Film and Television: The Villain's Life Begins with Joy of Life

A gentle breeze wafts through the pavilions and terraces, carrying a refreshing coolness. Afternoon sunlight filters through the carved railings, casting dappled shadows on the bluestone floor.

Fan Xian sat on the stone steps, gazing into the distance at the shimmering water, and recounted his brief encounter with the chicken leg girl at Qing Temple.

Li Chengze tilted his head slightly, his brows furrowed, his fingers fiddling with his sleeve, his eyes filled with confusion.

He listened patiently to the whole story, but still didn't understand it at all.

Zhou Cheng also sat on the stone steps, leisurely eating grapes and spitting out the skins, repeating this process over and over. Only Sang Wen beside him was more sentimental, able to immerse herself somewhat in Fan Xian's memories.

After Fan Xian finished speaking, he turned his gaze to Li Chengze and Zhou Cheng.

Li Chengze was still completely baffled, but he wouldn't admit it.

Seeing Fan Xian's look, he nodded slightly, a look of realization on his face: "I understand!"

Fan Xian stared into his eyes, and after a moment, slowly shook his head: "You don't understand!"

The latter's expression froze.

Zhou Cheng looked over and burst out laughing.

Li Chengze couldn't hold back any longer. His face darkened instantly, and his gaze sharpened like knives. He first looked at Fan Xian: "I really don't understand! You've spouted a bunch of nonsensical words and told a nonsensical story. What are you trying to make me understand, Young Master Fan?"

Then he suddenly turned to Zhou Cheng: "Third brother, why are you laughing for no reason? Did you understand what I said?"

Zhou Cheng nodded: "Of course I understand."

Without him needing to ask further, he said:

"Young Master Fan is saying all this to tell us that this 'Chicken Leg Girl' is his true love. He wants to marry that 'Chicken Leg Girl,' not his cousin Wan'er. Is that what you mean, Young Master Fan?"

Fan Xian's eyes lit up immediately.

Although it was a pity that this Prince Cheng was not from the same hometown, the other party's style of doing things had been quite to his liking before, and now he could see through his true intentions in an instant, which made him feel warm inside and feel like he had met a kindred spirit.

His voice was tinged with excitement: "Prince Cheng understands me best! That's exactly what I mean. As long as the engagement is dissolved, the Imperial Treasury will be no longer my concern. At that time, I will be a useless idle person, and neither the Crown Prince nor you, the Second Prince, will need to waste your time on me."

Li Chengze let out a cold laugh through his nose.

He didn't believe anyone would give up a princess and their immense wealth for a "chicken leg girl" they'd only met once.

However, he wouldn't say it directly, only shaking his head very slightly, and asked, "How do you intend to dissolve the marriage arranged by my father?"

At this moment, Fan Xian only had one plan in mind, which was still in its early stages.

He was prepared to tarnish his own reputation and force Lin Wan'er to cancel the engagement. If that didn't work, he would then personally approach Lin Wan'er to communicate with her.

This idea was still incomplete, and its success was uncertain, so he couldn't possibly reveal everything. He simply said, "Your Highness, just wait and see!"

Upon hearing this, Li Chengze chuckled, patted Fan Xian's shoulder lightly twice, and stood up.

He and Fan Xian simply didn't see eye to eye, and with Zhou Cheng present, it wasn't convenient for him to threaten or bribe them. He lost interest in continuing the conversation.

Li Chengze returned to the pavilion barefoot, put on casual shoes, and casually picked up a copy of "Dream of the Red Chamber" from the low table next to him.

Xie Bi'an followed closely behind.

After walking for a while, Li Chengze turned around again:

"Fan Xian, then I'll wait and see how you stir up the capital!" After saying that, he left without even looking at Zhou Cheng.

As soon as Li Chengze left, Fan Xian turned to Zhou Cheng, his gaze intense, and said:

"It seems the Second Prince doesn't quite trust me. I wonder if the Third Prince trusts me?"

Zhou Cheng had finished the grapes in his hand. He took the silk handkerchief Sang Wen handed him and carefully wiped his fingertips: "I believe you have the will, but I doubt you have the ability."

"Why do you say that, Your Highness?"

"Because you know nothing about the Emperor. The annulment of the engagement is not just a matter between you and Wan'er; it involves far more than you can imagine. You must understand that to start a game of chess, you not only need to arrange the pieces, but also to first define the chessboard."

Upon hearing this, Fan Xian felt a chill run down his spine.

He could tell that there was a deeper meaning in those words.

