Rare commodities are worth hoarding.
In Xiao Zhian's eyes, Shen Congyun treated Princess Pingyang as nothing more than a rare commodity to be hoarded.
The son of a tomb guard, upon seeing a phoenix with a broken wing in the heavens, could choose to ignore it or heal and nurture it. When the phoenix soars high in the sky, he will naturally be blessed with good fortune.
Fifteen years ago, Shen Congyun only needed to go to the gate of the East Palace to deliver a message. With just one sentence, Xiao Zhian could find Princess Pingyang and the siblings could be reunited. With Xiao Zhian protecting her, Princess Pingyang would not go astray, and Shen Congyun would also rise to prominence with Xiao Zhian's support.
If this were the case, the Lin family would be safe and sound, the country would be secure, and Lin Huaiyin's tragedy would never have occurred.
Lin Huaiyin is the beloved third young lady of the Lin family. She married the ordinary Su Jinggui and lived a simple, peaceful, and happy life.
Xiao Zhian would never know Lin Huaiyin.
If he had a choice, Xiao Zhian would rather Chen Congyun act like a decent human being, let Pingyang go, and let Lin Huaiyin go too.
Unfortunately, things didn't go as planned. When Shen Congyun found Princess Pingyang in the imperial mausoleum's ancestral hall, he chose to become a ghost.
He hid Pingyang, did not report the news, and was not satisfied with going to the Eastern Palace to receive the reward. He disregarded the fear and panic of a seven-year-old girl, possessed Pingyang exclusively, molded himself into Pingyang's only support, dragged Pingyang down to hell, and shaped Pingyang into the shape he wanted.
A seemingly insignificant Shen Congyun, with a single selfish and malicious thought, forged a colossal wave that swept across everyone's fate.
Pingyang was imprisoned first.
They bullied Lin Huaiyin from behind.
A vengeful ghost disguises himself as a savior.
Xiao Zhian saw through the despicable nature of Shen Congyun's soul—Shen Congyun was cowardly and inferior, and dared not look directly at the light. The moment the little phoenix landed in his palm, he finally had the opportunity to manipulate and destroy the fate of others. How could he not be ruthless and enjoy himself? How could he let go and send the phoenix into the sky?
Pingyang was not born evil.
Xiao Zhian lowered his eyes to his sister, who was his own flesh and blood.
Princess Pingyang held her teacup and sipped it gently.
Xiao Zhian's accusations reminded her of the Imperial Mausoleum's ancestral hall, where she first met Shen Congyun when she was seven years old.
The spacious and dark ancestral hall was so dark that you couldn't see your hand in front of your face. She huddled in a corner, feeling cold and scared. When the dark figure climbed in through the window, she recognized at a glance that it was not Xiao Zhian.
The person who came was not his beloved brother, but a man, just like his father, a man.
Princess Pingyang was afraid, but she dared not show it. She had already been seen and could not escape, so she made a desperate move and rushed forward, crying out, "Brother, you have finally come!"
She thought that calling him "Royal Brother" would reveal her identity and deter the other party's evil intentions. She hoped that although Xiao Zhian was not present, his authority as the Crown Prince could protect her. She hoped that whether the other party was afraid or coveted the reward, he could help her send a message to inform Xiao Zhian to come and rescue her.
In the darkness, Princess Pingyang waited anxiously for a response.
Shen Congyun's bright, curious eyes were indeed stunned by the mention of "royal brother," but his fear only lasted a moment before cooling down. He then lowered his voice fiercely and scolded her, "Don't call me royal brother. Your royal brother won't come."
At that moment, Princess Pingyang realized: another "father emperor" had arrived.
So, one should obey, flatter, and lower one's head to see if one can survive.
Princess Pingyang helped Shen Congyun find a famous teacher and relayed the lectures of the imperial tutor that she had heard while studying with Xiao Zhian. She laid herself bare in front of Shen Congyun, but he still refused to take her out.
A year later, Lin Zhenlie led the Imperial Guards to fetch Princess Pingyang, and she returned to the Eastern Palace and to Xiao Zhian's side.
