Chapter 3: The Art of Eloquence

  In the twenty-fifth year of Wu Wei, in May, Princess Jingjiang and Queen Xiao conspired to kill a guard named Xia Mou for being overly flattering and deceitful to the ruler, but were stopped by the king. From then on, the rift between the king and the queen and princess grew deeper.

  Yong Shi - Ji Wang Lie Zhuan

  Xiao Lan's eyebrows were raised, her expression cold as frost. She said calmly: "Fine, since you still dare to quibble, I'll make it clear to you. What have you done in the past year? Do I need to recount every detail for you? As a subject, you don't know how to advise your lord, only how to flatter and curry favor, inciting the crown prince to do such unseemly things without regard for propriety. Don't you deserve to die? You are disloyal as a minister and unjust as a person. If you still have an ounce of conscience or humanity, you should take your own life with a sword. Do I need to take action myself?"

  Xia Jin Yi said calmly: "I'm just a Jianghu vagabond, I don't have a belly full of poetry and books, nor do I have extraordinary martial arts skills. What I'm good at is just some minor tricks. The prince saved my life, I have no way to repay him, so I can only try my best to make the prince happy. If this is considered disloyal, then I have nothing to say. As for unrighteousness, I do recognize it, but my heart is solely devoted to serving the prince. If loyalty and righteousness cannot coexist, then so be it. Moreover, under the heavens, everything belongs to the king, on the king's land, everyone is the king's subject. Even if the prince has done something excessive, what does it matter? Why do you need to kill people and silence them, rather than just upholding justice?"

  Xiao Lan was suddenly speechless, and at this time Li Han coldly smiled and said: "Good words from a sharp-tongued servant, the Crown Prince is your lord, you are his subject, the Crown Prince can make mistakes, but you cannot. You have hindered the Crown Prince's great cause, and I don't bother to reason with you. Eldest sister, there's no need to waste words on this servant either, let's just hurry up and ask the Crown Princess to issue a decree. Matters outside are naturally handled by the Crown Prince, but matters within the manor are still managed by the Crown Princess."

  Xiao Lan immediately came to her senses and shouted loudly: "Go quickly and inform my sister, tell her that Xia Jinyi, the foolish slave of the master, has been subdued. Ask my sister for instructions."

  Xia Jin Yi smiled coldly to himself, thinking that this Lan Fei was indeed deeply cunning. This move of borrowing a knife to kill someone was well played, but he felt no fear in his heart. Death had long been something he sought after.

  Li Han's eyebrows furrowed slightly, she had originally thought that Xia Jin-yi was just a sycophant who would be servile and lacking in integrity when faced with life or death, but now this young man only gave a slight cold smile, neither begging for mercy nor pleading, which made Li Han feel very uneasy, wondering if he had some way to protect himself or if it was his true nature, if so, then the fact that he did such cruel and unjust things must have been done with ulterior motives.

  The Crown Princess Choi's bedroom, at this moment, Embroidered Spring was kneeling on the ground begging bitterly. Princess Choi said helplessly: "This palace also knows that Xia Jinyi is your lover and often speaks beautifully for me in front of the emperor, how can there be no gratitude? But Lan Fei said it makes sense, the Crown Prince is our husband and our reliance. If something unexpected happens to the Crown Prince, what will we do? Xia Jinyi instigates the Crown Prince to have an affair outside, if things get out, I'm afraid it will provoke the emperor, this palace has no choice."

  "Your Majesty, I'm not speaking ill of Consort Lan. All these years, has she ever taken Your Majesty's opinions into consideration? Whatever she says is worth more than a thousand words from you. Why now does she want to let you issue an order to deal with someone? Moreover, Jin Yi is not all bad. He is loyal and devoted to the Crown Prince, and respectful and courteous to you. Haven't you noticed that he always speaks up for you in everything? Last year's incident with your uncle wasn't he the one who informed on him? If it weren't for you pleading with the Crown Prince, your uncle would have been wrongly accused even after his death. How could your family members be spared from being implicated, and even you and young Shizi? Just look at Jin Yi's good intentions, shouldn't you help him out?"

  "Indeed, this person is very respectful to me. It's extremely difficult for the concubines by the Crown Prince's side to get an audience with him, but I have it easy. The medicinal soups and pastries I send over, he always sends a thank-you note, and every month there are several days when he stays overnight in my palace. I know Xia Jin-yi has put in a lot of thought."

