained, “Do you remember? At the foot of Crane Cry Mountain, I told you that Father hates Pingyang to the bone, and once he loses my protection, he will kill her.”
"Why?" Lin Huaiyin stared wide-eyed at Xiao Zhian. "Why is this happening? Isn't Princess Pingyang your own sister and the Emperor's own daughter?"
"What if this daughter has something on Father Emperor that he can't hide?" Xiao Zhian smiled sadly, trying to sound relaxed, but unable to hide his bitterness: "Actually, taking Pingyang's life is very simple. I can make her die of illness, leave the capital, pray for blessings, and find various reasons to quietly eliminate her. The reason for making this complicated plan is because I promised you that I would take revenge myself. Now that I need to ask for permission to marry into the family, I can't take care of Pingyang anymore. Father Emperor will definitely take action. Therefore, we may need to secretly save Pingyang and then publicly execute her after the southern expedition."
Xiao Zhian's words took a sharp turn. Lin Huaiyin felt that he was deliberately hiding something and not explaining it clearly. Holding up her bowl and chopsticks, she called out, "Zhian, wait a minute, let me sort this out..."
Lin Huaiyin had heard similar words from her father, Lin Zhenlie: "If the Crown Prince intended to deal with Princess Pingyang, the princess would either die of illness, or at best pray for blessings and live in seclusion. At worst, she would be sent to her fiefdom and never be allowed to return to the capital. But the Crown Prince did not do anything."
Lin Huaiyin suddenly realized that Xiao Zhian hadn't made any move on the surface, which was why her father was convinced that the Crown Prince was protecting Princess Pingyang and insisted on sending her to Hu Shoulin.
Xiao Zhian remained unmoved because of the promise he had made to her, and because of it, he was enduring his father's misunderstanding and pressure.
Lin Huaiyin carefully noted down the misunderstanding so she could explain it to her father when she got home.
But what exactly is this "handle" that Xiao Zhian claims the Emperor has to hide?
With her dark pupils slowly turning towards Xiao Zhian, Lin Huaiyin saw a tense smile on her lover's face, and the awkwardness of pinching his index finger knuckles. He was rarely like this, no, Lin Huaiyin was sure he had never been like this before, as if the dampness that had always been hidden beneath his beautiful exterior had grown mold. He didn't want her to see this mold, so he used a knife of laughter to scrape off a layer, and the mold spread another layer.
He can't scrape it clean, and he can't hide it.
Such a level of self-control is unprecedented and unheard of.
Beneath those moldy spots, it seemed, lay another Zhi'an, another man Lin Huaiyin had never imagined, just as beneath the scars on her own back lay a bloody and unspeakable past life...
Should we pierce his skin and follow the mold spots downwards?
Is it possible to do this?
Does he need to be executed?
Lin Huaiyin gripped her chopsticks tightly, frantically recalling every moment she had spent with Xiao Zhian. These moments, one after another, became dense and numerous. Her soul, her heart, and her body had all been gently cleansed, caressed, and placed by him. In her presence, he was radiant and omnipotent, powerful as a god. Yet, it turned out that while he had given all his warmth and light to her, somewhere deep within his heart, something was rotting and moldy, and he was walking alone in darkness.
Yes, with such a sharp and cold-hearted father, a venomous sister, and a mother who was used to death, how could Zhi'an, burdened with the heavy responsibility of being the Crown Prince regent, possibly remain unscathed and untainted by the shadows?
No wonder he loved her. No wonder he recognized her. No wonder he couldn't let her go, no matter what.
Two bodies away, Lin Huaiyin put down her bowl and chopsticks, got up and walked past those two bodies to Xiao Zhian, climbed into his arms, and held the hand that was pinching her.
"Come to my house quickly, Zhi'an." Lin Huaiyin hung herself around Xiao Zhi'an's neck. "You can kill Princess Pingyang however you want, I only want you. Go and ask for permission."
"Is it okay?" Xiao Zhian couldn't hold back any longer and hugged Lin Huaiyin, his eyes red-rimmed beneath his long eyelashes.
Yin Yin's obsession is to take revenge herself. She almost strangled him when he tried to stop her, but now she says that she doesn't care how many people kill him, she just wants him.
"Is it really okay, Yinyin?" Xiao Zhian's voice trembled. He was unsure and couldn't believe that he held such weight in Yinyin's heart.
Lin Huaiyin didn't answer, but instead placed Xiao Zhian's hand on her lower abdomen, covering his with her small hand, and said, "Feel it, maybe our child is already here. Let's leave the matter of hurting and killing people to someone else."
Before he could finish speaking, Xiao Zhian's fingertips trembled between his lower abdomen and small hands.
Lin Huaiyin bent her fingers and held his cold fingers, gently warming them up.
She genuinely didn't care. She had a vague feeling that it was perfectly normal for Princess Pingyang to rot away in such a suffocating royal family.
Since the root of the corruption lies with the Emperor, let them fight each other like dogs, and let Zhi'an be freed as soon as possible.
For her and Zhi'an, a bright and boundless future, and peace and joy together, surpasses countless past experiences.
