Madam, don't do this!

Chapter 378 The Kiss (11,000 words)

There are no flowers or moon, only wind and snow.

The cool breeze of early spring carries snowflakes that drift and sway in the air.

The lights of the distant imperial city reflected the snowflakes swirling in the air, refracting a dazzling light like crystal, like threads of pearls tracing graceful arcs before one's eyes.

The two stood facing each other.

Luo Tianyi lowered her head, somewhat afraid to meet Song Yan's gaze.

Song Yan's eyes were fixed intently on Luo Tianyi's answer.

The atmosphere was enchanting and ambiguous.

A profound silence filled the vast expanse of heaven and earth.

They could even hear each other's heartbeats.

boom!
boom!
boom!
Urgent and forceful.

It seemed about to leap out of his chest.

Just as Luo Tianyi was about to raise her head and give her answer, a slightly flirtatious voice suddenly came from the side, shattering all the romance and ambiguity in an instant.

The atmosphere vanished instantly.

grass.

Just when he was about to get to the answer, Song Yan felt a surge of anger rising in his chest when he was interrupted. The torches on the palace walls were reflected in Song Yan's pupils like fiercely burning flames.

Seeing Luo Tianyi's luscious lips suddenly close, her pretty face turning as cold as frost, Song Yan was truly filled with murderous intent. In his rage, he didn't even hear what she had said clearly; he only swore in his heart that if it wasn't something important, he would definitely teach her a lesson.

Suddenly, Song Yan turned around.

But then, from behind, in the direction of the palace, several more people appeared out of nowhere.

In the firelight, scattered shadows appeared on the snow.

The leader was a young man of eighteen or nineteen, a few years older than Song Yan. He was dressed in fine clothes and had an innate air of nobility. He was handsome and had a good appearance. If you looked closely, you could even see that the fine clothes he was wearing were embroidered with a four-clawed dragon.

It's not a python.

It's a dragon.

Song Yan's pupils contracted slightly; the Central Plains had a strict system of etiquette.

Dragon robes were reserved for royalty.

The five-clawed golden dragon robe was exclusively for the emperor.

Four claws, worn by princes and nobles.

Looking at this person's age, his identity becomes obvious.

The eldest prince, Luo Jingyu.

Emperor Ninghe had few children; many of the princes born to the Empress and concubines died young. This continued until the birth of Yang Guifei's son, Luo Jingyu, which made him the rightful eldest prince. In reality, Luo Tianshu, Luo Tianquan, and Luo Tianyang were all older than Luo Jingyu. Had they grown up in the palace, they would likely have died much earlier and wouldn't be alive today.

Respect, of course, was absent.

Even in front of Emperor Ninghe, Song Yan behaved quite casually, let alone the eldest prince, whose paternity was still unknown. Song Yan brazenly looked him up and down. Judging from his appearance, he did bear a slight resemblance to Emperor Ninghe, so he must be Emperor Ninghe's son. This made sense; the Imperial Clan Court was no pushover. Every child born to the emperor underwent thorough investigation to confirm their paternity before being recorded in the Imperial Register and beginning to enjoy the privileges of imperial relatives.

However, if this generation doesn't work, it's hard to say what will happen to the next generation.

Song Yan could imagine that Luo Jingyu's princess must also be a woman of the Yang family, and that her offspring would most likely be replaced with pure Yang family blood.

At that time, Ningguo will truly belong to the Yang family.

That Luo Jingyu is a complete idiot.

He only thought the Yang family was his strongest supporter, never imagining that one day they would ruthlessly take everything he possessed. In fact, once Luo Jingyu ascended the throne and the Yang family woman gave birth to a prince, his death would be imminent. After all, how could a grown emperor be as easy to control as a kindergarten-aged child?

When that time comes, the Yang family will become the de facto controllers of the entire Ning Kingdom.

As for Luo Jingyu, he probably didn't know what had happened until the moment he died.

Thinking this, Song Yan couldn't help but chuckle.

"How dare you be so presumptuous before the Crown Prince!" Seeing Song Yan laugh out loud, the eunuch next to him, who was already seventeen or eighteen years old, suddenly turned ferocious and shouted, "Hurry up and kneel down to pay your respects!"

The voice is sharp.

Those who listened got goosebumps all over.

