I just arrived in this small world, and the very beginning is a deadly trap set up by the male protagonist?!
037: [The visit to Cining Temple in the original text is a crucial turning point; after years of lying low, the male protagonist begins to plot his move for the throne.]
Ruan Qing'an closed his eyes, his expression unchanged: "Did you only start your attack after killing me? Then it seems that Ji Wuyu killed me not only for revenge, but probably for other reasons, or... for profit, as preparations for seizing the throne."
037: [He's cunning and ruthless. That scoundrel is a real jerk! Ancestor, you must be careful!]
"Don't worry, I'll kill Ji Wuyu before I die."
037: ...Wait, that's not what I meant!
Seeing that Ruan Qing'an did not speak, Ji Wuyu asked, "What's wrong, Qing'an? If it's not possible, I can make other arrangements."
"Sure, of course."
When Ruan Qing'an met Ji Wuyu's gentle and affectionate eyes, he was impressed by Ji Wuyu's unparalleled temperament. Most importantly, he showed no trace of the cruelty that had led him to kill his father, send his fiancée to her death, and then kill his wife to become emperor.
Ji Wuyu – with the gentlest smile, yet the most ruthless in his actions.
Ji Wuyu, unaware that Ruan Qing'an was inwardly criticizing him, simply straightened up, brushed the fine snow off his brocade robe, and smiled, saying, "Since Qing'an has agreed, then I will not bother you any longer."
"Your Highness, please take care. We will meet at Cining Temple in three days."
Ruan Qing'an nodded slightly and bowed.
Ji Wuyu then turned to leave, but as soon as he stepped out of the courtyard, a young master walked towards him. He was quite good-looking, but his face was sinister and made him unpleasant to look at.
His name is Sun Tianyuan, the eldest son of a high-ranking official of the third rank. If Ruan Qing'an were to see him, she would know that he is the adulterer who will go to the Western Paradise with the original owner of this body in three days...
Sun Tianyuan cupped his hands in greeting: "Oh, Your Highness the Ninth Prince?"
There was no respect in his words, and Ji Wuyu's eyes darkened, but he smiled lightly and said, "Young Master Sun."
Judging from the snow on Ji Wuyu's shoulders, he had probably been standing in the snow for a long time, and had likely been turned away by Ruan Qing'an again.
With a mocking look in his eyes, Sun Tianyuan approached Ji Wuyu and lowered his voice, "I'm not trying to be mean, Ninth Prince, but since Qing'an won't even see you, you might as well not come at all."
"Anyway, you have no support behind you. Even if you have the Marquis of Yongle backing you, it's useless. You'd be lucky to be a leisurely prince. Don't drag Qing'an into this."
Sun Tianyuan said sarcastically. He didn't even need to consider Ji Wuyu's identity, because Ji Wuyu was someone that everyone could trample on. He was backed by the Minister and the Second Prince, who was supported by his family.
A ninth prince?
Ha, it's nothing but a joke, not even the emperor cares!
Ji Wuyu's expression remained unchanged: "Young Master Sun is joking."
They remain patient and dormant, like snakes lurking in dark caves, ready to strike their prey at the first opportunity.
Sun Tianyuan was deceived by appearances and did not notice anything amiss. He continued, "I have recently given Qing'an quite a few trinkets. Your Highness, your fiancée is quite beautiful. I am getting close to Qing'an. Please do not take offense, Your Highness."
"How could that be?"
Ji Wuyu answered with a light laugh.
Sun Tianyuan found it even more ridiculous. This Ninth Prince dared to give away even his own woman so easily; he was utterly pathetic. He was playing with the future princess consort.
That's understandable, though. After all, Ji Wuyu had no power among the princes. The emperor disliked him, and the court officials didn't support him. Basically, once the old and ailing emperor passed away, no matter who ascended the throne next, Ji Wuyu would be doomed.
What can Ji Wuyu do now? He can only endure it, try not to offend anyone, and beg those princes to let him go in the future. Even the sons of his court officials do not show him any respect.
He reached out and patted Ji Wuyu on the shoulder, laughing twice: "Really? Well, thank you so much for your magnanimity, Ninth Prince. I must say, it's really exciting to play with other people's games."
"I really hope Your Highness will still be this magnanimous on your wedding night."
Sun Tianyuan smiled smugly. Seeing that Ji Wuyu could remain calm even in this situation, he felt even more that Ji Wuyu was pathetic. He laughed loudly and swaggered into Ruan Qing'an's courtyard.
But Sun Tianyuan didn't know that Ji Wuyu certainly wouldn't care.
Because, who would want to cause trouble for someone who is about to die?
Ji Wuyu's eyes were almost icy cold, and his gentle smile, which was like a spring breeze, seemed to carry a sinister undertone: "Have fun, and in three days, you can reunite in the underworld."
He also looked down on this restless princess.
Meanwhile, Ruan Qing'an was still standing in the courtyard, patting the snow off his fox fur coat: "Three days from now..."
037: [Sigh, the countdown to my life has begun.]
Ruan Qing'an, however, remained unhurried and did not speak. He simply turned to go back inside, but at that moment—
"Qing'an, wait a moment."
"Sun Tianyuan?"
She paused slightly, then turned to look at Sun Tianyuan.
Explanation for 037: [He's the one who's been consistently showing affection to the original owner. The original owner agreed to the relationship at Cining Temple, and they're still in an ambiguous relationship.]
At this moment, Sun Tianyuan stepped forward and asked in a familiar manner, "Qing'an, did you just meet with the Ninth Prince?"
"see a visitor out."
Ruan Qingan didn't even answer, and turned to leave.
The maid stepped forward and bowed to Sun Tianyuan, saying, "Young Master Sun, please leave. Miss does not receive guests."
"No guests? I'm not a guest."
Sun Tianyuan gave a wicked smile, walked around her, and quickly blocked Ruan Qing'an's path: "Qing'an, are you upset that I haven't come to see you for so long? But that doesn't mean I have to be a guest, does it?"
"You accepted my gifts, but aren't I your old flame?"
He grinned crookedly, thinking he looked handsome and dashing, but Ruan Qing'an pursed her lips, feeling disgusted by his slickness. Just as she was about to leave, Sun Tianyuan reached out and touched Ruan Qing'an's waist.
Ruan Qing'an's eyes turned cold as she turned to look at the maid behind her.
"Call someone to throw this ignorant fool out of here."
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