His marriage to Lin Wan'er was merely the setting of a chessboard. Someone else wanted to use their marriage as a game of chess.

Looking at Zhou Cheng's calm expression, Fan Xian felt that the man in front of him was far more extraordinary than he had imagined.

At least their perspective on people and things is extraordinary.

Fan Xian frowned, a hint of probing in his voice: "Why did Your Highness tell me this?"

Zhou Cheng smiled slightly and said, "Of course I admire you. I see in you a genuine... rebellion, or rather, defiance."

"Huh?" Fan Xian was taken aback, then chuckled awkwardly, "Is Your Highness praising me?"

"Of course!" Zhou Cheng nodded, his gaze drifting in the direction Li Chengze had gone.

"The courage to fight is a very valuable thing. My second brother lacks this spirit the most."

He knew he was a whetstone used by his father to hone the crown prince, yet he accepted all the arrangements while simultaneously claiming he had no choice.

His greatest act of "rebellion" and "resistance" was going barefoot in public. Some express their aspirations through objects, others through poetry; he, however, took off his shoes to demonstrate his resolve, and dared not even do so in front of his father, the Emperor.

Zhou Cheng's words were unreserved, and the amount of information contained within them caused Fan Xian to break out in a cold sweat.

Sang Wen wanted to laugh at Fan Xian's expression; that was just how her prince spoke.

She was terrified at first, and it took her a long time to gradually get used to it.

Fan Xian wiped his face, trying to make his expression natural.

He certainly wouldn't believe Zhou Cheng's words entirely.

Everyone knows that it's a big no-no to confide in someone you don't know well. They'd only met twice, and there was absolutely no need for the other person to tell him such a private matter.

The Second Prince is merely a whetstone for the Crown Prince... That's terrifying!

Fan Xian was genuinely afraid at this moment, fearing that Zhou Cheng might utter some more shocking words.

He now felt that talking to Zhou Cheng was far more dangerous than having the Second Prince hold a sword to his neck.

Thinking of this, he abruptly stood up: "Your Highness, I have suffered from an ear ailment since childhood. Sometimes I can hear things, and sometimes I can't. I have a premonition that my ear ailment is about to flare up, so please allow me to take my leave!"

"It's just a minor ear ailment; I can summon the imperial physician for a consultation. Why is Young Master Fan in such a hurry to leave? We get along quite well; let's chat some more."

"What did Your Highness say? This humble subject couldn't hear you! Your Highness, please forgive me, Guo Baokun still owes me a few kowtows at the poetry gathering. I have to go back and keep an eye on him, lest he slip away!"

Zhou Cheng smiled and did not say anything to stop him.

Fan Xian secretly breathed a sigh of relief, and had just turned around and taken two steps when Zhou Cheng's voice came from behind him again:

"It's a pity that Young Master Fan's ear disease has relapsed. I was originally going to tell you the origin of the 'Chicken Leg Girl'."

Upon hearing the words "Chicken Leg Girl," Fan Xian's raised foot froze in mid-air. He whirled around, a smile instantly spreading across his face:

"Your Highness, you knew the origin of the Chicken Leg Girl? Why didn't you say so sooner?"

Zhou Cheng chuckled: "Young Master Fan's ear ailment healed so quickly?"

Fan Xian, shamelessly leaning closer, said, "Thanks to Your Highness's good fortune, I'm all better now! Your Highness, you said you knew the girl's background. May I ask who she is? What are her characteristics? There must be some mistake!"

Zhou Cheng ignored him, saying only, "These grapes are too sweet; my mouth is a little dry. Could someone pour me a cup of tea?"

Before Sang Wen could move, Fan Xian jogged two steps into the pavilion, picked up the teapot from the tea table, and neatly poured a full cup. He then returned and respectfully presented the cup with both hands.

Zhou Cheng took the teacup, took a sip, and said, "It's cold."

Just as Fan Xian was frowning, thinking he wanted hot tea, Zhou Cheng drank the tea in one gulp and then handed the empty cup to Sang Wen.

"You mentioned meeting at Qingmiao Temple, so I had a general idea of ​​who I wanted to meet."

Zhou Cheng briefly described Lin Wan'er's appearance, and Fan Xian nodded repeatedly, a look of delight spreading across his face. Not satisfied with that, he continued to ask, "Does Your Highness know of any other features?"

When Fan Xian recounted his encounter with the chicken leg girl, he deliberately omitted several details.

Zhou Cheng, of course, understood the implication and said directly, "That girl suffers from tuberculosis; she coughs whenever she's exposed to wind and often coughs up blood. Am I right?"