Song Yan's body trembled violently. Looking again, he noticed that behind the First Prince Luo Jingyu were four eunuchs and four guards. Within Ning Kingdom, probably no official would dare to be so presumptuous in front of Luo Jingyu. These eight followers had also developed arrogant and haughty personalities. Seeing Song Yan daring to look the First Prince up and down so brazenly, they were immediately enraged.

Several guards had even slowly placed their hands on their waists, as if they were about to draw their weapons at any moment.

Luo Jingyu, however, didn't take it to heart and casually waved his hand: "The Marquis of Champion is a pillar of Ningguo. He suppressed Japanese pirates along the coast and slaughtered the Jurchens in Haixi. How dare you dogs be so disrespectful to the Marquis of Champion?" As he spoke, he looked at Song Yan again and respectfully bowed to him: "These servants have been spoiled by me. Please forgive them, Marquis of Champion."

Song Yan chuckled.

They are flexible and adaptable.

Song Yan could tell that Luo Jingyu seemed to be imitating Emperor Ninghe.

He wanted to appear respectful and humble to demonstrate his benevolence and eagerness to recruit talented individuals.

However, he was not Emperor Ninghe.

He only learned the outward appearance, but he could not learn Emperor Ninghe's genuine respect for scholars.

Pride remained etched in his bones, even in his current bow, though his posture was stiff and his lips twitched slightly—a fleeting moment that didn't escape Song Yan's notice. Trying to win over court officials like this would likely be seen as servile by Luo Jingyu, something he was unwilling to do.

Song Yan smiled and accepted Luo Jingyu's bow with composure: "Your Highness, is there something you need to do at this hour? If there is nothing urgent, please return."

"Leaving the palace late at night is against the rules."

Upon hearing this, a clear flash of shame and anger crossed Luo Jingyu's face. This was already an extremely improper answer. This bastard! He hadn't even rushed over to help him up. Recalling the past, no matter which court official he encountered, when he was about to bow, the other party would immediately step forward and support his arms with both hands, never allowing him to bow. Unlike this Song Yan... he was just a peasant from a small place, completely lacking in manners.

The eight servants were even more furious.

Although he was young and impetuous, Luo Jingyu still endured the humiliation inflicted by Song Yan. Slightly embarrassed, he straightened up and waved his hand again to stop the eight servants around him. A gentle smile appeared on his handsome face: "I have lived in the deep palace for a long time, but I have heard a lot about the deeds of the Marquis of Champion."

"Outside Ningping County, there are ten mounds of Jingguan (a type of human pyramid).

"Outside Pingyang City, heads were piled up like mountains."

"I greatly admire him and have always wanted to meet him, but unfortunately, due to my status, I cannot have the opportunity, which is a great pity."

"I am honored to meet the Marquis of Champion today, and I am filled with admiration. I wish to host a banquet tomorrow and would be grateful if the Marquis would grace me with his presence so that I may hear firsthand how the Marquis will conquer the royal court."

Very literary.

So what if you can use fancy words?
Damn it, all for this piece of crap?
Those who do bad things will not have a good end.

Song Yan rolled her eyes: "No time."

hiss.

Upon hearing this, Song Yan saw the people in front of him tremble in unison, including Luo Jingyu, whose expression turned extremely ugly.

That really shows they don't give you any face at all.

Luo Jingyu could no longer keep up the act, his face darkening: "Champion Marquis, is this truly the case?"

"The current situation in the Ningguo court should be clear to the Marquis of Champion. It won't be long before I am named Crown Prince. Doesn't the Marquis of Champion think about the future?"

Song Yan lowered his eyelids, finally facing Luo Jingyu directly, a chilling smile on his lips: "Your Highness, are you threatening me?"

"This isn't a threat, just a reminder." Luo Jingyu said smugly, "The saying 'a new emperor, a new court' should be clear to the Marquis of Champion. Offending me now won't do you any good. Even if you don't care about yourself, you should think about your women, right? I've heard that you're quite the ladies' man, surrounded by beauties. Besides Cousin Tianxuan, there are quite a few... You don't want that..."

A chilling glint suddenly flashed in Song Yan's eyes.

With a bang, amidst a flurry of snowflakes, he exerted force with his legs and his body shot forward like lightning, closing in on the eldest prince.