"No." Xiao Zhian's eyelashes glistened with tears as he cupped Lin Huaiyin's small face in his hands. Their eyes met, and he shook his head slightly, rejecting Lin Huaiyin's expectations. "Yinyin, you are too young. It is not advisable for you to get pregnant now. I have already ordered someone to prepare a contraceptive soup for you. This is a one-time treatment. I will take it afterward."
Xiao Zhian loved her deeply, so much so that he was willing to endure and sacrifice everything for Lin Huaiyin.
Lin Huaiyin was incredibly frustrated—couldn't he have left a small opening so she could also show off her lover's skills? She was quite capable too, okay?
It leaves people with no way to survive.
Lin Huaiyin was indignant. Then she looked at the big dog in front of her with tears in his eyes. He was pitiful yet stubborn, and inexplicably alluring. Lin Huaiyin imagined him being bullied and crying on the bed. She couldn't hold back any longer and reached her little hand into her clothes.
Xiao Zhian caught his breath and picked her up.
rustling sounds.
A palace maid approached, bowing her head and crouching low.
"Yes, yes, yes, Madam..."
The palace maid hesitated, while Lin Huaiyin leaned on Xiao Zhian's shoulder and reached out her hand.
"Don't be afraid, bring it here."
"yes."
The palace maid took three steps forward.
A sheet of paper was handed to Lin Huaiyin's palm.
Upon unfolding the document, one would see—"Your Highness, Miss Bai has arrived."
"Bai Zhizhi." Lin Huaiyin's eyes cleared instantly as she slid down from Xiao Zhian's arms. "She's finally here!"
"Hmm." Xiao Zhian took a deep breath, then had to hold it back.
"What do you plan to do?" Lin Huaiyin asked Xiao Zhian excitedly.
In her previous life, Bai Zhizhi was taken away by Princess Pingyang and used as a tool to falsely accuse local loyal officials. Now that Bai Zhizhi has arrived at the Eastern Palace, Xiao Zhian can successfully take down Shen Zaiyuan and seek justice for the disaster-stricken people.
How will he write the article?
Lin Huaiyin is very much looking forward to it.
Xiao Zhian took a deep breath, then a deep breath. No matter how difficult it was, he had to respond to Yinyin first.
“I plan to adopt her as my sworn sister and bestow upon her the title of Princess Zhaoren.”
"What???"
Lin Huaiyin was dumbfounded. She had thought of collecting evidence, of implicating Shen Zaiyuan, of receiving a reward, and of being properly settled. She never expected Xiao Zhian to value it so much.
Startled, she pressed Xiao Zhian back into his chair before looking him straight in the eye and asking, "You've even thought of a title for him. It seems you've had this in mind for a while. What's the reason behind it?"
“Yes, I’ve had this in mind for a long time.” Xiao Zhian agreed and explained earnestly, “When the Southern Expedition begins, I will appoint you to succeed General Lin Shifeng. In the future, Miss Mei will also participate in the imperial examination and enter the court as an official.”
Lin Huaiyin seemed to understand but not quite, "What does this have to do with Princess Fengyi?"
Xiao Zhian patted her head and continued to explain softly, "It is of great importance. Think about it, after the southern expedition, Pingyang's crimes will be announced to the world. The court and scholars will surely criticize women for interfering in politics and abusing their power. I want to prepare for that day in advance, to let the world know that those who sell out their country for personal gain and cause chaos and insult the dead are exceptions, and there are also women who sacrifice their lives for righteousness and speak out for the people."
"So, this isn't entirely a good thing for Miss Bai," Lin Huaiyin keenly considered Bai Zhizhi's perspective.
“Yes, when the storm comes, she will be the first to bear the brunt, facing immense criticism and pressure. What do you say?” Xiao Zhian earnestly invited, “Are you willing to try to persuade her to agree?”
Upon hearing this, Lin Huaiyin stepped back two paces, bowed respectfully, and said, "Your Highness's favor is appreciated, and I guarantee that I will not fail in my mission."
"Then I'll trouble you." Xiao Zhian stood up and hugged Lin Huaiyin tightly. "Yinyin, I'll go to the palace to ask for permission right away."
"I'll wait for you to come back." Lin Huaiyin pressed her face against his firm chest, feeling incredibly content as she heard his strong heartbeat.
Compared to revenge killings, she felt more satisfied to work with Zhi'an on a grand undertaking, and she was willing to devote her efforts to this and stand shoulder to shoulder with Zhi'an.
They parted ways for the time being, with Xiao Zhian going first and taking Lin Shifeng with him.
Xuan Ge came to greet Lin Huaiyin, and then went to see Bai Zhizhi.
Lin Huaiyin thought Xiao Zhi'an had already left the palace, but in fact, Xiao Zhi'an changed his route to a side hall, ordered Lin Shifeng to stay outside the hall, and went in alone.
Inside the hall, a square, black box, about the height of a person, stands.
The black box had a hole on only one side. Outside the hole stood a black wall made of meteorite iron, and the wall and the ground were covered with silver needles.