Xiao Zhian was so thin he was barely recognizable. Princess Pingyang knew her brother was also suffering, and she thought to herself, "This is so hard to endure. It's so difficult for both of us."
Hearing that Xiao Zhian had gone on a hunger strike and risked his life to save her, she couldn't help but wonder—how could she avoid being tortured and protect herself and her brother?
Later, at the Deer Cry Banquet, Shen Congyun achieved the highest rank in the imperial examination. In broad daylight, he rudely stared directly at the princess's face. Princess Pingyang, while turning her glass cup, devised countless ways for him to die. As she thought about it, she decided that she might as well let Shen Congyun drag this absurd world down to hell as well.
Shen Congyun was too fond of destroying light and too skilled in this art; with just a little manipulation, he could be lured away.
So that very night she offered her virginity to adorn Shen Congyun, the top scholar, and then slowly plotted to invite him to rule the world together.
Gradually, Princess Pingyang fell in love with Shen Congyun, loving his undisguised wickedness, his evil power to manipulate events through sacrifice, and his self-righteous, obsessive infatuation.
It was a feeling of trampling the "Emperor" underfoot, a thrill of crushing other people's souls, so novel and wonderful that one was willing to succumb to it.
Shen Congyun is both her lover and her weapon. Princess Pingyang has no intention of giving him up for the time being. Otherwise, how could she overthrow the world, ascend to the throne, and then protect her brother whom she can't bear to part with the most?
Previously, Xiao Zhian had ordered Shen Congyun to escort the coffin back to the capital. Before leaving, they had agreed to remain still and wait for Consort Hui to make her move.
With Liu Cang dead, Consort Hui was not only grieving the loss of her father, but also greatly weakened by the loss of her maternal clan, leaving her in constant fear and anxiety.
With the tides turning and the situation shifting entirely in favor of the Crown Prince, the Emperor will not stand idly by.
Based on this assessment, it is likely that when he returned to the capital, it would coincide with the imperial court's attack on the Crown Prince. Xiao Zhi'an, wanting to deal with Shen Congyun, only had a few White Lotus rebels at his disposal, which could hardly be considered conclusive evidence. Moreover, sending the rebels to the mountain to build a shrine as a form of punishment, while earning a reputation for leniency, also raised suspicions of co-opting the rebels and inducing them to give false testimony. It would be difficult to solidify the charge of Shen Congyun's collusion with the White Lotus Sect.
Furthermore, Consort Hui would also help Shen Congyun in order to consolidate her position, so Princess Pingyang would not need to intervene at all.
At this moment, Princess Pingyang had nothing to worry about; she could simply enjoy herself, savoring her brotherly affection for Xiao Zhi'an, drinking his tea, lying on his couch, picking out a book from the table, and handing it to Xiao Zhi'an.
"Your Majesty, please read this to me." At the same time, Pingyang extended her right hand and handed over a teacup: "Pour another cup."
"good."
Xiao Zhian took the tea with both hands, poured it, and placed it in Princess Pingyang's palm.
He sat down to the side, opened the title page, pondered for a moment, and looked up to tell Princess Pingyang: "There is something I have not told you yet. After returning to the capital, I will send troops to conquer the south as soon as possible. The Japanese are causing trouble on the border. I plan to wipe them out in one fell swoop. At that time, you can go there and establish yourself as emperor. You and I, brother and sister, will be equals and each occupy our own territory."
Upon hearing this, Princess Pingyang raised her eyebrows and a look of joy flashed in her eyes—Xiao Zhian actually intended to make her an empress.
"My royal brother really loves me!" Princess Pingyang jumped up and hugged Xiao Zhian's neck.
Regardless of whether it was true or not, she was extremely pleased with Xiao Zhian's intentions.
Princess Pingyang didn't care whether Xiao Zhian was lying to her or not. As long as his words were pleasant to hear, she liked them. In any case, when everything settled down, they would either die together or she would pamper him. Xiao Zhian's job was to rack his brains to please her.