Although the eldest prince had eight servants around him, Song Yan was too fast. Even the guards didn't have time to react. They only saw a flash of a figure before Song Yan appeared in front of Luo Jingyu, raised his right hand, and slapped Luo Jingyu hard on one side of his face.

"Don't want to talk nonsense..."

Snapped.

The sound of the slap was crisp and loud.

Song Yan's brute strength was far beyond what a pampered good-for-nothing like Luo Jingyu could match.

He was instantly knocked to the ground, and half of his face swelled up.

This was only because Song Yan held back; otherwise, that slap alone would have been enough to tear Luo Jingyu's face apart.

What a joke! Your father was even encouraging us to rebel, and you dare to come up to me and yell at me, threatening me?
Who gave you the courage?

Although, apart from Luo Tianyi, most of the other women were married first and then fell in love, they are all indispensable in Song Yan's life now.

Using them as a threat?
If this weren't the palace gates, he would have definitely snapped this idiot's neck.

Even after hitting Luo Jingyu, Song Yan didn't take it to heart; he had his own reasons.

On the one hand, Luo Jingyu's biological mother is Yang Miaoyun, Yang Miaoqing's younger sister, which naturally makes Song Yan dislike him.

Secondly, Yang Miaoyun's status as a member of the Yang family naturally displeased Emperor Ninghe, and this dislike would also extend to Luo Jingyu. This can be seen from the fact that Emperor Ninghe would rather overthrow the dynasty himself than pass the throne to Luo Jingyu. It is also a good opportunity to peek at Emperor Ninghe's true attitude through this commotion.

Finally, Lao Tzu held military power.

Although small in number, they were the most elite troops in Ningguo.

That's the source of their confidence.

With only 8,000 heavy infantry and 4,000 heavy cavalry at hand, slapping the prince shouldn't be a problem.

If he had 80,000 heavy infantry and 40,000 heavy cavalry, he could probably slap the emperor and nothing would happen to him.

And Luo Jingyu is stupid. It's easy to guess that his teachers were probably specially arranged by the Yang family. These people might teach Luo Jingyu the Four Books and Five Classics, but they would never teach him the true essence. The Yang family would not allow another Emperor Ninghe to appear.

Even Emperor Ninghe adopted a laissez-faire approach towards Luo Jingyu.

With this kind of education, it would be a miracle if Luo Jingyu could succeed.

It's easy to imagine that once this fool ascends the throne, the Yang family will become the most powerful maternal relatives, controlling the court. At that point, how could they possibly let go of this enemy who once caused them such immense losses? Under the Yang family's instigation, Luo Jingyu will also completely confront him; there will be no other possibility. Since a confrontation is inevitable sooner or later, why bother showing Luo Jingyu any face?
At the same time, it can also convey to the outside world that he and the Yang family are irreconcilable enemies.

This slap, though seemingly impulsive, was actually the result of careful consideration.

Luo Jingyu seemed stunned by the beating. This was the first time he'd ever been hit like this in his life. He lay sprawled in the snow, the snow clinging to his python robe, making him look rather disheveled. One hand covered half his face, the burning sensation piercing his nerves. His eyes, wide with disbelief, stared at Song Yan.

"You... you dare to hit me?"

Luo Jingyu's eight servants were also startled.

It wasn't until they heard Luo Jingyu's voice that they realized what was happening. In an instant, their expressions changed drastically. The little eunuch who had spoken first screamed and rushed over. However, this person had obviously not cultivated and actually acted like a woman, reaching out with both hands to scratch Song Yan's face.

Luo Tianyi watched quietly from the side. She could tell at a glance that these people were no match for her brother-in-law. The gap between them was simply too great.

Sure enough, before the eunuch's claws could even touch Song Yan's face, a hand reached out from the side and grabbed the eunuch's wrist. With just a little force, Song Yan crushed the bone in the eunuch's wrist with a snap.

The next instant, an arm rose and gripped the little eunuch's head.

Snap.

Crimson and thick white splattered everywhere.

In an instant, all around fell silent.

Even the others who were about to rush over stopped in their tracks, motionless, staring wide-eyed at Song Yan, their eyes filled with fear.

Only at this moment did they finally remember who the person in front of them was.

