Chapter 36: Slap

Yu Lingxi looked into his dark and cold eyes, shaking her head, “No, Wei Qi.”

Ning Yin stared at her for a long time. “Miss has no army, no power. Can you resist the Crown Prince of the Eastern Palace on your own?”

“I have invited the Prince of Nanyang County to intervene. If it goes smoothly, I can ask the Emperor and Empress to help.”

“What if it doesn’t go smoothly?” Ning Yin asked in a low voice.

Yu Lingxi pursed her lips and remained silent.

As a mere court lady, she had no ability to command the palace royals of this world, only capable of shedding blood and sacrificing herself. If something happened to her in the Eastern Palace, even if the Inspector from the Ministry of Revenue discovered the stolen disaster relief grain tomorrow, people would believe it was a plot by the Crown Prince to cover up the crime of forcing the General’s daughter to death, framing the Yu family. The Emperor would thoroughly investigate, and the Crown Prince’s conspiracy would be exposed…

Of course, this was only the last resort.

Ning Yin seemed to see through her determination and suddenly chuckled.

His ink-black eyes were icy, but his voice was light and soft, “Miss is quite calculating and courageous. When you were drugged with aphrodisiac before, you would rather use a hairpin to stab yourself than let me touch you. Tonight, you sacrifice yourself for someone else…”

Yu Lingxi shouted loudly, “Sister is not someone else; she is my family.”

“Family?” The word felt unfamiliar to Ning Yin.

In his memory, there were only enemies, usable individuals, the dead, and those about to die… but no family.

“Miss has too many weaknesses.” Ning Yin’s eyes showed no ripples, and he sneered coldly, “Just pick anyone randomly, and you’ll be easily frightened.”

“That’s not called ‘weakness,’ Wei Qi. Father, brothers, sister, mother… they have devoted everything to protect and cherish me for all my life. We share the same fate. If one suffers, all suffer.”

Rain splashed on Yu Lingxi’s face, but her gaze remained calm. “People are better off sacrificing themselves with passion than living cold-bloodedly. This time, I should be the one to protect them.”

Ning Yin’s expression was unreadable, and he didn’t move.

The rain pounded on the roof of the carriage shed, a rapid and urgent reminder.

There was no time to delay.

The carriage driver lay on the roadside, seemingly oblivious to life and death. Yu Lingxi reached out to grab the reins hanging in front of the carriage, but before her fingertips could touch them, Ning Yin leisurely lifted his boot and stepped on the reins.

Yu Lingxi pulled with force, but the reins remained motionless under his boot. Annoyed, she couldn’t help but say, “Wei Qi! Let go!”

In the next moment, a tall figure enveloped her, pushing Yu Lingxi into the carriage. 

“You!” 

Realizing what Ning Yin intended to do, she instinctively raised her hand but had her wrist caught; she lifted her leg, but it was pressed down.

In the narrow carriage, their eyes met, breaths intertwined, reflecting each other’s appearance in their eyes.

“Wei Qi, let me go!” Yu Lingxi looked at the young man who was on top of her, shocked and angry.

“I can’t let go.” Using only one hand, Ning Yin effortlessly pressed Yu Lingxi’s wrists above her head. His voice carried a chilling indifference, “Miss’s life is very precious. Wei Qi can’t bear to see Miss do something foolish.”

However, it was too late. 

Yu Lingxi’s eyes turned red with urgency, tears glistening, but she bit her lip and refused to give in.

Her sister had a strong personality, and she didn’t know what impulsive actions she might take. Yu Lingxi feared that her sister wouldn’t last until Ning Zizhuo arrived.

Raindrops dripped from the tips of Ning Yin’s hair, falling on the corners of Yu Lingxi’s eyes like a few tears sliding down her fair and delicate face. Ning Yin looked at the wet traces in the corners of her eyes, blinked, and unconsciously loosened his grip a bit.

He raised a finger, pressing it against Yu Lingxi’s lips and whispered a soft “shh.”

For a moment, it felt as if they had returned to a previous life, and the oppressive atmosphere was overwhelming.

Yu Lingxi stiffened, unmoving. She only heard Ning Yin chuckle softly in her ear, as if he had made a decision, “As long as Miss obediently listens, I will return a intact Yu Xinyi to Miss.”

The heavy rain poured down, and the horses restlessly shuffled their hooves.

Lightning slashed across the sky, illuminating the streets in stark white.

The Eastern Palace.

An eunuch bowed and entered, reporting outside the screen, “Your Highness, General Yu’s daughter is seeking an audience outside Yongchun Gate.”

Upon hearing this, a smug satisfaction appeared in Ning Tan’s eyes.

Even the most self-righteous woman had no choice but to come into the palace and seek his favor.

“Take her to Yongchun Palace and treat her well,” Ning Tan ordered. He pushed away the beautiful maidservant in his arms, sneering, “Leave, you are not needed to serve tonight.”

