"Your Highness, why the anger? Since ancient times, the moon wanes when full, and water overflows when it is complete. The Ninth Prince's current momentum is so strong, does it not make His Majesty wary?"
She had always been a person of intellect, though previously her focus had been on selecting a suitable husband from noble families. She had rarely pondered state affairs. Recently, accompanying her brother Wen Xinglu, she had listened to his analyses of the court situation, which enabled her to now offer words that pierced the heart of the matter.
This earned her a new look from Prince Ke.
"How could I not know that Father Emperor is wary of the Wei family? But at the same time, he has never trusted me!"
"Your Highness, since His Majesty is already wary of the Ninth Prince, isn't this the perfect time for you to shine? Show more consideration, do not compete, and in doing so, will you not further highlight the Ninth Prince's ambition?"
Wen Yuwei soothed his temper as she spoke.
Prince Ke seemed to ponder the feasibility of her words. In the past, he had always been in direct opposition to the Ninth Prince, sometimes winning, sometimes losing, but always competing. Now, with the court situation leaning heavily in one direction, was he to retreat?
If Wen Yuwei had accurately guessed Emperor Qi's thoughts, then it would be good.
But if she had guessed wrong, would it not mean he was handing over a favorable situation to the Ninth Prince?
Thus, for a time, he found himself unable to make a decision.
Being in the thick of it, one was never as clear-sighted as an onlooker.
Wen Yuwei did not continue to persuade him. After all, saying too much could be risky. If Prince Ke were to follow her advice and something went wrong, would all the blame fall upon her?
Therefore, she merely accompanied him in silence.
Her hands rested on her abdomen. A few days ago, she had discovered she was pregnant, but it was only a month, a precarious time.
If word of this were to leak to Prince Ke's consort, she feared she would not fare well.
Thus, according to her plan, she intended to conceal it for as long as possible, ideally until the child was born and had grown a bit before revealing herself.
By then, her status would be extraordinary.
At the very least, she would be able to secure the position of a secondary consort, though she could no longer use the name Wen Yuwei.
Thinking of this, she was filled with hope for the future.
Prince Ke was engrossed in contemplating how to deal with the Ninth Prince, and did not notice Wen Yuwei's actions.
Just as he was at a loss, a surprise visitor unexpectedly arrived at the Min family residence in Jinling City.
Ever since the Zhu family's Candle Dragon Pill was delivered to the Min family, Prince Ding, who had been on the verge of "dying," had miraculously awoken from his coma the very next day. Old Master Min was so delighted that he specially prepared thank-you gifts for Liang Quanbin and the Zhu family, expressing his gratitude for their life-saving intervention.
Liang Quanbin was naturally overjoyed, but he was quite displeased that the Min family had not forgotten the Zhu family.
Prince Ding's health was gradually recovering. His previously frail body could now accept food and he could walk.
What's more, his complexion had gradually turned from deathly pale to ruddy.
He would occasionally appear before the Min family servants, instructing them to spread the news of his gradual recovery.
Just as everyone was celebrating Prince Ding's recovery, one night, over a dozen men in black stormed into the Min residence, heading straight for the courtyard where Prince Ding was staying.
The courtyard was surrounded by Prince Ding's personal guards. How could they possibly succeed?
Thus, Xu Lin led his men into a fierce battle with the men in black. The attackers' moves were sharp and swift, clearly indicating they were no ordinary individuals.
"Who are you people? How dare you trespass into the Min residence, are you trying to assassinate His Highness?"
Xu Lin asked in a low voice, while his hand behind his back continuously directed the hidden guards to surround them.
"We have no intention of disturbing His Highness, but we have an urgent matter to request his assistance with."
"What matter?"
"This matter is of great importance, and I can only discuss it with Prince Ding!"
Xu Lin frowned. It was truly shameless of them to use such a flimsy excuse.
If everyone were to use this excuse to meet the Prince alone, then what would be the point of their guards?
"Hmph, since your intentions are impure, do not blame me for showing no mercy with my sword."
With that, he flicked his sword and charged towards the leader of the men in black. The two were masters, and their fight in the night sky was fierce.
Xu Lin intentionally tried to maneuver the opponent away, but the latter kept trying to rush towards the courtyard entrance.
After several exchanges, both had gained an understanding of each other's moves.
Xu Lin was confident that very few people in this world could defeat him, but the person before him not only could contend with him but also consistently evaded his attacks, possessing superior skill and experience.
He now regarded the opponent as a formidable foe and focused all his attention on the fight.
Unexpectedly, as they were locked in an intense battle, one of the men in black suddenly went limp. The black-clad figure entangled with Xu Lin caught sight of this out of the corner of his eye and immediately disengaged to support the fallen figure.
"Qianling, how are you?"
His eyes were filled with anxiety, as if he wished he could transfer her pain to himself!
Qianling?
Xu Lin was somewhat shocked. Could it be Princess Qianling of Zhongzhou?
Hadn't she already died of illness?
Otherwise, how could Zhongzhou have fallen into such chaos?
Thus, he also ceased his fighting and stepped forward, asking in a stern tone.
"Are you Princess Qianling?"
The black-clad figure pulled down his mask, revealing a face with a pallid complexion.
It was indeed Princess Qianling, but why had she become like this?
"You've been poisoned?"
Xu Lin immediately realized the situation. However, before Princess Qianling could reply, a mouthful of black blood spurted from her lips.
Startled, Xu Lin retreated a few steps. The black-clad figure beside her, his eyes filled with heartache, held her weakening body in his arms and knelt on one knee before Xu Lin, pleading.
"We implore you to show mercy and allow us to see Prince Ding, otherwise Qianling may not survive today."
Xu Lin glanced at the now unconscious Princess Qianling and said to the black-clad figure.
"Wait here, I will go and report to His Highness."
"Thank you!"
Hope suddenly flickered in the man's eyes, as if Princess Qianling could be saved if only Prince Ding agreed to see them.
A moment later, Xu Lin returned to invite the two inside.
"You may carry the Princess in, but the others must remain outside!"
"Rest assured, they are here to protect the Princess and will not act rashly!"
With that, he glanced at another tall black-clad figure and instructed, "Everything awaits my command, do not act rashly!"
"Yes!"
After giving his instructions, the black-clad figure carried Princess Qianling into the courtyard. As they pushed open the door, they saw Prince Ding, Xiao Tingyi, sitting in a circle chair, gazing at them with deep eyes, as if assessing them.
The black-clad figure tore off his mask and knelt before Prince Ding, saying.
"This subordinate is Jiang Xun, commander of the Zhongzhou Army. I pay my respects to Your Highness."
"Jiang Xun? I have indeed heard your name. The Jiang family of Zhongzhou are capable subordinates of Prince Yi, but why are you here, and with Qianling?"