"He went today too, but he came out looking perfectly normal, with nothing unusual about him."
"Okay, go down!" Jun Yifeng waved his hand lazily.
On the surface, nothing seemed amiss. Yu Mian didn't show any anger or attempt to snatch it. After all, he was just a child at heart. Once he had something new and exciting, he wouldn't think of Lin Zijin anymore.
Jun Yifeng thought, Yu Mian really worries me. When can I tell him the truth?
☆、20、The Chess Game
Time flies, and three months have passed in the blink of an eye. The fact that her "marriage" into the General's Mansion has so greatly inspired Jiang Yumin, Jun Yilin, Ye Zhanqing, and others, and in a sense has accelerated the overall development of the situation, is something Lin Zijin did not expect at the time.
If Jun Yifeng were to one day realize that his decision had hastened his demise, he would surely regret it.
Three individuals, their potential fully unleashed, each with different goals, are moving in the same direction...
Practice has proven that human potential is limitless. Preparations in all aspects are finally nearing completion, and tomorrow will be the day when everything comes to an end!
"Is everything ready?" Lin Zijing's eyes were full of dazzling light, but her tone was indifferent.
"Everything is ready. We'll begin our operation at midnight! Tomorrow at dawn, the fate of the Kingdom will change!" Ye Zhanqing's deliberately lowered voice couldn't hide his excitement.
The others also looked at Lin Zijin with various expressions.
"What will you do to him?" Jun Yilin asked Lin Zijin cautiously; this was a question that could not be avoided.
"What, do you still have any pity for him?" Lin Zijing said sarcastically.
"No, my brotherhood with him is over, but I hope you can give him a quick death!" Jun Yilin was tormented. After all, they were from the same family, and he could not be unjust if the other man was unjust.
Lin Zijin stared at Jun Yilin for a while, then said, "I can't promise you anything right now, but I promise I'll try my best!"
"Hmph! Killing only him is already too lenient on him. If it were me, I would have thrown the kingdom into chaos!" Jiang Yumin interrupted impatiently.
Seeing that Wang Chenglin remained silent, Lin Zijin knew his worries and comforted him, saying, "Don't worry, Jun Yilin will be a good emperor. Don't feel guilty. If it weren't for his scheme, the throne would have been Jun Yilin's!"
Upon hearing this, Wang Chenglin's expression softened slightly. His biggest worry was being branded a traitor, which would be an indelible disgrace to his entire family. However, considering that the will stated Jun Yilin was the rightful heir, his fears would not come true.
"Bang—bang—bang—" It's past midnight!
"Let's take action!" Lin Zijin said in a low voice.
Several dark figures walked out of the Fugui Pawnshop and disappeared into the night. An eerie atmosphere lingered in the wind. The dark sky was devoid of stars. It seemed that the world was truly about to change!
Jun Yi was unusually troubled today, tossing and turning, unable to sleep. Yesterday, Consort Jiang had miscarried, crying and making a scene all day. He had few heirs, only a daughter. He had hoped Jiang Yuyan would give him a prince, ensuring the continuation of the dynasty, but things hadn't gone as planned. Could it be—karma?
I poisoned my wife and children with my own hands. Is this God's punishment for me?
It's past midnight. I need to talk to Yu Mian tomorrow; there are some things I should tell him. Jun Yifeng turned over.
Suddenly, a gust of wind arose, making the door howl and crash, like a flowerpot being blown to the ground. Jun Yifeng was annoyed; who was so careless on night duty!
"Xiao Xiazi!" Jun Yifeng called out.
"Your Majesty?" Xia Xiazi was dozing off, but woke up immediately upon hearing this.
"Go see who's on night duty, drag them to the Censorate and beat them to death!" Jun Yifeng said calmly.
"Yes." Xia Zi was not surprised at all. He knew the Emperor's temperament best. He could only blame that brother for being unlucky.
After Xia Zi had been gone for a long time without any movement, Jun Yifeng got up impatiently and shouted, "Xia Zi!"
Someone pushed the door open and came in, but it wasn't Xia Xiazi who came in. Jun Yifeng felt something was wrong, looked up, and saw it was him?
"How did you get here?" Jun Yifeng was not alarmed.
"What does Your Majesty think?" Lin Zijing asked with a nonchalant smile.
"I knew you weren't simple!" Jun Yifeng was planning to pull the alarm bell by the bed when Lin Zijing saw him and knew what he was up to, so she didn't stop him.