Fan Xian was so excited he almost jumped up, grabbing Zhou Cheng's arm: "That's right! Your Highness, you're right! It's her! It's her!"

He gripped Zhou Cheng's hand tightly: "Your Highness, who exactly is that girl? Tell me, I want to see her!"

"Don't get excited." Zhou Cheng pried his hands away and waited for him to calm down before slowly saying, "Now you understand, it's not a lie that I know that chicken leg girl."

However, I can tell you clearly that while you are currently focused on breaking off your engagement with Wan'er, your thoughts may change if you actually find that girl!

"Unless the chicken leg girl is Lin Wan'er, it's absolutely impossible!" Fan Xian thought to himself.

Could that chicken leg girl be Lin Wan'er? Of course not!

Zhou Cheng said he was going to change his mind, probably because the girl came from a very humble background.

It's just a matter of background, why would he look down on it?

Fan Xian took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down. His expression turned solemn as he said to Zhou Cheng, "Regardless of her status, whether she is a maid or a servant, my heart belongs only to her. I implore Your Highness to grant my wish!"

Zhou Cheng chuckled again: "I'm the kind of person who doesn't believe words, I only look at actions."

Fan Xian immediately understood and pressed on, "Then what does Your Highness wish to see me do?"

Zhou Cheng: "Actually, Wan'er is also unwilling to accept this marriage. She, like you, already has someone she likes, but since it's arranged by the Emperor, she doesn't dare to refuse."

Now that you are so deeply in love with Chicken Leg Girl, you should write a letter of annulment. This will solve Wan'er's dilemma. I will give it to Wan'er; that will fulfill my duty as her elder brother.”

"Okay! I'll write it!"

Fan Xian agreed without hesitation.

"Great job!" Zhou Cheng laughed and praised.

After saying this, he gestured for Sang Wen to call a servant and prepare paper and pen.

Soon, the writing brush, ink, paper, and inkstone were prepared.

Fan Xian spread out Xuan paper in front of the tea table in the pavilion and began to write.

Before long, the writing was finished.

He glanced through the letter of annulment and felt that his words were sincere and reasonable, and he even nodded in satisfaction.

"Your Highness, would you like to affix your handprint?"

Zhou Cheng waved his hand: "No need. Young Master Fan's handwriting is more authentic than a fingerprint or signature."

Fan Xian chuckled, not feeling embarrassed at all.

"The letter of annulment is here. Now, Your Highness, may you reveal the young lady's identity?"

"No rush, no rush."

Fan Xian frowned, his fists clenching tighter beneath his sleeves: "How can we not be anxious?"

Zhou Cheng glanced at him: "You two fell in love at first sight and exchanged names, so why the rush now? I need to go back and ask the girl herself, right? I can only tell you if she agrees! Three days, whether it works out or not, I'll give you an answer!"

three days?

Fan Xian felt it was too long after listening.

He feels like he's missing someone terribly if he doesn't see them for a day. He finally got a clue but has to wait three days, it's driving him crazy!

Moreover, who knows what might happen in three days!

Zhou Cheng saw his concerns and, without waiting for him to speak, said to Sang Wen, "Sang Wen, come and tell Young Master Fan about my principles."

Sang Wen bowed slightly, smiled gently, and said clearly, "My Highness never lies. If he agrees, he will do it. If there is something he cannot answer, he will either not answer or remain silent. Young Master Fan, please rest assured."

While Fan Xian was still somewhat doubtful, Zhou Cheng had already pretended to instruct Sang Wen, saying, "Just say the first sentence; you don't need to say the rest."

Sang Wen smiled and obediently replied, "Yes."

Watching the two flirt and exchange glances, Fan Xian suddenly realized that while he was instantly smitten with the Chicken Leg Girl, she might not reciprocate his feelings.

If the girl shyly refuses, wouldn't it be a wasted effort?

No! He had to find out who the chicken leg girl was. Even if she wasn't interested, he had to go and pursue her.

Thinking of this, Fan Xian subtly probed Zhou Cheng:

"Your Highness, may I ask... what is your relationship with that young lady?"

Zhou Cheng hesitated for a moment, then said, "Actually, I'm not very familiar with that chicken leg girl, but I know her mother very well. I'll handle it; you can just wait for news!"

Know them inside and out?

Fan Xian felt that the words seemed to have a deeper meaning, but he had no time to explore it at the moment.

He bowed deeply and said, "Then I, Fan, will await Your Highness's good news!"