  Embroidered Spring's expression changed greatly, and she said: "Your Ladyship, I'm going to say something that shouldn't be said. Although the Crown Prince hasn't been particularly good to you this year, he also hasn't neglected you. He used to come as many times as before, and now it's still the same number of times. The Crown Prince is indeed flirtatious, but what harm can he do to Your Ladyship? On the other hand, if you order the death of Xia Jinyi this time, when the Crown Prince returns, he will surely be furious. At that time, whoever says it's your idea will only make things worse. I'm afraid that in the future, the Crown Prince won't come to see Your Ladyship again. Who will benefit from this? That person who has been eyeing your position for a long time... You should think about yourself, and also consider the young master. Even if it's not now, but when the Crown Prince ascends to the throne in the future, without someone loyal by his side, how can Your Ladyship deal with those seductive women?

  Cui's heart grew colder as she listened, and she said: "Xiu Chun, you are right. I almost got deceived by that despicable person. You immediately go and pass on my decree, saying that Xia Shou Wei is the crown prince's trusted aide, and it's not convenient for me to deal with him now. First, have him arrested and detained, and wait until the crown prince returns to hand him over to the crown prince for punishment." Xiu Chun was overjoyed and hurriedly went to pass on the decree in person.

  Upon hearing Xiu Chun's response, Xiao Lan's beautiful face turned red with anger. She scolded: "You wicked servant girl! You've been meddling in other people's affairs and changed my sister's mind. I've long heard that you have a secret relationship with this slave, now it seems to be true. Fine, I won't bother asking anyone else, today I will definitely have you two adulterers beaten to death right here."

  Embroidered Spring's face showed a look of fear, she was originally worried about Xia Jin-yi's safety, this time personally came to pass on the order, unexpectedly Xiao Lan actually wanted to deal with her together, scared and didn't dare speak out, but although she was ashamed, she had a strong expression, unwilling to plead for mercy. Xia Jin-yi however coldly said: "The matter between his subordinate and Embroidered Spring, both the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess have long known, it's just that Her Majesty likes Embroidered Spring to serve her, and His Highness also likes his subordinate to serve him, so they didn't rush into marriage, these four words 'adulterous husband and wife', his subordinate dare not assume."

  Li Han's face suddenly changed, and he said coldly, "What's the point of still talking to them, Shifu? They're just stalling for time."

  Xiao Lan immediately stood up and said: "Come on, use torture. I want you to beat this pair of dog men and women to death."

  Li Han said coldly: "That little girl has her own master, she has no shame, and it's up to her master to discipline her."

  Xiao Lanyu said: "Did you hear that? Send Xiu Chun back and tell her to let sister discipline this cheap servant. What are you waiting for, don't wait for punishment."

  Two guards walked over, holding red lacquer rods, while another palace maid dragged Xiu Chun out, who struggled and cried out: "Xia Lang, Xia Lang." But the several palace maids were extremely powerful, and soon Xiu Chun's voice could no longer be heard. The two guards walked to the kneeling body of Xia Jin Yi, one of them speaking in a low voice: "Her Majesty is watching from above, please forgive me for not being able to show mercy." As he spoke, a rod had already heavily struck Xia Jin Yi's shoulder and back, Xia Jin Yi only felt a severe pain on his back, knowing that these people were going to quickly finish him off, and a few rods could make his spine break. But although he usually seemed weak, at this moment facing the enemy who hated him bitterly, he was absolutely unwilling to beg for mercy. He closed his eyes, not speaking, biting his teeth tightly, waiting for the next pain.

  Who would have thought that the next rod was slow to arrive, he opened his eyes and saw a big man with angry eyes, tightly grasping the rod. He exclaimed: "Shixiong!" It turned out that the person was his Shixiong Zhang Jinyong, who at this moment was majestic and terrifying from head to toe, with killing intent in his eyes.

  Xiao Lan's face sank as she said: "Zhang Gongguan, what are you trying to do? How dare you be so rude to me?"

  Xiao Lan, you don't have to use your status to pressure me. In terms of position, you are the master and I am the general manager. However, I, Zhang Jinxiong, am a disciple of the Kongtong sect's leader, while you, Xiao Lan, are a senior brother of the Fengyi sect. When the Fengyi sect's envoy came to Kongtong to form an alliance, I was sent by my master to serve you. But now, this junior brother of mine has offended you in some way, and you actually want to flog him to death. Don't you really care about me, Zhang Jinxiong? Or do you think I will just sit back and watch him be humiliated and killed by you?

  Xiao Lan was furious, just about to speak, when Li Han You had already coldly said: "Zhang Da Xia, I'll say something fair, without mentioning that this person is an unworthy son of your Kunlun Sect. Now that he's by the Emperor's side, what has he done? Don't you have any wind of it? We killing him would be for the people's benefit, getting rid of a scourge. You're the future head of Kunlun Sect, you should keep yourself clean and upright, how can you harbor an evil person?"