Jun Yifeng didn't know Lin Zijing's background and didn't dare to fight him rashly, so he had to find a way to notify the guards outside to come in and protect him.
"Does Your Majesty wish to sound the alarm to notify those outside?" Lin Zijing gestured for him to enter.
Jun Yifeng was greatly surprised. How did he know about this mechanism? He couldn't help but ask the question that was on his mind: "How did you know?"
"Your Majesty has forgotten, I was the one who designed this mechanism for you! Hehe..." Lin Zijing's smile grew even brighter. Dressed in a black outfit, he showed no trace of his former elegance. His delicate appearance and the murderous aura emanating from him blended together strangely, yet they complemented each other perfectly!
"It really was you! My feeling was right!" Jun Yifeng felt his inner shirt was soaked with sweat. The indescribable feeling made his scalp tingle. For some reason, when he said this, he was still doubtful in his heart, but he spoke with a very certain tone.
"Hehe... Yes, it's me. What are you going to do about it?" Lin Zijing was laughing, but his tone was unusually cold. He was not in a hurry to carry out his final blow, but wanted to defeat Jun Yifeng psychologically first and make him break down, just like a cat always likes to tease a mouse under its control.
Jun Yifeng knew from the unusual silence in the outer hall that his chances of winning were slim. Emotionally, he wanted to give up the struggle and think that being free might not be a bad thing. But rationally, he was still telling himself not to give up. There should still be a chance, as long as he killed him!
Thinking this through, I felt like I had made up my mind. Yes! As long as I kill him, no one else, no matter who they are, will be no threat!
Lin Zijing watched Jun Yifeng's expressionless face with a cold smile, knowing he was already plotting his counterattack. Now, with the entire situation under his control, he—was at his wit's end!
Seeing the look of pity on Lin Zijin's face, Jun Yifeng was taken aback. He knew Lin Zijin's abilities all too well. Could it be that he was really doomed this time?
Over the years, Lin Zijin had imagined countless times the scene of killing Jun Yifeng with her own hands, but when the moment actually came, she didn't know how to do it.
"Let me handle this!" A clear voice rang out, and several more figures emerged from the darkness. It was Jun Yilin who spoke. "Let me finish him off!"
"Hmph, so you're one of them? I underestimated you!" Jun Yifeng said sarcastically.
“Brother, though you have been unkind to me, I will not be unjust to you. I will give you a quick death and will not let you suffer.” Jun Yilin looked at the face that resembled his own and said sincerely.
Jun Yifeng remained noncommittal, about to speak again, when suddenly he trembled all over, pointed at the person behind Jun Yilin, his face full of fear, and said, word by word, "Why!"
Jiang Yumin coughed, stepped forward, and said, "Yes, it is me, Your Majesty!"
"Why?" Jun Yifeng roared.
"Because I love her!" Jiang Yumin no longer avoided the question.
Their eyes clashed sharply, neither giving an inch.
Finally, Jun Yifeng lowered his head, as if all life had been drained from him. His tone was flat and devoid of any emotion: "So this is retribution! Do as you please!"
Suddenly, a commotion broke out outside, accompanied by the piercing sound of clashing swords. A blood-soaked man burst through the door, shouting, "Your Majesty, your subordinate is late in protecting you!"
Everyone's attention was focused on that person. Only Jiang Yumin was closest to Jun Yifeng. The moment she noticed that the person had entered, Jun Yifeng suddenly turned a decorative item by the bed. Jiang Yumin knew something was wrong and rushed over to grab him, but instead, Jun Yifeng grabbed her. As the bed flipped, the two of them fell down together. In just two or three seconds, the bed returned to its original position.
Only then did everyone realize that the situation had taken a dramatic turn, and the guard who had rushed in had already fainted due to his serious injuries.
Lin Zijing's face was ashen as she gritted her teeth and said, "I didn't expect him to have this trick up his sleeve?"
Jun Yilin quickly patted his shoulder and comforted him, "Don't worry! With Jiang Yumin around, he can't escape!"
Wang Chenglin said worriedly, "It's precisely because it's Lord Jiang that we're even more worried!"
Ye Zhanqing asked, puzzled, "Why?"
Lin Zijing's expression changed upon hearing this: "That's right, what exactly is the connection between Yu Mian and him?"
After saying that, Ye Zhanqing realized that Jun Yifeng's expression when facing Jiang Yumin was indeed a bit off. He had just assumed that it was because of his anger at the powerful minister he had personally promoted who had betrayed him, but now he realized that it was much more than that.