The Eastern Palace prohibited the presence of sharp blades, but Yu Xinyi unsheathed a short blade, walking with steady and imposing steps. Clad in a red military robe, she swept through the rainy night like the most fervent flames.

She halted, resolute, and declared, “Yongchun Palace is a place of entertainment, not suitable for discussing official matters. Please inform His Highness that I will be waiting in the side hall.”

Having said that, she directly turned on her heel and pushed open the door to the side hall. The dazzling lights greeted her, and she squinted her eyes.

Ning Tan had just stood up when he saw the door being forcefully pushed open. A spirited female general in military attire walked in, causing him to be startled and fall back into his seat.

Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be Yu Xinyi, the Commander of the Hundred Cavalry.

“Why is it her?” Ning Tan squinted at Yu Xinyi, feeling a bit disappointed. He thought it was the soft and delicate beauty, Yu Lingxi, who had come, not an assertive female warrior.

However…

Perhaps due to the contrast of the lights, tonight’s Yu Xinyi did not appear as fierce as the previous impression. Instead, her features were beautifully striking, with an elegant and charming wildness.

Having grown tired of delicate beauties, he hadn’t experienced a woman with such strength before.

Suppressing the sticky gaze of the Crown Prince, Yu Xinyi held back her anger and bowed, “Yu Xinyi, the Commander of the Hundred Cavalry, pays respects to His Highness.”

Ning Tan signaled to the eunuch at his side, and then straightened up slowly, saying, “No need for formalities. Miss Yu Xinyi, what brings you here at night?”

Asking knowingly!

Yu Xinyi gritted her teeth, “I beseech Your Highness, considering the loyalty and meritorious service of my family, the Yu clan, please extend your mercy!”

“If you want my help, Miss Yu Xinyi, you need to show some sincerity.”

Staring straight at her, the Crown Prince continued, “After all, it involves the lives of several thousand disaster-stricken people. I can’t take this risk for the Yu family without reason.”

Yu Xinyi raised her head, understandingly saying, “Your Highness, I haven’t mentioned the matter yet. How does Your Highness know it is related to the disaster victims?”

Ning Tan choked, hesitated for a while, and finally said, “The Yu family recently received an order for disaster relief, and I guessed.”

The palace attendants lit the incense burner and offered fruits and drinks.

Yu Xinyi smiled coldly, “Indeed, it’s done by the Crown Prince.”

Ning Tan coughed and raised the wine cup, gesturing, “If you have something to say, Miss Yu Xinyi, let’s discuss it while drinking.”

Yu Xinyi glanced coldly, unmoved. She said firmly, “No matter who embezzles and abuses the law, it cannot be the generals of my Yu family. I remember seven years ago when my father took control of the military power, the military discipline was lax, incidents of soldiers taking people’s property and harassing women were frequent. My father purged the undesirables from the army overnight, creating the disciplined and invincible Yu family army we have today.”

Ning Tan stared at the faint smoke from the incense burner on the table, absent-mindedly waving his hand, “Alright, alright. Why bring up these old matters?”

Yu Xinyi retorted, “Without these old matters, would the Crown Prince’s heir position be so secure?”

“You’re being insolent!”

“Birds hide in bows, the actions of a tyrant…” Before the words were finished, Yu Xinyi’s figure subtly swayed.

She stared blankly for a moment, supporting her forehead, and gritted her teeth, “What have you done…”

Ning Tan felt a joy in his heart, knowing that the fragrance had taken effect. He quickly dismissed the attendants. Knowing that Yu Xinyi had been practicing martial arts since childhood, as a precaution, he had waited an extra tea time before approaching.

Yu Xinyi was now unsteady on her feet, swaying as she stood. A drunken flush appeared on her face, adding a different kind of charm to her countenance. Encouraged, Ning Tan approached, embracing Yu Xinyi’s slender and firm waist, saying, “Miss Yu Xinyi, rest assured. As long as you follow me, I will spare the lives of you and your family… Ah!”

A scream pierced the air as Yu Xinyi twisted Ning Tan’s hand behind his back.

Then, with a loud “smack,” a resounding slap landed on Ning Tan’s face, causing him to stagger.

Ning Tan hadn’t expected that Yu Xinyi, even after inhaling such a strong fragrance, still had the strength to slap the Crown Prince. He couldn’t help but feel both angry and embarrassed, “You wench! You don’t appreciate the drink, so you’ll face the punishment!”

He angrily loosened his belt, ready to pounce on her, but heard a commotion outside.

“Your Highness, something’s wrong!”

Ning Tan turned his head, breathing heavily, “What’s happening now?”

“A dozen or so torches covered in oil just flew in from outside. The Left Spring Quarter and Chongren Hall in the Eastern Palace caught fire, alerting the Emperor and the Imperial Guards!”

“Why did it suddenly catch fire? What are you all doing!” 

“The fire is suspicious, this servant doesn’t know.” 