  Zhang Jinxiong said coldly, "Princess Jingjiang, don't treat me like a fool. Even if Jin Yi was wrong, the crime is not punishable by death. If you have the ability, go and persuade the prince instead. My disciple may not be talented, but he's not a bad person. He's just being used by others. You're not going to kill the mastermind, but instead making things difficult for my disciple, that's really clever."

  Xiao Lan could no longer hold back, and suddenly floated up to him. Her hands were empty, but her long sleeves coiled like dragons and snakes, and she appeared in front of Zhang Jinyong. With a loud roar, a strong gust of wind swept towards Zhang Jinyong. Zhang Jinyong didn't dare to be slow, and threw out a punch that was both real and fake at the same time. This was the Shenmen Fist, a technique that only the direct descendants of the Kunlun School could master. As their sleeves intersected, Xiao Lan was forced to retreat a step back. Her heart skipped a beat as she realized that this disciple of the Kunlun School had such powerful internal energy. She had always thought that her own school's techniques were unique and that her internal energy was not weak. With a hint of fear in her heart, she flew backward and retreated. At this moment, Li Han had already drawn out his long sword and handed it to her. She took the sword, raised it horizontally, and pointed forward. In an instant, her expression turned serious and calm. Zhang Jinyong thought that the disciples of the Fengyi School were indeed famous for a reason - she wielded the long sword with precision and deadliness, and her lightness skills were excellent. The room was soon filled with the glow of swords. Zhang Jinyong's iron palms were not to be underestimated either. The Kunlun School's martial arts had always been known for their strange and mysterious techniques. Both of them were experts in turning defense into offense, and they exchanged dozens of moves in an instant. Although Xiao Lan's swordsmanship and lightness skills were excellent, she was still a woman who had been pampered all her life. How could she compare to Zhang Jinyong's pure and refined martial arts, as well as his rich experience in battle? Gradually, she fell into a disadvantageous position.

  Li Han Yu's eyebrows furrowed slightly as she watched the scene unfold. If it were someone else, or if she had given Zhang Jin Xiong face, things might have turned out differently. But this Xia Jin Yi was beyond her expectations - he did something despicable, yet he refused to admit his guilt and showed no signs of remorse or fear. If she let him off today, he would surely harbor resentment in his heart. The crown prince had already become distant from Xiao Lan over the past year, and if someone like Xia Jin Yi were to fan the flames, it could affect the influence of their sect on the crown prince.

  Thinking this far, Li Han Yu's expression turned cold as she said, "Zhang Da Xia, Zhang Zong Guan, it seems you're determined to protect this villain. Fine, let me ask for your guidance." With that, she floated forward and struck towards Zhang Jin Xiong's back. Zhang Jin Xiong was still being entwined by Xiao Lan, and Li Han Yu's martial arts skills were superior to his. Just as she was about to strike him down, Xia Jin Yi suddenly sprang up like a madman and pounced on Li Han Yu.

  Li Han Yu's eyes flashed with cold light as she struck out with her palm, sending Xia Jin Yi flying back like a broken kite. As he fell, Li Han Yu saw that although Xia Jin Yi's mouth was bleeding and his expression was fierce, his eyes still shone with a fierce light. She intended to add another blow, but Xia Jin Yi suddenly smiled coldly and raised his sleeve, revealing a flash of silver light.

  Li Han Yu's heart skipped a beat as she remembered that the disciples of Cang Xuan sect were skilled in using hidden weapons for self-defense. She quickly dodged to the side, avoiding the attack by a hair's breadth. The silver light vanished into thin air without leaving any trace.

  Li Han Yu sneered and said, "What other tricks do you have up your sleeve?" As she spoke, she advanced on Xia Jin Yi once more. He raised his hand again, but this time Li Han Yu was prepared. She stretched out her jade-like hand, revealing a silver wrist guard that deflected the incoming attack.

  The hidden weapon fell to the ground, and Li Han Yu picked it up, examining it carefully. It was a five-inch-long, three-edged, double-bladed needle made of polished steel. If someone were hit by this, they would surely bleed profusely. Li Han Yu's expression turned cold as she said, "Fine, I'll let you taste your own medicine."

  With that, she flicked her finger, sending the double-bladed needle shooting towards Xia Jin Yi with incredible speed. He glared at her with venomous hatred, but just as the needle was about to pierce his heart, a loud shout came from outside: "Halt!"