Lin Zijing sighed and said, "Fine, even if Yu Mian releases him, as long as Yu Mian is safe, that's enough. Cheng Lin, Zhan Qing, has the important matter been settled?"
Wang Chenglin replied, "I have already contacted all the ministers who are loyal to the late emperor and Prince Lin overnight. We are just waiting for the late emperor's edict to be read in court tomorrow, and then Prince Lin can rightfully ascend the throne."
Ye Zhanqing also said, "The army is now completely under our control. After the enthronement ceremony tomorrow, I will gather our people to swear allegiance to the new emperor. From then on, the army will be firmly in the hands of the new emperor!"
Lin Zijing said, "Very good, the sun will be rising soon. Let's change our clothes and go to the main hall!"
Seeing Jun Yilin frowning, Lin Zijin comforted him, "You don't need to worry. Everything is under control. Even if he comes back, he won't be able to cause any big trouble."
Jun Yilin looked intently at Lin Zijin and said, "Do you think I'm worried about this?"
"Isn't that right?" Lin Zijin asked in surprise.
"Of course not!" Jun Yilin said excitedly, "After the coronation ceremony, will you still be by my side?"
Lin Zijing's thoughts were exposed. She did indeed intend to leave without saying goodbye after the coronation ceremony, to find her master, and live a quiet life to end her remaining days. She did not expect that no one could see through her thoughts at this time, but Jun Yilin saw through them.
So Lin Zijing no longer concealed her intentions: "That's right, once everything settles down, you will naturally be a good emperor, and I will certainly never set foot in the inner palace or the court again, because I am already—tired of it!"
Yes, I am indeed tired of it. Ever since I was old enough to understand, I have been scheming and plotting, constantly calculating the big and small affairs of the court and the harem. I am really tired of it! Lin Zijin thought to herself.
"And what about me?" Jun Yilin's voice trembled slightly. "What about me? You just left without a trace. Did you even consider how I felt!"
Seeing that the two were in a bad mood, the others quietly withdrew, giving them some space.
Lin Zijin had some vague ideas in his mind, but they hadn't taken shape yet and were hard to grasp. He looked at Jun Yilin with some guilt and thought about it silently for a few minutes. Jun Yilin didn't urge him and just looked at him quietly.
After a long pause, Lin Zijing composed himself and spoke: "I understand your feelings, but I have three reasons for leaving: First, I am a man, and we cannot be together in this life; second, you will soon be the emperor, and your harem cannot consist of only one person; third, my existence will affect your power. Although you don't mind, it doesn't mean your interest group won't mind in the future, and then there will probably be another bloody storm that cannot be avoided. Therefore, I must leave!"
After hearing such a righteous and eloquent statement, Jun Yilin actually smiled. Looking at that pure and innocent smile, Lin Zijing recalled their first meeting. Jun Yilin smiled and said, "I understand what you're saying. Besides these three points, are there no other reasons?"
Lin Zijing tilted her head and thought for a moment, then replied, "No!"
Jun Yilin smiled even more broadly: "So, you didn't leave because you disliked me!"
Lin Zijing was stunned. What?
"Hehe... That's great. If that's the case, then I'll answer you too. I must be with you, and there are three reasons for that," Jun Yilin said with a smile.
☆、Twenty-one、Birth of Sorrow
Jun Yilin smiled and held up three fingers, saying, "You must stay with me for three reasons: First, with the change of emperors and the instability of the court, those loyal to you may not be loyal to me. If you are here, you can keep things in order; if you are not here, some people may develop disloyal intentions. Second, if I become emperor, I will naturally decide how many people are in the harem. Third, and most importantly, if you leave, I will leave; wherever you go, I will go! In this life, I never want to be separated from you again!"
Gazing into Jun Yilin's affectionate yet slightly longing eyes, Lin Zijing's heart surged with emotion. She wasn't unaware of his feelings, but now, could she still—
"Your Majesty, it's almost time for court. Please go and change your clothes!" A voice rang out at the door, urging the two of them.
Lin Zijing composed herself and said, "Let's go to court first!"
Jun Yilin's eyes dimmed instantly, and he turned and silently walked out the door.
Lin Zijin sighed and followed him out.
In the imperial court, once the imperial edict was read aloud, the ministers naturally accepted Prince Lin's rule. Compared to the unpredictable Jun Yifeng, the ministers clearly welcomed the amiable Prince Lin more. Besides, Jun Yifeng was nowhere to be seen; the outcome was already obvious. Who would be so foolish as to raise objections? History is written by the victors, and everyone knew this perfectly well.