That was a ruthless person who could crush the heads of 203 officials right in front of Emperor Ninghe and all the civil and military officials, on the walls of the palace.

A high-ranking official of the third rank in the imperial court could be killed at will.

Not to mention a mere few eunuchs and guards?

The arrogance that had grown from spending so much time with the Crown Prince vanished in an instant, replaced by overwhelming fear. Something warm even sprayed onto the Crown Prince's face; the sticky texture and the foul stench sent shivers down Luo Jingyu's spine as if he'd been electrocuted.

Dead people.

The little eunuch who had been with him since childhood was killed by this guy by having his head crushed.

He's a madman.

He will kill himself.

He was the eldest prince; how dare he?

For a moment, Luo Jingyu's mind was buzzing, and all sorts of thoughts rushed through his head like crazy.

Song Yan gave Luo Tianyi a wink, and the next instant, with a clang, a long sword was drawn from its sheath amidst the wind and snow, swirling in the swirling snowflakes, and came flying westward.

hiss hiss hiss hiss...

Luo Tianyi's figure moved swiftly across the snow like a ghost, leaving not even a single footprint on the surface of the snow.

This is probably what they mean by leaving no trace in the snow.

When Luo Tianyi stopped again, a drop of crimson blood slowly dripped from the tip of the gently trembling longsword, blooming into a delicate plum blossom on the snow.

Thump thump thump thump…

With a dull thud, the remaining seven people fell to the ground almost simultaneously, their eyes wide open, the light in their eyes gradually fading.

Song Yan squatted down, grabbed a handful of snow, and wiped the dirt off her fingers.

Finally cleaned up, when he looked at Luo Jingyu again, Luo Jingyu finally snapped out of his shock. His pupils contracted violently, and he trembled as if in an earthquake. Dead, all of them dead. Luo Jingyu, who had been pampered and spoiled since childhood in the palace, had never experienced anything like this before. In his daze, eight pairs of wide eyes were staring intently at him.

"No, don't kill me."

"I am the eldest prince."

"When I become emperor, I will appoint you as the Grand General Who Protects the Nation, and I will appoint you as the Duke..."

Intense fear overwhelmed Luo Jingyu, causing him to blurt out incoherent words, including things he shouldn't have said.

This eldest prince has truly been ruined by the Yang family's upbringing.

Although the commotion here was significant, it was still some distance from the palace, so the sound couldn't reach the other side.

"Trying to win me over, that wasn't your idea, was it?" Song Yan said casually.

Gudong.

Luo Jingyu swallowed and nodded.

"It wasn't the Yang family's idea either."

Luo Jingyu asked instinctively, "Is it because you have a grudge against the Yang family?"

Song Yan looked at Luo Jingyu as if he were a fool. Wasn't the reason obvious? The Yang family naturally hoped that they would be the only help for Luo Jingyu to ascend the throne. In this way, after Luo Jingyu ascended the throne, in order to stabilize the court, he would have to rely more and more on the Yang family. Moreover, Luo Jingyu's status as the eldest son was there. The empress had no sons, so he was the eldest son of the legitimate wife and the first in line to the throne. The Yang family was confident enough to push him to that position, so why would they agree to him associating with other court officials?
The Fang family and Bailu Academy are mortal enemies. Even if they associate with court officials, they are from neutral factions. It is impossible for them to come looking for someone who is obviously a royalist.
"Did your mother send you?"

Luo Jingyu's eyes suddenly widened: "How do you know?" He didn't understand why Song Yan knew so much about this, which was clearly happening in the harem.

Song Yan chuckled. This Yang Miaoyun, the Imperial Concubine Yang, was indeed a bit smarter than that fool Yang Miaoqing.

She knew very well that she was able to enter the palace as a concubine because of the Yang family.

Her son's ascension to the throne was also thanks to the Yang family.

But what happens after the son ascends the throne?

All her prestige and future glory would come from Luo Jingyu; the Yang family would no longer be an asset, but an obstacle.

When Luo Jingyu was emperor, she was the empress dowager. But if Luo Jingyu lost his value and was killed, who would care about her as empress dowager? Even if a pure Yang family bloodline became the ruler of Ningguo, he would only be her grand-nephew. What would that have to do with her?

