Returning after a three-year escape from death, the tyrant has turned evil.

Chapter 279 The defeated general
After taking a bath, Jiang Lanye tiptoed in and saw Xichun guarding the bedside, while Song Yi was still sleeping peacefully.

Xi Chun turned her head and saw Jiang Lan Ye. She immediately stood up, and he raised his hand, signaling Xi Chun to go out first.

She nodded.

Jiang Lanye sat to the side, his gaze towards Song Yi tender and gentle, a far cry from the fierce demeanor he had displayed in the imperial prison.

When Song Yi woke up again, she found herself being held in Jiang Lanye's arms, feeling warm all over. She looked up at Jiang Lanye and saw that he was also asleep, his head resting against hers.

She couldn't help but lean closer and sniff Jiang Lanye's scent.

The movement immediately woke Jiang Lanye, who asked, "How are you feeling? Where does it hurt?"

Song Yi shook her head: "You took a bath? You smell so good."

Someone who deliberately took a longer shower quietly curled the corners of their lips: "Yes, I just went to the imperial prison and took a bath when I got back."

She nodded in satisfaction: "Not bad."

Song Yi had slept enough for now, and she felt that her mind was not so foggy anymore, but she still couldn't remember some things that happened before she went to sleep.

Anyway, it will be better in a couple of days, so Song Yi decided to stop worrying about it and asked with concern:

"What have they found out?"

"The patterns on your fan were all embroidered by palace maids. The powder inside was secretly slipped in by the maids while they were embroidering. Furthermore, she doesn't know who the mastermind behind this is. Although they met, the person on the other end concealed their face and gave her thirty taels of silver to bribe her, so she did this."

Song Yi's expression was solemn: "Thirty taels of silver? I think we can rule out the likes of concubines and talented women. Thirty taels of silver is not enough to accomplish this, not to mention that the medicine powder is not something that ordinary people can obtain."

He nodded slightly: "You think the same way I do."

She wore a bitter expression: "But even so, we can't pinpoint who it is. They're in high positions, powerful, wealthy, and have plenty of money. There's Consort Ning, Consort Zhuang, Consort Meng... there are several Consorts alone!"

Jiang Lanye pursed his lips: "In short, if you go out these next few days, I must accompany you. Even if Xichun accompanies you, I will not feel at ease."

She nodded: "Okay, I understand."

Indeed, as long as Jiang Lanye is by her side, as an emperor, who could possibly do anything to her under his nose?

Song Yi couldn't help but sigh.

"what happened?"

"I thought I could relax properly once I arrived at the palace, but I never expected that I would be forced to stay in Qingliang Palace for this reason."

Jiang Lanye had been aware that she had been feeling very bored these past few days.

Song Yi loved to play and was the kind of person who couldn't stay still. Jiang Lanye saw this and could only gently comfort her first:

"Whatever you need me to do these next two days, I will do my best without hesitation, okay?"

"Nonsense, aren't you going to read the memorials?"

"You are more important than any memorial to the throne."

He answered without hesitation.

Song Yi choked up.

So, after an incense stick had burned, Jiang Lanye looked at Song Yi, who was holding a chess piece and deep in thought, with amusement.

Song Yi initially wanted to try Go, but Go was too difficult. She hadn't studied it before and was only a beginner. After trying one game, she decisively switched back to Gomoku.

Jiang Lanye still remembers the way someone cheated before.

"Let's make it clear first, no cheating, a loss is a loss."

Song Yi pouted: "When did I cheat? Besides, the loser should always be punished."

Jiang Lanye remained expressionless, clearly not believing he would lose: "You say it."

Song Yi didn't think it through for a moment: "Let's talk about it later, let's play the next game first."

She was determined not to lose, and the first game lasted an exceptionally long time, almost filling the entire chessboard.

Jiang Lanye stared at her blankly, never expecting that he could be so focused on playing Gomoku one day.

In the end, it was a draw. Song Yi looked at the chessboard in surprise: "This is the first time I've ever had a draw."

"Does that still require punishment?"

"need."

"What punishment?"

Song Yi's eyes darted around, glancing at Jiang Lanye's loose collar.

It's hot now, so he put on a nightgown after taking a shower.

Song Yi suppressed a laugh and said, "How about this, we each take one thing off our clothes."

Jiang Lanye raised an eyebrow as he looked at Song Yi, his long-dormant competitive spirit suddenly rekindled.

"Pick them."

Jiang Lanye casually took off the jade thumb ring and placed it on the table.

Song Yi pursed her lips and took off one of her earrings.

In the second round, Jiang Lanye became extremely serious, and Song Yi lost very quickly.

She took off the second earring.

then--

Bracelets, hairpins, and beaded flowers.
Jiang Lanye looked at the things piled on the table, hesitated for a long time, but finally couldn't help asking, "Is this fair to us?"

Song Yi rolled her eyes at him: "How is it unfair? You didn't carry that many things yourself, so who can you blame?"

Song Yi won the next round. Jiang Lanye lowered his head and took off the purse from his waist.

Song Yi: "Do you really have to wear it even after you take a bath?"

He remained calm, seeing that Song Yi had nothing left to remove, and quickly won against her.

As a result, under his expectant gaze, Song Yi slowly took off her socks.

Jiang Lanye: "."

She was struggling to suppress her laughter. She was used to going barefoot, but Jiang Lanye kept nagging her and half-forced her to put on socks.

Seeing Song Yi laughing so hard her head was about to hit the table, Jiang Lanye helplessly spread his palms on the table to prevent her from bumping her forehead.

Realizing she couldn't afford to lose again, Song Yi hesitated about whether to play another round.

She glanced at Jiang Lanye.

Jiang Lanye smiled meaningfully: "Want to continue?"

"continue!"

Not only because of the so-called punishment, Song Yi found that the drowsiness in her mind disappeared while playing chess, and she regained her usual clarity, a feeling that made her extremely excited.

This time, Song Yi pondered carefully for a long time before placing a single chess piece. After a while, Jiang Lanye couldn't help but remind him:
"I've only placed two pieces; you won't lose no matter which side you put them on."

"Shh, don't disturb me. I've noticed you have a formation."

Jiang Lanye's lips twitched slightly, and he helplessly rubbed his forehead.

Well, Song Yi is quite cute like this.

Another half a while passed.

Song Yi suddenly stood up and looked down at Jiang Lanye: "Defeated opponent."

Jiang Lanye looked at Song Yi with amusement. Under her eager gaze, he slowly pulled out the sash, placed it on the table, and said softly, "All done."

Song Yi: "."

She grabbed a chess piece and threw it at Jiang Lanye.

(End of this chapter)