Fan Xian straightened up, feeling a glimmer of hope in his heart. He glanced at the nearly dried-out annulment letter and took his leave.

He didn't care about the letter annulment, nor was he worried about being used by others.

After learning that Lin Wan'er also had someone she liked, he put himself in her shoes and decided to break off the engagement himself.

He took the initiative to annul the engagement, and even if Emperor Qing punished him, he believed he could bear the consequences.

Emperor Qing and Si Nanbo were childhood friends; it's unlikely that he would kill him just because of a broken engagement.

As for other punishments, he was born and raised in the remote Danzhou. If he can't stay in the capital, he can simply return to his hometown.

Besides, now that he's an eighth-rank master, there's nowhere in the world he can't go.

After Zhou Cheng nodded in agreement, Fan Xian left with a mix of trepidation and anticipation.

Sang Wen watched Fan Xian's figure disappear.

Although she initially looked down on Fan Xian's act of copying poems, his persistence in love changed her opinion.

For an unknown girl, he was willing to give up the title of princess, the power and influence, and even wrote a letter of annulment. How many people in the world are so devoted to love?

She secretly hoped that this devoted love would have a good outcome.

Seeing that no one was around, she leaned closer to Zhou Cheng and asked in a low voice, "Your Highness, who exactly is that chicken leg girl?"

Zhou Cheng casually replied, "Lin Wan'er, of course."

"Huh?" Sang Wen was stunned, his eyes widening in disbelief. "Isn't Lin Wan'er Young Master Fan's fiancée?"

"That's right." Zhou Cheng nodded, then added, "On Fan Xian's first day in the capital, the Emperor arranged for him to meet Wan'er. It's just that the two of them didn't know each other's identities."

Sang Wen's expression became quite interesting. She wanted to ask Zhou Cheng why he "deceived" Young Master Fan, but upon closer examination, she realized that Zhou Cheng's words were not a lie.

"Your Highness, you're being too...wicked!"

Zhou Cheng laughed heartily, unconcerned: "Don't worry, I'm just teasing them. They're mutually attracted, and with my father's marriage agreement already in place, it'll be hard for them to disagree. I'm just doing them a favor, adding some obstacles to their relationship."

Sang Wen rolled her eyes helplessly, gaining a deeper understanding of her prince's shamelessness and perverse sense of humor.

"Alright, we've had enough of the show. Take Fan Xian's letter of annulment and head back home."

Zhou Cheng gave instructions to Sang Wen.

He planned to give the annulment letter to Li Yunrui.

I had promised Li Yunrui that I would have Fan Xian cancel the engagement, but nothing has happened for so long.

Also, when Fan Xian went to the capital, he disrupted her plans. Although he helped her a little, his role was only so-so.

If he doesn't really get down to business and do something practical, then he won't be able to get into Guangxin Palace.

the other side.

After Li Chengze left the backyard, he saw Li Hongcheng pacing back and forth outside the moon gate, looking anxious.

Hearing footsteps and seeing Li Chengze emerge with a reasonably good complexion, Li Hongcheng breathed a sigh of relief and quickly stepped forward to explain, "Third Brother somehow knew Second Brother was in the backyard. I tried to stop him but couldn't. Did Third Brother's visit cause Second Brother any trouble?"

Li Chengze glanced at him: "It's alright, what trouble could our own brothers possibly have?"

Although he said that, he was still furious inside.

Zhou Cheng's arrival was met with veiled and indirect criticism, which really angered him.

He was thinking of revenge, but he couldn't find any weakness in Zhou Cheng's defenses.

Suddenly, he remembered Sang Wen, who was beside Zhou Cheng. This seemed to be the first time in many years that Zhou Cheng had brought a woman with him.

He immediately asked Li Hongcheng about Sang Wen's background.

Li Hongcheng paid for Sang Wen's redemption, so he naturally knew Sang Wen's background.

Li Hongcheng hesitated for only half a second. When Li Chengze asked, he answered without hesitation.

"The courtesans of Zuixianju?"

Li Chengze narrowed his eyes. Soon, he thought of something else.

"Didn't the Drunken Immortal Abode produce a courtesan a while ago who rejected my third brother, citing her admiration for his poetic talent?"

Li Hongcheng nodded: "That's true."

Li Chengze chuckled softly, having come up with a way to disgust Zhou Cheng.

Didn't Zhou Cheng and Fan Xian hit it off immediately?

Fan Xian happened to compose another poem that could be described as an absolute masterpiece!