By then, she would be nothing more than a daughter of the Yang family who had long since lost her usefulness, how could she compare to the honor of being the mother of a nation?

Ultimately, it can't withstand the loneliness of someone leaving.

The Yang family is not a monolithic entity.

Yang Hexing wanted his direct descendants to sit on the dragon throne, Yang Hetong had the same idea, and so did Yang Miaoyun... Yang Miaoyun knew that among the many forces in Ningguo, she was the weakest. Apart from having some influence in the harem, she had no ability to interfere in the court affairs.

Therefore, Yang Miaoyun wanted to find an ally for her son. Ideally, this ally should have a mortal feud with the Yang family so that after Luo Jingyu ascended the throne, he could counterbalance the Yang family and prevent them from controlling the court and usurping the emperor's power. In this way, Luo Jingyu would have the opportunity to play both sides and gradually gain control of the emperor's power in the struggle between the two factions.

And Song Yan was naturally the most suitable target.

Of all the women in the Yang family, finally one of them wasn't so muddle-headed.

“Go back and tell your mother that there’s no need for her to try so hard to win me over.” Song Yan curled her lip: “I’m sworn enemies with the Yang family.”

"Furthermore, think carefully about the relationship between you, your mother, the Yang family, the throne... Once you understand this, you're probably not a fool anymore."

Song Yan wasn't trying to be helpful to Luo Jingyu; he just wanted to cause trouble for the Yang family.

On the snow, the two figures gradually walked away into the distance.

Luo Jingyu gasped for breath, finally feeling the danger of being on the verge of death gradually dissipate, and he struggled to get up from the ground.

His teeth were clenched, his eyes fixed on the two figures whose backs were now blurred, filled with fear, but even more so with resentment. The pride of being the eldest prince had been utterly crushed and ruthlessly trampled into the ground that night.

He thought about himself, his mother, the Yang family, the throne... Although he hated Song Yan, Song Yan's words still echoed in his mind, and before he knew it, Luo Jingyu's brows furrowed tightly.

He wasn't actually stupid; he was just spoiled from a young age. He had never been taught how to conduct himself, how to navigate social situations, or how to analyze pros and cons. He was also never taught the art of ruling a kingdom. The things he learned every day were mostly the likes of "The Great Learning," "The Doctrine of the Mean," "The Analects," "Mencius," and "The Spring and Autumn Annals."

The only different knowledge and insights I had came from my mother's private teachings.

However, his mother had very little time to spend with him in private, and even less to teach him. In addition, the palace maids, eunuchs, and even his master, as well as the deliberate flattery of his many cousins ​​in the Yang family, ultimately shaped his current personality.

Their original talent was gradually buried.

But today, Song Yan slapped him hard, telling him that his status as the eldest prince was utterly worthless.

Arrogance leads to being suppressed.

His former intelligence gradually resurfaced.

The Yang family, the throne, himself and his mother… It was as if threads were forming in his mind, trying to connect these chaotic things, as well as the court that Song Yan hadn’t mentioned… Suddenly, Luo Jingyu’s eyes lit up, as if he had thought of something. His face turned pale, and his whole body trembled.

Looking again at the disappearing figure in the distance, the resentment in his eyes gradually dissipated, leaving only a sense of gratitude. He bowed respectfully in that direction, this time at a ninety-degree angle, without any hesitation.

Then he turned around and hurriedly headed towards the palace.

……

in the dark.

Song Yan and Luo Tianyi walked side by side.

Courage is a thing that can be exerted in one go, but its strength diminishes with each attempt and eventually runs out.

Song Yan only said it once, and that she was currently in a period of decline, not completely exhausted yet, still retaining some strength. She pursed her lips, and her gaze involuntarily fell on the pretty profile of the woman beside her:

"Heavenly Robe..."

"The question from earlier..."

Luo Tianyi stopped again.

She raised her head and gazed at Song Yan.

In the darkness of night, all was silent.

No one was around.

Once you're far from the palace, even the firelight is gone.

The deep black seemed to give people double the courage.

Slowly, a faint, gentle smile appeared on Luo Tianyi's face. She put her hands behind her back and tiptoed up.

They are two soft lips.

Like a dragonfly skimming the water, it lightly touched Song Yan's lips before parting.

But that moment felt like eternity.

(End of this chapter)