novelden Chapter 142 Taking Medicine, Taking Medicine
Chapter 142 Taking Medicine, Taking Medicine
Yang Rong spoke softly, her voice filled with unwavering determination: "In that case, we will not allow Yin Rui to suffer any injustice because of our relationship."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Jinyan gave a bitter smile and slowly said, "Then, Madam, could you grant me some time to repay the debt of love I owe you, until I am fully recovered?"
Yang Rong remained unmoved, a challenging smile playing on her lips: "If not, then today. Life is too short to wait."
Xiao Jinyan sighed softly, trying to persuade her with reason: "Madam, don't you know that my physical condition today is like a candle flickering in the wind? How can I possibly withstand this? You are forcing me to my death."
Upon hearing this, Yang Rong not only did not back down, but her eyes burned even more intensely: "I don't care, even if you die today, you will die on my bed, and we will make our love affair."
Xiao Jinyan's bitter smile deepened. He shook his head, trying to resist with his last shred of reason: "But, Madam, I am truly at my limit right now. How can I possibly serve you in this physical condition?"
Seeing this, a sly glint flashed in Yang Rong's eyes. She parted her lips slightly, her voice tinged with smugness: "A man shouldn't easily admit he can't do it. Look what I've prepared for you?"
As she spoke, she slowly pulled a bottle of exquisite pills from her sleeve.
Xiao Jinyan's eyes flickered with surprise and confusion in the dim candlelight. He slowly spoke, "What is this, Madam? Could this pill in your hand be the legendary Nine-Flower Jade Dew Pill?"
A sly smile played on Yang Rong's lips, her eyes gleaming with a teasing light. She gently shook the small bottle in her hand. "It is the Nine-Flower Jade Dew Pill that Hongxiu mentioned. It is said to make people forget worldly troubles and experience unprecedented pleasure."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Jinyan frowned slightly, his tone tinged with a mixture of helplessness and indulgence: "Madam, you're really pushing me to the pinnacle of pleasure this time, but it's also making me incredibly nervous. What if something goes wrong with something like this..."
Before he could finish speaking, Yang Rong gently covered his lips with her fingertips, her eyes firm yet tender: "I said, even if I die, I want to die in the midst of our deep affection. Today, I am determined to share this ultimate joy with you, not caring about the future, but seizing the day."
Xiao Jinyan gave a wry smile, but his eyes were full of doting and compromise: "Although Hongxiu said that this thing is harmful to health, if it can make Madam smile, what does it matter if it costs me ten years of life? However, Madam, the way you play this game is really like playing me with your hands. But I like it."
Upon hearing this, Yang Rong's lips curled into an even brighter smile. She said softly, "Hehe, then my husband, don't hesitate. Take this Nine-Flower Jade Dew Pill and let us explore the unknown pleasures together."
Xiao Jinyan took the pill and swallowed it without hesitation. Instantly, a warm current rose from his dantian and quickly spread throughout his body, as if a thousand flames were burning within him, causing him to involuntarily roar, "Baby, see how I deal with you!"
As he spoke, he suddenly lunged forward, pulling Yang Rong tightly into his arms, showering her with passionate kisses like a storm.
Yang Rong did not back down at all; she responded passionately, their kiss lingering and tender, as if they wanted to merge their souls into each other's bodies. The flickering candlelight illuminated a series of breathtaking scenes, and the air was filled with an atmosphere of intertwined love and passion, filling the entire room with an indescribable magic.
----------
Ten days later, at Qianyang Palace.
The sky was as clear as washed blue silk, without a single impurity. Sunlight pierced through the clouds, generously showering the glazed tiles of the main hall, making them shimmer with dazzling light. On this clear, cloudless day, the atmosphere inside the main hall was solemn and dignified.
Civil and military officials, dressed in a variety of colorful official robes, gathered together like a kaleidoscope. With steady steps and varied expressions, they entered the magnificent hall, ready to begin a new day of court discussions.
In the center of the main hall, a dragon throne carved with dragons and phoenixes was prominently displayed, and Liu Kun, dressed in a dragon robe, sat upright on it.
However, this monarch, who was above all others, looked extremely haggard at this moment, with sunken eyes and a hint of weariness that was hard to hide.
During this period, Liu Kun became obsessed with the so-called "elixirs of immortality" presented by Yan Daoxiu, indulging in nightly revelry and unrestrained behavior. His body had long been hollowed out by wine and women, and was deteriorating rapidly. Despite this, he still forced himself to maintain the dignity of an emperor, clinging to his frail body.
"Ahem..." Liu Kun coughed lightly twice, his voice weak, yet enough to instantly silence the commotion in the hall. He spoke slowly, his voice trembling slightly, "Has He Songzhi, the Minister of Justice, arrived?"
Upon hearing this, a middle-aged man dressed in a dark red official robe stepped forward from the queue. This man was none other than He Songzhi, the Minister of Justice. His face was resolute, his eyes were firm, and he bowed respectfully, his voice loud and clear: "Your humble servant He Songzhi awaits Your Majesty's decree."
Liu Kun's gaze lingered on He Songzhi for a moment before he slowly asked, "Minister He, how is the matter of reducing the power of the princes progressing?"
Upon hearing this, He Songzhi's expression grew even more solemn. He carefully considered his words before slowly replying, "Your Majesty, since the decree to reduce the power of the vassal states was issued, many local princes have either been imprisoned or had their fiefdoms reduced. Some have even chosen to commit suicide out of fear of punishment. It can be said that the campaign to reduce the power of the vassal states has begun to show results, greatly weakening the threat posed by local forces to the central government. However..."
At this point, He Songzhi paused slightly, seemingly with some concerns.
Seeing this, Liu Kun frowned slightly, his voice low and powerful: "But what is it? Speak freely."
He Songzhi took a deep breath and continued, "However... Your Majesty, the one-month deadline set by Your Majesty is approaching, and Prince Liu Xun of Jin'an and Prince Liu Yixuan of Jingling have not yet come to Jiankang to answer my questions. It seems that they are plotting a rebellion!"
At this point, he deliberately drew out his words, as if weighing the possible consequences of his next words, "Your Majesty, the movements of Prince Liu Xun of Jin'an and Prince Liu Yixuan of Jingling are becoming increasingly delicate. I am worried that if we cannot completely quell them as soon as possible, unforeseen events may occur."
Upon hearing this, Liu Kun's face instantly darkened, and the atmosphere in the hall plummeted to freezing. He gripped the armrest tightly, his knuckles turning white from the force, his eyes blazing. He knew all too well that beneath this seemingly peaceful Southern Dynasty, undercurrents surged and dangers lurked everywhere. Prince Jingling, Liu Yixuan, commanded an army of 100,000, like a lurking tiger in Yizhou, watching with predatory intent; while Prince Jin'an, Liu Xun, held tens of thousands of elite troops, entrenched in Jiangzhou, like another dragon poised to pounce.
If these two forces are indeed colluding and plotting treason as he fears, then the Southern Dynasty's empire will likely be plunged into unprecedented turmoil, with consequences so severe they are unimaginable.