After cleaning himself up, Prince Wang Wei returned to the small hut. His face looked refreshed after spending almost the entire day training.Elsewhere, inside Princess Yuan Li's chamber, the beautiful young woman appeared restless. Li Jie had been nowhere to be seen, and she missed him terribly.Princess Yuan Li was bewildered by her own emotions. She had never felt anything like this before, not even toward Prince Wang Wei."If this is what they call love, why must I feel it for him? He already has someone, and I don't want to be the second choice," she cried in her heart.She had no desire to follow her father's command to get close to and win over Li Jie. Yet, she couldn't deny her longing to always be near him.The young woman buried her face in a pillow, hoping it would help erase the image of Li Jie that constantly haunted her mind."What's wrong, my dear? You've seemed restless these past few days."A soft, gentle voice reached her ears.Princess Yuan Li removed the pillow fr

ShockedCold sweat began to break out on the soldiers’ foreheads. They felt an overwhelming fear. Even though they were merely following orders, failing to report these irregularities to Emperor Li Wei could result in punishment, as they might be seen as accomplices."Forgive us, my lord. We are just soldiers acting under the Prime Minister's orders. We would never dare to disobey our superior."Li Jie paused for a moment, trying to understand why Yuan Yu had taken such actions. There had to be some personal gain—otherwise, he wouldn't have seized control over matters beyond his jurisdiction."Of the taxes and tributes you collect, does all of it go into the imperial treasury?"The soldiers exchanged uneasy glances. They hadn’t expected the new Grand Commander to ask such a direct question.Li Jie's suspicions grew stronger as the soldiers hesitated to answer."Answer me! If you refuse to speak, I will sentence you to death right here and now!" he thundered.Emperor Liu Zun was stunned

Almost every court official in the hall lifted their heads when Emperor Li Wei approved Li Jie's proposal to appoint Hong Li as the Grand Commander.One of the high-ranking officials finally gathered the courage to speak up, opposing Emperor Li Wei’s decision to appoint Hong Li as the Deputy Commander."Forgive me, Your Majesty... but it seems too early for Your Majesty to appoint Hong Li as the Deputy Commander based solely on the words of the Commander, who has yet to understand the intricacies of the palace. I hope Your Majesty will consider selecting another candidate.""Who do you think is suitable? Do you want to be the Deputy Commander yourself?" Emperor Li Wei asked, his tone sharp but composed."Forgive me, Your Majesty… That is not my intention. However, at the very least, the person chosen should have experience in royal governance.""Then tell me, who do you think is qualified to be the Deputy Commander?" Emperor Li Wei continued to press him with the same question.The of

Eliminating two of the young man's closest people would at least bring some satisfaction to his soul. Moreover, the suffering Li Jie would endure would make it easier to kill him.Prime Minister Yuan Yu continued to think hard. He would not allow the soldier to leave before he found a quick and precise method.After thinking for quite some time, Prime Minister Yuan Yu finally devised a plan that he believed would work perfectly without leaving any traces. He then explained it to the soldier in detail."Do you understand what you must do?""Yes, Prime Minister.""Go at once! Remember, do it cleanly and neatly!" Prime Minister Yuan Yu said while tossing a pouch of gold coins to the soldier."Understood, Prime Minister."The soldier grabbed the pouch from the table and left Prime Minister Yuan Yu’s residence with a satisfied grin. His cunning mind was already at work, plotting how to deceive his female accomplice, who was assigned to sneak into Mei Lian’s chamber.Princess Yuan Li’s Desp

A moment ago, Mei Lian, who was deep in thought alone in her room, was startled by the arrival of a woman dressed like a palace maid."Apologies, Princess… Before returning, the royal physician gave me this potion to deliver to Your Highness. He said it was ordered by the Prince a few days ago." The woman placed two small jars on a table.The beautiful girl frowned in confusion. She couldn't recall Li Jie ever mentioning a potion or anything of the sort."What is this potion for, Bi? Why has the Prince never told me anything about it?""This potion ensures that the Princess will not feel pain during her first night with the Prince. It also helps with fertility so that Your Highness can conceive quickly. Tomorrow is the joyous day of your wedding with the Prince. And as newlyweds, the night will surely be... well, a little awkward." The woman stacked her palms together, moving the top hand up and down."You’re unbelievable, Bi. But does it have to be taken now? Can't I wait for the Pri