Princess Pingyang had been planning the southern expedition for a long time. She had already contacted the Japanese and presented them with a map. Once Xiao Zhi'an launched the southern expedition, he would inevitably suffer heavy losses and lose cities. The Lin family and Xiao Zhi'an would have to bear the blame together in order to shake the position of the Crown Prince and the Lin family in one fell swoop.
Therefore, when the army sets out on an expedition, the only person who can lead the troops is Lin Shifeng.
Now that Xiao Zhian and Lin Huaiyin have fallen out, it's not appropriate to mention the Lin family. Princess Pingyang simply hugged Xiao Zhian tightly, showing them affection.
Xiao Zhi held the book in his hand, gently patted Princess Pingyang's hand, and slowly narrowed his phoenix eyes, focusing his gaze like a tunnel, penetrating walls and looking at a phantom.
There was a time when he did plan to carve out a place for Pingyang, he wanted to stand shoulder to shoulder with her, he wanted his sister to have what he had, he was willing to share everything with her, he knew her fears and wanted to fill them with them.
He was an emperor, and she was an empress. She could control her own destiny, rule the empire, and command a powerful army. There would never be a sword hanging over her head again. Even Xiao Zhian himself would have to give way.
Unfortunately, he delayed for too long and acted too slowly. Pingyang couldn't wait any longer and embarked on a path of no return.
Xiao Zhian admitted his defeat.
In the battle for Pingyang, he lost to Shen Congyun.
Zheng Yinyin lost to her past self.
However, Xiao Zhian has already found inner peace.
Just as he was trying to understand the entanglement between Pingyang and Shen Congyun, Xiao Zhian broke out in a cold sweat. He was suddenly excited and relieved. He was happy for Lin Huaiyin.
Because in her past life, when Lin Huaiyin lost everything and fell into the abyss, the person who met her and reached out to her was none other than him from her past life.
In his past life, he had given her warmth, the status of a crown princess, recognition as a woman, and even a wild deer carrying a flower in its beak, filling her new life with unwavering courage.
Fortunately, Yinyin had met him. Xiao Zhian knew how good a person he was, and he could fully imagine that if he had met a broken Yinyin in his past life, he would have cherished her with all his might.
He must treat her extremely well. Xiao Zhian had no doubt about it.
When Pingyang encountered such a despicable person as Shen Congyun, they all chose to attach themselves to him and sink into hell together.
Yinyin met a warm lover in her desperate situation, and of course she has the right to remember him fondly. She should also be reluctant to let go of him, because he is the source of her strength. Their fates are intertwined, and they have crossed life and death. This is something that Xiao Zhian, a latercomer, cannot compare to.
Having figured this out, Xiao Zhian stopped blaming Yinyin. Yinyin didn't mean him any harm; she just didn't love him. He couldn't win against her, nor did he have the right to. So, he simply withdrew.
By stepping back, I won't have to worry about gains and losses, and I can focus on fulfilling my promise to her: to change the future together and help her take revenge herself.
Now, we'll first eliminate Shen Congyun, then wait for Pingyang to be exposed for colluding with the enemy during the southern campaign, and next, we'll deal with the inner palace.
Xiao Zhian calmly placed his piece, waiting for the actions of all parties.
——
The convoy proceeded in an orderly manner.
Chen Zaiyuan rides a horse alone.
Lin Huaiyin still rode in Shen Congyun's carriage.
After returning from Xiao Zhian's place, she didn't go to find Lin Cuiyue and Lin Shifeng. After all, she had turned herself in, and Xiao Zhian wouldn't accept her. Her brothers were busy, so she could handle things on her own.
She shuffled along, pondering for a long time where she was and where she should go back to, before finally climbing into Shen Congyun's carriage amidst the throng of vehicles.
Upon boarding the vehicle, Yu Li was immediately spotted, while Xie Ao had plasters on his face to avoid being recognized by Chen Zaiyuan.