Xiao Zhian walked slowly closer. The black box was silent, and the silver needles on the black wall trembled.
Amidst the shimmering light, Xiao Zhian sat leisurely and chuckled, "You took Yinyin away twice, and I imprisoned you twice. Brother Xie, are you satisfied?"
Inside the black box, Xie Xincun sat cross-legged, with a thin beam of light shining through the hole and landing on his profile, half-lit and half-dark.
"I should have come to see you sooner, but I was too busy with political affairs to get away."
Xiao Zhian spoke softly:
"I have come to share good news with you. From this day forward, I am a member of the Lin family. The Lin and Xie families have been friends for a century. We can also call each other brothers. The Daxing Empire will henceforth be surnamed Lin instead of Xiao. I think the descendants of Hu Shoulin and Princess Yao will be delighted. Daxing, Dajin, Xinliao, and Hu Shoulin will continue their century-long friendship."
We two became friends through a fight, so why not put aside our differences and turn hostility into friendship? In the future, my child and Yinyin's child will still call you uncle.
The black box remained completely silent.
Xiao Zhian slowly exhaled.
He could imprison Xie Xincun until he dies.
However, it is hard to guarantee that Lin Zhenlie or Hu Shoulin will not find out about this matter. If that happens, the Lin family will not be able to explain to Hu Shoulin, and he will be causing trouble for Lin Zhenlie.
People must be released, but not arbitrarily.
He knew this, and Xie was well aware of it.
Xiao Zhian considered the available pieces and leisurely placed another one.
"By the way, to avoid you worrying, I have invited the elders of the Northern Frontier tribes to come and deal with the poison you gave Yinyin. They will arrive in the capital soon. A hundred years ago, they cured your ancestor Xie Tiankuang of the Gu poison. I think they can help Yinyin to some extent. Even if they can't, based on the kindness from a hundred years ago, I think they should be able to persuade Brother Xie to treat Yinyin."
The unhurried sound, entering the black box through the narrow hole, was already as faint as a mosquito's buzz.
Xie Xincun's hearing was unparalleled; his hands, which were resting on his knees, slowly turned over.
The beam of light fell into Xie Xincun's palm, and Xiao Zhian's face reappeared in front of him.
Once is carelessness, twice is skill.
Having fallen into Xiao Zhian's hands twice, Xie Xincun acknowledged his abilities and admitted that he was qualified to be his opponent. He could even sense that Xiao Zhian knew there was an exit from the imperial prison, but instead of blocking it, he set a trap at the exit, just to capture him again.
Was it revenge for him taking that brat away twice? Xie Xincun couldn't help but feel a little appreciative.
Even a mere mortal has the courage to challenge Xing Tian, the god.
But he used that brat, and she actually forgave and accepted him?
Xie Xincun did not believe it.
Based on his understanding of Lin Huaiyin, he knew she would never willingly be used or manipulated, especially since Xiao Zhian was using her tragic death in her previous life as bait.
If Lin Huaiyin were this soft-hearted, Xie Xincun would lose interest and even feel betrayed by her.
"You little brat, you've forgiven me?"
This is the only thing Xie Xincun wants to confirm.
Upon hearing this, Xiao Zhian smiled slightly and said, "Thank you for your kindness, brother. Yinyin has forgiven both of us."
After a pause, confirming that Xie Xin was puzzled by his seemingly rambling words, Xiao Zhian continued, "Yinyin has only one regret in both her past and present lives: that she abandoned me in the imperial prison in her past life. Brother Xie, you have managed to get out of the prison, which proves that I also had a way out in my past life. This is enough to resolve Yinyin's regret in her past life. Yinyin no longer blames you for your offensive behavior towards her. And in both my past and present lives, I have been Yinyin's only lover. Brother Xie, do you understand?"
"For this one thing alone, Yinyin and I will remember your kindness."
Xiao Zhian, generous and magnanimous, rose and stepped forward, found the hidden mechanism, and pulled hard—
boom!
The black box popped open on all four sides.
A few specks of dust floated and sank, revealing the light and shadow.
Xie Xincun sat firmly in the center, unmoved.
He slowly raised his icy eyes and stared intently at Xiao Zhian. His pupils revealed that Xiao Zhian had used her and also used him as a medicinal ingredient. During the use of the medicine, the effects of the medicine transcended his past and present lives, and he even had a skillful medical technique.
Recalling his bet with Lin Huaiyin.
Xie Xincun was speechless for a moment. If this was the root of the brat's illness, then he had indeed been cured by the Crown Prince of Xingchao before he had even entered the door.
He lost.
I am convinced.
As agreed, everything he owned would belong to that brat.
Xie Xincun sighed and shook his head. Very well, this is a man who can stir up storms and manipulate time and space. No wonder that brat has taken a liking to him.
"I have important business to attend to. If you don't mind, you are welcome to move around freely in the Eastern Palace. Please keep the matter of Yinyin's poisoning a secret from me. I would be extremely grateful."
Xiao Zhian nodded slightly and turned to enter the palace.
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