The eunuch spoke in a high-pitched voice, “Now the Emperor is almost at Wude Gate. Your Highness, you better quickly prepare to welcome him.”

The Eastern Palace and the Emperor’s palace were separated by only one wall. It would take only half a stick of incense time to travel from Wude Gate to the Eastern Palace.

Ning Tan panicked, disregarding his dirty thoughts, and hurriedly pushed Yu Xinyi into the inner room. He just wanted to hide this woman as quickly as possible. If the Emperor saw him making a move on the daughter of a meritorious general, he would undoubtedly face another round of punishment.

“Tyrant! Don’t touch me!” Unexpectedly, Yu Xinyi still had the strength to resist. She used both fists and feet, and every move was lethal!

Ning Tan’s stomach and lower body took several kicks. He winced in pain, shouting, “Guards! Drag this crazy woman away and lock her up!”

Four or five eunuchs rushed forward, and after much effort, they finally carried Yu Xinyi to the inner room. At this moment, the torches outside illuminated everything. Soon after, the palace door was pushed open, and the Imperial Guards escorted the Emperor into the hall. Following behind was the young and handsome Prince of Nanyang.

Ning Zizhuo’s gaze seemed a bit anxious as he scanned the hall.

The Emperor, with a stern expression, looked at his disheveled son and reprimanded, “The Eastern Palace is on fire, yet you are nowhere to be seen. What have you been doing?”

Ning Tan hastily fastened his belt, bowed his head, and said, “Father, I…”

Before he could finish his sentence, painful cries from the inner room were heard, accompanied by the sounds of fists and feet hitting flesh.

After a loud crash of breaking porcelain, Yu Xinyi, with a flushed face, staggered out.

“Commander Yu!” Ning Zizhuo immediately stepped forward, taking off his outer robe to wrap around Yu Xinyi.

Fortunately, she, except for being a bit weak, appeared neat and had no other abnormalities.

The Emperor glanced at the angry phoenix-like eyes of Yu Xinyi and then at the cowering and kneeling Crown Prince in front of him. Everything was self-evident.

“You rascal!”

The Emperor’s anger flared up, and he kicked the Crown Prince in the chest with a furious blow, scolding, “What have you done!”

The Crown Prince was kicked to the ground by the Emperor’s furious kick. Like a flipped turtle, his belly faced up, and he awkwardly turned over to kneel, muttering without daring to retort.

…

The rain gradually lessened, and the carriage remained parked by the road. In the direction of the Eastern Palace, faint flames were visible.

Ning Yin sat with his legs bent, his eyes falling on the ever-changing light, as if appreciating a pleasing masterpiece. He casually said, “Have you calmed down?”

Yu Lingxi looked towards the direction of the fire, nodded after a moment, and replied, “Yes.”

Ning Yin was like an iceberg, revealing only a small corner. Beneath the surface, hidden powers unknown to others existed. This cunning, ruthless, and adept at disguising himself – it was not surprising that he had climbed to a position of supreme power.

“In the future, you can’t treat me harshly.”

Yu Lingxi lowered her eyes, breaking the silence, and rubbed her wrist, which he had gripped painfully.

After a pause, she added in a low voice, “Although I don’t know what means you used, thank you.”

“No need to thank me. Thank your Junior Prince for that.”

Ning Yin’s hair dripped with water, his tone chilling, “What means could I have? I just lied to Miss to make her feel at ease.”

Yu Lingxi looked at him for a long time before discerning a hint of what seemed like “grudge” from his handsome face.

“Wei Qi?”

“Wei Qi.”

After calling twice, Ning Yin lazily lifted his eyelids and glanced at her.

Yu Lingxi opened her mouth to speak but heard the sound of a carriage coming from the front.

Lifting the curtain, she saw lanterns from the Nanyang Prince’s mansion hanging in front of the carriage. Her eyes lit up, and she jumped down, saying, “Sister!”

The coachman from the Prince’s mansion reined in the horses, and then the curtain was lifted, revealing the young and delicate face of Prince Ning Zizhuo.

“Miss Lingxi, don’t worry, General Yu is fine.”

Ning Zizhuo bowed slightly, revealing Yu Xinyi leaning against the carriage wall, seemingly asleep.

Yu Xinyi appeared unharmed, still covered in the woven golden robe of Prince Ning Zizhuo.

Seeing that Yu Xinyi seemed to be okay, the suspended heart of Yu Lingxi finally landed. She sighed in relief, quickly bowed to Ning Zizhuo, and said, “Thank you, Prince, for intervening.”

Ning Yin leaned against the carriage, his eyes narrowing, his gaze falling on the interaction between Yu Lingxi and Ning Zizhuo.

This girl actually went to thank her Junior Prince?

His hands itched, wanting to kill someone.

Inside the carriage, Ning Zizhuo shivered inexplicably.

Looking around, he wondered: Why do I suddenly feel a chill around me?

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