In a flash, Lin Huaiyin composed herself, suppressing the disheveled and miserable look on her face. She immediately became energetic and instructed people to bring bedding to the carriage, layer by layer, until the entire carriage was soft and comfortable, before helping Yu Li lie down.
The master and servant had not been together for a long time.
Throughout the journey, the carriage swayed, and Xie Ao chattered on about the fun at Shengshui Temple and the outside world. He also complained bitterly, accusing her and Lin Huaiyin of being exposed because the male fox must have run away last night to take revenge.
Yu Li was curious about the male fox spirit, so Xie Ao vividly described Xiao Zhi'an's fox spirit appearance and male prostitute behavior, saying it was unbearable to look at.
Yu Li was unaware that Lin Huaiyin, besides the Crown Prince, was also keeping a male prostitute outside. She wondered if it was just one person, but the male fox's behavior described by Xie Ao was truly astonishing. Yu Li thought about it again and again, but couldn't figure it out. However, she thought that the Crown Prince wouldn't stoop to such a subservient level...
"It's not the same person," Yu Li shook her head.
The two girls chatted endlessly.
Lin Huaiyin enthusiastically echoed her words for a while, then quietly fell silent, checking Yu Li's wound and applying medicine while pondering Princess Pingyang.
Lin Huaiyin never expected that Princess Pingyang would reconcile with Xiao Zhian, but she didn't want to think about it, nor did she have time to.
Xiao Zhian's desire to protect Princess Pingyang was entirely expected. Lin Huaiyin calmly accepted this, treating everything as if it had returned to the beginning, as if she didn't know Xiao Zhian, and simply made a new plan.
Now that Xiao Zhian knows she will definitely try to take Pingyang's life, he will be extremely vigilant and leave no room for error. Lin Huaiyin's only chance is to break through Xiao Zhian's defenses first before she can hit Princess Pingyang.
This is no easy task.
With her eyes following her hands, Lin Huaiyin scooped out ointment, applied it to the wound, and pondered deeply.
She didn't remain discouraged for long; in fact, there was only one path forward.
Lin Huaiyin almost immediately thought of a way to break the deadlock—in her previous life, there was another person who also died a violent death. That person was far more reliable than Princess Pingyang and Xiao Zhian, this eccentric brother and sister pair, and was also more powerful and inseparable from the Lin family than Xiao Zhian.
That person is—the current emperor.
As she pondered, Lin Huaiyin stomped her foot violently—she hated herself for being so stupid, assuming that Xiao Zhian could control Princess Pingyang, forgetting that even though the Emperor was seriously ill, he was still His Majesty the Emperor, the ruler of the world.
Xiao Zhian is in his early twenties, and the Emperor is only in his forties. Even if he were to abandon his two children, he would still be in his prime and there would be no worry about the empire having no successor.
Once she identified her target, Lin Huaiyin turned to her past life, where Shen Congyun had personally admitted that when he was the top scholar in the imperial examination and served as a court attendant, he had taken the opportunity to poison the emperor.
His Majesty's prolonged illness was actually due to poisoning, not disease.
As the carriage swayed, Lin Huaiyin remembered that when they set off, her older brother Lin Cuiyue had mentioned the New Liao Kingdom—the Lin Xie family, the Tiger Guardians.
As a member of the Lin family, Lin Huaiyin naturally knew the name of Hu Shoulin. The Xie family was known as the leader of the medical profession and had the ability to bring the dead back to life. She had pretended to be pregnant before to use the Xie family's famous doctor to pressure people.
At the time, her older brother even said he would invite a famous doctor named Xie to help her with her pregnancy.
Lin Huaiyin's heart pounded, her face flushed, and she silently bit her lower lip, realizing that even something as simple as pregnancy care could get the Xie family involved.
If the Emperor can be cured of his poison, military and political power will fall back into the inner palace. At that time, Xiao Zhian will not be able to oversee the country, so how can he protect Princess Pingyang?
Lin Huaiyin made up her mind that once the convoy stopped to rest, she would immediately go to Lin Cuiyue and ask him how to invite a renowned doctor.
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