  As soon as the voice was heard, not only did Li Han's expression change, but also Xiang Lan and Zhang Jinyong stopped in their tracks. At this moment, the hall door was kicked open with one foot, and Li An rushed in angrily. Just as Li Han was rejoicing that he had already killed Xia Jin, he saw Xia Jin crawling towards Li An, kneeling in front of him and crying loudly: "Your Highness, please save my life, Empress Lan and Princess want to kill me."

  Li Han You was taken aback. How could this person not be dead yet? The crown prince hastily asked, "Is everything all right with you? I heard the news and rushed back, fortunately just in time."

  Xia Jinyi undid his outer garment, revealing a breastplate underneath, which had been pierced by the twin needles. Xia Jinyi wailed: "Your subordinate almost never gets to see Your Highness."

  Li An burst into anger and said: "Li Han You, my family affairs don't need your interference, you can leave."

  Li Han let out a sigh and said: "Your Highness, since you refuse to accept my honest words, I have nothing more to say. This person really cannot be kept, please think thrice about it." Li An remained unmoved, coldly saying: "I understand, you may leave."

  Li Han Yu's sleeves fluttered as he bowed, and then let out a sigh before leaving. Xiao Lan's expression was somewhat tense, she stepped forward and stuttered: "Your Highness, I just..." Before she could finish speaking, an inner attendant came in from outside and said: "Master Lan, the Crown Prince's consort has a message..." He hadn't finished speaking when he saw the Crown Prince's iron-like face, and was so frightened that he knelt down. Li An coldly asked: "What did the Crown Prince's consort ask you to say?"

  The eunuch trembled and said, "Her Highness said, 'Since you, Lan Fei, are so reckless and dared to deceive the prince and dispose of his beloved guard, and also had my maid tied up and brought back, I will now petition the Empress Dowager. You can be the Crown Princess instead.' When he heard this, Li An could no longer hold back his temper. With a wave of his hand, the tea on the table was swept to the ground, making a mess. Li An angrily said, "Xiao Lan, you are good! Not only did you dare to dispose of my trusted aide without permission, but also want to force the Crown Princess to abdicate? I will petition the Emperor tomorrow and divorce you. You are not worthy of being the wife of the Crown Prince."

  Xiao Lan was shocked and hastily stepped forward, kowtowing to say: "Your Highness, please calm your anger, it's this servant's fault. I beg of you, considering that this servant is thinking for Your Highness' sake, spare me."

  Li An was furious, but he remembered the importance of Fengyi Gate to himself. If he were to expel Xiao Lan, he feared that his position as crown prince would be in jeopardy. He hesitated, and at this moment, Xia Jinyi said: "Your Highness, it's all my fault for offending Consort Lan. The Crown Princess is also angry with Her Majesty because of this matter. If Your Highness permits, I will apologize to Consort Lan on behalf of the subordinate, and she will surely forgive me."

  Li An looked at Xiao Lan, and Xiao Lan knew this was a way out, so she hastily said: "I won't blame you for this. From now on, you must be careful with your words and actions."

  Xia Jin Yi hastily agreed, and Li An said with satisfaction: "That's good, Lan Fei, you go to the Crown Prince's consort to apologize. If you offend her, Father Emperor and Mother Empress will not agree either." Xiao Lan was already very regretful and shouldn't have given others a handle, so she hastily said: "Your concubine will definitely go immediately, please don't worry, Your Highness."

  Li An nodded in satisfaction and said, "Alright, Xia Jinyi, let's go back with Gu."

  Xia Jinyi hastily followed the prince and left, giving his senior brother a grateful glance as he departed. After he had gone some distance, Zhang Jinxiong's expression turned icy cold as he said, "This subordinate bids farewell." Xiao Lan hastily replied, "General Manager Zhang, it was all this palace's fault, please don't take it to heart and avoid harming the relationship between our two families."

  The princess is the ruler, and I am her subject. How dare I put this matter in my heart? My younger martial brother has a pitiful life, and maybe some of his behavior is not proper, but he is kind by nature. Please, Your Highness, show mercy and spare him.

  Xiao Lan smiled wryly and said, "Don't you really know what he has done?"

  Zhang Jinxiong said coldly, "This is exactly what Jinxiong wants to ask the master, with such a lord, does Fengyimen really think it's worth supporting? Jinxiong will report this matter back to the sect, please, master, reflect on your own heart, are those things really Yinyi's fault?"

  Xiao Lan's expression was solemn, and she didn't respond. Watching Zhang Jinyong's receding back, she said in a low voice: "This time I really made a mistake, I must make up for it properly, otherwise Master will blame me, what can I do?"